Page 2 looks like a nightmare but good news just like the old Oberheims you can access them through the control panel. Page 2 Edit Mode: Panel + Display, Display Only. Allows you to set the way Page 2 editing functions can be accessed. Panel + Display mode provides the original vintage mode of accessing page 2 parameters. It allows Page 2 editing by setting the panel switches to Page 2 mode, while also showing Page 2 functions on the display. Display Only, allows Page 2 editing through the display only, allowing the normal front panel parameters to be edited at the same time the display is used for editing Page 2 parameters.
@@StarskyCarr it does seem like not a lot of people know this.. i feel like your review would have been dramatically different with this knowledge. all the "essential" p2 params are easily accessible on the panel with this setting enabled. makes programming a breeze. i barely do any menu diving... glad for the review though!
Definitely worth it and probably one of the most fucking legendary polysynths you can get your hands and ears on. If you want el cheapo - go with Behringer!
ruclips.net/video/Hm-v_ls-5So/видео.html - If el Cheapo sounds good ..... for $1500(?) I for sure will. The Behringer Poly-D (Moog) for instance sounds fantastic as well. OP-X Pro II VST is also an excellent under $100 alternative. BTW - Inner Space was great - Enjoyed your page!
No synthesizer is worth that much, especially not a simple analog synth. This thing doesn’t do anything special and nobody can would know what you used in an actual song. It’s just for gear nerds to masturbate over, but these are supposed to be tools not hyped up collector’s items.
100% correct on the mistake by not putting buttons on the front for features you often use. Ease of use is a primary reason we love these old analog synths.
I keep coming back to your channel--love your ethos, approach, aesthetics (video editorial, physical room vibe/decor, sound, graphics, onscreen text cues) plus approachable attitude & energy. Cheers! ❤
Great review, insightful opinions, as always. Thanks in particular for spending your own hard-earned cash on this. A synth this expensive just HAS to be reviewed with one eye on how much it cost. That's exactly what regular people do. Thanks for doing the review so soon after getting the synth. Watching and listening to your reactions in more-or-less real time as you start to realize what all that money bought you ... thanks for being honest enough to share the ride with us!
Excellent review and by far my favorite new poly analog keyboard synth of the year. A friend brought over his vintage Oberheim this summer and it blew me away so much I wanted one. So today for my birthday present, I pulled the trigger! Not cheap but should be years of fun. Less than a Moog One and better sounding too!
ELO's masterpiece 'Time' relied on Oberheims, the sonics are simply peerless. So creamy and regal sounding. So glad Oberheim are back so younger synthesists can finally experience just what those greybeards were trying to describe. You can blame Roger Lynn for the policy to retain the old interfaces - Tom mentions it in his video with Dave Smith and Marcus Ryan. Just waiting for the Xpander or Matrix 12 now... (hopefully without too much strict adherence to the interface although those nostalgic VFD displays always get my vote)
Really great review! We all appreciate your analytical style and it was great to hear an honest review touching on some of the negatives of the synth UI. Not blaming anyone else, we're all caught up on how awesome it is that Tom Oberheim is making synths again.
Sounds and looks amazing. I'd say expensive rather than overpriced. Bit like a Ferrari or Lamborghini, I can't afford them either but I'm glad they exist
Midi keyboard a good vst emulsion of the OB XA is all you need, will cost you less then £200 and you will get 95% of the real thing, just make sure you have a decent PC probably cost around £400.
@@SPAZZOID100 I see your into Vinyl, that's often a tail tail sighn someone is more about hardware then software or digital. I dont have the space for Vinyl but I should start sampling them, but instead I sample old CDs, especially classical music, a gold mine of sound.
Page 2 on the OG is far worse. This is a huge upgrade. This isn't a modern synth, it's a pure love letter reissue character piece. For me it's the single best synth ever produced.
Now we are in to expensive synths you realy should try to review the Moog One. Now the 1.50 firmware has finally come out the tuning issues of before are gone and it really does allow the rest of the synth to shine and at about £5400 for the 8 voice its in the ball park of the OB-X8 but the 16 voice is still the best if you can get it.
The Moog One is quite a different beast. I can do much, much more than the X8. Still, it is a little less direct IMHO. If I had to choose only one of them, it would definitely be the Moog One 16 voice. It's really lightyears ahead in terms of versatility, and yes, it has the Eventide built in :)
Great demo of the Oberheim. Still not seeing its value yet. Definitely review the Moog One just to illustrate how underwhelming it is, I have demo'd it in great anticipation only to feel deflated. The waldorf Quantum is more than its equal and there are many great synths I personally prefer. I have a P6, Polybrute, Summit, Analog 4, OB6, ASM, Wavestate, Opsix,,, then Workstations Fantom , Montage which are not far off in price. The X8 I will consider. I havent seen a great Moog One demo on YT yet.... I am happy to stand corrected
In my opinion, despite of the shortcomings I would say yes this synth is worth every penny. I will not apologize if this comment pisses people off. As consumers we need to seriously wake up and smell the coffee beyond how much we are (personally willing ), to drop on this product. Give it time Starsky it will grow on you like a million year old barnacle, which you won't shake off . 👊🏾
Good price on the P10. It's a fabulous looking piece of kit. My mate has one. I got a P6 and OB6 years ago. No budget left now! The Prophet and OB SEM combo is fantastic for my taste and perfectly complementary.
Actually I can't believe it. It can be had in 2023 for £3699. I love the idea of ten voices. One per finger. Like the intended original single manual Prophet-10 in 1978 but in tune!
Great review, love to hear your informed thoughts, as always, Starsky. And yes, please do a comparison with the OB6. I absolutely love mine and can't imagine, frankly, needing this one as well. Cheers from SoCal.
It's a great sounding piece of kit, just really expensive here, 7K, price of a nice second hand car or 3 of my good synths. I can see people buying this though, it will bring joy to many, Tom n co did a great job imo. I really do hope Dave knew what he was helping Tom with, his legacy will never be forgotten.
@@HOLLASOUNDS Never tried this before. Just gave Obsession a try and played around with it for half an hour. Hm, sounds like ... a virtual synth, very close to DUNE. Not bad, but also not the real thing. Holding long notes.. sounds sterile, the detuning is very artificial and static, and the filters are nowhere near the OB-X8. What I found surprising is that the presets do not even *try* to simulate any vintage sounds; prolly because that's simply not possible? My old REV2-16 comes much closer to the OB-X8, and it sells for only $2000. You should consider this. The OB-X8 is too expensive for what it delivers, I agree.
NGL Starsky, it sounds juicy - nice demos in the end!. But personally I'm a bigger fan of the Prophet sound, I find it more gentle and easier to fit in a mix.
I got the opportunity to play the OB-X8 at the Sequential hang-out at Synthplex 2022. It is an amazing synth. The Obie sound is the main attraction of course, and if you desire that Obie flavor then this synth should definitely be considered. However, due to price and weight (it is VERY heavy) this would be better as a studio piece rather than a touring board. I got to meet Tom Oberheim too, of course he is cool.
I'm never going to buy this but I'm glad it exists. You want "the Oberheim sound" from Oberheim without the headache of vintage repairs, you buy this. I will say the menu diving stuff really does turn me off, and if you're going to do that a bigger screen would be nice, you know, for $4000
Totally agree. Page 2 is like one giant shift function with a tiny screen. Granted the originals had Page 2 but without the screen so this is an improvement, but why not just add a few of the buttons and knobs so you don’t have a Page 2 that’s literally 41 settings long that you have to twiddle a knob to get through and adjust. If this came in at $3899 and fixed some of those issues with more knobs and buttons then I would have been all over it. The sound is fantastic but it’s just not quite doing it for me.
@@sd67b So let me ask this question. If we didn't have page 2 would a bunch of cluttered knobs and buttons be more appropriate. Because for the extent of the extra functionality I can't see a better plan.
Nice review, I appreciate the honest look. Looking forward to the comparison with the OB-6...I always considered the OB-6 to be really top-quality sound
Well done as always, brother. You raise a handful of legitimate points, and I totally agree with the frustrations re: useful/crucial stuff being on P2. It would not have taken away from the vintage interface one bit to add those things to the spacious front panel. That aside, the raw tone of this thing just feels head and shoulders above any other “OB attempt.” I’ll know for sure when mine comes on Monday! ;-)
Page 2 Edit Mode: Panel + Display, Display Only. Allows you to set the way Page 2 editing functions can be accessed. Panel + Display mode provides the original vintage mode of accessing page 2 parameters. It allows Page 2 editing by setting the panel switches to Page 2 mode, while also showing Page 2 functions on the display. Display Only, allows Page 2 editing through the display only, allowing the normal front panel parameters to be edited at the same time the display is used for editing Page 2 parameters.
I’m sure there will be an editor available in the near future to reduce the need for page 2 menu diving. And of course some firmware updates too. Love that empress reverb by the way!
@@nilsvanderplancken I love dropping thousands of dollars to keep the OBXa running. I'm no fool, I have had it a long time and know what I am dealing with.
