Oberheim OB-X "Vintage Sounds" pt.1

[fender1000100]

Not bad but limited the DX7 MK2 will blow this out of the water for power and sonic variety.

[shredderclone]

opx is a good clone but got nothing on the real thing really.

[arbshredder]

1:51, a ballsier lead tone than derek sherinian's triton patch. sounds great man.

[ImmaJuuhachigou]

What is that beautiful sound from at 1:10 to 1:36!?

[rafanavega]

What parameter is being automated at 3:46 for that deep swell?

[hazardous541]

this take me back in the eighties

[arbshredder]

are there really no midi jacks on the back panel?

[retrosound72]

@arbshredder no midi, but encore and kenton have a retro fit

[mrsoundwave]

i bought a XIO SYNTH 25.........what do you feel about them?

[laz4erin]

Beautiful. I gotta ask - where did you buy one & how much. I'm looking for one, and I found nothing.

[bigmartin3000]

@laz4erin I have one I'd be willing to sell it has the Encore Midi update and also a Custom Voice Panner made by Greg St Regis of Studio Electronics. Museum Mint Condition. I can be reached at smilawhile@hotmail.com. I'm in L.A. I'd be looking around 4 grand for this one

[rsp196607]

Have you posted a demo of this synth as it's used in "Love Like Blood"?

[TommyChevyBugle]

holiday...madonna

[harmoncollege]

Go ahead...Jump, JUMP!

Say hello to 80's Van Halen!!!

[Djrealign]

little red corvette by prince

[CoolColJ]

@synthpathetic

Surprisngly my SE Code 8 sounds quite a lot like this :)

[LouisvilleTorn8o]

The sound after the first hard sync lead you did sounds almost dead on like a CS80, which is the king of all analog polysynths IMHO.

Can you get the strings sounds from Super Tramp's Breakfast in America album on that thing? I'd love to hear that!

[superbulldog81]

Loved it when Rush used this synth on their Signals album.

[Chacanger]

Simple Minds used to use this quite a bit, as well as the jupiter 8 I belive.

[TheDarkSangheili]

The Oberheim OB-X: Great electronic instrument, or greatest electronic instrument?

Seriously, why aren't mainstream musicians using this thing anymore? And why aren't they making music that has this sound anymore? That distinct late 70s and 80s sound is unmatched by anything before or after in the world of pop music, and lots of great rock bands made good use of synths like the OB-X (Van Halen and Rush, just to name two).

[cucuk666]

that electric pulse touched me in the heart 1:15

[virtualoberheim]

Great video! This synth imho has one of the most exciting sounding filters since they still use discrete components and no chips. Only downside is that the cutoff pot is rasterized as all pots because of digital scanning. But luckily the backside offers an input to control the filter seamlessly with an external pedal or pot. Makes a huge difference! Only seamless cutoff control exposes the real quality of the filter.

[20smallcigars]

Half my favourite albums have that sucker on it.....

[seeyouintheeighties]

1.50 .... its van halen - why can't this be love

[JustinC721]

Wow, I was a little kid in the 80's but that synth just takes me back.

[210acer]

man this is one serious synth

[maccagrabme]

@synthpathetic Yes they do but have you heard the sound from the software plugin of this or a plugiator module? Very close indeed. Personally I think today's synths are far more powerful in complexity not necessary raw sound.

[LTLfilms]

you gota jump !!!

[dm3857]

hi, if i purchased one of these, how would i record with it for tracks? for example right now im using a usb synth where it plugs into my computer , how would i record with this?

please help>

[PandPfreestyle]

@dm3857 if your synth has the input jacks, then you can plug your instrument into the usb keyboard, and record with a program like audacity or a similar program... but thats just one way

[paulevans1973]

I think Richard Barbieri from 80's band Japan used one of these.

[milesjames23388]

Hi RetroSytnth, Thanks for your video! I've owned a OBXa for a few years now and its AMAZING but i've been bitten with the OBX bug... I just wanted to know if i should be looking out for a OBX... If i were to send you a little MP3 of the sounds i use the OBXa for, do you think you may be able to match a few on the OBX?? Thanks for your time!

[mima14031985]

I want one of these big analog monsters so badly

[namco21gamefreak]

did queen use this synth in the song "Play the Game"?

[retrosound72]

@namco21gamefreak

yes

[SPAZZOID100]

@namco21gamefreak

yes

[wookieblaster]

@namco21gamefreak The OB-X sound is also prominent in Queen's soundtrack for Flash Gordon (1980). Check it out, great stuff.

