Oberheim OB-X8
THE NEW
OB-X8 analog synth

For the first time in more than 40 years, a legendary analog synth sound returns

True Oberheim Sound

It sounds like a classic Oberheim because it is a classic Oberheim. Its 100% analog audio path cuts through a mix like no other synth.

The classic OB-series factory sounds that you know from countless recordings are all here. But that’s just the start: our network of world-class sound designers has created jaw-dropping new sounds just for the OB-X8. And because the OB-X8 has a clear and easy-to-grasp set of controls, creating your own sounds is as easy as turning a few knobs and saving what you like.

The OB-X8 combines the three different voice architectures of the OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 into a single instrument. The individual filter types and other unique characteristics of each model have been faithfully reproduced, giving you the most authentic OB experience possible. You can even mix elements of different models to create sounds never possible with the originals. There’s never been an OB-series synth as powerful and versatile.

A Classic — Evolved

The OB-X8 is more than just a new OB-series Oberheim. It’s engineered to be the best modern OB ever created.

Creating the classic OB sound required more than just replicating vintage oscillators, filters, and envelopes.

The Oberheim design team exhaustively analyzed and recreated the complex interactions between the various components of each OB-series synth to capture their nuances and character.

The result is the most faithful, authoritative renewal of an analog classic possible — with all of the warmth, subtlety, and presence of the originals.

OB insiders know that the myriad of “Page 2″ functions unlocked the hidden power of the original OB-8.

We’ve included all of the classic Page 2 parameters and created new ones for 2022, giving you direct access to 40+ nuanced controls such as additional SEM filter modes, per-voice panning, LFO keyboard tracking, Mod delay time and envelope inversion, independent pulse width control, and much more.

The unique design of the expression levers was integral to bringing out performances that made the OB-series synths famous. 

And for even greater expressiveness than the originals, the OB-X8 features a premium-quality Fatar keyboard with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity. Dig in with both hands for sizzling filter sweeps, intense vibrato, and more.

“I was immediately impressed with the forensic level of detail that went into the OB-X8 design and the respect for its lineage.”

Trent Reznor –
Nine Inch Nails/Film Composer

“After playing the OB-X8, I’m convinced I need it. It’s a true Oberheim, a great instrument, and a part of synth history.”

Michael Stein –
Composer “Stranger Things”

“My reaction to the OB-X8 was one of sheer joy. That sound was back and covers every filter type Oberheim ever employed.”

Steve Porcaro –
Toto / Songwriter / Composer

OS v2.0 — Update

The OB-X8 is a modern legend. And now, the free OS version 2.0 update builds on the Oberheim legacy by providing a host of new features.

The OB-X8 is a true modern legend. And now, OS version 2.0 builds on the Oberheim legacy by summoning immersive binaural worlds and stacking simultaneously selectable oscillator waveforms. Ignite creativity and expand your sound palette with a fresh new low pass filter type and independent VCO 1 and 2 level modulation.

  • Instant binaural mode pans individual voices hard left and right for true stereo operation  
  • Simultaneously selectable waveshapes for each oscillator extends timbral variety 
  • New 4-Pole low pass filter type with fuller bass at high resonance 
  • New VCO 1 and 2 level LFO modulation destinations for independent timbral mixing 
  • Arpeggiator clock sync now has selectable note division values for expanded rhythmic control 

More than an upgrade, it’s an analog classic reborn. Download the free OB-X8 OS v2.0 update and reforge your sonic legacy.

  • Twice the Split and Double memory locations, including program storage directly in the new banks for 512 more stored sounds 
  • Separate MIDI channels for lower/upper split bi-timbral operation 
A close up of the right side of the OB-X8 keyboard, focusing on the Oberheim logo

The addition of poly chain allows for 32-voice epics with multiple instruments connected. Experience massive Oberheim sound from the company that pioneered polyphonic analog synthesis. 

An OB-X8 with repeated images behind it, like visual echoes.

Now you can sculpt nuanced dreamscapes with MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression). With OS v2.0, OB-X8 now responds to MPE, a revolutionary MIDI extension enabling independent control for every note. MPE lets you bend the pitch, adjust timbre, and manipulate other sound aspects individually.