@@nilsvanderplancken in the same vein, until a few years ago you couldn't get oscillators for an OBXa unless you pulled one out of a dead unit. I actually remember multiple times over the years looking for actual complete voice boards to have as spares. Its tiring to deal with it.
The Oberheim UIs have always been somewhat whimsical or, to put it more mildly, individualistic, particularly compared to the clear layout of Jupiters and Junos. But their sound is unsurpassed. I ❤️ the OB-X8 and will order it as soon as I can afford.
You’re right.. I knew I’d get flack for this and as you say the UI isn’t perfect. I just wish they’d have made a couple more compromises on the vintage aesthetic
@@StarskyCarr I agree; your suggestions are absolutely reasonable - and wouldn’t decrease the sound quality. As it is, it’s a synth for purists with some page 2 concessions to today’s sound designers.
While I applaud Oberheim releasing the OB-X8, I don't see any justification for the price. More than half of the unit on the inside is empty space! There is very little truly discrete analog circuitry inside unlike the originals. So they're using modern day tech at vintage pricing and without modern day features (more voices, 3 oscillators or at least sub oscillators, more LFOs, effects, panning that doesn't eat up polyphony etc.). What made the Oberheim sound so compelling was nothing produced such lush synth strings and pads etc. like the Oberheims back in the day. Today MANY synths can produce those kinds of sounds without breaking a sweat. I respect Moog more because their reissues are the real deal (handmade, discrete, authentic).
I tried but either it’s really stiff or there are some screws in the bottom that need to be removed. It wasn’t as simple as opening the top panel (if I was definitely keeping it I’d try harder!)
Yes it is. There's a photo on the net somewhere. One small board in the centre (actually smaller than my prophet 10 I think as that has the 2 stacked boards of course).
The celestial type patch around 41:52 is what makes me love Oberheims and the reason I wanted an (unobtainable ) Matrix 12 for the longest time. I guess I better start saving my pennies.
Glad I have an OB6. I believe the OB6 is good enough that I don't need one of these. Helps a ton with the GAS I may have had. Two less voices but I'm not that much of a keyboard player, it's not going to affect me anyway.
@@fjfrancois Matrix 6/1000 is a different beast, appels and oranges. I do love the gentleness, softness, and sadness(in a good way) in the sound of my matrix1000. The stability of the CEM3394 DCO's translates in a more "perfect" sounding patch. A category on it's own. I will keep repairing mine and never sell it.
As someone who spent their life in DAW/software land and started branching into hardware finally, I've really wrestled with this. It is a dream to own something like this for me, and I was real close to pre-ordering, but I ended up with a Sequential Take 5, a Malevolent from PWM, an 808 clone, a new audio interface, a powered eurorack case and some utility modules (to accompany the moog semi-modulars I already owned) and it's still a couple thousand less in Canadian dollars. I still want it, but it's hard to understand gear like this sensibly when you're on a budget and trying to make the most of the dollars you have when chasing both the best sound and things that will spark creativity. I don't know where I'm going with this ramble, but I suspect there are a few people out there who were or are really torn on what is a hard decision - this thing has had a spell on me since it was announced, but is that sound worth trading all this other kit for? I really don't know. I wish I lived closer to a vendor who carried all of these things so I could spend more time with them before making decisions.
What you have will give you more scope, you will be able to do more things than just with 1 synth, especially if you do live stuff with more than 1 synth. This would buy me 4 really good synths, 3 that I already own and about to get the 4th. If I had a studio that required a specific sound and was geared towards a business, I would not hesitate buying one.
@@a_w_young buyer's remorse is what leads to GAS. You will never be happy forever searching for better, when you have best as it is in front of you and screams to be used. Nothing wrong with an argument with yourself, it's how you get a counter balance.
Surprisingly, I preferred the fx off version in almost all cases. Maybe it's the 2-pole filters that roll off like reverbs (+ panning, + detune:) that make it sound so large.
You're not the only one. It seems to sound fuller, richer and clearer without them in most cases. I guess that helps it sit Cleary in a mix without any muddying.
Sounds incredible and if you really WANT it then why not? For me, the P6 and OB6 combo covers all the analog territory I will ever need. I would have to sell both of them to buy this! 😄
The sound of this synth is absolutely fantastic, certainly one of the best sounding analog poly-synths ever made. But as mentioned in this video, I also wishes the user interface was more like a SEM or OB-6. A 41 point menu Reminds me of the 90s. Not too long ago Tom Oberheim made new versions of some of his old SEM synths with buttons per function and a patch panel for modulation and no menus. In terms of user experience and real-time performance, the way the SEM user interface is designed is a much better idea. Besides that, am I the only one who wants a synth like the new Oberheim OB-X8 in this price range to be delivered with polyphonic aftertouch?
The first synth I bought was a used OB-8. Me and my friend had no idea what we were buying. We wanted to get a synth and we visited someone who was selling several synths privately.... We had no idea if the price was ok, but the seller was a really nice guy and we LOVED that thing. It was huge and heavy (the hardware as well as the sound :). This was 1996 and that thing has still a place in my heart (my friend still has it and I'm sure he won't give it away)... we paid around 1300 dollars. No need to say it was a steal... But I don't think I would ever pay that much for a synth again. The software is just too good nowadays... The Arturia OB-Xa is pretty nice - far away from the sound of this one - but not as far away as the price difference of almost 5k would suggest. It's freakin' 5k!
I fucking love this synth for everything that it is... 3 (technically 4) classic OB's! This is a collaboration between Oberheim & Dave Smith & completed right before he passed on to the next level 🙏 A gift from the synth GODS... Plus it's reliable! What's not to love??
@@AdamBorseti the LFO 2 rate LED never lit up and the power did something odd after leaving it for a while - it took a few key presses before it would spring into life - like it was asleep.
@@StarskyCarr Ah, yeah it sounds like you must have got a lemon. I'm glad it was replaced though! I've had mine for few days and I'm madly in love with it. Of course, I don't have as much time as I'd like to play it with this being the busy season at work, but hey, that's how I was able to afford it in the first place lol! Did they replace it for free? I assume Oberheim took care of you.
Great demo, to be honest never really understood the fascination some have with the “ oberhiem sound” but you did a good enough job I think I almost get it now! Undoubtedly an awesome & powerful synth, so glad they made it👏, I don’t like the retro-form factor or chunky old style controls etc either , but I’m not it’s target audience. On that subject, yes it’s a massive amount of money (& I’ll never probably even get to play one, let alone buy one...) but so what? I don’t get the angst some have on the price, I can’t afford a supercar either - but doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy knowing they exist when I see one.
@@StarskyCarr I know it wasn't intentional but it was really an authentic part of your review to see your genuine conflict.. it does sound awesome. In know you dont need my advice but & my 2cents is , unlike myself, you're a musical professional & you can justify it as you can get value out of ( for me it would be a rarely used expensive toy, & id better better off buying my wife a better car if i had that money) - so I suspect that's what's really playing on your mind 2-3 other great, first rate better featured synths you could get for same money) 😒 . I personally would see better value in that...does sound good though.
Can you do a side by side comparison of the new GForce OB-X VST officially endorsed by Oberheim vs the OB-X8 keyboard? I think that is the comparison a lot of people are waiting to see. Ideally, matching the best of the OB-X8 presets, many of which came from the OB-X, Xa & 8.
I'm not a huge fan of menu diving on synths (and love the Two Voice Pro being one knob per function), but let's face it there's heaps on most modern poly synths. I think the resulting sounds speak for themselves, this is an amazingly beautiful sounding synthesizer.
Compared the X8 side by side to my OB-6 and felt totally underwhelmed by it. Much prefer the OB-6 and Prophet Rev 4. @starskycarr did you keep it then after all?
i would like to see the pcb, questionable whether tom used the essentials from early again, he stopped before the matrix series. it's all about the oberheim sound and certain passive components in the filter :) quality is certainly also an issue, unfortunately it is manufactured by the ex-dsi suppliers. it remains to be hoped that focusrite has spoken a word of power to stop the terrible quality control. whether the synth is worth 5k, rather not if other manufacturers can offer the same with 16 voices for 1.5k.
I am affriad it will contain less components than your average 100€ PC mainboard and it will be hard to service it into the hands of future generations. On the other hand I built quite a few SEM clones myself using all hand selected CAPS, carbon resistors, NOS FET's and all the magic mojo, but still the robot assembled Oberheim SEM pro sounds a tiny bit better. Don't underestimate Tom Oberheim's influence in getting things sound right by design...
