Oberheim OB-X8 Synthesizer leaked
The Legendary analog polysynth returns.
Ahead of Superbooth 2022, photos and specifications have leaked for the Oberheim OB-X8 synthesizer.
Looks like the rumours were true: Tom Oberheim really is about to launch a new and expanded version of the OB-X, one of the most beloved synths in history. Known as the OB-X8, this appears to be an 8-voice analogue polysynth that is inspired by the classic OB series but also goes way beyond it.
As with presets. it offers 400-plus factory programs (along with 600 user-programmable preset locations) including the full set of factory sounds for the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa, and OB-8.
The leak indicates that the OB-X8 will have a 61-note Fatar keyboard that’s velocity- and touch-sensitive for maximum expression, and bi-timbrality will enable you to use two presets for splitting or doubling. It is an 8-voice analog design with two discrete EM/OB-X-lineage VCOs per voice (sine, saw, square, triangle and noise) for that classic Oberheim tone, along with genuine Curtis filters.
Further enhancements include additional SEM filter modes that add high-pass, band-pass and notch functions to the classic OB-X filter, while a vintage knob is reported to enable you to dial in adjustable amounts of voice-to-voice variability, emulating the behaviour of vintage instruments. Enhanced unison option enables up to eight voices of variable voice stacking, variable triangle wave cross-modulation, programmable per-voice panning and variable oscillator and noise levels. Channel aftertouch is on the cards, as well.
Oberheim OB-X8 Specifications (Unofficial):
- 8-voice, pure-analog polyphony with sine, saw, square, triangle, and noise
- Two discrete SEM/OB-X-lineage VCOs per voice deliver classic punchy Oberheim tone
- Discrete SEM-lineage VCFs deliver authentic OB-X-style tone and presence
- Genuine Curtis filters add bold OB-Xa/OB-8 character
- Meticulously modeled envelope responses match each OB model: OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8
- The 61-key FATAR velocity- and touch-sensitive keyboard allows unparalleled expression and responsiveness
- Bi-timbral capability allows two presets simultaneously for splits and doubles
- 400-plus factory programs, including the full set of factory sounds for the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa, and OB-8
- Integral, fanless, heatsink-free power supply
- Real walnut end cheeks
- High-resolution OLED display enables patch management and easy access to advanced features
- Classic Oberheim Pitch and Mod levers allow expressive note bending, vibrato, and access to arpeggiator functions
Enhancements:
- Additional SEM Filter modes add high-pass, band-pass, and notch functions to the classic OB-X filter
- Vintage knob allows variable amounts of voice-to-voice variability to emulate the behavior of vintage instruments
- Velocity sensitivity adds expressiveness to volume and filter
- Channel Aftertouch adds real-time performance-based modulation
- Enhanced unison allows variable voice stacking from 1-8 voices
- Variable triangle wave cross-modulation
- Over 600 user-programmable preset locations
- Programmable per-voice pan allows wider stereo presence
- Variable oscillator and noise levels
Ins and Outs:
- Stereo and Mono outputs
- Volume, Sustain, and Filter inputs
- Arpeggiator clock input
- MIDI In, Out, Thru
- USB
Official details are still to be announced, but the Oberheim OB-X8 is expected to be priced around $5,000 and have a June 2022 release date.
Keep an eye on the Oberheim website for more.
Could the Oberheim OB-X8 the greatest synthesizer Tom Oberheim has ever designed? Check out the details
via sequencer.de, modwiggler
