Making its return to operation, Oberheim Electronics has launched its first new product, the OB-X8: an eight-voice polyphonic analogue synth that combines key features from the OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 instruments from the 1980s – including all original presets that gave them their signature sounds.
‘I wanted to come back strong with a new design that brings together the sounds of the greatest instruments from across the OB range, together with the distinctive sound and styling of those synths, but we took it even further’ says Tom Oberheim. ‘You can now combine the various OB voice architectures in ways that produce unique and interesting new sounds and capabilities.’
Founded by Tom Oberheim in 1969, Oberheim Electronics’ ground-breaking products fuelled electronic music throughout the 1970s and early 80s. After ceasing operations in 1985, these instruments attained collector status, with vintage models selling for many times their original price on the secondhand market.
Since that time, Oberheim has created a handful of limited-production instruments and co-designs with various partners under other names. But in a recent significant development, he regained control of the Oberheim trademarks and IP, and now, in partnership with Focusrite PLC, has decided to once again introduce new products under the Oberheim brand name for first time in more than 35 years.
‘I’ve always had a very optimistic outlook on our industry and the future in general. I felt that one day, when the time was right, Oberheim would return. A big part of this was the fact that so many musicians have contacted me over the years to ask how to get hold of an original Oberheim. So when I finally reacquired the Oberheim name, it was clear that the time was finally here.’
The list of artists associated with the original products is long, and includes innovators like Prince, Van Halen, Herbie Hancock and Japan. A handful of A-list artists such as Trent Reznor, the creative force behind Nine Inch Nails, got pre-release preview: ‘I was immediately impressed with the forensic level of detail that went into its design and the respect for its lineage,’ he says. I will be making room in my studio for one and I’m excited more people will be able to experience this classic instrument.’
Creating a new company out of thin air was no small feat. ‘I’m excited to work with my old friend and audio industry innovator Marcus Ryle, along with some other members of the original Oberheim team again,’ Tom says. ‘And thanks to an exclusive partnership with Focusrite group company Sequential LLC, we have the ability to design, manufacture, distribute, and support new instruments on a global scale.’
For Ryle, one of the inventors behind the Adat, QuadraSynth, and Line 6 guitar amplifiers and effects, this represents closure of sorts: ‘Synths were my first love and the reason I entered this industry. Tom hired me when I was 19, and I feel lucky to have been a part of the Oberheim design team during its glory days. Now, a whole new chapter in the story of analogue synthesiser-based music is about to get written.’
The recently deceased Dave Smith, founder of Sequential and a legendary figure in synth history, also collaborated with Ryle (an Oberheim team member from the 1980s) and Tom to create the new product.
The OB-X8 eight-voice analogue synthesiser will be available at the end of June, carrying an MAP of US$4,999.
More: www.oberheim.com
