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Aly James Lab OB-Xtreme 2 synth plugin now gives you an even more authentic Oberheim-style experience -the OB-X and OB-Xa- that inspired it.

Aly James Lab OB-Xtreme synth plugin has been delivering Oberheim-style goodness to the masses for almost eight years now, and OB-Xtreme version 2 promises to deliver a sound that is even closer to the classic instruments.

Could this be the OB one?

James describes this as a remake rather than an update, with a design that is more closely related to the original OB specs. In fact, we’ve promised improvements across every element of the virtual circuitry.

OB-Xtreme 2 is an 8-voice polyphonic synth with a FAT mode that engages 8-voice unison mono. Additionally, there is polyphonic unison, effectively giving you 8×8-voice power.

Most of the OB-X and OB-Xa functionality are available here, including the Saw, Pulse, Tri and Saw+Pulse oscillator shapes, along with 2- and 4-pole filters, and there is an Xtreme factor control that enables you to dial in some chunky distortion.

In addition, if you want to dive a little deeper, you can adjust the eight voice cards’ voltages using a series of macro sliders.

OB-Xtreme 2 is currently available as a pre-release. It is almost feature complete, as LFO 2 is not yet active and the version 2 factory presets have yet been added. These features will arrive in the form of a free update in September. Existing users can upgrade on a pay-what-you-want basis, minimum €1.

OB-Xtreme 2 runs on PC and Mac in VST/AU formats and costs €45.

Find out more on the Aly James Lab website.

Casio Music UK has launched a new wellness page on its website, naming three key areas in which music, and specifically, playing a musical instrument, like a keyboard – can improve your life.

Firstly, it points out that music can make you smarter, citing studies that show that learning to play an instrument as a child can improve reading, the ability to learn languages, hearing, concentration skills, coordination and memory capacity.

And, there’s the happiness angle; playing music has been shown to help alleviate stress and reduce anxiety, and cope better with depression and mood regulation There’s also some evidence that listening to calming music can reduce your heart rate and improve your sleep.

Lastly, the health aspect. As you grow older, playing a musical instrument can help you to maintain a better memory and stay on top of your speech processing skills, while music-making has been shown to be an effective complementary therapy in the treatment of dementia, depression and the after-effects of a stroke.

Above, says Casio, playing an instrument is fun, and can be hugely rewarding. You will get no argument from us on that score.

Find out more on the Casio UK website.

Oversynth.com has introduced a limited series of overlays for the Keith McMillen Instruments QuNexus MIDI controller.

All overlays feature labelling for the QuNexus version 2 firmware and will works with both the original black QuNexus and the new ‘Red’ version.

The overlay designs feature large fonts and high contrast graphics, wherever possible to help with viewing in low-light. And they are printed on a sturdy polyester sheet, to help minimize reflections and glare.

All overlays do not have adhesive backing, so they can sit temporarily over the QuNexus and then be removed if you desired. They ship with a strip of optional adhesive, though, for a more lasting placement. The adhesive is low-tack and will not damage the surface of the QuNexus.

Overlays for the QuNexus are available now for $25.