[Synthfreak25]

This is my most favorite synthesizer ever. I heard it first on Rush's subdivisions. Totally epic.

[AlxEllis]

This is one of the most amazing things i have ever heard, amazing how a machine can produce such a beautiful sound

No internet plugin can match

[retrosound72]

@AlxEllis

also the later curtis chip based OB`s can´t sound like the discrete OB-X.

[AlxEllis]

@retrosound72 Only two words the OB-X: Magic Keys <3

[retrosound72]

@AlxEllis

agree !

[Frets200]

@AlxEllis OP=X Pro II

[AlxEllis]

@Frets200 Is that a plugin? if so any good?

[Frets200]

@AlxEllis I love it. OPX starts as a very realistic OBX clone but it also clones prophets, jupiters other ob's minimoogs and more. it does things no sampler/modular synth can do because of svd. It's funny I'm a rompler guy not a synth guy but I'm having the time of my life with it.

[AlxEllis]

@Frets200 I'll need to check it out it sound pretty impressive!, sadly my Jupiter 8 vst doesnt work properly :(

[TMF58]

Listening to this synthesizer is like having sex with bacon in your ears.

[nemesisteufel]

the tom sawyer's intro is a moog taurus (bass pedal)

[Cambaudio]

Nice sounds. Clipping @ 2:48

[GuitarVato96]

this would rock on subdivisions by rush

[friendofCHAKA]

Hi my OBX takes an hour to warm up before it works properly. Does anyone know how to improve or fix this. I got it for relatively cheap back in the nineties so i don't mind sinking some money into it. If anyone could help me i would really appreciate it thank you.

[snapascrew]

this thing would rule at the sounds from 'forever young"

[retrosound72]

@snapascrew

very similar but Forever Young is the Roland Jupiter-8

[Papal57]

j'adore ce genre de son très 80's.

I love this style of sound very 80's.

[offthelinegt]

"Might as well JUMP!"

[LaugermanPROductions]

@offthelinegt Van Halen Yeah!

[zenmachinefilms]

The OB-X is arguably the best pure analog synth they made. It's maybe more gritty and true than the OB-Xa, and certainly the OB-8, which is a fine machine as well.

When Oberheim got to the Xpander and Matrix-12, those were incredible machines, but not pure analog like this.

The synth lead at 1:36 sounds a lot like Beck/Hammer's Star Cycle.

[userjoe1020]

@synthpathetic

Yeah. DSP should be outlawed!

[userjoe1020]

There is NOTHING that sounds like this. Tom, you're amazing!

[litemakr]

Fantastic!!! I have an OB-Xa and an OB-8 that I love, but this beats them both.

[iloverush123]

This or a Mini Moog...Or both...

[Geeljasjes]

Wonderfull synth.

I remember the days when we visited the Oberheim distributor here in Holland and they had stacks of these that nobody wanted.

This was when the D50 and M1 reigned, 1987-88.

They decided to give them away with every purchase of a new synth, like the D50 or M1. Crazy. An M1 is worth 150-euros. No chance of finding an Oberheim.

[skylineXpert]

@Geeljasjes does it have a website and in that case, could you give me a link?

[davehartllc]

Will this unit do the intro to Tom Sawyer by Rush?

[retrosound72]

@davehartllc

yes :)

[davehartllc]

@retrosound72 Would it require any knowledge of programming or is there perhaps a Tom Sawyer patch? I have been looking for something, anything to get that Swoosh / Growl sound. No luck after a year of looking!

[a3x3a]

@davehartllc I know that the SonicProjects OP-X VST comes with a Tom Sawyer patch. So if you just copied the switch settings from the software to your hardware OB-X...

[MusiciansQuarters]

My opx pro soft synth will nail it.

[jcarterize]

@retrosound72

You should do tom sawyer. hope to see that. keep up the good work

[snapascrew]

@retrosound72 could you please show an example of it, please im begging to hear an accurate duplicate of that songs intro!

[HomesliceDrummer]

@davehartllc

Actually, Geddy used this exact synth for that sound.

[devmiles]

sick ass retro. my andromeda can do such sounds too and very big too but the old chips and circuits sound different. i love the oberheim sound

[namco21gamefreak]

JUMP!!!!!!!!!!

[soundmanhaven1]

oh wow marko i love the sounds on this obx they so retro ......

