Why the OB-6 is still my favourite synth in 2024

Review and tutorial of the Dave Smith / Oberheim OB-6, along with why I rebought a new one after selling it. Find out if this analog synthesizer is right for you, and why I think it's the best modern analog poly synth to buy in 2024.
Buy the Sequential OB-6 or any other gear to support my channel:
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Stream my music:
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0:00 - intro / why I made this video
2:03 - original OB-6 demo song
3:17 - about the demo, why it needs external effects
4:10 - why I love it pt1, flexible sound character
7:13 - secret trick to make the OB-6 sound more vintage
8:13 - why I love it pt2, fast workflow
9:27 - why I love it pt3, the filter and cross mod quirks
14:45 - outro and final verdict
#ob6 #analogsynthesizer #synthesizer #davesmith #oberheim #synth #sequential #moog

[@Timecop1983]

I had one twice and traded it twice, once for a Prophet-12 and most recently for a Prophet-6. I had no regrets until i see videos like this again.. Then i fall in love with the sound again.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Dude I absolutely love your music! Big honour to have you comment here! I’d love to check out the Prophet 12 eventually, looks amazing.

[@wiseradical3386]

Well, you know what they say: Three's the charm 😉

[@aakash9058]

@@MilesAwayOfficialthe p12 is truly unique. Like you’ve I’ve owned and played dozens of synths. It’s the p12 and super6 that stand out to me.

[@vxd]

I have the P6 but not using it as much as I want to because it's so easy to use Diva, but I'm wondering if you can get that warm 80s sounds on the P6 that you can hear here? The P6 also has the vintage mode.

[@Wrenchfist_Studios]

I have the prophet 6, 10 and 12. I suck at making patches on the p12, but I really like it.

[@cortical1]

I agree, my OB6 always impresses me with its range, novelty, ease of programming, and overall sound. It's everything a synth should be.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Exactly! It encapsulates perfectly why hardware will always exist no matter how good plugins get. It’s a joy to create music with

[@MotorHolmes]

I love your enthusiasm for this synth. I own and love both the OB-6 and OB-X8. But hey, I just love the OB sound.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Same here, I just love the OB . I love both as well, but I often surprise people when I tell them I use the OB-6 more than the X8.

[@JamesGiannoni]

Your passion for the instrument comes through so well in this vid. Really dig that you went through what you like about it in a concise way.... and now, I. Want. This. Synth.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I appreciate that! Glad I could inspire. It’s seriously great. :)

[@N-trepid1]

So glad the OB-6 is still a mainstay in your studio--despite the additions of the 3rd Wave & the OB-X8. The collaboration of synth legends Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim will always have a place in my studio. Its simply a fantastic instrument, well worth the price of admission.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I couldn’t agree more! Glad you still have yours too. Modern classic.

[@googlingthevoid]

Sequential really nailed “the 6s”. Choose your flavor. You can’t go wrong! It’s the perfect balance of modern/vintage, workflow, sound, and all in a compact package. I went through so many synths and right back to the Prophet-6 myself. Will probably add an OB-6 again 😂

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Yep I couldn’t agree more. I think they are both masterpiece synths, just for me I prefer the OB sound!

[@davebellamy4867]

I think they did too. The Prophet-6 is beautiful and the resonance and naturalness of the sound is gorgeous. It was unfairly underrated for not being a Prophet-5. I love the OB6 for its more electric sound somehow. It's a bit more vibrant in high treble and low bass and the Prophet-6 sits so beautifully in the middle. They got the layouts so close to perfect on these two. I'm sure the Trigon is excellent too. I'm tempted. They're just insanely playable - the most playable synths I ever had. One thing is they're just simple enough so you can find a sound again using the panel controls if you lose it. They're such fun and that's the number one quality for me. They make me make sounds and music.