The OB-X8 pledges to be a recreation of the old synths. If that's what you're after, then go for it! I agree, it be nice to have more knobs for less menu diving, which if you've messed with synths like the Jupiter-Xm, it can be messy! I'd love it if the OB-X8 had its own physical characteristics while still honoring the old legends ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Your comments on the OB-X8 reminds me of my criticism of the Prophet 5/10. I still cannot figure out why they wouldn't have added just some 'modern' features. They claimed that they were trying to 'keep it like the original' but then managed to add a bunch of bloat to it like layer/split (which is nice, but the way it saves these patches is weird, like it is done on the Chroma polaris where the second patch is only referenced, not saved within the original patch). So they actually went against themselves to add these features that I suppose were suggested by others, and then refused to add features I thought would have been nice: 1) Retain manual mode status. I want to just have it WYSIWYG, like the originals. Throw it in manual mode and keep it there when shut off. I also asked if they could make it remember your button settings when you switch out of manual mode and back into it, but they said that was impossible. 2) Octave transpose. This could still be easily implemented. Hold 'keyboard' button and then +/- buttons right underneath. Doubt that's coming. They could move the current 'long-press' keyboard button elsewhere, as there's another keyboard button elsewhere, in the upper right hand corner. 3) Arpeggiator. Would it have really killed them to have a simple arpeggiator on board? Yes, apparently. 4) Stereo outputs. Would have been nice, and it's my least important missing feature, I can just throw it into some pedals, but I love having stereo panning and I feel like they missed the opportunity here, but oh well. Anyway, it feels like these two synths share similarities in our frustrations...
I even ditched my Prophet 6 for the same reasons. It was just too limited, and the on-board effects were kinda pants. The sounds were a bit too stuck in the past, and the timbre / filters didn't sit quite right with me. Although at least here the tones are undeniably lush. I got so much more out of a combination of a great value Roland JX-3P for simple classic analog polysynth patches, and a Peak for gnarlier or more complex sound programming. There's still a small handful of vintage synths that are good value compared to these limited modern polys, the JX-3P (modded) + programmer, the Prophet 600 Gligli, Ensoniq SQ-80. I'd prefer any one of those + MKS-80, to this OB-X8, much funkier.
I finally got an OB-X8 and loving every bit of it. It replaces my UB-Xa which didn't quite live up to my expectations (but still a fantastic value for money, provided you don't put it next to an OB-X8). I just noticed that in this video, the second LFO LED wasn't flashing in the levers section on your OB-X8, was it defective? Also, how do you like the Synth Overlays blue stripe on it, was it easy to install? Anyway, thanks for convincing me to get an OB-X8.
Yeah that one was defective (don’t mention QC from major synth brands to anyone 😂😂) the LFO 2 LED wasn’t working. I like the overlay … nice to have the late 2 functions listed as well. It’s a bit of a pain to set up as you need to get a permanent marker to colour the white edges so they’re not visible. A tedious 30 mins but after that you’re good to go. The performance section has bowed a bit - I guess because it’s small so no weight to hold it down. The main bit is great - just don’t push the knobs all the way down or they’ll have too much resistance as they’ll touch the overlay - it’s a mm or 2 thick.
@@StarskyCarr Thanks for the informative reply! Much appreciated. Those overlays aren't exactly inexpensive, you'd think they would have used black plastic instead of white? BTW, all of the LEDs on my OB-X8 have varying brightness, very uneven. I was expecting better on a synth at this price point. But don't mention that on social media either... 🙄😂
I've been lusting after old Oberheims for a long time, and loved my Matrix-6R for its sound. But... if I had this kind of money to spend on synths I don't think I could justify putting it on the short-list. Can't wait for the inevitable Uli vs. Oberheim comparison, once the UB (finally!) releases.
This will be slightly embarrassing for Oberheim as everyone will see that you can build an absolutely identical sounding instrument for a fraction of the money that a used Ob-Xa costs or a new one. Credit where credit is due, but re-launching old ideas over and over again is rather bad from an electrotechnical engineer's point of view and not at all innovative. Greetings from Germany
@@mareikemacinnes7764 it's not about a trademark. They announced it full of bravado FIVE years ago and there is no evidence of it being ready, apart from a prototype that was revealed ages ago. I have simply lost faith. I don't think they're getting it right, hence it's sort of disappeared. So yea I'll take that bet
Hey Starsky - Super, super, super helpful. Overpriced 😱 and too much menu-diving , has it out-Rolanded Roland's love of nested menus? No Jupiter X for me! Page 2 fudge notwithstanding. Re the 'missing' buttons on the panel - I often think of doing a 'bad synth design decisions' video (I've had a go at the JD-08) but would rather not be negative and it shouldn't be necessary if reviewers are doing an honest job so kudos there 👍 Look forward to your OB comparison - seems a more useful and sensibl;e option 😊
Great review. Love the sound. And agree there’s room for improvement (page 2 / more buttons). But I believe the nostalgic nod to the original layout is more important to the target market. Also when it comes to menu diving I think the Jupiter X/Xm are far worse (offering of course far more possibilities at half the price). Yes, this instrument doesn’t seem to make sense in 2022. But the mojo, vibe and sound are doing it for me. Also this is time traveling.
I had to make the same decision with the Prophet X. Great sound, terrible UI. Too much menu diving and too many frustrating inconsistencies. I really wanted it to be better. Had to send it back. I think I would end up doing the same with the OB-XA. A hardware synth this expensive has to be a joy to use.
That's exactly why I'm contemplating getting a second OB6 Desktop module and using it in Poly Chain mode (one master and one slave) in order to get a 12 voice sweet sounding Oberheim. And that would still cost less than an OBX8.
Menu diving is an issue now on a lot of synths even the Moog One and Waldorf new synths. I considered the mini Moog Model D reissue but Oberheim sound is what I need in my studio and I already have a Moog Sub 37 and vintage Oberheim synths cost a fortune!
@Starsky Carr As ever, great video, big fan. Wanted to mention that you’re supposed to have a rate LED light for lfo 2 and the arpeggiator in the lever box. Looks like yours isn’t working.
@@StarskyCarr Gotcha. Also noticed during the video, that all of the lights went out in double mode at one point, and in other parts were on. Something is definitely wrong with that synth!
Since I only ever played the original OB8, Saw and Pulse is to bei selected simultanously to listen the difference in modulation. When Saw and Pulse is pressed the same time, Saw is modulated instead of Pulse. Alpha Juno offers a cheap sounding variant of that Saw modulation but the principle is the same. I don't know If present OB engineers included that often overlooked feature.
Great Review! I'd like to weigh in with a comment on Design & Cost. I Agree with All Your Comments Re: The Menu Diving. I "think" the reason they do/did it is, ultimately, Sales - the pressure to be "Nostalgic" is SOOoooo Great - and they saw how well the P5/P10 sold by Not Deviating from the Original Design. I personally think (and many may not agree) that it's (mostly) the SOUND that matters, and that the synth doesn't have to look 98% like the Vintage Version. I think they could have kept all the Cues of the Original OBX (Colour, Knob Style, etc), but then featured smaller knobs/buttons to handle at least some of the New/Secondary Functions, so that one wouldn't need to menu dive so much. Because at the end of the day, too much Menu Diving (frankly) wastes people's time and screws up your flow : ) The OBX is a sparse synth to begin with, so I agree that there was maybe "something in the middle" here - where it would have looked like an OBX in every respect, but provided a bit more "one function per knob," which is something many of us love about old synths. ****** RE: Cost. My guess is that the Raw Cost of the OB-X8 is roughly $1500 + Retail Markup of 25-30%??? After all, it's big, it's assembled in the US, there are 16 Analog Filter Chips in it (8 are Curtis), 8 Analog VCA Chips in it, plus Analog Osc Chips, etc. An Analog Synth costs a LOT more to make than a Digital Synth. I believe an OBX was North of $6000 in 1980. It's less today, which is a miracle, and probably a part of why we're having so many problems the world : ) (Pl don't come back at me with Tech Efficiencies. I get it. : ) It's kinda simple, if you want to pay people properly, and you don't want to make everything in China, then you gotta pay more for the synth (of which the OB-X8 is probably better made, and certainly has a better keyboard), so while you may not agree with what you get for $5K (the Value), I think the Price is actually fair for what it is. If not, the P6 and the OB6 are great alternatives. Happy Synthing!
I really do get all of that. I just think a couple of extra buttons for the new functions wouldn’t change the vintage work flow - all the old stuff is still the same. The Prophet rev4 has a new detune knob and vintage knob and a Rev selection button. so that sticks with the original workflow but adds a couple of things that are new but not in a menu. The ‘is it worth the money?’ question is wrapped up in the whole sound vs UI vs usefulness vs space vs alternatives. Its worth is an individual perspective. The cost is another thing. It costs £4.7k no matter what, but it’s worth it to some, not to others.
@@StarskyCarr Re: The Design. Absolutely, I'm basically agreeing with you. : ) Re: the Price. It's just a personal thing when people don't differentiate between Price as far as Value is concerned and Price as far as it relates to the "Cost" of the item. A lot of people just start complaining about the price, as if to suggest that the price is unfair relative to the cost, or that they're somehow being ripped off. From a Value standpoint, I 100% agree with you. Space, how much one is prepared or wants to spend, what else they have, are big considerations when you're talking about spending $5000.
I felt bad after saying that! But… there’s only so many times you can walk into the same room and hear it over and over. Not their fault they’re old. … not my fault I’m getting older either! 👴
Here's a question for anyone who understands synths more than I do. Would you (your personal opinion being asked for here) sell a Moog Voyager XL in order to buy up to this synth?