[retrosound72]

yes my fav retro synth :)

[THUNDERHATE]

so cooooooool

[Twilight1964]

Hey Marko you do have legs afterall :oP

love the sound of this mother and it looks a heavy thing to lug around... keep em comin fella :o)

[retrosound72]

sure ;)

and yes this piece of furniture is very big and very heavy

[retrosound72]

this is discrete analog.

later synths uses ICs

[sydneyaus747]

Absolute gem of a synth, still think the OBX is without competition even after all these years. It's a shame that it's almost impossible to find a good one, count yourself lucky yours is in mint condition.

[retrosound72]

yes,

the OB-X is one of the best analog synths and for me the synth with the best sound ever

the problem only 800 -100 was made and synths in good functional condition are extremely rare

[kennykeyboard]

THis video demonstrates two things, the visual impact of the instrument and the appeal of certain styles of music. Analogous to playing baroque on a harpsichord, the wonderful sweeps, etc of the old analog machines delight. One minor drawback is the fact that we are listening to a digital transmission of the audio. The plus of an analog synth is the listening in person. Good playing and good sound.

[retrosound72]

absolute agree with you.

thank you

[Luckums135]

Diamond Dave!

[PhuckHue2]

might as well Jump!

[Phlexxon]

Man that feels good

[CascadiaTrucker]

Man, such a beautiful machine. I've wanted this synth since I started listening to Rush's early 80's work,

[corrections189]

aye is that nice!

[rushnerd]

There's the iconic Rush sound right there.

My favourite synth ever, it just has the perfect sound. It's hard to believe you could make the exact sounds that Rush and Queen did on that thing.

[oberheimobx]

i search an OB-X for sale

[destructo1977]

sweet, part I

[SynthaholicNH]

Major fatness from the OB-X and major droolage from me!! I'm going to try programming some of those sounds into my Andromeda. ;)

[retrosound72]

thx :)

[TrainmasterCurt]

This is absolutely fabulous!, i thought Subdivisions was ringing a bell now that you mention it, i'm sure there's others, may'be Visage and Depeche Mode

[retrosound72]

thank you :)

[lobit12]

congratulations on your new purchase, i have an 79 obx as well. and its my favorite of all the big poly's. i would never sell it. i would like someone to start are registy for all the obxs doubt there are more than 800 around.

[retrosound72]

800-1000 are made between 1979 and 1980

[portioncontrol]

sweet maple syrup!

[aphexjh]

very nice

[elpagna]

Nice as usual =)

[retrosound72]

thx :)

[olmecus]

Was this synth used by Rush on Subdivisions? sounds a lot like it! I really love the stuff you post! thanks retrosound72!!!

[retrosound72]

yes this is the OB-X

thanks

[ultimatenerd22]

didnt styx use an oberheim in the song "Too much time on my hands"?

[retrosound72]

yes this is the OB-X

and check the other vids Styx 1983 live - all OB-X

[ultimatenerd22]

thanks, i wanted to make sure that i told this friend (ann) when i was listening to it.

[ultimatenerd22]

i mean i wanted to make sure because i told a friend that when i was listening to too much time on my hands.

[PhotoAnimationGuy]

I have a feeling we will be so lucky to hear more obx in your future videos. it really is a special synth and possibly the best poly ever made but quiet SHHHHHH! don't hype the prices I have still yet to get one for myself. :)

[retrosound72]

sure!

Ich love this synth. But the OB-X is very rare.

[downfader2]

First synth sound is like Jump by Van Halen :-o

[CleverDjembe]

Yes, and it's also THE sound of the 80s :)

[retrosound72]

I have somewhere read somewhere Van Halen used the OB-X in the JUMP studio version (live OB-Xa)

[rdproductions01]

Nice synth! And nice demo ;-p

[retrosound72]

thx :)

[TheVincentPROduction]

supergeil

hat supertramp die nicht auch benutzt?

[retrosound72]

Ja stimmt.

habe nicht alle aufgezählt ;)

[RobinStrower]

Den Oberheim muss man einfach mögen, geiles Teil.

5 *

Robin :o)

[retrosound72]

danke robin

[DX5]

Great demo as always. I love the OB-X filters.

[retrosound72]

thx a lot :)

[magevers]

Hi Marko, great sounds and demo!

The OB-X is (one of) the best analog poly-synths ever :)

I am looking forward for your part 2!

[retrosound72]

thank you :)

love the OB

[icebergoz]

Radias is good for vocoding. Also if you give it the time you can get just about any sound out of it you wont. Good work as always retro sound... cheers.

[retrosound72]

thanks

[pandaman121212]

do you have any ideas for a cheap yet amazing synth like this one? one with a vocoder in it too?