[@googlingthevoid]

@@davebellamy4867 agreed! I think I’ll pick up the OB-6 soon. Telling myself I need to wait until Superbooth, but may cave if I find a good used deal 😅

[@skeletonmodel]

With one very big mistake on the OB-6: Local Control does not separate the keys from the 'brain'. You cannot use the keys to control other synths without either: Having the OB-6 also play or, when turning off local control, have all the controls go whack. If you use a sequencer to control multiple synths, you are out of luck and will have to buy an extra midikeyboard. This function was added to the Prophet (i think) but not the OB-6. It is really the only thing that is actually wrong with it

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

huh i did not know that, i don't personally use local, but I hope they add it in!@@skeletonmodel

[@matthewrodriguez6104]

Fantastic follow up video Miles. I'm sure you helped plenty of people choose this synth since the last video. I'm one of them. Nice work showing off its charm again. Cheers!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great to hear! Stoked you still love yours :)

[@Livguava]

So magical

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you!

[@peterkadarmusic9728]

Holy smokes that OG OB-6 demo tune is killer! Loving the video - I've subscribed. Cheers from Toronto!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you and welcome! I make sure to do an OG demo song for every synth demo I do, check out some other videos :)

[@Station2Station-du2gh]

Keep up the great work.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you!

[@flewway8134]

I appreciate this video…I’ve watched your videos on the OB6, OB-X8 for a few days now…I’ll probably get one based on the Demo track intro song you did! Good gracious !!!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you and glad you liked the demo! Which way are you leaning? Ob-6? Happy to answer any questions, I know it’s a big purchase decision

[@danielsaintmusic]

Wow I was not expecting a new Miles Away OB6 video, this was so nice to see pop up on my recommended!!! Had to like and comment before even watching the video 🔥🔥🔥

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you so much! Hope you enjoyed it 🙏😊

[@danielsaintmusic]

@@MilesAwayOfficial absolutely did. I’m so torn between the prophet 6 and OB6. I think my “brain” says P6, and my “heart” says OB6 😭

[@embe9603]

@@danielsaintmusickzbin.info/www/bejne/r3SmkJVrjK1_jpI

[@cfs]

@@danielsaintmusic My brain first said Peak, then XD, then P6, and then I went with my heart with the OB-6 and I've never looked back and never regretted it. Don't get the OB-6 if you want the vintage Oberheim sound - that's wha the X8 is for. Several people who wanted that all along sold the OB-6 and prefer the X8. I never wanted that and have loved my OB-6 since the first note I played in the shop and got goosebumps.

[@danielsaintmusic]

@@cfs wow what a journey!! I’m glad you enjoy the OB6. I need to get my hands on one to play for a bit!

[@elementlab41]

SO glad you made this video. I'm debating selling my P6 because the OB-6 gets so much attention . This really helped settle it.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Happy to help! For what it’s worth, I think the Prophet 6 is absolutely incredible too, I just sold mine as it wasn’t getting much use after I got the 3rd Wave which can do prophet sounds really well

[@ModePhaser]

Definitely the center piece of my arsenal as well. In fact your original video is what made me choose it over the Prophet 6. Thank you! Also thanks for reinforcing my love for it again. 💯

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Oh awesome! So happy my video helped you decide :) you made a great choice!

[@therealone1288]

Got one on launch and still love it!!🎉🎉

[@JeffPalmer83]

It’s my favorite as well! I use the Desktop version with my Kronos and always incorporate a showpiece sound from the OB-6 into my combis for live performance. Depending on the track, it’s either the lead or part of the chords as a pad or something. Regardless, it always does this magic trick of standing out while sitting nicely in the mix. What a treat, every time!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Amazing to hear! That’s a great way of putting it: no other synth mixes in to any genre song so well, while also standing out with tons of character.

[@scottmcauleysounds]

Nice vid , my all time favourite too Devin. Quick tip You can utilise flanger on 100% wet for trem LFO to free up main lfo for other mods 👌

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great tip! Thanks for reminding me, I forgot about that one :) I usually just disable the effects besides distortion and record into pedals, but that flanger tip is perfect for all in one.

[@elifan2523]

Great video! To me the internal effects are a big part of my sound design with the synth

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Totally fair! even though I don't love the sound of em, I love the workflow and saving presets.

[@MusicZeroOne]

It’s there with my Juno-60. Both are simple and nothing mind blowing. But they are both magical in the sense that I always create music with them. There’s never a struggle. They just work, like an old pair of shoes 🙂

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Exactly, you get me! Music creation is about putting the least barriers between the idea in your head and getting it out into the world.

