Sequential OB-X8M Analogue Desktop Synthesizer Module
The Sequential OB-X8M desktop module boasts an identical sound engine to the keyboard version, featuring an all-analog signal path with discrete VCOs, VCAs, and filters. And with its knob-per-function sound designing experience, you’ll have immediate access to virtually all the synth’s parameters, allowing you to create your own unique sounds with ease and precision.
Although the paddles and keybed are missing from the module version, the Arpeggiator and Keyboard Split & Double functionality are maintained, so the OB-X8 desktop is ready to go when connected to your favourite controller.
Pure Analog
The audio signal path of the OB-X8 is all analog, filled with warmth and punch. Specifically, it’s the same trademark Oberheim sound that made iconic tracks like 1999 by Prince, Jump by Van Halen, and Tom Sawyer by Rush so unforgettable. And now it’s yours to enhance your own music.
OB-X8M New Sounds
The classic OB-series factory sounds that you know from countless recordings are all here. But that’s just the start: our network of world-class sound designers has created jaw-dropping new sounds just for the OB-X8. Consequently, because the OB-X8 has a clear and easy-to-grasp set of controls, creating your own sounds is as easy as turning a few knobs and saving what you like.
Three In One
The Sequential OB-X8M combines the three different voice architectures of the OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 into a single instrument. The individual filter types and other unique characteristics of each model have been faithfully reproduced, giving you the most authentic OB experience possible. AS a result, you can even mix elements of different models to create sounds never possible with the originals.
Meticulously Matched
Creating the classic OB sound required more than just replicating vintage oscillators, filters, and envelopes. Specifically, the Oberheim design team exhaustively analysed and recreated the complex interactions between the various components of each OB-series synth to capture their nuances and character.
As a result is the most faithful, authoritative renewal of an analog classic possible — with all of the warmth, subtlety, and presence of the originals.
Page 2022
OB insiders know that the myriad of “Page 2″ functions unlocked the hidden power of the original OB-8.
We’ve included all of the classic Page 2 parameters and created new ones for 2022, giving you direct access to 40+ nuanced controls such as additional SEM filter modes, per-voice panning, LFO keyboard tracking, Mod delay time and envelope inversion, independent pulse width control, and much more.
OB-X8M Fits Perfectly
For the first time ever, the new Sequential OB-X8M desktop version condenses all the sonic power of the Oberheim OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 into a footprint that’s compact enough for studios of any size, and convenient enough to take out on the road.
Master
Specifically, set master volume, unison voice layering, as well as chord memory and note hold functions here.
OB-X8M Arpeggiator
Use the arpeggiator to create chord-based rhythmic patterns. Hold down several notes and the arpeggiator will cycle through them at the rate that you set and a pattern that you choose: up, down, up & down, or note order played. Afterwards, you can transpose the arpeggio up or down an octave and apply it to one or both parts in a split or double.
Control
Here you can set the amount of oscillator 2 detuning and add as much “vintage” character as you like. In fact, vintage mode affects the voice-to-voice variability of OB-X8 envelopes, oscillators, and filters to replicate the behaviour of vintage instruments with all of their organic instabilities. Also, you can also set the portamento (glide) amount in this section.
Modulation
Here you can route the LFO (low-frequency oscillator) to a variety of destinations to create rhythmic filter sweeps, pulse width modulation, vibrato, tremolo, and other effects. Additionally, choose from six waveforms: sine, square, sample & hold (random), up saw, down saw, and triangle.
Oscillators
Select the waveforms that generate the raw sound of the OB-X8. Each of the two discrete SEM/OB-X-lineage oscillators produce sawtooth, pulse, or triangle waves. Therefore, combine pulse and sawtooth waves for extra punch. Otherwise, Hard sync and Xmod (oscillator frequency modulation) add more edge and sonic possibilities.
OB-X8M Filter
This is the soul of the OB-X8 sound. Choose between the three different analog filter configurations that gave the original OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 their unique character.
First, the classic SEM-lineage, two-pole, discrete low-pass OB-X filter is here, with its unmistakable ballsy sound. But it’s even more powerful on the OB-X8 because we’ve included not just the low-pass mode from OB-X, but all modes of the original SEM design — low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch, exponentially expanding the sonic possibilities.
From the OB-Xa and OB-8 we’ve also included the classic Curtis CEM3320 filter with both 2-pole and 4-pole modes. This filter gave those instruments their distinctive flavour.
Envelopes
The 4-stage (attack, decay, sustain, release) filter and volume envelopes give shape to the harmonics and loudness of OB-X8 sounds. Use these to make the OB-X8 whisper, growl, or scream by controlling the softness or percussiveness of synthesized textures.
Select between the OB-X/Xa or OB-8 envelope mode to capture the desired contour of each original instrument.
Keyboard
This is where the bi-timbral capability (two different sounds at once) of the OB-X8 comes into play. Choose any two presets (“upper” and “lower”) and assign them to two different regions of the keyboard. Alternatively, layer them together for more complex textures. Adjust panning and volume independently for each preset.
OB-X8M OLED
In performance, the crisp OLED display shows the current program name along with its bank and group. It also provides easy access to the powerful “Page 2” functions for extra filter mode configurations, pan spread, LFO rate scaling, portamento modes, programmable bend box parameters, and more.
Programmer Panel
Select and save presets and access Global settings such as aftertouch curves, alternate tuning scales, MIDI parameters, and more
MIDI Interface
The OB-X8 provides standard MIDI in/out/thru connections as well as USB for communicating with other devices.
Inputs
Connect your pedals here and use them to sustain notes, create volume swells, perform filter sweeps, and trigger the arpeggiator.
Outputs
The OB-X8 provides both mono and stereo line-level outputs. Also, connect audio cables to these jacks, plug them into a mixer or amp, and start performing or recording. Furthermore, use the Page 2 enhancements to save stereo pan settings (4L4R, Ping Pong, Splayed, or Spread) per program.
Sequential OB-X8M Highlights:
- 8-voice, pure-analog polyphony with saw, square/pulse, triangle, and noise
- Two discrete SEM/OB-X-lineage VCOs per voice deliver classic punchy Oberheim tone
- Discrete SEM-lineage VCFs deliver authentic OB-X-style tone and presence