Oberheim Oberheim OB-X8

Description

<h1 class="CorpoA" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span>The Oberheim OB-X8</span></b><span> is an <b>analog synthesizer</b> with a 5-octave Fatar keyboard that is velocity and aftertouch sensitive. It incorporates all the key features of the legendary <b>OB-X</b>, <b>OB-Xa</b>, and <b>OB-8</b> products, combined with modern construction techniques. This polyphonic and bi-timbral 8-voice synth features 2 discrete VCOs, 2 selectable VCFs, 2 envelopes, a Vintage function, 2 LFOs, an Arpeggiator, and Master Tune.</span></h1><h1 class="CorpoA" style="text-align: center;"><span><o:p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="534" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xqn2kE0UBFI" title="YouTube video player" width="950"></iframe></o:p></span></h1><div><h2 class="CorpoA"><span class="Nessuno"><b><span>The Return of the Sound</span></b></span><span> <span class="Nessuno"><b>Oberheim without compromise</b></span></span></h2></div><div><p class="CorpoA" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Nessuno"><span>After 35 years,</span></span><span class="Nessuno"><span> <b>Oberheim</b> is proud to introduce its first new product, the <b>OB-X8</b>. "A new design, the greatest of all OB instruments, that maintains the style and sound that made this family of synthesizers famous," said <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Oberheim" target="_blank">Tom Oberheim</a></b>.</span></span><span class="Nessuno"><span> </span></span>A modern and precise Poly-Analog.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tom Oberheim con OB-X8 il sintetizzatore analogico Polifonico, bitimbrico a 8 voci distribuito in Italia dalla Algam EKO" src="https://www.algameko.com/img/items/17900018_f.jpg" title="Tom Oberheim con OB-X8 il sintetizzatore analogico Polifonico, bitimbrico a 8 voci distribuito in Italia dalla Algam EKO" /></p></div><h2><strong><a id="firmware-2" name="firmware-2"></a>Free v2.0 update: OB-X8 evolves!&nbsp;</strong></h2><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Aggiornamento gratuito v2.0 per Oberheim OB-X8. Un sistema operativo che sblocca ulteriore potenziale creativo per gli attuali e futuri utenti dell'OB-X8 di Oberheim. Sovrapposizione di forme d’onda multiple, MPE, binaurale, nuovo filtro passo basso a 4 poli, catena polifonica estesa e non solo.." src="/images/uploads//Oberheim-ob-x8-firmware-update-versione-2.jpg" title="Aggiornamento gratuito v2.0 per Oberheim OB-X8. Un sistema operativo che sblocca ulteriore potenziale creativo per gli attuali e futuri utenti dell'OB-X8 di Oberheim. Sovrapposizione di forme d’onda multiple, MPE, binaurale, nuovo filtro passo basso a 4 poli, catena polifonica estesa e non solo.." /></p><p>An operating system that unlocks further creative potential for current and future users of the <strong>Oberheim OB-X8</strong>, available in <a href="https://www.algameko.com/it/synth-analogici/oberheim/obx8-desktop"><strong>desktop</strong> format (click here</a>) and as a keyboard. Multiple waveform layering, MPE, binaural, new 4-pole low-pass filter, extended polyphonic chain, and more... <a href="https://oberheim.com/support/" target="_blank">Many interesting new features and new timbral and expressive possibilities in this <strong>free firmware update</strong> that you can download by clicking here!</a></p><p>Version 2.0 opens up new <strong>binaural soundscapes</strong>, immersive, allows simultaneous selection of multiple waveforms in the oscillators, and adds a new type of <strong>low-pass filter</strong>. Split and Double memory allocations have also been extended.</p><p>The new <strong>polyphonic chain</strong> allows for a total of 32 voices (4 instruments together) by connecting multiple OB-X8s. OB-X8 owners can now take advantage of <strong>MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression</strong>) control for maximum expressiveness in their performances.</p><p>"<em>At <strong><a href="https://www.algameko.com/it/brands/oberheim">Oberheim</a></strong>, we have always worked to add more useful features to our instruments," said <strong>Tom Oberheim</strong>. "It's unusual to add a new filter type and oscillator waveforms to an <strong>analog synthesizer</strong> via a <strong>software update</strong>, but our team is not afraid of challenges and is always committed to bringing true value to demanding musicians who love our instruments."</em></p><p><strong><a href="https://oberheim.com/support/" target="_blank">Download update 2.0 for Oberheim OB-X8: click here</a></strong></p><h3><strong>What's new in update 2.0 for Oberheim OB-X8</strong>:</h3><p>- Instant binaural mode that pans individual voices completely left and right for true stereo.