Published
Sat, May 14, 2022, 09:00
- The OB-X8 is a polyphonic analog synth that incorporates features of classic Oberheim synths from the '80s.
Oberheim Electronics is back in business after ceasing operations in 1985.
The legendary San Francisco-based synth maker, whose customers once included Herbie Hancock and Prince, has unveiled a new analog synth called the OB-X8. It combines the voice architecture of the OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 (previous Oberheim models from the '80s) so users can mix and match to generate new sounds. It also includes new details such as velocity sensitivity, a 61-key keyboard, 600 user presets, a variable oscillator and more.
The company's founder, Tom Oberheim, has created a few instruments under other names in previous years, but this marks the first time he's introduced a new device for Oberheim since 1985. "I felt that one day, when the time was right, Oberheim would return," he explained in a press statement. "A big part of this was the fact that so many musicians have contacted me over the years to ask how to get hold of an original Oberheim. So when I finally reacquired the Oberheim name, it was clear that the time was finally here."
The OB-X8 was on display this week at Superbooth, the electronic music instrument fair in Berlin. It's currently priced at $4,999.
Watch a video of how the instrument works.
For more information, visit the Oberheim Electronics website.