[@embe9603]

Own also both and can confirm 100% !! They both are diamonds ... Got a Sub37 for the harsh contrast and deep bass if needed .. also more Roland and Korg Stuff ... Actually just a Yamaha CS-80 is on my wishlist but besides that I am happy :D

[@MusicZeroOne]

@@embe9603 certainly on my wish list too 😂

[@NicolasMelis]

Great synth 🎹

[@HiLoMusic]

Hey I asked you about the OB6 on reddit :) Good looking out!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Amazing! Yours was one of the comments that made me make this, glad you watched it :)

[@samborn7120]

My all time favorite also. I always go straight to the OB-6 everytime I am in a creative mood. It’s simply the most beautiful synth yet released. ❤️ Worth the financial sacrifice to get one.👌

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Yep- exact same page as me! I still make new songs to this day just from sitting down and jamming patch 007 (the preset that sold me the synth😂)

[@davebellamy4867]

12:46 Love that bass tone on that sound. Actually the mistake sounded cool.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you ! Haha

[@theguitarclubonline]

Out of the OB6 & P6 what would best compliment a Juno 60 & 106 ( which I currently own )? Thanks : )

[@theguitarclubonline]

and a beat up Jx3p 😂

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Ob-6 will be a more unique partner to a Juno, the filter couldn’t be more different! Juno and Prophet sound different yet similar

[@theguitarclubonline]

​@@MilesAwayOfficialBut for versatility would you say the P6? Thanks : )

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@theguitarclubonline yes absolutely, P6 is more versatile, OB6 has more defined character . Both are amazing!

[@theguitarclubonline]

@@MilesAwayOfficialThanks buddy! You need any guitar quesitons I'm your guy! 😁

[@KvestiOnMovies]

One thing people don't know about OB-6 is it works with polyphonic aftertouch via midi. Prophet 6 does the same. At least the modules do. I don't have keyboard versions.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great shout out! They do as well! They also work with MPE. Maybe I’ll do a video using it with my Seaboard to show people.

[@richc848]

It's not just poly aftertouch: it supports full MPE. I control the OB-6 from an Osmose with the OB-6 in MPE mode. There's plenty of expressive power in the OB-6 patches when you can bend notes individually and do poly aftertouch at the same time. I still use the OB-6's keyboard when I want a more conventional synth sound without so much nuance and variation.

[@yorgohoebeke]

@@MilesAwayOfficialplease make that video! I have a Roli seaboard and would love to hear and know what this sounds like on the roli.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Its on the list! @@yorgohoebeke

[@yorgohoebeke]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Awesome! Looking forward to it :)

[@ryanwintersmusic]

I watched your last video and instantly It informed my decision to get one, now I totally get it and agree with this video. Incredibly versatile synth, when I got it out of the box I was running through the patches and hit one that sounded like tones from 'Aphex Twin-#3' and I hit made a chord and hit hold and just sat on the couch for an hour, was so beautiful. Running this thing through a Microcosm is just insane. So thank you for that ❤

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Late reply but my pleasure! I'm so happy you got one and enjoy it, and I agree, Ob-6 into Microcosm is an incredible combo. I also LOVE the Ob into any good tape or analog delay to warm it up. El Cap or Thermae are instant vibes with it

[@drewnorth3816]

Nice video. OB-6 is my favorite synth, over my Prophet-5, over my Prophet-6, over everything else.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Mine too! 3rd Wave is the only synth I’ve owned that fights it for my #1. I do really want to own a P5 one day though, absolutely adored it when I tried.

[@mikeburnitt2604]

Thanks. I love my OB6.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you for watching!

[@Kaffimusic]

Like Matt Johnson described, use the FX1 to do a vibrato. Works pretty well. LFO is monophonic anyways, so no loss. Opens up the LFO for other tasks.

[@therealone1288]

Also got a pro 2 which might be my fave of all time. So good

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great synth! I regret selling mine a bit but it went to a good home and I didn't use it enough!