Personally no, but that's because I love the Voyager, and even bought the VX 351 module to play along with moogerfoogers. So much experimentation and fun to be had there... but if you've done all you want with it then something new always brings added inspiration.
@@StarskyCarr there was that disastrous Andertons demo then came a rebuttal vid from a Behringer beta tester which sounded better but that was months ago and since then...nothing, though I've read that there is a chip shortage due to the supply chain being f*cked thanks to the globalists' attempt to implement The Great Reset..
@@StarskyCarr great review mate and honesty rather than gushing , what an amazing synth with a truly terrible menu design imo - one encoder is just not enough for the mileage it will do - like you i reckon they have stuck with OG design principles quite a bit too much - what a synth though :-)`
It’s sad to see all these synths that sound amazing but then the user interface is almost an afterthought. Or in this case intentionally underdesigned for the sake of nostalgic familiarity. No one but Arturia seems to consider UI worthy of innovation and thoughtfulness.
What happens when you activate BOTH waveform buttons? is it even possible? And if yes: What is the result? A mix of SAW and PULSE? Or a mix of all THREE waveforms (including the TRIANGLE)?
@@StarskyCarr Thanks! 🙂 The "no buttons" result was already mentioned at 8:46 and it's actually written on the panel as well. But still thanks for adding that info here again for clarity. 👍
How does the sound compare to the prophet 10 ? The main reason I’m not getting this is because the Prophet 10 is the nicest sounding synth I’ve ever heard and I think it would be over kill. Yes I know you’re going to say they’re two different types of sound but, as great as this sounds I’m not as blown away as I was when I heard first demos of the prophet 5. I mean as soon as I heard the Prophet I had that thing where I must have it no matter what, whereas this one isn’t moving me as much, not that it’s not awesome, maybe it’s because I’ve already got the Prophet 10. Anyway enough blurb please let me know or anyone else who can be bothered to reply, what your opinions are?
The Prophet 10 is the best sounding synth of all time. I was fortunate to have owned both versions of the original 5, and always wondered why on earth I sold them. Low and behold in 2021 one could buy something that was even better than what was around in 1990. Who would have guessed? The thing is, the Oberheim guys are probably saying the same thing. I never knew anyone at the time who preferred an OB/X/A to a Prophet 5. Actually they were quite rare. I only ever saw one come up for sale in the ten years I was interested 1990-2000. And LOOT was pretty good for synths in the day.
I have the Synapse Audio Obsession VST an emulsion of the OB-Xa and literally sounds identical and RRP is £85 but I got on sale for £42 hundreds of presets including all the classics from the original device.
@HOLLA SOUNDS Bro, if you're not shilling for Synapse, then they definitely need to put you on their payroll. You're working over time. You're pushing this software all over the comments. If people merely want imitative code, they already know the options. Does Synapse provide a good dental plan?
People forget this. A dollar in the 80's is equivalent to around 3.6 times that now. So a $5000 (AU) synth eg an OBXa then would cost over $18,000 today. (AU) The OBX8 today here in Australia costs around $7800 which means back then it would have only cost $2,100. Which is cheap compared to 5 grand then. So the answer to this question is yes it is worth it, in fact it is cheap.
Wow.. big bucks for a monosynth… but there so much in that question. For a boutique product assembled and designed in the US .. there’s a ton of politics involved. Do we pay more for western labour or are we OK to pay Chinese salaries. Everyone needs a job no matter which side of the world we live… it’s more expensive to live in the US… you need to pay more or give liveable wages etc. technology marches on - things can be made cheaper - stuff made using 70’s tech will cost more.. in the end it’s up to the buyer to decide whether it’s worth it. They can probably only make so many.. and there’s probably a very limited market. People pay small fortunes for artisan stuff - and I guess the Minimoog falls into that category.
@@StarskyCarrjust wanted to say thanks for your thoughtful responses. Big fan of your channel and am a Patreon supporter. You seem like a very reasonable and talented lad!
You bring up a good point about old keyboard paradigms vs modern ones... with the OBX-8 I don't think they needed to be so conscious of it looking and acting like an old OBX... I feel a little differently about the Prophet 5 REV4 as the look and feel is a big part of it (though I would have loved FX and panned voices!)... I'm holding out on the OBX-8 for the time being... hoping some of this tech filters down to other models with added features like FX and extra knobs and buttons for things like direct osc mixing. But wow... its a wonderful sounding bit of gear... your intro tune was great btw!
Page 2 looks like a nightmare but good news just like the old Oberheims you can access them through the control panel.
Page 2 Edit Mode: Panel + Display, Display Only. Allows you to set
the way Page 2 editing functions can be accessed. Panel + Display mode
provides the original vintage mode of accessing page 2 parameters. It
allows Page 2 editing by setting the panel switches to Page 2 mode,
while also showing Page 2 functions on the display. Display Only, allows
Page 2 editing through the display only, allowing the normal front panel
parameters to be edited at the same time the display is used for editing
Page 2 parameters.
Thanks that’s v useful info … pinned 😀
@@StarskyCarr No problem. Thanks for the content.
@@StarskyCarr it does seem like not a lot of people know this.. i feel like your review would have been dramatically different with this knowledge. all the "essential" p2 params are easily accessible on the panel with this setting enabled. makes programming a breeze. i barely do any menu diving... glad for the review though!
@@skeen0076 U.K. making a vs with the OB6 so will update stuff as I learn.
@@StarskyCarr awesome, was thinking about getting the ob6 also but probably overkill.
Definitely worth it and probably one of the most fucking legendary polysynths you can get your hands and ears on. If you want el cheapo - go with Behringer!
ruclips.net/video/Hm-v_ls-5So/видео.html - If el Cheapo sounds good ..... for $1500(?) I for sure will. The Behringer Poly-D (Moog) for instance sounds fantastic as well. OP-X Pro II VST is also an excellent under $100 alternative. BTW - Inner Space was great - Enjoyed your page!
No synthesizer is worth that much, especially not a simple analog synth. This thing doesn’t do anything special and nobody can would know what you used in an actual song. It’s just for gear nerds to masturbate over, but these are supposed to be tools not hyped up collector’s items.
@@auralplex The Prophet rev4 is completely worth it. Is simple but so well thought out and nothing sounds as nice, imo.
@@auralplexThis would have cost $12,000 in 1982 dollars.
100% correct on the mistake by not putting buttons on the front for features you often use. Ease of use is a primary reason we love these old analog synths.
I keep coming back to your channel--love your ethos, approach, aesthetics (video editorial, physical room vibe/decor, sound, graphics, onscreen text cues) plus approachable attitude & energy. Cheers! ❤
Ditto!
Great review, insightful opinions, as always. Thanks in particular for spending your own hard-earned cash on this. A synth this expensive just HAS to be reviewed with one eye on how much it cost. That's exactly what regular people do. Thanks for doing the review so soon after getting the synth. Watching and listening to your reactions in more-or-less real time as you start to realize what all that money bought you ... thanks for being honest enough to share the ride with us!
It is easily one of the most instantly gratifying instruments I have ever played. It sounds incredible and is instantly usable.
Excellent review and by far my favorite new poly analog keyboard synth of the year. A friend brought over his vintage Oberheim this summer and it blew me away so much I wanted one. So today for my birthday present, I pulled the trigger! Not cheap but should be years of fun. Less than a Moog One and better sounding too!
ELO's masterpiece 'Time' relied on Oberheims, the sonics are simply peerless. So creamy and regal sounding. So glad Oberheim are back so younger synthesists can finally experience just what those greybeards were trying to describe. You can blame Roger Lynn for the policy to retain the old interfaces - Tom mentions it in his video with Dave Smith and Marcus Ryan. Just waiting for the Xpander or Matrix 12 now... (hopefully without too much strict adherence to the interface although those nostalgic VFD displays always get my vote)
sounds absolutely lush but i cant even afford the electricity to run it these days.
for the price of this synth you could buy a full solar panel array or a heat pump installation...just got figure out how to play them
🤣
@@enochroot9438 but you will never play a real Oberheim keyboard xD
in life there are many pleasures and concerns xD
Buy the Synapse audio Obsession vst which is a very good emulsion of the OB XA.
Obsession VST £85 OB XA emulsion.
Really great review! We all appreciate your analytical style and it was great to hear an honest review touching on some of the negatives of the synth UI. Not blaming anyone else, we're all caught up on how awesome it is that Tom Oberheim is making synths again.
MR Vulture Culture 😀
Sounds and looks amazing. I'd say expensive rather than overpriced. Bit like a Ferrari or Lamborghini, I can't afford them either but I'm glad they exist
Midi keyboard a good vst emulsion of the OB XA is all you need, will cost you less then £200 and you will get 95% of the real thing, just make sure you have a decent PC probably cost around £400.
@@HOLLASOUNDShardware for me.
@@SPAZZOID100 I see your into Vinyl, that's often a tail tail sighn someone is more about hardware then software or digital. I dont have the space for Vinyl but I should start sampling them, but instead I sample old CDs, especially classical music, a gold mine of sound.
