Vintage Synth Explorer

Oberheim • OB-8

The OB-8 was the last of the classic OB series that included the OB-1, OB-Xa and OB-X. The OB-8 is a very warm and rich sounding eight voice polyphonic synthesizer with that classic Oberheim sound. Because it was released just before MIDI debuted, the OB-8 had no MIDI implementation originally, but some models were retrofitted with 9-channel MIDI implementation. The OB-8 did use Oberheim's very own digital buss system making the OB-8 the center-piece of your OB-studio, allowing it to connect to the DSX polyphonic sequencer, DMX drum machine and other OB-synths. In a time before MIDI, this type of instrument connectivity was truly awesome!

The OB-8 is totally programmable and loaded with powerful analog sounds and style. Dedicated knobs, sliders and a traditional layout make programming a snap and very hands-on. Each individual voice can be de-tuned for a very thick (or weird) sound. Syncable VCOs and a nice 8-note arpeggiator are also on-board on this cool analog synth. It has the OB-Xa's switchable 2 or 4-pole VCF filter with ADSR. Tons of LFO modulation controls and effects are possible. The OB-8 also introduced a second layer of programming functions - hit the "Page 2" button and all front panel controls were assigned to an entire second set of parameters! The earliest models did not label these hidden "Page 2" functions on the front panel, but that was rectified on later models.

Up to 120 patches of memory storage were also available to keep your amazing sounds around. And 24 additional patches are available for doubled/layer presets. A full 61-note keyboard with Oberheim's unique pitch/modulation benders only sweetens this synth's deal. It is used by Depeche Mode, Prince (the Artist), The Police, Trent Reznor (NIN), Thompson Twins, Rush, Simple Minds, Jimmy Edgar, Jimmy Jam, KLF, Van Halen, Stevie Nicks, Styx, Future Sound of London, Space, REO Speedwagon Paul McCartney, Rush, and The Time.

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Posting Rules: Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

 

The MIDIGuru

Posted 54 days ago

The MIDIGuru can fix it. Like new.

Julie

Posted 99 days ago

I still own the original OB-8 needs some work though, does anyone have any suggestions on who works on them anymore? Or where I could purchase a used one?

Thanks,

joel bouchillon

Posted 127 days ago

Does anyone know if the OB-8 can dump patches via MIDI to a patch librarian software?

MartinL

Posted 233 days ago

Big synthetiser
Big sound
I try OB1 ; OB8 ;Matrix 6 after 1987 ( composer friend )
I like. Big Dimension. sTRANGE FEELING ON KEYBORD...
For PRO NOT novice i THINK ...
Sorry for my bad english ! Bye !

Harpeggiate99

Posted 244 days ago

I noticed some here mentioned that the OB-8 was not good for rock, but look at the rock names that used them: Van Halen, Queen, Rush, Steve Stevens (messed around on them), Trent Reznor, Yes, and Depeche Mode (not so rock) to name but a few. Yes it was a cleaner sounding synth, but that was the intention. Alot of bands were looking for this design. A powerful bottom end for arpeggiation, and a clear defined mid to top end, as a counterpoint for dual leads with the everdeveloping processed guitar sounds of the eighties. Not a bad thing. It's not a be it end all design, but it is a landmark instrument. You can spot it in second.

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