OB-X8 rear panel, showing the MIDI connections for receiving MPE.

Think Small - Play Big

The OB-X8 is now available as a powerful, portable desktop module.
It fits right into your studio, your music and your life.

For the first time ever, the new OB-X8 desktop version condenses all the sonic power of the Oberheim OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 into a footprint that’s compact enough for studios of any size, and convenient enough to take out on the road.

The Oberheim OB-X8 Desktop Module in a studio environment with a controller keyboard and monitor screens showing DAW tracks.

The OB-X8 desktop module boasts an identical sound engine to the keyboard version, featuring an all-analog signal path with discrete VCOs, VCAs, and filters. And with its knob-per-function sound designing experience, you’ll have immediate access to virtually all the synth’s parameters, allowing you to create your own unique sounds with ease and precision.

Although the paddles and keybed are missing from the module version, the Arpeggiator and Keyboard Split & Double functionality are maintained, so the OB-X8 desktop is ready to go when connected to your favorite controller.

A 3/4 perspective top panel view of the Oberheim OB-X8 desktop module.
Sonicstate logo

“All those years of experience brought into a beautiful, analog, big-fat polysynth.”

Nick Batt –
Sonicstate

The 2023 Sound On Sound award.

Winner - Best Keyboard / Synth

Sound On Sound –
2023 SOS Awards

Music Tech logo

“Phenomenal and flexible sounds across the board.”

William Stokes –
MusicTech

OB-X8 Tour

OB-X8 Desktop Tour

Find out more...

Specifications

  • 8-voice, pure-analog polyphony with saw, square/pulse, triangle, and noise
  • Two discrete SEM/OB-X-lineage VCOs per voice deliver classic punchy Oberheim tone
  • Discrete SEM-lineage VCFs deliver authentic OB-X-style tone and presence
  • Genuine Curtis filters add bold OB-Xa/OB-8 character
  • Meticulously modeled envelope responses match each OB model: OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8
  • The 61-key FATAR velocity- and touch-sensitive keyboard allows unparalleled expression and responsiveness (Keyboard version only)
  • Full-featured arpeggiator
  • Bi-timbral capability allows two presets simultaneously for splits and doubles
  • 400-plus factory programs, including the full set of factory sounds for the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa, and OB-8
  • Integral, fanless, heatsink-free power supply
  • Real walnut end cheeks
  • High-resolution OLED display enables patch management and easy access to advanced features
  • Classic Oberheim Pitch and Mod levers allow expressive note bending and vibrato (Keyboard version only)
  • (Keyboard) Weight: 32.5 lbs.  Dimensions: 40.5” L x 16.67” W x 5.87” H
  • (Desktop) Weight: 9.6 lbs.  Dimensions: 22.0” L x 8.5” W x 4.0” H
  • Additional SEM filter modes add high-pass, band-pass, and notch functions to the classic OB-X filter
  • Vintage knob allows variable amounts of voice-to-voice variability to emulate the behavior of vintage instruments 
  • Velocity sensitivity adds expressiveness to volume and filter 
  • Channel Aftertouch adds real-time performance-based modulation
  • Enhanced unison allows variable voice stacking from 1-8 voices
  • Variable triangle wave cross-modulation
  • Over 600 user-programmable preset locations
  • Programmable per-program pan allows wider stereo presence
  • Variable oscillator and noise levels
  • Stereo and Mono outputs
  • Volume, Sustain, and Filter inputs
  • Arpeggiator clock input
  • MIDI In, Out, Thru
  • USB

OB-X8 Support

When to Update Your OS

Most OS updates fix only minor bugs that most users never encounter. If you are experiencing a problem with your instrument, please contact our Support Department for help in diagnosing the cause before doing anything else. Unlike on a computer, the OS on your instrument can never become corrupted, so re-installing your current OS will not fix a hardware problem and is not recommended. In addition, loading an OS improperly could disable your instrument, leaving it in need of servicing. So, if you have any questions or are unsure about what you are doing, please contact us before attempting to update your instrument’s operating system.