Totally love your comparison videos. For those of us who like synths but can’t afford lots, it really helps. Thank again. ❤️
This thing sounds so undeniably beautiful, especially on pads. But I have a feeling "Page 2" is going to become a meme.
Page 2 on the OG is far worse. This is a huge upgrade. This isn't a modern synth, it's a pure love letter reissue character piece. For me it's the single best synth ever produced.
Now we are in to expensive synths you realy should try to review the Moog One. Now the 1.50 firmware has finally come out the tuning issues of before are gone and it really does allow the rest of the synth to shine and at about £5400 for the 8 voice its in the ball park of the OB-X8 but the 16 voice is still the best if you can get it.
Can’t get them all! Haha. But if anyone is up for sending one on loan. I’ll ask Moog!
The Moog One is quite a different beast. I can do much, much more than the X8. Still, it is a little less direct IMHO. If I had to choose only one of them, it would definitely be the Moog One 16 voice. It's really lightyears ahead in terms of versatility, and yes, it has the Eventide built in :)
@@MFASonic I'm hoping to get one here soon!
Yes, One is the One
Great demo of the Oberheim. Still not seeing its value yet. Definitely review the Moog One just to illustrate how underwhelming it is, I have demo'd it in great anticipation only to feel deflated. The waldorf Quantum is more than its equal and there are many great synths I personally prefer. I have a P6, Polybrute, Summit, Analog 4, OB6, ASM, Wavestate, Opsix,,, then Workstations Fantom , Montage which are not far off in price. The X8 I will consider. I havent seen a great Moog One demo on YT yet.... I am happy to stand corrected
In my opinion, despite of the shortcomings I would say yes this synth is worth every penny. I will not apologize if this comment pisses people off. As consumers we need to seriously wake up and smell the coffee beyond how much we are (personally willing ), to drop on this product.
Give it time Starsky it will grow on you like a million year old barnacle, which you won't shake off . 👊🏾
Unfortunately I think you're right!
Great review again. I was lucky enough to pay £1300 for a second hand OB6 desktop and bought a new P10 for £3600. You review has just saved me £4700 😂
Good price on the P10. It's a fabulous looking piece of kit. My mate has one. I got a P6 and OB6 years ago. No budget left now! The Prophet and OB SEM combo is fantastic for my taste and perfectly complementary.
Actually I can't believe it. It can be had in 2023 for £3699. I love the idea of ten voices. One per finger. Like the intended original single manual Prophet-10 in 1978 but in tune!
Great review, love to hear your informed thoughts, as always, Starsky. And yes, please do a comparison with the OB6. I absolutely love mine and can't imagine, frankly, needing this one as well. Cheers from SoCal.
It's a great sounding piece of kit, just really expensive here, 7K, price of a nice second hand car or 3 of my good synths.
I can see people buying this though, it will bring joy to many, Tom n co did a great job imo.
I really do hope Dave knew what he was helping Tom with, his legacy will never be forgotten.
its only half a jupiter 6
I'll make do with My VST emulsion of the OB Xa £85.
@@HOLLASOUNDS No, definitely not. I tried all emulations, and even the ones that actually carry the original Tom Oberheim signature... no way.
@@MFASonic Really well Synapse audio Obsession sounds great and I got it half price £42. Made music with it straight away excellent presets.
@@HOLLASOUNDS Never tried this before. Just gave Obsession a try and played around with it for half an hour. Hm, sounds like ... a virtual synth, very close to DUNE. Not bad, but also not the real thing. Holding long notes.. sounds sterile, the detuning is very artificial and static, and the filters are nowhere near the OB-X8. What I found surprising is that the presets do not even *try* to simulate any vintage sounds; prolly because that's simply not possible?
My old REV2-16 comes much closer to the OB-X8, and it sells for only $2000. You should consider this. The OB-X8 is too expensive for what it delivers, I agree.
NGL Starsky, it sounds juicy - nice demos in the end!. But personally I'm a bigger fan of the Prophet sound, I find it more gentle and easier to fit in a mix.
I got the opportunity to play the OB-X8 at the Sequential hang-out at Synthplex 2022. It is an amazing synth. The Obie sound is the main attraction of course, and if you desire that Obie flavor then this synth should definitely be considered. However, due to price and weight (it is VERY heavy) this would be better as a studio piece rather than a touring board. I got to meet Tom Oberheim too, of course he is cool.
I'm never going to buy this but I'm glad it exists. You want "the Oberheim sound" from Oberheim without the headache of vintage repairs, you buy this. I will say the menu diving stuff really does turn me off, and if you're going to do that a bigger screen would be nice, you know, for $4000
Totally agree. Page 2 is like one giant shift function with a tiny screen. Granted the originals had Page 2 but without the screen so this is an improvement, but why not just add a few of the buttons and knobs so you don’t have a Page 2 that’s literally 41 settings long that you have to twiddle a knob to get through and adjust. If this came in at $3899 and fixed some of those issues with more knobs and buttons then I would have been all over it. The sound is fantastic but it’s just not quite doing it for me.
Agree
@@sd67b So let me ask this question. If we didn't have page 2 would a bunch of cluttered knobs and buttons be more appropriate. Because for the extent of the extra functionality I can't see a better plan.
@@eventualinfinity3862 Most of the crucial parameters are on the front panel.
Nice review, I appreciate the honest look. Looking forward to the comparison with the OB-6...I always considered the OB-6 to be really top-quality sound
Well done as always, brother. You raise a handful of legitimate points, and I totally agree with the frustrations re: useful/crucial stuff being on P2. It would not have taken away from the vintage interface one bit to add those things to the spacious front panel. That aside, the raw tone of this thing just feels head and shoulders above any other “OB attempt.” I’ll know for sure when mine comes on Monday! ;-)
Page 2 Edit Mode: Panel + Display, Display Only. Allows you to set
the way Page 2 editing functions can be accessed. Panel + Display mode
provides the original vintage mode of accessing page 2 parameters. It
allows Page 2 editing by setting the panel switches to Page 2 mode,
while also showing Page 2 functions on the display. Display Only, allows
Page 2 editing through the display only, allowing the normal front panel
parameters to be edited at the same time the display is used for editing
Page 2 parameters.
@@bryceheffinger8895 thanks much!
I’m sure there will be an editor available in the near future to reduce the need for page 2 menu diving. And of course some firmware updates too. Love that empress reverb by the way!
I am really glad they did this. I may even let my OBXa go for one! I just wish they would have went with the stripes of the Xa and 8!
@@nilsvanderplancken I love dropping thousands of dollars to keep the OBXa running. I'm no fool, I have had it a long time and know what I am dealing with.
@@nilsvanderplancken incorrect.
@@SPAZZOID100 you can't deny how small the boards are inside. They are not made to be repaired.
@@nilsvanderplancken in the same vein, until a few years ago you couldn't get oscillators for an OBXa unless you pulled one out of a dead unit. I actually remember multiple times over the years looking for actual complete voice boards to have as spares. Its tiring to deal with it.
hit me up, Ill take your Xa!
15:57 Hi. Are you sure about the filter types? On another video someone says the red light is Xa and both Xa4.
Thanks for all the work.
The Oberheim UIs have always been somewhat whimsical or, to put it more mildly, individualistic, particularly compared to the clear layout of Jupiters and Junos. But their sound is unsurpassed. I ❤️ the OB-X8 and will order it as soon as I can afford.
You’re right.. I knew I’d get flack for this and as you say the UI isn’t perfect. I just wish they’d have made a couple more compromises on the vintage aesthetic
@@StarskyCarr I agree; your suggestions are absolutely reasonable - and wouldn’t decrease the sound quality. As it is, it’s a synth for purists with some page 2 concessions to today’s sound designers.
While I applaud Oberheim releasing the OB-X8, I don't see any justification for the price. More than half of the unit on the inside is empty space! There is very little truly discrete analog circuitry inside unlike the originals. So they're using modern day tech at vintage pricing and without modern day features (more voices, 3 oscillators or at least sub oscillators, more LFOs, effects, panning that doesn't eat up polyphony etc.). What made the Oberheim sound so compelling was nothing produced such lush synth strings and pads etc. like the Oberheims back in the day. Today MANY synths can produce those kinds of sounds without breaking a sweat. I respect Moog more because their reissues are the real deal (handmade, discrete, authentic).
Sounds so good. I wonder if the circuit board inside is tiny inside like the Prophet 5/10. Did you get a look inside?
I tried but either it’s really stiff or there are some screws in the bottom that need to be removed. It wasn’t as simple as opening the top panel (if I was definitely keeping it I’d try harder!)
Yes it is. There's a photo on the net somewhere. One small board in the centre (actually smaller than my prophet 10 I think as that has the 2 stacked boards of course).
@@SpacehotelMusic yeah someone has opened theirs, there is 2 PCBs, a smaller one and a main board from memory.
it is basically empty inside yes , like most modern toys - modern engineering is great
The celestial type patch around 41:52 is what makes me love Oberheims and the reason I wanted an (unobtainable ) Matrix 12 for the longest time. I guess I better start saving my pennies.
Does Starsky risk a copyright strike by playing the 'Jump' keyboard part? That's the big question.
Not a chance!!