[@danthreepwood2760]

My subwoofers are really loving that ''awesome 'o' 2000 deluxe overkill bass punch'' from the OB6. Reminds me a bit of my good ol' Juno 106 with everything cranked to the max.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Love it! Yea some patches on this synth just shake my entire room 😅

[@therealone1288]

I like that it has internal fx its nice when youre just playing around but it shines thru some good pedals

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

My thoughts exactly!

[@fattyboombatty7736]

For my style of music, the OB6 has been my favourite, except maybe the UDO Super 6.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I tried the Super 6 recently and fell in love. If I was in the position to buy one or a Gemini I’d get it instantly. I’m seeing about if I can make any local trade or rental work, cause I want to do a video and patch bank!

[@afrikankingzent]

Took a break from Ob-6 when I got the Super 6. Both are great, but feeling the super 6 right now

[@davebellamy4867]

For me, the pan spread is nice on mild numbers. Yeah, bringing in the notch is magical and sometimes has a slight noise like sound when it's really faint. I use it to bring in that kind of metallic sheen. I love that sound. I personally use the LFO to sweep the filter and on the OB6 filter state. It's nice on one oscillator mode using Osc2 as another LFO. It's surprisingly powerful and dark in one osc per voice mode.

[@davebellamy4867]

The Prophet-6 is beautiful and the resonance and naturalness of the sound is gorgeous. It was unfairly underrated for not being a Prophet-5. I love the OB6 for its more electric sound somehow. It's a bit more vibrant in high treble and low bass and the Prophet-6 sits so beautifully in the middle. They got the layouts so close to perfect on these two. I'm sure the Trigon is excellent too. I'm tempted. They're just insanely playable - the most playable synths I ever had. One thing is they're just simple enough so you can find a sound again if you lose it. They're such fun and that's the number one quality for me. They make me make sounds and music - and they're synths that sound like ... synths.

[@DS-nw4eq]

Exquisite like only the finest wines. Reminds me of the time I spent with Diddy on Epstein Island with the Clintons. We played music and frolicked like the Illuminati of yesteryear.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great comment! I agree on the P6 sitting so nicely in the middle. I miss it, but the 3rd Wave covers its sound so well.

[@DaveFallows]

I told my wife that if she lets me buy an OB-6 right now I’ll promise to never buy another synth again.

[@entropybentwhistle]

Dangerous words. There’s always “another synth.”

[@artsolomon202]

We all know thats not true😂

[@ZenMountain]

Rookie mistake. Just buy it without saying anything and start introducing it silently, gradually.

[@MotorHolmes]

Never, ever make such a promise!

[@lk0707]

If you need to ask wife for permission, you’re in wrong place.

[@mirkocaserta]

I was really lucky to get a used one for half the price of what it costs new these days. One of the rare occasions in which I might have actually made a great investment, although I'm never ever going to sell mine. I love it so much. There's no going back from it. I have and have had different Sequential synths and each one of them has its own character but this one has a special spot in my heart.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

late reply but I love stories like this! I kind of did something similar. I scored a crazy deal on a Moog Voyager, played it for several months and realized it wasn't for me, then saw someone post an OB-6 online. I traded them the Voyager - everyone won, because they got a great trade, I got the synth of my dreams which has been on literally every Miles Away song since I got it in 2020 :)

[@jasonbeatty831]

Will never ever sell mine.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Excellent choice

[@yongamusic]

Looks like it’s time to treat your OB-6 to a Low Frequency Expander! The LFE generates 3 complex LFOs and a 6-stage envelope which can be sent over MIDI to add further modulations to your synthesizer. It also has a 4-slot modulation matrix for routing all sorts of MIDI controls and features. The way it embeds itself into your synth means that when you select a patch on your synth it pulls in the expanded patch from the LFE.

[@martincarbow5491]

Seconded! I have an LFE for my Prophet 10 and Matriarch (it supports a lot of other synths as well, like the OB-6, P6, OB-X8 etc.). Just a couple of other features not mentioned above: Name your presets (that one alone is gold!) and a dedicated knob for distortion on the OB-6 (on the P10 this same knob does 5 octave shift)… Constructor Steve Hunt is one helluva nice guy and keeps on developing helpful and inspiring improvements. I can whole-heartedly recommend the LFE, Devin - get one.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

LFE, looks sick. I toyed with that idea. It looks super cool for sure but I would want to try one before buying to see if I gelled with it, or if it slowed down my workflow. I didn’t know it recalled its settings with patches. That’s really cool. Maybe I’ll just take the plunge eventually!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@martincarbow5491that’s really tempting that it works with other synths… hmm I will have to research again 😂

[@martincarbow5491]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Definitely worth checking out, you can get so much more out of all the synths it supports - many of which you seem to have in your studio!