How to Update Your OB-X8 OS

The OB-X8’s operating system is updated via MIDI. You will need a DAW, MIDI utility, or other application capable of opening and sending MIDI System Exclusive (SysEx) messages. MIDI-OX (Windows) and SysEx Librarian (Mac OS) are shareware MIDI utilities that can reliably be used to update Oberheim instruments. You will also need either a USB cable (Type A to Type B connectors, like a typical USB printer cable) or a MIDI interface to transmit the SysEx file from your computer to the OB-X8.

Instructions for updating using MIDI-OX and SysEx Librarian are given below.

The steps are:

I. CHECKING YOUR OB-X8’s INSTALLED OS VERSION
II. UPDATING THE OS FROM WINDOWS USING MIDI-OX
III. UPDATING THE OS FROM A MAC USING SYSEX LIBRARIAN

 
I. CHECKING YOUR OB-X8’s INSTALLED OS VERSION

To view the currently installed OS version:

  • Press the Global button. The installed OS version appears in the display.
  • The newest version of the OB-X8 Main OS is “OBX8_Main_2.0.0.1” and it will appear in the top right of the display as “2.0.0.1”.
 
II. UPDATING THE OS FROM WINDOWS USING MIDI-OX

Before starting, close all other audio or MIDI or DAW software, and disconnect all other MIDI devices. If necessary, download and install MIDI-OX.

http://www.midiox.com/

To prepare the OB-X8 to receive system exclusive messages:

  1. Press Global.
  2. From the Global menu, use the scroll knob to select “MIDI Sysex Cable.”
  3. If you are using USB to update the OS, choose “USB.” If you are using a MIDI interface, choose “MIDI.”
  4. Press Global again to exit the Global menu.

 

Connect your computer to the OB-X8 using either a USB cable or a MIDI interface.

If using USB, the OB-X8 is a Class-Compliant USB device. That means it does not require any additional drivers to be installed to communicate with your computer. It will appear in MIDI-OX and other MIDI applications as a MIDI port named “OB-X8.” (Under Windows XP, it will appear as “USB Audio Device.”)

If using a MIDI interface, connect the computer’s MIDI OUT to the OB-X8’s MIDI IN. Depending on the type of interface, you may also need a MIDI cable.

Most MIDI interfaces or sound cards with built-in MIDI interfaces will work. However, we have received reports that Digidesign/Avid interfaces and Native Instruments Maschine may not transmit SysEx correctly for updates. The M-Audio Uno is an inexpensive, reliable, and widely available MIDI interface that can be used when updating our instruments.

 
IMPORTANT NOTE

When the OS update is sent to the OB-X8, do not power down the synth. During the update, The OB-X8 shows “Receiving OS…” in the main display, while the LEDs on the program number switches light up, indicating the progress of the SysEx file’s transfer. This is the “loading phase.” After that, the main display shows “Saving OS. This is the “writing” phase of the update. DO NOT power down during this phase. When this phase is complete, The OB-X8’s main display returns to showing the currently selected program. Power the synth off, then on to use the new OS.

To load and update the OS:

  1. Run MIDI-OX.
  2. From the Options menu, choose “Configure Buffers.”
  3. Set the Low Level Output Buffers “Num” and “Size” to 1024.
  4. Click OK to close the window and save the settings.
  5. From the Options menu, choose “MIDI Devices.”
  6. In the lower left quadrant of the window, select the MIDI port to which the instrument is connected. If connected via USB, choose “OB-X8” (or “USB Audio Device” under Windows XP). If connected via MIDI, choose the MIDI interface. The selected MIDI port appears in the Port Mappings window.
  7. Click OK to close the window and save the settings.
  8. From the View menu, choose “SysEx.”
  9. From the Command Window menu, choose “Load File.” Browse to and open the OB-X8 OS update file.
  10. From the Command Window menu, choose “Send SysEx.” The OB-X8 shows a numeric progress display, and the program button LEDs light up sequentially to indicate the progress of the SysEx file’s transfer. Follow any directions listed on the OB-X8’s screen before/after the countdown completes. When the file transfer is complete, the OS will be written to memory. DO NOT TURN OFF POWER during this process.
  11. When the installation is complete, the OB-X8 tells you to restart the unit. Restart the OB-X8, and the new OS is loaded. You can verify the installation by pressing Global. The installed OS version appears in the display. Once the new OS is loaded, reset global parameters and run the calibration steps outlined below.
 
