Oberheim OB-X8
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Oberheim
OB-X8
Product Info
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The OB-X8 is a stunning recreation of a legend, capturing that iconic Oberheim sound with modern refinements. It’s an exceptional choice for serious synth players and sound designers who crave that vintage warmth and bi-timbral capabilities—especially those recreating classic 80s sounds or building lush, layered textures.
Product Description
- Oberheim OB-X8
- 8-Voice Analog Synthesizer
- Two discrete SEM-series VCOs per voice
- Discrete SEM series VCFs
- Curtis filter
- Velocity-sensitive FATAR keyboard with 61 keys
- Bi-timbral option allows two presets simultaneously for splits and doubles
- Over 400 factory programs
- including all factory sounds for the OB-X
- Ob-Xa and OB-8
- Over 600 freely programmable memory locations
- Arpeggiator
- Patch management
- SEM filter modes: high-pass
- band-pass and notch functions
- Unisono allows variable stacking of 1-8 voices
- Programmable panorama per voice
- Variable oscillator and noise levels
- LFO keyboard tracking
- Built-in fan- and heat sink-free power supply unit
- Genuine walnut sidewalls
- OLED display
- Pitch and mod levers
- 3 Line outputs: 6.3 mm jack (L/R and mono)
- 4 Pedal inputs: 6.3 mm jack (sustain
- volume
- filter
- ARP)
- Stereo headphone output: 6.3 mm jack
- MIDI in/out/thru
- Dimensions (W x H x D): approx. 102.8 x 42.3 x 14.9 cm
- Weight: approx. 12.07 kg
PROS
- • Discrete SEM oscillators deliver that classic, fat Oberheim analog warmth.
- • Walnut sidewalls elevate the build quality and aesthetic significantly.
- • Bi-timbral capability provides unparalleled sonic flexibility for layering and splits.
- • Fatar keybed offers excellent velocity sensitivity and a responsive playing experience.
CONS
- • The 61-key layout limits its appeal for players accustomed to full 88-key ranges.
- • The price point places it firmly in the high-end, professional synthesizer category.
- • While versatile, the Curtis filter may not satisfy purists seeking a more aggressive character.
Product Video
Key Features
Keys
61
Key Type
Velocity-sensitive FATAR
Synthesis Type
Analog (SEM-series VCOs & VCFs)
Polyphony
8-Voice
Effects
None (relies on external effects)
Connections
3 Line Outputs (6.3mm), 4 Pedal Inputs (6.3mm)
Weight
Approximately 35 lbs (estimate based on similar Oberheim models)
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Frequently Asked Questions
It's incredibly faithful, benefiting from modern component tolerances and improved build quality, but retains the core SEM character. Expect a richer, slightly more refined sound than some older units might offer.
The factory programs are fully editable and highly programmable, with a vast memory bank for your own creations. The patch management system makes it relatively straightforward to navigate and customize sounds.
Oberheim has addressed previous reliability issues with this design, using a fan-free power supply and robust components. While discrete designs *can* be more complex, the build quality seems significantly improved.
