Oberheim OB-X8 Desktop Module Synthesizer

General

Halfway through 2022, the one-and-only Tom Oberheim suddenly unveiled the OB-X8: a superb synth based on the world-famous Oberheim units that used to rule the eighties. As it turns out, the OB-X8 has since become a seriously popular piece of kit, the only drawback being that it comes at an equally serious price. To make it that bit more attainable, Oberheim now present the OB-X8 Desktop Module.

The Oberheim OB-X8 Desktop Module

Built on the basis subtractive synthesis, this analogue synth offers the combined potential of the OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8, and is surprisingly easy to work with. Just like the OB-8, there's a second page of parameters you can access on the left of the display to go even deeper into the sonic details, so there's definitely more to it than you might think. Basically, it's a fantastic addition to any studio as well as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser in any band's keyboard rig.

Features

While it is missing the keyboard, the OB-X8 Desktop Module has the same specs as its bigger sibling: oscillators, a filter, envelopes, the same vintage knob, the same OLED display, etcetera. It's equipped with USB and USB-MIDI to guarantee seamless integration and, while it's certainly tempting to use it to recreate Jump by Van Halen, there's arguably no better way to honour Tom Oberheim - who's close to turning 87 at the time of writing - with another massive hit sprouted from one of his brainchildren, so get to it.