TROUBLESHOOTING
  • If the numeric progress indicator stops before the file transfer is complete, turn the OB-X8 off, then on, and try again. If this continues to happen, double the Low-Level Output Buffers “Num” and “Size” values, and re-send the SysEx file. If the numeric progress continues, then you know your settings are moving in the right direction. If the countdown goes further from zero, try reducing the “Num” and “Size” settings. You can also try doubling or quadrupling the “Size” setting. You may have to adjust the Low-Level Output Buffers settings several times before finding the right combination.
  • If “Status Byte Received In Data” is displayed, turn the OB-X8 off, then on. This error means some other MIDI message the OB-X8 was not expecting was sent through your MIDI interface. Make sure all other audio or MIDI or DAW software is closed, and no other MIDI devices are connected. If you continue to receive this message, try restarting your computer and open MIDI-OX as your only application.

 

RESETTING THE GLOBAL PARAMETERS

You must reset the Global parameters of the OB-X8 after you update the OS.

  • Press the Global button.
  • Use the Scroll Knob to select Reset Globals, then press the Write button.

 

CLEAR CALIBRATION

You must Clear Calibration after you update the OS.

  • Hold Transpose Up + Down and press the Global button.
  • Select the first option to Clear Calibration and press Write.

 

RUN FULL CALIBRATION

Please run the full calibration Global option after you update the OS.

  • SET MASTER VOLUME TO MAX.
  • Press the Global button.
  • Use the Scroll knob to select Full Calibration, then press the Write button.
  • The synthesizer performs its auto-calibration procedure. Do not turn off the power while it is doing this.
  • When finished, the front panel controls return to normal, and you can play the OB-X8 again.
 
III. UPDATING THE OS FROM A MAC USING SYSEX LIBRARIAN

Before starting, close all other audio or MIDI or DAW software, and disconnect all other MIDI devices. If necessary, download and install SysEx Librarian.

www.snoize.com/sysexlibrarian

To prepare the OB-X8 to receive system exclusive messages:

  1. Press Global.
  2. From the Global menu, use the scroll knob to select “MIDI Sysex Cable.”
  3. If you are using USB to update the OS, choose “USB.” If you are using a MIDI interface, choose “MIDI.”
  4. Press Global again to exit the Global menu.

Connect your computer to the OB-X8 using either a USB cable or a MIDI interface.

If using USB, the OB-X8 is a Class-Compliant USB device. That means it does not require any additional drivers to be installed to communicate with your computer. It will appear in MIDI-OX and other MIDI applications as a MIDI port named “OB-X8.” (Under Windows XP, it will appear as “USB Audio Device.”)

If using a MIDI interface, connect the computer’s MIDI OUT to the OB-X8’s MIDI IN. Depending on the type of interface, you may also need a MIDI cable.

Most MIDI interfaces or sound cards with built-in MIDI interfaces will work. However, we have received reports that Digidesign/Avid interfaces and Native Instruments Maschine may not transmit SysEx correctly for updates. The M-Audio Uno is an inexpensive, reliable, and widely available MIDI interface that can be used when updating our instruments.

 
IMPORTANT NOTE

When the OS update is sent to the OB-X8, do not power down the synth. During the update, The OB-X8 shows “Receiving OS…” in the main display, while the LEDs on the program number switches light up, indicating the progress of the SysEx file’s transfer. This is the “loading phase.” After that, the main display shows “Saving OS. This is the “writing” phase of the update. DO NOT power down during this phase. When this phase is complete, The OB-X8’s main display returns to showing the currently selected program. Power the synth off, then on to use the new OS.

