Oberheim OB-X8 Evolves

Oberheim has announced a free v2.0 software update for their OB-X8 polysynth, which they say further solidifies its position as the pinnacle of modern analog synthesis. A spokesperson told us, "In just two short years, OB-X8 has become the gold standard, used in countless recordings around the world, but the Oberheim team continues to discover new ways to make the best even better."

Here's more details direct from the company...

Synthesis enhancements take center stage in the OB-X8 OS v2.0 update, broadening its sound palette with the ability to select simultaneous waveshapes in each oscillator for more complex timbral variations. Along with the OB-X8's six iconic filter modes from the SEM, OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-X8, a new 4-Pole low pass filter type has been added that provides fuller, richer bass tones at high resonance than ever before in an Oberheim synth. And for sound designers seeking more dynamic soundscapes, independent LFO modulation per VCO level enables greater control over fluidly mixing waveform textures. On top of that, the arpeggiator's clock sync, with its selectable note division values, empowers musicians with expanded rhythmic control.

Immersive stereo imaging is a snap to produce with the OB-X8's intuitive new binaural mode. Create more layered sound combinations with the expanded Split and Double memory locations. Unleash 32-voice sonic epics through poly chain, which allows seamless connection and control of multiple instruments. And finally, nuanced and expressive performances come alive with the introduction of MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) support - a multi-channel MIDI extension offering finer and more natural performance articulations per note.

"At Oberheim, we have always worked hard at finding clever ways to bring more useful features to our instruments," says Tom Oberheim. "It's unusual to add a new filter type and oscillator waveshapes to an analog synth via a software update, but our team is sharp and tenacious – always striving to bring genuine value to the discerning musicians who love our instruments."

FEATURES
• Instant binaural mode pans individual voices hard left and right for true stereo operation
• Simultaneously selectable waveshapes for each oscillator extends timbral variety
• New 4-Pole low pass filter type with fuller bass at high resonance
• New VCO 1 and 2 level LFO modulation destinations for independent timbral mixing
• Arpeggiator clock sync now has selectable note division values for expanded rhythmic
control
• Twice the Split and Double memory locations, including program storage directly in the
new banks for 512 more stored sounds
• Separate MIDI channels for lower/upper split bi-timbral operation
• Poly chain for up to 32 voices with 4 connected instruments
• MPE for new levels of expressiveness

 Pricing and Availability:

Update is free.

More information:

• Oberheim

• All About Oberheim 07-Apr-26
• ADC-25: New TEO-5 Firmware - Polychain and Arp Modes 11-Nov-25
• Oberheim Announces TEO-5 OS Update 07-Nov-25
• Oberheim TEO-5 Also Now As Desktop Module 01-Jul-25
• GearFest-UK24: OB-XA V2.0 Adds A New Filter And More 15-Jul-24