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Description

Step into a world of sonic nostalgia with the Oberheim OB-X, a revered classic that beautifully bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern sound design. Originally released as Oberheim's first polyphonic synthesizer, the OB-X became a staple in the 80s music scene, embraced by artists like Herbie Hancock and Depeche Mode. Today, it continues to inspire, offering musicians a vast palette of sounds that range from ethereal to downright gritty.

This synthesizer is not just a nod to the past; it's a reimagined powerhouse for today's creative demands. With up to 16 voice polyphony, the OB-X is engineered to deliver lush, complex textures and a seamless blend of analog warmth and digital precision. The intuitive design features vintage controls to introduce subtle analog imperfections, while modern enhancements like X-Modifiers expand your sound design possibilities exponentially. Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or driving electronic beats, the OB-X empowers you to sculpt your sonic signature with ease.

Explore over 400 production-ready presets from top-tier sound designers, or dive into the flexible preset browser to tailor your creations. With its monophonic, polyphonic, legato, and unison trigger modes, the OB-X adapts to any musical scenario, offering a dynamic and expressive playing experience. Complement your performance with built-in Chorus, Stereo Delay, and Reverb effects, and let your creativity soar.

Key Features:

  • Authentic emulation of the Oberheim® OB-X
  • Up to 16 voice polyphony
  • Vintage knob for authentic analog imperfections
  • Over 400 production-ready presets
  • X-Modifiers for extensive modulation options
  • Arpeggiator and chord mode with scales
  • Built-in Chorus, Stereo Delay, and Reverb effects
  • Fully-scalable UI with a powerful preset browser
  • Monophonic, polyphonic, legato, and unison trigger modes
  • Programmable Aftertouch and expanded Velocity controls for enhanced playability

Product specs

Brand Oberheim
Model OB-X 61-Key 4-Voice Synthesizer, OB-X 61-Key 6-Voice Synthesizer, OB-X 61-Key 8-Voice Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1979
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 4 Voices, 6 Voices, 8 Voices

FAQs

What is the polyphony of the Oberheim OB-X synthesizer?

The Oberheim OB-X synthesizer comes in three versions, offering polyphony of 4, 6, or 8 voices, allowing for rich and complex chordal textures.

Is the Oberheim OB-X an analog or digital synthesizer?

The Oberheim OB-X is an analog synthesizer, known for its warm, rich sound characteristic of classic analog synths from the late 1970s.

What type of keyboard action does the Oberheim OB-X have?

The Oberheim OB-X features a synth action keyboard, which provides a smooth and fast response ideal for playing synth leads and pads.

How many keys does the Oberheim OB-X synthesizer have?

The Oberheim OB-X synthesizer is equipped with a full-size 61-key keyboard, offering a wide range for performance and composition.

What are the standout sound characteristics of the Oberheim OB-X?

The Oberheim OB-X is renowned for its lush, warm tones and powerful analog sound, making it a favorite for creating classic synth pads and leads.

RetroSound

RetroSound

Oberheim OB-X Classic Analog Synthesizer Sounds (1979)

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-X Classic Analog Synthesizer Sounds (1979) by RetroSound

Oberheim OB-X Classic Analog Synthesizer Sounds (1979)

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for The Oberheim OB-X (1979) by Alex Ball

The Oberheim OB-X (1979)

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-X Analog Synthesizer (1979) Retro Sounds by RetroSound

Oberheim OB-X Analog Synthesizer (1979) Retro Sounds

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-X Demo by SonicProjects

Oberheim OB-X Demo

SonicProjects

SonicProjects

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-X - Rosen Sound Demo by Rosen Sound

Oberheim OB-X - Rosen Sound Demo

Rosen Sound

Rosen Sound

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Oberheim OB-X.

Features and functionality

  • The OB8's "Page 2" offers extra functions like a unique arpeggiator, allowing programmable intervals for creating complex patterns.

    Source
  • The OB-X8 offers bi-timbrality, additional filter options, and a second LFO, enhancing its sound design capabilities beyond the OB-6.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users initially experienced buyer's remorse with the OB-X8 due to its size and lack of built-in effects, but appreciated its rich sound over time.

    Source
  • The OB-X8 is praised for its "vintage and wild" sound, with specific appeal for those seeking the classic Oberheim character.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users noted the OB-X8 lacks effects and has a more complex programming interface compared to the OB6, which features built-in effects and a polyphonic sequencer.

    Source
  • The OB-X8's voice panning/spread is highlighted for its classy and rich sound, contrasting with the OB6's electric vibe.

    Source
  • The OB-X8 provides 8-voice polyphony, ideal for jazz chord voicings, and features 61 keys for a 5-octave range.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend Synthchaser resources for OB-X maintenance, including power supply and voice board component kits.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners note the OB-X8 has plastic knobs that don't feel premium, especially when compared to Moog synths.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The OB-X8 is favored for studio environments due to its size, while the OB-6's compactness suits live gigs.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The OB-X8 is described as a "collector level luxury item" with a price point significantly higher than the OB-6.

    Source

Other

  • The OB-X8's screen and patch naming system are considered more user-friendly compared to the OB-6's numeric patch display.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how The BBC Radiophonic Workshop uses Oberheim OB-X

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Whitefiles

A list of synthesizers that the radiophonic work had in 1985.

See how Paddy Kingsland uses Oberheim OB-X

Paddy Kingsland

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

The OB-X can be seen in the background of this photo of Paddy Kingsland.

See how Jeff Bova uses Oberheim OB-X

Jeff Bova

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Change

...
Verified

Jeff Bova, known for his work with Herbie Hancock, is confirmed to have used the Oberheim OB-X synthesizer, as documented by Synthmuseum.com.

See how Darren Wharton uses Oberheim OB-X

Darren Wharton

Singer, Keyboardist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video of Angel Of Death (Live At The Hammersmith Odeon, 1981) at 1:58 (and throughout) he can be clearly seen using an Oberheim OB-X polyphonic synthesizer. Whether this is a 4, 6 or 8 voice model is unknown. The OB-X was discontinued in 1981, so for how long he used it is also unknown.

See how Patrica Cullen uses Oberheim OB-X

Patrica Cullen

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Patricia Cullen utilized the Oberheim OB-X synthesizer for the score of the 1983 film "Rock & Rule." It is suggested that this may have been the only synthesizer she employed for this project.

See how James Balmont uses Oberheim OB-X

James Balmont

Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

This keyboard is one of the many he shared in this picture.

See how Kenny Kirkland uses Oberheim OB-X

Kenny Kirkland

Keyboardist, Composer

Buckshot LeFonque

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 0.28 mark of this music video, Kenny Kirkland can be seen playing an Oberheim OB-X.

See how Drew Neumann uses Oberheim OB-X

Drew Neumann

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified

Drew Neumann mentions using the Oberheim OB-X analog synthesizer on his website.

See how Michael Iceberg uses Oberheim OB-X

Michael Iceberg

Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this photo in the linked video, Micheal can be seen near his Oberhiem OB-X

See how Roger Limb uses Oberheim OB-X

Roger Limb

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Roger Limb occasionally used the Oberheim OBX, as confirmed by Paddy Kingsland during a conversation with Limb. In discussing "The Box of Delights," Limb mentioned, "The main synth in my studio was an Oberheim OBX and I might use a DX7 occasionally." This information is supported by a screencap of the conversation.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Oberheim OB-X, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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x0d

x0d

Gear IQ 161

pergamoon

pergamoon

Gear IQ 157

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