To load and update the OS:

  1. Run SysEx Librarian.
  2. Choose your MIDI interface or “OB-X8” from the “Destination” menu.
  3. Click Add/+ to add the file to the file list or simply drag and drop the file on the open SysEx Librarian window. The file name appears in the file list and should be highlighted.
  4. Press the Play button to transmit the file. The OB-X8 shows a numeric progress display indicating the progress of the SysEx file’s transfer. Follow any directions listed on the OB-X8’s screen before/after the countdown completes. When the file transfer is complete, the OS will be written to memory. DO NOT TURN OFF POWER during this process.
  5. When the installation is complete, the OB-X8 tells you to restart the unit. Restart the OB-X8, and the new OS is loaded. You can verify the installation by pressing Global. The installed OS version appears in the display. Once the new OS is loaded, reset global parameters and run the calibration steps outlined below.
 
TROUBLESHOOTING
  • If the numeric progress indicator stops before the file transfer is complete, turn the OB-X8 off, then on, and try again. If this continues to happen, lower the Transmit Speed to 80% and re-send the SysEx file. If the numeric progress continues, then you know your settings are moving in the right direction. If the countdown goes further from zero, try reducing the Transmit Speed by 10%. You can also check to make sure that Pause Between Played Messages is set to 1 second. You may have to adjust the Transmit Speed setting several times before finding the right combination.
  • If “Status Byte Received In Data” is displayed, turn the OB-X8 off, then on. This error means some other MIDI message the OB-X8 was not expecting was sent through your MIDI interface. Make sure all other audio or MIDI or DAW software is closed, and no other MIDI devices are connected. If you continue to receive this message, try restarting your computer and open MIDI-OX as your only application.

 

RESETTING THE GLOBAL PARAMETERS

You must reset the Global parameters of the OB-X8 after you update the OS.

  • Press the Global button.
  • Use the Scroll Knob to select Reset Globals, then press the Write button.

 

CLEAR CALIBRATION

You must Clear Calibration after you update the OS.

  • Hold Transpose Up + Down and press the Global button.
  • Select the first option to Clear Calibration and press Write.

 

RUN FULL CALIBRATION

Please run the full calibration Global option after you update the OS.

  • SET MASTER VOLUME TO MAX.
  • Press the Global button.
  • Use the Scroll knob to select Full Calibration, then press the Write button.
  • The synthesizer performs its auto-calibration procedure. Do not turn off the power while it is doing this.
  • When finished, the front panel controls return to normal, and you can play the OB-X8 again.
 
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST UPDATE THE OB-X8’S OS TO VERSION 2.0 BEFORE LOADING THE ACCOMPANYING FILES

The accompanying files contain programs that take advantage of OS 2.0’s new features. ‘OB-X8 V2 Split+ Double+ Binaural.syx’ loads patches to the new Split+ GROUPS 1-2, Double+ GROUPS 1-2, & Binaural GROUPS 1-11. ‘OB-X8 V2 User Groups 1-2.syx’ loads 16 patches to USER GROUPS 1 & 2. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have patches saved to these slots, they will be overwritten.

The data is in a MIDI System Exclusive (SysEx) file. You will need a DAW, MIDI utility, or other application capable of opening and sending MIDI System Exclusive (SysEx) messages. MIDI-OX (Windows) and SysEx Librarian (Mac OS) are shareware MIDI utilities that can reliably be used to update Sequential instruments. You will also need either a USB cable (Type A to Type B connectors, like a typical USB printer cable) or a MIDI interface to transmit the SysEx file from your computer to the OB-X8.

You will find instructions for updating using MIDI-OX and SysEx Librarian below.

 
IMPORTANT NOTE

Be aware that loading the ‘OB-X8 V2 User Groups 1-2.syx’ patches will overwrite anything saved in USER GROUPS 1 & 2. If you have programs you want to keep, be sure to save them to a SysEx file first. Refer to the manual for more information about initiating a SysEx dump from the OB-X8’s front panel controls.

 
LOADING PROGRAMS FROM WINDOWS USING MIDI-OX

Before starting, close all other audio or MIDI or DAW software, and disconnect all other MIDI devices. If necessary, download and install MIDI-OX.

http://www.midiox.com/

 
TO PREPARE THE OB-X8 TO RECEIVE SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE MESSAGES:
  1. Connect the OB-X8 to a computer using a USB cable (or MIDI cable, if you are using a dedicated MIDI interface).

