Synth pioneer Tom Oberheim has announced that the Oberheim OB-X8 Desktop synthesizer is now available.
The OB-X8 desktop version condenses the sonic power of the Oberheim OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 into a compact desktop module. It features an identical sound engine to the keyboard version, with an all-analog signal path with discrete VCOs, VCAs, and filters.
And like the keyboard version, it features a knob-per-function interface, designed to give you immediate access to virtually all of the synth’s parameters. The Arpeggiator and Keyboard Split & Double functionality are maintained from the keyboard version.
Features:
- 8-voice polyphonic analog synth brings the full suite of OB-X8’s sonic possibilities to a portableD desktop module
- 3 all-analog synths in one: the Oberheim OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8
- 2 discrete OB-X/SEM-lineage VCOs per voice and discrete SEM-lineage VCFs deliver vintage Oberheim tone and power
- Genuine Dave Curtis-designed filters for classic OB-Xa and OB-8 character
- Additional SEM modes for highpass, bandpass, and notch functions
- Vintage knob dials in voice-to-voice variability
- Carefully modeled envelope responses for each model; components as well as interactions between components analyzed for 1:1 realism
- Bi-timbral capability allows 2 presets to be played simultaneously
- Up to 8-voice unison stacking
- Programmable per-voice pan for a wide stereo spread
- Variable triangle wave cross modulation
- Pitch and Mod levers for note bending, vibrato, and arpeggiator access
- Includes 400+ presets from the original 3 models as well as new ones
- Over 600 user presets
- OLED display shows program information and accesses advanced features
- MIDI and USB allow for compatibility with any setup
- Walnut end caps
Pricing and Availability:
The Oberheim OB-X8 Desktop Synthesizer Module is available now for $3,499 USD.
That it is missing a VESA mount makes it a deal killer for me.
Really? There are solutions for that. I find it much more annoying that they didn’t designed this for 19″ when it could easily be done.
One thing I like about the idea of a module vs. a keyboard is that I was never a fan of the Oberheim style and method of pitch bend and modulation. I think you can reverse the polarity of the pitch paddle, but not the mod paddle, afaik.
You can reverse the polarity of the mod paddle as well. It’s either up or down not both.
Different strokes for different folks. I’ve never felt more Herbie Hancock-inspired in my life than with the OB-X8 style pitch bend.
Oh well, yet another resurrection of old synth – how inventive 😉
Looks like we have reached saturation point with constantly reissuing old synths…
agreed. enough with the old white guys. wgaf.
Companies make stuff that sells. Just like there is a market for $5000 Gibson guitars, there is also a market for high quality remakes of classic synths.
JMO but wish it was desktop/19” rack optional.
I still hope for a day when a manufacturer offers a controller keyboard that’s right between klacky and overly stiff. (Arturia comes close.) If you’re just step-sequencing, its a minor point, but it matters a lot to keyboard *players*. I know, its the eternal “Phantom of the Controller Soap Opera,” but it’d be ideal for a module like this. Too bad the traditional fix is to buy a flagship instrument to get a better keybed.
can’t wait for the UDO and Binaural revivals in 40 years. it will be soooooo vintage by then.
I kind of wanna know the story of why Tom Oberheim has a ‘Visitor’ smock on in this photo…
Because he’s not on the Sequential payroll? He’s a client of theirs.
Nice to see a picture of Uli with his latest synth…. the years have not been kind.
Uli doesn’t get old, that man made a treat with the devil himself!