Oberheim OB-8

The Oberheim OB-8 is a vintage analog polysynth launched by Oberheim and discontinued in 1985. It features 8-voice polyphony and is highly programmable, making it a popular classic. It features a 61-note piano keyboard, LFO modulation, filters, external cassette storage, MIDI capability and 120 memory patches, and used the Z80 CPU.

The OB-8 was the last of the classic OB series that included the OB-1, OB-Xa and OB-X. Warm and rich sounding it was released just before MIDI debuted. It is totally programmable and loaded with powerful analog sounds and style. Dedicated knobs, sliders and a traditional layout make programming simple and very hands-on. Each individual voice can be de-tuned for a thick (or weird) sound. Syncable VCOs and a nice 8-note arpeggiator are also on-board. 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 and 24 additional patches are available for doubled/layer presets.

Synthesizer Components: 8 Synthesizer Voices, 3 LFOs, Noise Source, Arpeggiator
Number of Programs: 120 Patch programs, plus 12 Split & 12 Double programs
Keyboard: 5 Octaves; keyboard modes: FULL, SPLIT (splits OB-8 into two independent synthesizers), and DOUBLE (plays both independent synthesizers simultaneously); programmable split point and transpositions anywhere on the keyboard (in split or double)
2 VCOs per voice, includes oscillator sync
Modulation routing section
2 pole / 4 pole filter select
Dual envelopes
Outputs: Stereo and Mono
Foot Controls: Sustain, Hold, Program Advance footswitches
Volume, Filter, Vibrato pedals (voltage controllable)
Power: 95 -240 Volts AC, 50i60 Hz, 45 Watts
Dimensions: 40″(101.Gcm) wide, 20;’(50.8cm) deep, 6″(15.24cm) high

“To my disappointment, when I powered this up recently, I couldn’t get an actual sound although I’m told that it is just the voices which need attention. I was surprised as it has been looked after well and, cosmetically, it’s in superb physical shape. I used this synth during my time with Real to Real and The Hitmen in the early 80s. It has a fat, warm sound and was my first polyphonic synth. I loved the fact that I could actually store patches for the first time and it introduced me to the Oberheim sound which has a unique quality. I have been a fan of Oberheim ever since.”