    If using USB, the OB-X8 is a Class Compliant USB device. That means it does not require any additional drivers to be installed to communicate with your computer. It will appear in MIDI-OX and other MIDI applications as a MIDI port named “OB-X8.” (Under Windows XP, it will appear as “USB Audio Device.”)

    If using a MIDI interface, connect the computer’s MIDI out to the OB-X8’s MIDI in. Depending on the type of interface, you may also need a MIDI cable.

    2. Press the Globals button.

    3. Use the Bank/scroll Knob to locate the “MIDI Syx Cable” parameter, then use the Group/value Knob to choose either USB or MIDI, depending on which port you are using to connect to your computer.

 

To load the programs:

  1. Run MIDI-OX.

    2. From the Options menu, choose “MIDI Devices.”

    3. In the lower left quadrant of the window, select the MIDI port to which the instrument is connected. If connected via USB, choose “OB-X8” (or “USB Audio Device” under Windows XP). If connected via MIDI, choose the MIDI interface. The selected MIDI port appears in the Port Mappings window.

    4. Click OK to close the dialog and save the settings.

    5. From the View menu, choose “SysEx.”

    6. From the SysEx menu, choose “Configure.”

    7. Set the Low Level Output Buffers “Num” and “Size” to 1024.

    8. Under Output Timing, make sure that “Auto-adjust Buffer Delays if necessary” is NOT enabled.

    9. Click OK to close the dialog and save the settings.

    10. From the Command Window menu, choose “Load File.” Browse to and open the OB-X8 program files.

    11. From the Command Window menu, choose “Send SysEx.”

 
LOADING PROGRAMS FROM A MAC USING SYSEX LIBRARIAN

Before starting, close all other audio or MIDI or DAW software, and disconnect all other MIDI devices. If necessary, download and install SysEx Librarian.

www.snoize.com/sysexlibrarian

 
TO PREPARE THE OB-X8 TO RECEIVE SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE MESSAGES:
  1. Connect the OB-X8 to a computer using a USB cable (or MIDI cable, if you are using a dedicated MIDI interface).

    If using USB, the OB-X8 is a Class Compliant USB device. That means it does not require any additional drivers to be installed to communicate with your computer. It will appear in MIDI-OX and other MIDI applications as a MIDI port named “OB-X8.” (Under Windows XP, it will appear as “USB Audio Device.”)

    If using a MIDI interface, connect the computer’s MIDI out to the OB-X8’s MIDI in. Depending on the type of interface, you may also need a MIDI cable.

    2. Press the Globals button.

    3. Use the Bank/scroll Knob to locate the “MIDI Syx Cable” parameter, then use the Group/value Knob to choose either USB or MIDI, depending on which port you are using to connect to your computer.

 

To load the programs:

  1. Run SysEx Librarian.

    2. From the SysEx Librarian menu, choose “Preferences.”

    3. Close the SysEx Librarian Preferences window to save changes.

    4. Choose your MIDI interface from the “Destination” menu.

    5. Click Add/+ to add the file to the file list or simply drag and drop the file on the open SysEx Librarian window. The file name appears in the file list and should be highlighted.

    6. Click the play button, and the programs will replace any existing programs in those memory locations on the synth.

OB-X8 OLED
OB-X8 analog synth

OLED

In performance, the crisp OLED display shows the current program name along with its bank and group. It also provides easy access to the powerful “Page 2” functions for extra filter mode configurations, pan spread, LFO rate scaling, portamento modes, programmable bend box parameters, and more.

 

OB-X8 analog synth

Programmer

Select and save presets and access Global settings such as aftertouch curves, alternate tuning scales, MIDI parameters, and more.

OB-X8 analog synth

Master

Set master volume, tuning, volume balance for splits and doubles, as well as chord memory and note hold functions here.

OB-X8 analog synth

Control

Here you can set the amount of oscillator 2 detuning and add as much “vintage” character as you like. Vintage mode affects the voice-to-voice variability of OB-X8 envelopes, oscillators, and filters to replicate the behavior of vintage instruments with all of their organic instabilities. Additionally, activate and route aftertouch and velocity sensitivity, set portamento (glide) amount, and turn on unison voice stacking. 

