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.

ken Chiarito

January 13, 2013 @ 9:53 pm

please help,,,how do I do the manuel system reset that involves your elbow..I think!
Please!!!!!
Help!!!!!!!!

Wahid

January 2, 2013 @ 9:48 am

Lionnel Richie use a OB-8 during a live in 1984, and Herbie Hancock during a jam with Quincy, Oooo dear this synth' collection... i love it ! :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6QsusDS_8A&feature=related

Form a young frenchman synthfan

Dejan Djordjevic

December 17, 2012 @ 11:01 am

I got my OB-8 in 1983 to be one of my main polyphonic synthesiser battleships, and play it still today.I also inspired a famous Frenchman called J M Jarre when I played the main bass synth for "Rendez-Vous" on my OB-8,recorded in 1984 in March-Hugstetten by sound engineer Lars Fasbender on a 2"tape MCI machine:unfortunately we weren't mentioned when released in 1986.Sir Dejan Djordjevic,Basement Flat Rear,189 Sandgate Rd,Folkestone,Kent,CT202HJ,UK. myspace.com/sirdejandjordjevic

FED34FIRE

August 24, 2012 @ 2:32 pm

Does anyone know of someone who performs the modification so as to remove the low frequncy filtering?

greg

April 16, 2012 @ 11:02 am

Onwed the OB8, DSX and DMX combo. It was the only setup at the time that allowed a combination of sequencer, drum machine and synth package. The OB was a love/hate relationship in that what it did do (strings, pads, brassy-ish sounds) it did very well while what it did poorly (basses) it always did poorly. It had the wimpiest of bottom end and an Arp 2600 or any modular of the era would run circles around the OB-8's ability to crank out the low freqs. It was like a polyphonic arp Oddessey without the character. If I had to do it over again, I'd go for an OB-X or Xa midi retrofitted

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