The first of the OB series Oberheim synths, this is a classic analog synthesizer available in 4, 6 or 8 voice configurations. It featured a 2 pole VCF lowpass filter with its own ADSR, a VCA with ADSR, a flexible LFO section, polyphonic sample and hold, polyphonic portamento and 32 patches of memory. Although it has been over-shadowed by the bigger and more popular OB-Xa and OB-8 synths which offer more flexible programming, the OB-X still holds its own. Capable of lush analog synth sounds comparable to the Sequential Prophet 5 but at a reasonable price. The OB-X also gives you Polymod functionality, something that the OB-Xa and OB-8 do not have.

This synth is definitely worth checking out. It has been used by Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Cirrus, Depeche Mode, Queen, Supertramp, Kenny Kirkland, Jean-Michel Jarre, Japan, Tangerine Dream, Rush, Simple Minds, Chicago, Styx, Ultravox and dozens more!

eebs

November 17, 2009 @ 7:18 pm

The very early oberheims (4vs obx) have a richness in the oscillators and filters that's uncommon. discreet components do make a difference. This board actually delivers the promise that was echoed by the synthmakers of the time, that its like having 8 monosynths at your fingertips. this one actually does sound like that.

Big Chris

October 28, 2009 @ 1:24 pm

I've always wanted an Oberheim OB-X ever since hearing one on Killing Joke's albums "Night Time" and "Brighter Than A Thousand Suns". The sounds are so different to those you can get from a Jupiter or any other well regarded analogue polysynth, thanks to the unusual modulation controls. I finally found one in need of restoration, and sold all but one each of my synths, drum machines and guitars. I don't regret it at all - even though the OB-X must be one of the most unreliable and unstable synths of all time, it sounds fantastic. And while you can get samples and software emulations of the OB-X, they can't capture the immediacy of having all those controls to hand on the real thing.

Oberkeim

September 8, 2009 @ 7:59 pm

OBX can do FM , VCO-Sync ,Crossmodulation and PWM for pulse and Saw ! . The filter isn't a chip. compared to OB 8 of a friend my OBX blows it away ! and you can control OBX via CV / Gate with many sequencers. OBXa and OB8 doesn't have CV / Gate , FM and Crossmodulation.

Paris Clinton

September 8, 2009 @ 7:38 pm

It was used by Killing Joke on several records like love like blood .

clusterchord

June 11, 2009 @ 9:52 pm

one of my favorite polyanalogs of all time. smooth n creamy discrete-based classic. the filter is a variant of S.E.M. design, limited to lowpass operation - sounds very similar to FVS @LP. resonance is smooth , liquid and can get extremely powerful, nearing self-oscillation when turned to the max.

comparably, its succesor OB-XA aint smooth, but one raw, angry beast (which i love too), thanks to Curtis chips. also, X output is like 10 dB hotter than XA. OBX only uses CEM3310 envelopes.

most notable albums, heavily based on OBX

Tangerine Dream "Tangram" and "Exit"
Jarre "Magnetic Fields"
Queen "Play The Game" & "Flash Gordon"
Japan "Gentlemen Take Polaroids" etc

if u get one: replace all capacitors with quality, voiceboards and PSU. replace VCO tune trimmers with hq multi-turns like bournes.

<654321>

 

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.