OB-X8 analog synth

Modulation

Here you can route the LFO (low frequency oscillator) to a variety of destinations to create rhythmic filter sweeps, pulse width modulation, vibrato, tremolo, and other effects. Choose from six waveforms: sine, square, sample & hold (random), up saw, down saw, and triangle.

OB-X8 analog synth

Oscillators

Select the waveforms that generate the raw sound of the OB-X8. Each of the two discrete SEM/OB-X-lineage oscillators produce sawtooth, pulse, or triangle waves. Combine pulse and sawtooth waves for extra punch. Hard sync and Xmod (oscillator frequency modulation) add more edge and sonic possibilities.

OB-X8 analog synth

Filter

This is the soul of the OB-X8 sound. Choose between the three different analog filter configurations that gave the original OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 their unique character.

First, the classic SEM-lineage, two-pole, discrete low-pass OB-X filter is here, with its unmistakable ballsy sound. But it’s even more powerful on the OB-X8 because we’ve included not just the low-pass mode from OB-X, but all modes of the original SEM design — low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch, exponentially expanding the sonic possibilities.

From the OB-Xa and OB-8 we’ve also included the classic Curtis CEM3320 filter with both 2-pole and 4-pole modes, which gave those instruments their distinctive flavor.  

OB-X8 analog synth

Envelopes

The 4-stage (attack, decay, sustain, release) filter and volume envelopes give shape to the harmonics  and loudness of OB-X8 sounds. Use these to make the OB-X8 whisper, growl, or scream by controlling the softness or percussiveness of synthesized textures.

Select between the OB-X/Xa or OB-8 envelope mode to capture the desired contour of each original instrument.

 

OB-X8 analog synth

Keyboard

This is where the bi-timbral capability (two different sounds at once) of the OB-X8 comes into play. Choose any two presets (“upper” and “lower”) and assign them to two different regions of the keyboard. Alternatively, layer them together for more complex textures. Adjust panning and volume independently for each preset.

OB-X8 analog synth

Levers

If you want to bend notes and add vibrato or other real-time modulation, look no further. This is where you’ll find the classic, performance-friendly Oberheim pitch and mod levers. The levers feature programmable bend range and mod amount as well as the ability to apply their effect to one or both oscillators.

The bend box also provides a second LFO with six different waveforms (triangle, square, Up Saw, Down Saw, Sample & Hold, and Noise). This LFO is dedicated to performance using the mod lever. Also present is a full-featured arpeggiator which can be applied independently to splits and doubles.

OB-X8 analog synth

Arpeggiator

Use the arpeggiator to create chord-based rhythmic patterns. Hold down several notes and the arpeggiator will cycle through them at the rate that you set and a pattern that you choose: up, down, up & down, or note order played. You can transpose the arpeggio up or down an octave and apply it to one or both parts in a split or double. All of the innovative arpeggiator functions of the OB-8 are built into the OB-X8.

 

OB-X8 analog synth

Keyboard

The OB-X8 features a five-octave, 61-key premium-quality Fatar keyboard. Velocity and aftertouch sensitivity allow you to make the most expressive use of your playing skills.

OB-X8 analog synth

MIDI Interface

The OB-X8 provides standard MIDI in/out/thru connections as well as USB for communicating with other electronic instruments or digital audio workstations (DAWS).

OB-X8 analog synth

Inputs

Connect your pedals here and use them to sustain notes, create volume swells, perform filter sweeps, and trigger the arpeggiator.

OB-X8 analog synth

Outputs

The OB-X8 provides both mono and stereo line-level outputs. Connect audio cables to these jacks, plug into a mixer or amp, and start performing or recording. Use the Page 2 enhancements to save stereo pan settings (4L4R, Ping Pong, Splayed, or Spread) per program.

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module top panel focusing in on the Master section.
OB-X8 analog synth

Master

Set master volume, unison voice layering, as well as chord memory and note hold functions here.

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module top panel focusing in on the Control section.
OB-X8 analog synth

Control

Here you can set the amount of oscillator 2 detuning and add as much “vintage” character as you like. Vintage mode affects the voice-to-voice variability of OB-X8 envelopes, oscillators, and filters to replicate the behavior of vintage instruments with all of their organic instabilities. You can also set the portamento (glide) amount in this section.

