Oberheim OB-X8 8-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer

The Oberheim OB-X8 8-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer lets you craft warm analog tones like never before. With discrete components meticulously matched to the original Oberheim OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8, this powerful synth delivers the iconic punchy sound that shaped pop music. Two voltage-controlled oscillators and a variety of analog filters per voice enable you to shape a broad palette of sounds. Performance-friendly features, such as pitch and mod levers, aftertouch and an arpeggiator, give you expressive control over your music. Whether you want to recreate classic ’80s synthpop or forge a modern sound, the OB-X8 puts real analog synthesis at your fingertips.

Authentic OB Tone

The OB-X8’s 100% analog audio path provides the same trademark Oberheim sound behind hit songs from Prince, Van Halen, Rush and more. Discrete components meticulously match the complex interactions between oscillators, filters, envelopes and other elements that gave the OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 their distinctive character. From punchy basses to shimmering pads, the OB-X8 captures the depth and nuance of these analog classics.

Perform With Expression

The OB-X8 gives you hands-on control over your music. Hard sync and cross-modulation add complex overtones. Pitch and mod levers let you bend notes, apply vibrato and modulate filters in real time. Velocity and aftertouch sensitivity enable you to vary volume, brightness and other parameters by how hard you play. These performance features, combined with a premium Fatar keyboard, provide an inspiring playing experience.

New OB-X8 OS v2.0 Features

The OB-X8 OS v2.0 offers exciting functionality, including instant binaural mode for true stereo operation and selectable waveshapes for each oscillator, enhancing timbral variety. It introduces a new 4-pole low-pass filter with fuller bass at high resonance and VCO level LFO modulation for independent timbral mixing. The arpeggiator clock sync now includes selectable note division values. There are twice the split and double memory locations, supporting 512 more stored sounds. Additionally, the OS supports separate MIDI channels for bi-timbral operation, poly chain for up to 32 voices and MPE for enhanced expressiveness.

Save and Recall Your Sounds

With over 600 preset locations, you’ll have ample room to store the analog tones you create. The OB-X8 ships with over 400 factory programs that replicate the presets from the original OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8. Its bright OLED display makes navigating presets and accessing the synth’s advanced “Page 2” parameters fast and intuitive. Global settings allow you to configure aftertouch, tuning, MIDI and more to match your preferences and setup.