[@yongamusic]

@@MilesAwayOfficial I’m looking forward to your video about the LFE! 😉

[@RoyChartier]

Great synths don't age. This is a future classic, as is the P6.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Agreed!

[@JaroAtry]

I've been watching a lot of videos about gear and analog synths lately. It shows certain tendency, that the more technically proficient someone is, the less proficient they tend to be artistically. Not everyone though, you're an exception. You're one of the few on youtube who makes actually good music with these machines.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you so much! That's high praise! I think it is because I came from being a musician/composer first, and happened to fall down the synth youtube rabbit hole accidentally. Now I am hooked though, and I really do try to make each demo song as musical as possible!

[@JaroAtry]

@@MilesAwayOfficial I think it's very important to show how the instrument sounds in context, in the mix. It's a shame that so few people do that. I bought an OB-6 right after watching your videos :) I was also very interested in what you did with the Moog Matriarch. I love those dirty analog paraphonic glitchy sounds. I've done something very similar in the past with Matrixbrute, it's an amazing synth for the type of sounds you make.

[@cfs]

My OB-6 remains my favorite, as well. I also regularly use the Chorus and BBD - sometimes they just work better than the much "nicer" ones I have in hardware and software. And the analog distortion, too. I try/have all the "Oberheim" plugins and, frankly, none of them come close overall (of course you can always mimic this sound or that sound, but not the whole sound palette).

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I agree with your assessment, the chorus really grew on me!

[@eddievanheinous666]

Same here! I love both my OB6 and P6 modules so much that, while I'm sure the OBXA and Prophet 5 are amazing, I still never really got any gas for them.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

They are such a great combo! Have you tried the Trigon?

[@eddievanheinous666]

@@MilesAwayOfficialI haven't yet, but since I'm familiar with the workflow, I plan on getting that module as well when I can find one at a decent price second hand

[@alteregothehi-qs5774]

Hey! I love my OB6! To a point where I own 3 (2 Keys and 1 Desktop). I use them at my studio and with the band. Two issues: (1) I have an overwhelming collection of cool custom patches. Is there a way to organize them via a Librarian? (2) When attempting to purchase your sounds, I am stuck after my paypal payment as it returns to your checkout page without a way to conclude. Did I mess up? Cheers and thx!! 🙏

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for getting the patches! Email me about your issue with the email you used to buy them and I’ll get it resolved. As for a patch librarian, I’ve heard Soundtower Editor is great but I’m not affiliated and I don’t have it myself so do your research

[@ZozillaThaGreat]

Would love you to test the TEo 5 (sequential) when it's out , basically the Take 5 oberheim version !!! Always a pleasure to watch your videos ....

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I reached out to see about buying an early/discount unit for review! Haven’t heard back but if they are interested I will do a video on it asap!

[@ZozillaThaGreat]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Did ya played with the take 5 ? on the fense to getting one but the Teo 5 is making think twice , also room sapce is tight and the minilogue Xd makes anything i buy not that better lol , believe that ? !!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@ZozillaThaGreat I’ve never used the take 5 but it looks solid! Sequential to me just make such great instruments so you can’t go wrong with anything. I would also keep an eye out for cheap used OB-6 when the TEO 5 gets announced, I’m sure there will be some people (foolishly) selling theirs for the new oberheim!

[@ZozillaThaGreat]

@@MilesAwayOfficial I found a clean ob6 desktop at 1900 euros here in France , almost jumped but the xd module made me realise that a full keyboard solution , also one lfo ect but the sound is superb ....the thing is that i've found korg closer to ob than Prophet wiytch are smoother ... in a Roland way ...if i could say . A lot of great options for sure , i saw the Teo 5 and didn't saw levels for osc , just switches witch is something that i don't really like versus the ob6 ... i will ask you this , is the ob6 can do prophet ? and is the prohet can have ob style (i know the filter will make a bid diff) but bascially i want a solid all arounder ;) And i can 100 % relate to your finding , the producer hat versus the synth addicitict , wjhen the prodiucer hats on , what we need is a straight front line soulja !!! ready and capable of anything ...

