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Average Price: $8,699
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$500
$1501+
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Description
Dive into the heart of retro synthesis with the Oberheim OB-SX, a direct descendant of the legendary OB-X. This vintage gem redefines the essence of analog warmth and versatility. It's not just a synthesizer; it's a bridge to the past, bringing the iconic Oberheim sound to the modern musician's fingertips in 4-voice, 5-voice, and 6-voice configurations. Compact, powerful, and dripping with the sonic character that made its forebear a classic, the OB-SX is crafted for those who crave the unique Oberheim tonal palette and intuitive playability. Whether on stage or in the studio, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of quality sound synthesis.
Key Features:
- Comes in 4-voice, 5-voice, and 6-voice versions for tailored sound creation.
- Direct descendant of the iconic OB-X, ensuring authentic Oberheim sound.
- Preset-based for quick access to a multitude of classic sounds.
- Vintage analog warmth and versatility for modern musical expressions.
- Compact design, integrating seamlessly into any studio or live setup.
Product specs
| Brand | Oberheim |
| Model | OB-SX 49-Key 4-Voice Synthesizer, OB-SX 49-Key 5-Voice Synthesizer, OB-SX 49-Key 6-Voice Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black with Wood Sides |
| Year | 1980 |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 49 Keys |
| Polyphony | 4 Voices, 5-voice, 6 Voices |
FAQs
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What is the polyphony of the Oberheim OB-SX synthesizer?
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The Oberheim OB-SX synthesizer comes in three versions with different polyphony: 4 voices, 5 voices, and 6 voices. This allows for varying levels of complexity in chord and sound layering.
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Is the Oberheim OB-SX synthesizer fully analog?
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Yes, the Oberheim OB-SX is a fully analog synthesizer, known for its rich, warm sound characteristic of classic analog synths from the 1980s.
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What type of keyboard action does the Oberheim OB-SX have?
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The Oberheim OB-SX features a synth action keyboard with 49 full-size keys, providing a smooth and responsive playing experience typical of vintage synthesizers.
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What are the standout sound features of the Oberheim OB-SX?
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The Oberheim OB-SX is renowned for its lush, classic Oberheim sound, featuring rich analog tones ideal for creating warm pads, cutting leads, and deep basses.
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Can the Oberheim OB-SX be used for live performances?
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Yes, the Oberheim OB-SX is well-suited for live performances, offering reliable analog sound and straightforward controls that make it easy to adjust settings on stage.
Videos
The Synth King
Oberheim OB-SX - "magic box" transforms the OB-SX into a full-blown synth
Oberheim OB-SX - "magic box" transforms the OB-SX into a full-blown synth
The Synth King
Synthchaser #087 - Oberheim OB-SX Restoration & Repair
Synthchaser
Oberheim OB-SX For Sale Professionally Refurbished obsx ob8 obx ob8x obxa vintage synth dealer
tonetweakers
Reviews
PROS
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Offers 56 or 112 factory programs for diverse sound creation
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Selectable 4, 5, or 6-voice polyphony enhances musical versatility
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Compact size suitable for any studio space
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Distinctive blue livery adds visual appeal
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Derived mostly from the revered OB-X synthesizer lineage
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Discrete circuitry and early CEM voice boards for unique sound
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Capable of X-Mod, providing sounds not possible with OBXa
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Can be expanded from 4 to 6 voices for fuller sounds
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MIDI controllable via a special box, integrating modern functionality
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Favored over other classic synths like the Jupiter 8 by some users
CONS
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Original lacks MIDI control without an aftermarket modification
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Finding extra voice cards for expansion can be a challenge
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Oberheim OB-SX.
Features and functionality
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A custom programmer allows editing every parameter and saving/loading patches, enhancing the OB-SX's original limitations.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Some users mention issues with MIDI implementation and powering the OB-SX alongside the custom programmer, indicating potential setup complexities.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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There's a mention of the OB-SX magicControl with Motor Potentiometers, which connects easily with the mLab.midisoft.de OB-SX magicBox.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings
257
One of the best synths ive ever owned, super rare but just amazing
Ive had a lot of synths, but the OBX and the OBSx are my favourite polys of all time. I still own this and use it daily. It has discrete circuitry hybrid mixed with early CEM based voice boards. It was intended as a bridge from the fully descrete OBX and the fully CEM OBXa that came in 1981. The OBSx was made as a preset OBX, but with a genius midi box made by "Kraftwerks" synth tech it opens up the entire synth and allows full control by midi using its computer buss port on the back, i love the this powerful beast of a synth, which has something the OBXa never had and thats X-Mod.. this is a fire breathing dragon of an analog and i absolutely love it to bits, even more so than my beloved jupiter 8. Viva OBsx !
230
Ridiculous sound, cross modulation takes this thing to the next level
Ive had a lot of synths, but the OBX and the OBSx are my favourite polys of all time. I still own this and use it daily. It has discrete circuitry hybrid mixed with early CEM based voice boards. It was intended as a bridge from the fully descrete OBX and the fully CEM OBXa that came in 1981. The OBSx was made as a preset OBX, but with a genius midi box made by "Kraftwerks" synth tech it opens up the entire synth and allows full control by midi using its computer buss port on the back, i love the this powerful beast of a synth, which has something the OBXa never had and thats X-Mod.. this is a fire breathing dragon of an analog and i absolutely love it to bits, even more so than my beloved jupiter 8. Viva OBsx !
I bought mine as a 4 voice and sought out an extra 2 cards from doug terrebone to make it a 6 voice. also added the midi magic port to the data port at the back to make this midi controllable to every parameter thanks to the genius rolf meurer.
I finally let go of mine in 2018 to house producer steve mac.
Artist usage
Add artist
In a interview Lisa Coleman said that Oberheim was a big part of Prince’s sound. She later saids Prince was incredibly bold in the way he would just use a preset and then brighten the fuck out of it! He would turn the filter way up so the sound would cut through the mix. I still have the OB-SX from those days. It’s one of the most simple Oberheims - there are just a few knobs on it, but that was the most quintessential keyboard from that era. There’s the organ sound from When You Were Mine or The Beautiful Ones. If you play that organ sound with a delay pedal, there you go! And the horn punches? Play [preset] C1. That’s the sound!”
In The article below Oberheim ob-s is mentioned as a part of Lee’s Keyboard equipment during Signals recording sessions
In a interview Lisa Coleman said that Oberheim was a big part of Prince’s sound. She later saids Prince was incredibly bold in the way he would just use a preset and then brighten the fuck out of it! He would turn the filter way up so the sound would cut through the mix. I still have the OB-SX from those days. It’s one of the most simple Oberheims - there are just a few knobs on it, but that was the most quintessential keyboard from that era. There’s the organ sound from When You Were Mine or The Beautiful Ones. If you play that organ sound with a delay pedal, there you go! And the horn punches? Play [preset] C1. That’s the sound!”
Album Usage
The Oberheim OB-SX has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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