&nbsp;</p><p>- Multiple waveforms simultaneously selectable on each oscillator to extend timbral variety</p><p>- New 4-pole low-pass filter type, for fuller bass even at high resonance values</p><p>- New LFO modulation destinations to VCO 1 and 2 levels, for independent timbral mixing</p><p>- Arpeggiator clock sync now allows selection of selectable note division values for broader rhythmic control</p><p>- Doubled Split and Double memory locations, including storing programs directly in new banks: an additional 512 slots!</p><p>- Separate MIDI channels for bi-timbral operation, with keyboard split</p><p>- Polyphonic chain to reach up to 32 voices with 4 connected instruments</p><p><strong><a href="https://oberheim.com/support/" target="_blank">Download update 2.0 for Oberheim OB-X8: click here</a></strong></p><h2 style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Sound Synthesis in the OB-X8</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2><p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">The discrete analog oscillators of the <span><strong>OB-X8</strong></span> are capable of delivering the classic incisive <span><strong>Oberheim</strong></span> timbre. There are two per voice, and they can reproduce <span>pulse</span><span>, </span><span>saw</span><span>, and </span><span>triangle</span><span> waveforms. </span>Both VCOs have a dedicated potentiometer for frequency adjustment and can be synchronized to create sharp leads and rich harmonic sounds. There is a potentiometer to detune the frequency of the second oscillator, found in the <span><strong>Control</strong></span> section. When the <strong>Unison</strong> function is active, the <span><strong>OB-X8</strong></span> behaves like a monophonic synth: it plays only one note at a time with the possibility to detune all eight voices used simultaneously. Activate it to create full and impressive basses and leads by dedicating all 8 voices to a single note. The <span><strong>Chord Memory</strong></span> function stores the intervals between notes, then transposes and reproduces them according to the root note you play on the keyboard. To simultaneously change the pitch of both oscillators, a potentiometer named <span><strong>Master Tune</strong></span> is dedicated and located in the <span><strong>Master</strong></span> section.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Oberheim OB-X8 la sezione di controllo dedicata ai due oscillatori analogici discreti" src="https://www.algameko.com/images/uploads/Oberheim-OB-X8-gli-oscillatori_da29.jpg" title="Oberheim OB-X8 la sezione di controllo dedicata ai due oscillatori analogici discreti " /></p><h2 style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>The Filters of the <span>Oberheim</span> OB-X8</strong></h2><p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">As with any respectable Oberheim, the filter section of the <span><strong>OB-X8</strong></span> is given prominence. This time, however, <span><strong>Oberheim</strong></span> did not stop at introducing only one filter into the synthesis path. Under the hood, we find two distinct filters, and on the front panel, a dedicated switch to toggle between the VCFs. The first is a discrete <strong>SEM</strong> filter capable of delivering the style and presence of the <strong>OB-X</strong>, with three additional modes: high-pass, band-pass, and notch, in addition to the classic low-pass. The second VCF is controlled by an authentic <strong>Curtis</strong> filter configurable as 2 or 4-pole to add the character and classic sound of the OB-Xa.</p><h2 style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;"><span><strong>The Vintage Mode Knob on OB-X8</strong></span></h2><p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;"><span>In collaboration with </span><span><strong>Dave Smith</strong></span><span> of </span><span><strong>Sequential</strong></span><span>, </span><span><strong>Tom</strong></span><span><strong> Oberheim</strong></span> has undertaken in-depth research into what made the sound so unique, warm, and organic in old vintage synthesizers. Together, the two discovered that much of these characteristics are due to slight fluctuations and differences in response times from voice to voice, not only in the frequencies of individual VCOs but also in the filters, envelopes, and amplifiers. To achieve the same behavior in the new <span><strong>OB-X8</strong></span>, Oberheim created the potentiometer called <span><strong>Vintage</strong></span>, through which you can gradually and randomly add the same imperfections so appreciated in vintage synthesizers. Try it, and you won't be able to do without it.