35:50 These are the Oberheim specific sounds I love. I think pads have been overdone in demos. Plucks are beautiful.
EXACTLY :)
Thanks A Lot For this Great Review . Love your stuff !
You outdid yourself again Starsky! Keep up the great reviews!
Once a comparison video between the OB-6 and this beast comes out, I'll have made up my mind which to get!
@ghost mall
Agreed. AND, you can get 2 OB6 and use them in Poly Chain mode (one master, one slave) in order to get a 12 voice Oberheim. 😉
@@AlainHubert Exactly. OB-6 is an animal and imo best modern synth made
A stunning sound, a beast in every way!
Glad I have an OB6. I believe the OB6 is good enough that I don't need one of these. Helps a ton with the GAS I may have had. Two less voices but I'm not that much of a keyboard player, it's not going to affect me anyway.
OB-6 still probably the best modern synth made. It def stands up to the X8!
@@lukeherren5171 That would be the PolyBrute, sir.
@@coinopboy2289 :) DEF agree to disagree there! They make great software tho!
Glad I have an Matrix 6.
@@fjfrancois Matrix 6/1000 is a different beast, appels and oranges. I do love the gentleness, softness, and sadness(in a good way) in the sound of my matrix1000. The stability of the CEM3394 DCO's translates in a more "perfect" sounding patch. A category on it's own. I will keep repairing mine and never sell it.
As someone who spent their life in DAW/software land and started branching into hardware finally, I've really wrestled with this. It is a dream to own something like this for me, and I was real close to pre-ordering, but I ended up with a Sequential Take 5, a Malevolent from PWM, an 808 clone, a new audio interface, a powered eurorack case and some utility modules (to accompany the moog semi-modulars I already owned) and it's still a couple thousand less in Canadian dollars. I still want it, but it's hard to understand gear like this sensibly when you're on a budget and trying to make the most of the dollars you have when chasing both the best sound and things that will spark creativity.
I don't know where I'm going with this ramble, but I suspect there are a few people out there who were or are really torn on what is a hard decision - this thing has had a spell on me since it was announced, but is that sound worth trading all this other kit for? I really don't know. I wish I lived closer to a vendor who carried all of these things so I could spend more time with them before making decisions.
What you have will give you more scope, you will be able to do more things than just with 1 synth, especially if you do live stuff with more than 1 synth.
This would buy me 4 really good synths, 3 that I already own and about to get the 4th.
If I had a studio that required a specific sound and was geared towards a business, I would not hesitate buying one.
@@DankePlace Yeah, these are the two versions of me that argued with each other for a long time ;)
You're right though
@@a_w_young buyer's remorse is what leads to GAS.
You will never be happy forever searching for better, when you have best as it is in front of you and screams to be used.
Nothing wrong with an argument with yourself, it's how you get a counter balance.
@@DankePlace :)
Yep. It makes no sense for someone on a budget and a smaller setup who is doing modern music to buy this synth.
Surprisingly, I preferred the fx off version in almost all cases.
Maybe it's the 2-pole filters that roll off like reverbs (+ panning, + detune:) that make it sound so large.
You're not the only one. It seems to sound fuller, richer and clearer without them in most cases. I guess that helps it sit Cleary in a mix without any muddying.
I just noticed that your shirt matches the synth. Was that by design??
Haha.. it was! Well spotted.
Sounds incredible and if you really WANT it then why not?
For me, the P6 and OB6 combo covers all the analog territory I will ever need. I would have to sell both of them to buy this! 😄
Especially if you have a nice analog processors and outboard to route them into, and you can just get the modules, which are both beautiful designs.
God this is just gorgeous. I'll be getting one one say for sure
It sounds fabulous.
The sound of this synth is absolutely fantastic, certainly one of the best sounding analog poly-synths ever made. But as mentioned in this video, I also wishes the user interface was more like a SEM or OB-6. A 41 point menu Reminds me of the 90s. Not too long ago Tom Oberheim made new versions of some of his old SEM synths with buttons per function and a patch panel for modulation and no menus. In terms of user experience and real-time performance, the way the SEM user interface is designed is a much better idea.
Besides that, am I the only one who wants a synth like the new Oberheim OB-X8 in this price range to be delivered with polyphonic aftertouch?
Yeah touches of the alpha Juno going on here. … which fills me with dread! But it is a nice synth. Hmmmm.
Could they make that’s screen any smaller? For as amazing of a synth as this is, it’s wild how tiny that screen is.
33:45 for that price I couldn't justify this purchase, the UB-Xa seems a better choice
45 mins extremely well spent in my opinion! 🎹
It’s perfect. Except for the menu diving
The first synth I bought was a used OB-8. Me and my friend had no idea what we were buying. We wanted to get a synth and we visited someone who was selling several synths privately.... We had no idea if the price was ok, but the seller was a really nice guy and we LOVED that thing. It was huge and heavy (the hardware as well as the sound :).
This was 1996 and that thing has still a place in my heart (my friend still has it and I'm sure he won't give it away)... we paid around 1300 dollars. No need to say it was a steal... But I don't think I would ever pay that much for a synth again. The software is just too good nowadays...
The Arturia OB-Xa is pretty nice - far away from the sound of this one - but not as far away as the price difference of almost 5k would suggest. It's freakin' 5k!
no, that wasn't a "steal." OBXs, OBXas and OB8s were selling for around $1,000 in the early 2000s. you got hosed!
I had to get an OB-6 after listening to your comparison a few years ago but my wallet is glad that I'm not lusting after this. Does sound good though
@Chipkov Music shut up..la la la la la
I fucking love this synth for everything that it is... 3 (technically 4) classic OB's! This is a collaboration between Oberheim & Dave Smith & completed right before he passed on to the next level 🙏 A gift from the synth GODS... Plus it's reliable! What's not to love??
Not that reliable... turns out mine's got a couple of issues and needs to be replaced! haha.. typical!! bit yeah - it's got a guarantee and stuff!
@@StarskyCarr I'm sorry to hear that. I had an issue as well but Sequential/Oberheim was awesome in handling the situation. Hope it works out for you.
@@StarskyCarr What issues did you encounter out of curiosity? 🤔
@@AdamBorseti the LFO 2 rate LED never lit up and the power did something odd after leaving it for a while - it took a few key presses before it would spring into life - like it was asleep.
@@StarskyCarr Ah, yeah it sounds like you must have got a lemon. I'm glad it was replaced though! I've had mine for few days and I'm madly in love with it. Of course, I don't have as much time as I'd like to play it with this being the busy season at work, but hey, that's how I was able to afford it in the first place lol! Did they replace it for free? I assume Oberheim took care of you.
Great demo, to be honest never really understood the fascination some have with the “ oberhiem sound” but you did a good enough job I think I almost get it now! Undoubtedly an awesome & powerful synth, so glad they made it👏, I don’t like the retro-form factor or chunky old style controls etc either , but I’m not it’s target audience. On that subject, yes it’s a massive amount of money (& I’ll never probably even get to play one, let alone buy one...) but so what? I don’t get the angst some have on the price, I can’t afford a supercar either - but doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy knowing they exist when I see one.
Yeah there’s a lot of stuff most of us can’t afford… I can’t really afford this hence my procrastination and angst!
@@StarskyCarr I know it wasn't intentional but it was really an authentic part of your review to see your genuine conflict.. it does sound awesome. In know you dont need my advice but & my 2cents is , unlike myself, you're a musical professional & you can justify it as you can get value out of ( for me it would be a rarely used expensive toy, & id better better off buying my wife a better car if i had that money) - so I suspect that's what's really playing on your mind 2-3 other great, first rate better featured synths you could get for same money) 😒 . I personally would see better value in that...does sound good though.
True love is priceless.
Can you do a side by side comparison of the new GForce OB-X VST officially endorsed by Oberheim vs the OB-X8 keyboard? I think that is the comparison a lot of people are waiting to see. Ideally, matching the best of the OB-X8 presets, many of which came from the OB-X, Xa & 8.
I'm not a huge fan of menu diving on synths (and love the Two Voice Pro being one knob per function), but let's face it there's heaps on most modern poly synths. I think the resulting sounds speak for themselves, this is an amazingly beautiful sounding synthesizer.
Compared the X8 side by side to my OB-6 and felt totally underwhelmed by it. Much prefer the OB-6 and Prophet Rev 4. @starskycarr did you keep it then after all?
I did keep it in the end.
i would like to see the pcb, questionable whether tom used the essentials from early again, he stopped before the matrix series. it's all about the oberheim sound and certain passive components in the filter :)
quality is certainly also an issue, unfortunately it is manufactured by the ex-dsi suppliers. it remains to be hoped that focusrite has spoken a word of power to stop the terrible quality control.
whether the synth is worth 5k, rather not if other manufacturers can offer the same with 16 voices for 1.5k.
I am affriad it will contain less components than your average 100€ PC mainboard and it will be hard to service it into the hands of future generations. On the other hand I built quite a few SEM clones myself using all hand selected CAPS, carbon resistors, NOS FET's and all the magic mojo, but still the robot assembled Oberheim SEM pro sounds a tiny bit better. Don't underestimate Tom Oberheim's influence in getting things sound right by design...
