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, and The Time.

phil

March 14, 2011 @ 4:43 pm

ob8 is a superb machine, I own a lot of vintage synths and the ob8 is a diamond in my collection! one of the things I really love is the possibility to exclude oscillators
in the "page 2" so you can use the ob8 as a mono-1osc-5 octave synth! sometimes
the unison 16 osc lead is too fat, so you can choose how many voices you want in it! nice! the sound is absolutely wonderful and pads are THE pads with this machine. this synth is not inferior to any other poly-synths, especially to obxa. Explore "page 2" and play in double or split mode with the arpegg in one of the two parts...enjoy!

Stu Goldman

February 26, 2011 @ 4:31 am

Warm and big, as already mentioned here by some happy users.
They can be found for 2500 $ in great condition what makes them the lowest cost great classic synths.

Adrian

January 9, 2011 @ 7:32 am

The Doobie Brothers have used it: http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_doobie_brothers_fool/index.html

Parl

December 29, 2010 @ 9:30 am

Is this the one Steve Roach used on the song "Structures from silence" ?

Pete

December 23, 2010 @ 10:33 am

Amazing Synth! It can be warm and beautiful or fat and beastly! Great flexibility too!

Can anyone give help me out with importing / exporting sysex via the factory OB-8 midi? I have SysEx Librarian on OSX and am not sure how to transfer patches to my mac or patches to my OB?
Cheers

<987654321>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (Required.)

Email Address: (Required, not published.)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

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.

I have read and understand the posting rules.