&nbsp;</p><h2 style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Polyphonic and Bi-Timbral</strong></h2><p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;"><span><strong>The Oberheim OB-X8</strong></span><span> is <strong>bi-timbral</strong>: it can simultaneously play two sounds of 4 voices each in two different modes. In <strong>Split</strong> mode, the keyboard is divided into two, with one sound dedicated to the lower octaves and another to the upper octaves. In <strong>Double</strong> mode, on the other hand, the <strong>OB-X8</strong> will be able to play two sounds simultaneously across the entire length of the keyboard; in this mode, the available voices per Program also become 4</span>.</p><h2 style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>The Modulations of OB-X8</strong></h2><p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;"><span>In this new <strong>Oberheim</strong> project, no detail has been left to chance. That's why there are two envelopes on the control panel: one dedicated to the amplifier and the other to the filter. Both are designed to provide the same response as all other models in the OB family. The <strong>Modulation</strong> section includes an <strong>LFO</strong> capable of generating sine, square, and S/H (sample &amp; hold) waveforms. We can assign and program the amount of modulation to two groups of destinations to modulate the oscillator frequencies, filter cutoff, pulse width of both oscillators, and volume. A convenient and useful <strong>Arpeggiator</strong> is located to the left of the keyboard in classic vintage style, ready to provide up, down, up &amp; down patterns, or to follow the sequence of notes we play. This is available on both parts (split or double) independently.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Oberheim OB-X8 le leve per i controlli di pitch bend e modulation e l’arpeggiatore" src="https://www.algameko.com/images/uploads/Oberheim-OB-X8-pitch-bend-modulation-arpeggiatore_1028.jpg" title=" Oberheim OB-X8 le leve per i controlli di pitch bend e modulation e l’arpeggiatore" /></p><h2><strong>The Oberheim Levers: Pitch Bend and Mod</strong></h2><p style="text-align: justify;">To apply bending, vibrato, and other real-time modulations, the OB-X8 provides the classic two levers, both with adjustable range (pitch bend) and amount (mod) parameters, and they can act on one or both oscillators at our discretion. This section also houses the second LFO, dedicated to performance and controllable by the Mod lever, with its 6 waveforms: triangle, square, Up Saw, Down Saw, Sample &amp; Hold, and Noise.</p><h2 style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;"><span><strong>Velocity and Aftertouch in the</strong></span><span><strong> Oberheim </strong></span><span><strong>OB-X8 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span></h2><p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">As with any respectable modern synthesizer, the ability to program <span><strong>Velocity</strong></span> and <span><strong>Aftertouch</strong></span> was essential. The <span><strong>OB-X8</strong></span> allows us to do this simply and immediately, thanks to the two dedicated buttons in the <span><strong>Control</strong></span> section. We can also decide whether to dedicate Velocity to the filter or volume, while Aftertouch can be dedicated to the filter or modulation.</p><h2 style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Programming the OB-X8</strong></h2><p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">A creative and simple-to-program instrument. The <span><strong>OB-X8</strong></span> control panel features a potentiometer for each function, allowing immediate access to all sound shaping parameters. The <span><strong>Manual</strong></span> button enables live panel mode: press it, and the <span><strong>OB-X8</strong></span> will detach from preset mode and switch to the current settings of the rotary controls and switches. What you see is exactly what you hear. 600 rewritable user programs are included, including the set of 400 original presets from OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa, and OB-8.</p><h2 style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Keyboard and Connections of OB-X8</strong></h2><p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">The <span><strong>OB-X8</strong></span> is equipped with a 61-key (5-octave) FATAR keyboard, sensitive to Velocity and Aftertouch.</p>The connections found on the back of the instrument include two distinct audio outputs, one monophonic and the other stereo. The latter is of fundamental importance when we decide to widen the stereo image across the 8 voices. There are 4 pedal inputs: one for volume control, another for sustain, one for the filter cutoff, and one for the arpeggiator. For MIDI interfacing, we find the DIN In, Out, and Thru triad and a type B USB port for direct connection to PC and Mac computers. ## **Artists' Impressions of the OB-X8**