[retrosound72]

the first microkorg is not bad for beginning and with vocoder

[BrandenElvis]

Korg R3 has double everything the MicroKorg has- much better vocoder.

[pandaman121212]

how much more for the upgrade?

[mikeycomputer]

Those are some awesome sounds that thing can produce. Oberheim FTW!

[weegerri1sm]

I always loved these Oberheim brassy sounds. :)

[Thalassa77]

great sounds!!!!

[retrosound72]

thank you :)

[kitkatworld]

Amazing beast, all I can say is that sounds are RICh and WARM O_O

Not too much of these knobs but must be some patch memories. Truly great sounds for playing with and for FX purpose. Seems heavy machine.

Great demo ^__^

[retrosound72]

yes this a beast! I love this synth.

thank you

[STINKOPOOP]

at about 1:34

[STINKOPOOP]

u almost had the forever young riff for a sec :D.

[douro20]

How long have you had that OB-X?

[massia68]

Simply no words... the best analog sounds ever....

[cubdukat]

is it just me, or did analog synths back in the day seem to have specific characteristics? Like, for instance, the Obies seem to be be really good at the percussive brass sound Van Halen used on "Jump" and the ones shown here. Nowadays a lot of the VA synths out there don't seem to have any kind of traits that distinguish one from the other. Maybe it really is all in the filters.

[Helderhugo]

Classic synth.

[lodnaellid2]

cool synth o:

[tmnt220]

That machine would make an awsome thing to use in a church setting does it have full pipes setting?Awsome demo as usual thanks!

[retrosound72]

thx :)

[BaumDerProllige]

Superklasse , schön warm und voll ... und klingt nach was , so muss das sein! Klasse teil!

[retrosound72]

danke...

[darthjack2000]

4:47 Depeche-Style ;-)

Die Kiste klingt geil, schönes Teilchen haste du da.

[retrosound72]

dankeschön

[Shotec1]

Das ist sehr sehr sehr gut.

[retrosound72]

dankeschön

[lemonlimestiv]

i am holding a lighter up!

all day,

[retrosound72]

;-)

[GCom67]

Hi Marko!!

This is one of my fav synths though i've never had the chance to play it or see it in the flesh!

I can hear the electricity flowing through it's veins. OB-X is so alive and organic ;)

5 STAR + FAV

I've just put a remix of my song 'Can't Turn Right' on my myspace featuring the Pro-One and Alesis Andromeda and JonB on vocals.

Could do with some feedback on it :)

Best wishes..G

[retrosound72]

Absolute agree with you Graeme. The OB-X is one of the best analog polysynths ever. Very organic and powerful. Better than the later OB`s.

thank you

[TR0jAX]

Das ist die geilste Oberheim Maschine ! Hast du den neu ? Was hast den bezahlt daür ?

[retrosound72]

Finde ich auch! Ist nicht neu.

[Andybaby]

real analog.. u just cant beat it.

[MightyBowser]

ich hab dich ja jetzt auch im abo!

analog ist genau meine welt :)

weiter so

[retrosound72]

meine auch :)

danke

[VacTrooper]

holy cow. what a lead at 1:48 !!!!

I Love your oberheim stuff. You just say, look, it's a phat, amercian synth. Here's brass, and lots of portomento. As it should be. HEHEHEHEHEHE!!!! LOL

[retrosound72]

solid american hardware for the money :)

not a crap of plastic how many of today's synths

[ralph6306]

what a lovely piece of history and the sound are excellent

[retrosound72]

absolute :)

[binnyman]

I owned one of these back in the day (it got stolen while being shipped back from Oberheim for some upgrades). Otherwise, i would never have parted with it. Big, heavy, and sounds to kill for !!! That note at 1:48 sums it up for me; Imcomparable ! Thanks for the vid !!! Peace :-)

[retrosound72]

Absolute agree with you!

thank you

[regisx32]

Only 5*

[retrosound72]

thx

[hartig1967]

jawollja! der sieht nicht nur fett aus... der IST fett!

mein neid ist dir sicher ;-)

danke für's video, cheers

[retrosound72]

dankeschön :)

[Korgator]

was für ein fetter Sound..herrlich!5*****

[retrosound72]

danke :)

[soukupjoe]

is it all yours? so delicious i'd subscribe again if i could

[clusterbombcocks]

3:30 to 4:05 nice sort of spacial/nautical sound

[Satak8]

Oh great! I am just gettin my OB-XA :)

[ETericET]

This is tbe one I want. Best fat analog sounds :)