Oberheim

Iconic analog synthesizers with rich, powerful sound.

About Oberheim

Oberheim built its reputation on thick, layered analog sound that defined records from the late '70s through the '80s. Founded by Tom Oberheim in Los Angeles, the brand became synonymous with polyphonic synthesis at a time when most synths were monophonic. The OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 became studio standards, prized for their fat, punchy voicing and the ability to stack oscillators into massive chords. After years of dormancy, Oberheim returned under new ownership, bringing back classic designs with modern reliability. The OB-X8 and OB-6 (co-designed with Dave Smith) carry forward that signature sound: warm, aggressive, and unmistakably analog.

Analog Synthesizers

Oberheim's analog synths are built around multi-voice architecture. The OB-X8 combines the sound engines of the OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 into one instrument, giving you access to three generations of Oberheim voicing in a single keyboard. It's an eight-voice polysynth with discrete VCOs per voice, which means each note gets its own oscillator circuit. That's what gives Oberheim synths their thickness and slight detuning character. The OB-6, a collaboration with Sequential, pairs Oberheim's filter design with Dave Smith's oscillator architecture. It's six voices, all analog signal path, with a built-in effects section. Both models are designed for players who want immediate, hands-on control. Every parameter has a dedicated knob or switch. No menu diving.

Sound Character

Oberheim synths are known for their midrange punch and filter aggression. The SEM-based filter design has a resonant peak that bites without getting shrill. You hear it in classic tracks: brass stabs, string pads, and bass lines that sit forward in a mix without fighting for space. The multi-voice architecture means slight tuning variations between voices, which adds width and movement to chords. This isn't the clean, precise sound of a digital synth. It's analog with all the character that comes with it: warmth, drift, and a sense of physical presence. If you're building tracks that need weight and analog grit, Oberheim delivers.

Shop Oberheim at Blackout Audio

Oberheim's analog polysynths represent decades of synthesis history in instruments built for modern studios. All Oberheim gear ships free across Canada on orders over $199. Browse the full range online, and reach out to the Blackout Audio team with questions about specs, sound comparisons, or which model fits your setup.