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module top panel focusing in on the Arpeggiator section.
OB-X8 analog synth

Arpeggiator

Use the arpeggiator to create chord-based rhythmic patterns. Hold down several notes and the arpeggiator will cycle through them at the rate that you set and a pattern that you choose: up, down, up & down, or note order played. You can transpose the arpeggio up or down an octave and apply it to one or both parts in a split or double. All of the innovative arpeggiator functions of the OB-8 are built into the OB-X8.

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module top panel focusing in on the Modulation section.
OB-X8 analog synth

Modulation

Here you can route the LFO (low frequency oscillator) to a variety of destinations to create rhythmic filter sweeps, pulse width modulation, vibrato, tremolo, and other effects. Choose from six waveforms: sine, square, sample & hold (random), up saw, down saw, and triangle.

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module top panel focusing in on the Keyboard section.
OB-X8 analog synth

Keyboard

This is where the bi-timbral capability (two different sounds at once) of the OB-X8 comes into play. Choose any two presets (“upper” and “lower”) and assign them to two different regions of the keyboard. Alternatively, layer them together for more complex textures. Adjust panning and volume independently for each preset.

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module top panel focusing in on the Oscillator section.
OB-X8 analog synth

Oscillators

Select the waveforms that generate the raw sound of the OB-X8. Each of the two discrete SEM/OB-X-lineage oscillators produce sawtooth, pulse, or triangle waves. Combine pulse and sawtooth waves for extra punch. Hard sync and Xmod (oscillator frequency modulation) add more edge and sonic possibilities.

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module top panel focusing in on the Filter section.
OB-X8 analog synth

Filter

This is the soul of the OB-X8 sound. Choose between the three different analog filter configurations that gave the original OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 their unique character.

First, the classic SEM-lineage, two-pole, discrete low-pass OB-X filter is here, with its unmistakable ballsy sound. But it’s even more powerful on the OB-X8 because we’ve included not just the low-pass mode from OB-X, but all modes of the original SEM design — low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch, exponentially expanding the sonic possibilities.

From the OB-Xa and OB-8 we’ve also included the classic Curtis CEM3320 filter with both 2-pole and 4-pole modes, which gave those instruments their distinctive flavor.

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module top panel focusing in on the Envelope section.
OB-X8 analog synth

Envelopes

The 4-stage (attack, decay, sustain, release) filter and volume envelopes give shape to the harmonics and loudness of OB-X8 sounds. Use these to make the OB-X8 whisper, growl, or scream by controlling the softness or percussiveness of synthesized textures.

Select between the OB-X/Xa or OB-8 envelope mode to capture the desired contour of each original instrument.

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module top panel focusing in on the OLED section.
OB-X8 analog synth

OLED

In performance, the crisp OLED display shows the current program name along with its bank and group. It also provides easy access to the powerful “Page 2” functions for extra filter mode configurations, pan spread, LFO rate scaling, portamento modes, programmable bend box parameters, and more.

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module top panel focusing in on the Programmer section.
OB-X8 analog synth

Programmer

Select and save presets and access Global settings such as aftertouch curves, alternate tuning scales, MIDI parameters, and more.

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module rear panel focusing in on the MIDI section.
OB-X8 analog synth

MIDI Interface

The OB-X8 provides standard MIDI in/out/thru connections as well as USB for communicating with other electronic instruments or digital audio workstations (DAWS).

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module rear panel focusing in on the Inputs section.
OB-X8 analog synth

Inputs

Connect your pedals here and use them to sustain notes, create volume swells, perform filter sweeps, and trigger the arpeggiator.

An Image of the OB-X8 Desktop Module rear panel focusing in on the Outputs section.
OB-X8 analog synth

Outputs

The OB-X8 provides both mono and stereo line-level outputs. Connect audio cables to these jacks, plug into a mixer or amp, and start performing or recording. Use the Page 2 enhancements to save stereo pan settings (4L4R, Ping Pong, Splayed, or Spread) per program.

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OB-X8 Playlist

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