Nice one matching your shirt to the synth.
The OB-X8 pledges to be a recreation of the old synths. If that's what you're after, then go for it!
I agree, it be nice to have more knobs for less menu diving, which if you've messed with synths like the Jupiter-Xm, it can be messy! I'd love it if the OB-X8 had its own physical characteristics while still honoring the old legends ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sounds identical to Obsession VST.
Your comments on the OB-X8 reminds me of my criticism of the Prophet 5/10.
I still cannot figure out why they wouldn't have added just some 'modern' features. They claimed that they were trying to 'keep it like the original' but then managed to add a bunch of bloat to it like layer/split (which is nice, but the way it saves these patches is weird, like it is done on the Chroma polaris where the second patch is only referenced, not saved within the original patch). So they actually went against themselves to add these features that I suppose were suggested by others, and then refused to add features I thought would have been nice:
1) Retain manual mode status. I want to just have it WYSIWYG, like the originals. Throw it in manual mode and keep it there when shut off. I also asked if they could make it remember your button settings when you switch out of manual mode and back into it, but they said that was impossible.
2) Octave transpose. This could still be easily implemented. Hold 'keyboard' button and then +/- buttons right underneath. Doubt that's coming. They could move the current 'long-press' keyboard button elsewhere, as there's another keyboard button elsewhere, in the upper right hand corner.
3) Arpeggiator. Would it have really killed them to have a simple arpeggiator on board? Yes, apparently.
4) Stereo outputs. Would have been nice, and it's my least important missing feature, I can just throw it into some pedals, but I love having stereo panning and I feel like they missed the opportunity here, but oh well.
Anyway, it feels like these two synths share similarities in our frustrations...
They did... But called it Take 5 :)
I love my rev 4. I use it more than my rev 3-velocity, aftertouch, fatar, splits, stacks, both filters, MIDI
I even ditched my Prophet 6 for the same reasons. It was just too limited, and the on-board effects were kinda pants. The sounds were a bit too stuck in the past, and the timbre / filters didn't sit quite right with me. Although at least here the tones are undeniably lush. I got so much more out of a combination of a great value Roland JX-3P for simple classic analog polysynth patches, and a Peak for gnarlier or more complex sound programming. There's still a small handful of vintage synths that are good value compared to these limited modern polys, the JX-3P (modded) + programmer, the Prophet 600 Gligli, Ensoniq SQ-80. I'd prefer any one of those + MKS-80, to this OB-X8, much funkier.
I love my rev 4 P5, and happy with the way it was designed.
The firmware updates make it even better.
@ghost mall nope
I finally got an OB-X8 and loving every bit of it. It replaces my UB-Xa which didn't quite live up to my expectations (but still a fantastic value for money, provided you don't put it next to an OB-X8).
I just noticed that in this video, the second LFO LED wasn't flashing in the levers section on your OB-X8, was it defective?
Also, how do you like the Synth Overlays blue stripe on it, was it easy to install?
Anyway, thanks for convincing me to get an OB-X8.
Yeah that one was defective (don’t mention QC from major synth brands to anyone 😂😂) the LFO 2 LED wasn’t working.
I like the overlay … nice to have the late 2 functions listed as well. It’s a bit of a pain to set up as you need to get a permanent marker to colour the white edges so they’re not visible. A tedious 30 mins but after that you’re good to go. The performance section has bowed a bit - I guess because it’s small so no weight to hold it down. The main bit is great - just don’t push the knobs all the way down or they’ll have too much resistance as they’ll touch the overlay - it’s a mm or 2 thick.
@@StarskyCarr
Thanks for the informative reply! Much appreciated. Those overlays aren't exactly inexpensive, you'd think they would have used black plastic instead of white?
BTW, all of the LEDs on my OB-X8 have varying brightness, very uneven. I was expecting better on a synth at this price point. But don't mention that on social media either... 🙄😂
@@AlainHubert they're thin polystyrene which is why they're white.
I've been lusting after old Oberheims for a long time, and loved my Matrix-6R for its sound. But... if I had this kind of money to spend on synths I don't think I could justify putting it on the short-list. Can't wait for the inevitable Uli vs. Oberheim comparison, once the UB (finally!) releases.
This will be slightly embarrassing for Oberheim as everyone will see that you can build an absolutely identical sounding instrument for a fraction of the money that a used Ob-Xa costs or a new one.
Credit where credit is due, but re-launching old ideas over and over again is rather bad from an electrotechnical engineer's point of view and not at all innovative.
Greetings from Germany
That Uliberheim is never gonna happen
@@funkmachine6420 Do you want to bet?
Tom can possibly deny Uli the license in the Usa, but not in the rest of the world! ;)
@@mareikemacinnes7764 it's not about a trademark. They announced it full of bravado FIVE years ago and there is no evidence of it being ready, apart from a prototype that was revealed ages ago. I have simply lost faith. I don't think they're getting it right, hence it's sort of disappeared. So yea I'll take that bet
@@mareikemacinnes7764 not meant to be innovative.
Hey Starsky - Super, super, super helpful. Overpriced 😱 and too much menu-diving , has it out-Rolanded Roland's love of nested menus? No Jupiter X for me! Page 2 fudge notwithstanding. Re the 'missing' buttons on the panel - I often think of doing a 'bad synth design decisions' video (I've had a go at the JD-08) but would rather not be negative and it shouldn't be necessary if reviewers are doing an honest job so kudos there 👍 Look forward to your OB comparison - seems a more useful and sensibl;e option 😊
Good measured review. Everyone knows what they get. Seems like a great synth.
Great review. Love the sound. And agree there’s room for improvement (page 2 / more buttons). But I believe the nostalgic nod to the original layout is more important to the target market. Also when it comes to menu diving I think the Jupiter X/Xm are far worse (offering of course far more possibilities at half the price).
Yes, this instrument doesn’t seem to make sense in 2022. But the mojo, vibe and sound are doing it for me.
Also this is time traveling.
Haha that’s one way of looking at it… and it does sound absolutely amazing!
I had to make the same decision with the Prophet X. Great sound, terrible UI. Too much menu diving and too many frustrating inconsistencies. I really wanted it to be better. Had to send it back. I think I would end up doing the same with the OB-XA. A hardware synth this expensive has to be a joy to use.
You want menu diving, try out the JD XA, king of menu diving.
@@DankePlace No thanks, I hate menu diving :D
That's exactly why I'm contemplating getting a second OB6 Desktop module and using it in Poly Chain mode (one master and one slave) in order to get a 12 voice sweet sounding Oberheim. And that would still cost less than an OBX8.
Can't wait for the Ub-Xa, all that and so much more
hahaha...sorry...
Introducing the new Oberheim: “Page 2”!!!
Any chance of you doing a Jupiter X review please? I know you've done the Xm but I would really like to hear your opinion on the X.
Someone needs to make an add-on box that has lots of extra knobs and switches to directly access the hidden depths….
One could buy a knobby FaderFox unit to pair with it and program the MIDI CCs.
there is a setting to access the page 2 controls from the panel without having to menu dive.
How does this compare to the OPx Pro2 which sounds already pretty amazing to me at a fraction of the cost?
Secretly hoping that DSI will use this video as inspiration to modify the front panel of the module version of this synth 🙂
they missed the boat... a shame...
Does the OB-X8 have a Suboscillator ?
No
Menu diving is an issue now on a lot of synths even the Moog One and Waldorf new synths. I considered the mini Moog Model D reissue but Oberheim sound is what I need in my studio and I already have a Moog Sub 37 and vintage Oberheim synths cost a fortune!
Found an ob-xa for almost 10.000 gbp on reverb.
Overhauled and everything.
T's in london has it.
Will comparison be a bad request?
Hah I'll see if they'll send it up for a week ;)
Or if you have to go to london
'...which is ridiculous, really, for what it is.' Nail. Head.
riiiight.....missing the point....
@Starsky Carr As ever, great video, big fan. Wanted to mention that you’re supposed to have a rate LED light for lfo 2 and the arpeggiator in the lever box. Looks like yours isn’t working.
Oh.. yeah.. thanks for that. I wonder ion its in a setting somewhere or should it always be on?
@@StarskyCarr It should always be on brother!
@@obwanz1921 Thanks Ive submitted a support request - looks like it'll be going back after all :(
@@StarskyCarr Gotcha. Also noticed during the video, that all of the lights went out in double mode at one point, and in other parts were on. Something is definitely wrong with that synth!
@@obwanz1921 I've got a new one! :)
Since I only ever played the original OB8, Saw and Pulse is to bei selected simultanously to listen the difference in modulation. When Saw and Pulse is pressed the same time, Saw is modulated instead of Pulse. Alpha Juno offers a cheap sounding variant of that Saw modulation but the principle is the same. I don't know If present OB engineers included that often overlooked feature.
Great Review! I'd like to weigh in with a comment on Design & Cost. I Agree with All Your Comments Re: The Menu Diving. I "think" the reason they do/did it is, ultimately, Sales - the pressure to be "Nostalgic" is SOOoooo Great - and they saw how well the P5/P10 sold by Not Deviating from the Original Design. I personally think (and many may not agree) that it's (mostly) the SOUND that matters, and that the synth doesn't have to look 98% like the Vintage Version. I think they could have kept all the Cues of the Original OBX (Colour, Knob Style, etc), but then featured smaller knobs/buttons to handle at least some of the New/Secondary Functions, so that one wouldn't need to menu dive so much. Because at the end of the day, too much Menu Diving (frankly) wastes people's time and screws up your flow : ) The OBX is a sparse synth to begin with, so I agree that there was maybe "something in the middle" here - where it would have looked like an OBX in every respect, but provided a bit more "one function per knob," which is something many of us love about old synths. ****** RE: Cost. My guess is that the Raw Cost of the OB-X8 is roughly $1500 + Retail Markup of 25-30%??? After all, it's big, it's assembled in the US, there are 16 Analog Filter Chips in it (8 are Curtis), 8 Analog VCA Chips in it, plus Analog Osc Chips, etc. An Analog Synth costs a LOT more to make than a Digital Synth. I believe an OBX was North of $6000 in 1980. It's less today, which is a miracle, and probably a part of why we're having so many problems the world : ) (Pl don't come back at me with Tech Efficiencies. I get it. : ) It's kinda simple, if you want to pay people properly, and you don't want to make everything in China, then you gotta pay more for the synth (of which the OB-X8 is probably better made, and certainly has a better keyboard), so while you may not agree with what you get for $5K (the Value), I think the Price is actually fair for what it is. If not, the P6 and the OB6 are great alternatives.
Happy Synthing!
I really do get all of that. I just think a couple of extra buttons for the new functions wouldn’t change the vintage work flow - all the old stuff is still the same. The Prophet rev4 has a new detune knob and vintage knob and a Rev selection button. so that sticks with the original workflow but adds a couple of things that are new but not in a menu.
The ‘is it worth the money?’ question is wrapped up in the whole sound vs UI vs usefulness vs space vs alternatives.
Its worth is an individual perspective. The cost is another thing. It costs £4.7k no matter what, but it’s worth it to some, not to others.
@@StarskyCarr Re: The Design. Absolutely, I'm basically agreeing with you. : ) Re: the Price. It's just a personal thing when people don't differentiate between Price as far as Value is concerned and Price as far as it relates to the "Cost" of the item. A lot of people just start complaining about the price, as if to suggest that the price is unfair relative to the cost, or that they're somehow being ripped off. From a Value standpoint, I 100% agree with you. Space, how much one is prepared or wants to spend, what else they have, are big considerations when you're talking about spending $5000.
Old guys playing Jump! 😂😂😂😂😂 brilliant, outstanding review, thank you
I felt bad after saying that! But… there’s only so many times you can walk into the same room and hear it over and over. Not their fault they’re old. … not my fault I’m getting older either! 👴
Out of curiosity, in which country in the world is it more expensive to buy an Oberheim OBX8?
Here's a question for anyone who understands synths more than I do.
Would you (your personal opinion being asked for here) sell a Moog Voyager XL in order to buy up to this synth?
Personally no, but that's because I love the Voyager, and even bought the VX 351 module to play along with moogerfoogers. So much experimentation and fun to be had there... but if you've done all you want with it then something new always brings added inspiration.
Any word of the release of the Behringer take on the OBX?
I've not heard anything... no insider info here .. but it would make an interesting comparison :)
@@StarskyCarr there was that disastrous Andertons demo then came a rebuttal vid from a Behringer beta tester which sounded better but that was months ago and since then...nothing, though I've read that there is a chip shortage due to the supply chain being f*cked thanks to the globalists' attempt to implement The Great Reset..
right man for the job !
If only someone was paying me! 🤦♂️😂
@@StarskyCarr bas7ard world
@@StarskyCarr great review mate and honesty rather than gushing , what an amazing synth with a truly terrible menu design imo - one encoder is just not enough for the mileage it will do - like you i reckon they have stuck with OG design principles quite a bit too much - what a synth though :-)`
@@ogasi1798 yeah it’s an absolute belter. Putting it next to the OB6 really demos how good it is - full of life and energy.
I had no idea it used a screen lol sounds amazing but not really $6300 worth locally. Thanks for the video!
I have to say I was shocked when I first saw it.
It’s sad to see all these synths that sound amazing but then the user interface is almost an afterthought. Or in this case intentionally underdesigned for the sake of nostalgic familiarity. No one but Arturia seems to consider UI worthy of innovation and thoughtfulness.
💯
Really???
Why is it pitched on baroque tune ?
Either I have a love of the classics, or it’s gradually detuned while I’ve been setting up. I’d go with the classics version of events!
I agree with your conclusions. next
Thanks! And that OBX-Shirt! ❤
Haha glad someone noticed 😉
@@StarskyCarr Would have been a shame if not!🙂😉
What happens when you activate BOTH waveform buttons? is it even possible? And if yes: What is the result? A mix of SAW and PULSE? Or a mix of all THREE waveforms (including the TRIANGLE)?
A mix of saw and pulse. I demo it on my OB6 comparison using an oscilloscope. No buttons is a triangle
@@StarskyCarr Thanks! 🙂 The "no buttons" result was already mentioned at 8:46 and it's actually written on the panel as well. But still thanks for adding that info here again for clarity. 👍
@@sauermusicDE aah sorry I never read you question properly 🤦♂️ duh! 😂
thank you! 🙂
I basically get the same tones and more from the OPX-PRO II.
So then...did you send it back?
I sent that one back because it had an issue … but then bought another 🤦♂️😂
How does the sound compare to the prophet 10 ? The main reason I’m not getting this is because the Prophet 10 is the nicest sounding synth I’ve ever heard and I think it would be over kill. Yes I know you’re going to say they’re two different types of sound but, as great as this sounds I’m not as blown away as I was when I heard first demos of the prophet 5. I mean as soon as I heard the Prophet I had that thing where I must have it no matter what, whereas this one isn’t moving me as much, not that it’s not awesome, maybe it’s because I’ve already got the Prophet 10. Anyway enough blurb please let me know or anyone else who can be bothered to reply, what your opinions are?
Same. if the P10 didnt exist I'd buy this.
The Prophet 10 is the best sounding synth of all time. I was fortunate to have owned both versions of the original 5, and always wondered why on earth I sold them. Low and behold in 2021 one could buy something that was even better than what was around in 1990. Who would have guessed? The thing is, the Oberheim guys are probably saying the same thing.
I never knew anyone at the time who preferred an OB/X/A to a Prophet 5. Actually they were quite rare. I only ever saw one come up for sale in the ten years I was interested 1990-2000.
And LOOT was pretty good for synths in the day.
How do the buttons feel? They sound a bit plasticy.
they're exactly the same as the OB6 but larger
I have the Synapse Audio Obsession VST an emulsion of the OB-Xa and literally sounds identical and RRP is £85 but I got on sale for £42 hundreds of presets including all the classics from the original device.
Its a great plugin. I'm a big fan of it (except I do find the UI a little on the dark side).
@HOLLA SOUNDS Bro, if you're not shilling for Synapse, then they definitely need to put you on their payroll. You're working over time.
You're pushing this software all over the comments. If people merely want imitative code, they already know the options.
Does Synapse provide a good dental plan?
People forget this. A dollar in the 80's is equivalent to around 3.6 times that now. So a $5000 (AU) synth eg an OBXa then would cost over $18,000 today. (AU) The OBX8 today here in Australia costs around $7800 which means back then it would have only cost $2,100. Which is cheap compared to 5 grand then. So the answer to this question is yes it is worth it, in fact it is cheap.
oh boy, how about the new minimoog? is that worth 5000?
Wow.. big bucks for a monosynth… but there so much in that question. For a boutique product assembled and designed in the US .. there’s a ton of politics involved. Do we pay more for western labour or are we OK to pay Chinese salaries. Everyone needs a job no matter which side of the world we live… it’s more expensive to live in the US… you need to pay more or give liveable wages etc. technology marches on - things can be made cheaper - stuff made using 70’s tech will cost more.. in the end it’s up to the buyer to decide whether it’s worth it. They can probably only make so many.. and there’s probably a very limited market. People pay small fortunes for artisan stuff - and I guess the Minimoog falls into that category.
@@StarskyCarrjust wanted to say thanks for your thoughtful responses. Big fan of your channel and am a Patreon supporter. You seem like a very reasonable and talented lad!
You bring up a good point about old keyboard paradigms vs modern ones... with the OBX-8 I don't think they needed to be so conscious of it looking and acting like an old OBX... I feel a little differently about the Prophet 5 REV4 as the look and feel is a big part of it (though I would have loved FX and panned voices!)... I'm holding out on the OBX-8 for the time being... hoping some of this tech filters down to other models with added features like FX and extra knobs and buttons for things like direct osc mixing. But wow... its a wonderful sounding bit of gear... your intro tune was great btw!
FX would have ruined it.
Please let me know if you decide to keep it! 😂
I have.