[@Wrenchfist_Studios]

I'm in OB6 revival mode. I love it so much. I have the OBX8 and the OB6 module and keys version (which I chain with the LFE for an OB12). I'm just an Oberheim guy. I'll be grabbing the TEO too I'm sure. I love the X8 for its raw tone, and the OB6 for all the cool stuff you cant do on the X8. I wish they would make a TEO10 with 61 keys. I agree about the FX. It's nice that you can program the FX into the patch but they aren't great. Too bright is much better than not bright enough.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

We are the same person! LOL. I also grabbed a TEO-5, although I am not sure if I'll keep it if it sounds too similar. But I want to do a comparison video to help people choose since I am an OBIE nut and bought all 3

[@BenKrogh]

It's a lovely synth! I don't know if folks have brought it up, but I'd be curious to get your take on the Sequential Take 5: It's not as premium of a build quality, but the VCOs and richness put it in an interesting spot in comparison to the OB-6, and the workflow is my absolute favorite of all the synths I've personally owned! It's a gem and I think if you haven't tried one yet you're missing out.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I haven’t tried one but the Take 5 looks amazing! I will do my best to find a rental in my city, cause I’d love to do a video and patch bank on it.

[@Hauteclaire16]

I have the Take5 and the OB6 and I think they are very different but I love both. They somehow complement each other nicely. I haven't figured out how exactly though. The OB6 is very fat and the Take5 is like your modern synth and the sound is rich. It's incredibly capable and nice

[@dmitrybraginets461]

Miles, thanks a lot for second OB-6 video. I had one and sold it for OB-X8, I was happy because everybody told that it will be improvement in vintage sound. But when I got it, I heard less liveness and breath of beauty, just strict metallic flavour with no life in my opinion. I sold it and got OB-6 again and now I know what's the real deal... Thanks again

[@embe9603]

I also own an OB-6 and want to get an OB-X8. Was thinking if I should trade in the OB-6 but realized after some reading and listening that it can not replace it. So only possibility is to own both since they have each a sound of it's own.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Glad I could help! I too agree that the OB6 is underrated by OBX8 users. Enjoy the synth and thanks for watching :)

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Did you see my in depth comparison? They are actually really diffferent yea!

[@jaderington]

I have the G~force software versions, the Summit and and a Take 5 sequential. The take 5 is doing it for me atm, not because its analogue, I like digital too, but I can get nice sounds out the take 5 more than the others. Im not good with sound design, thats the reasons I think

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Don’t knock your sound design skills! If you are programming sounds on your take 5, you are already ahead of lots of people :) you probably just gravitate more to the Prophet sound over the OB, sound and that’s totally fine!

[@mcnitt]

Sold mine after about a year. I love the demos of it but found the general hugeness of the OB sound didn’t fit the tracks I was working on. I was probably more of a P6 candidate but really dig what others make with the OB line.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Totally fair! I did the same with my P6. Absolutely incredible synth but the tone just wasn’t quite as much me as the OB-6. They are two peas in a pod

[@richc848]

The OB-6 is a great instrument but I wouldn't recommend it as a first or only synth because it has such a distinct colour to the sound. But when I bring it into a track alongside other things it always amazes me with its effortlessly huge and alive sound.

[@cfs]

@@richc848 It doesn't have to sound huge - it can sound very small. Also, if you're using other synths with a 12db filter, it doesn't have to pop out, either. I think if someone loved how it sounded it could easily be their only hardware synth. I've never understood why people say otherwise, personally. It was my first hardware polysynth (I now also have a Digitone) and I don't see myself replacing it. I prefer it to the P5, Take5, P6, T6, X8, and many others - though those are all very fine synths. If I had the space I'd probably add a T6 desktop.

[@samuelhof2192]

Agree. Love my Ob6. Unfortunately need to bring it to repair. Voices are not stable even after calibration and when LFO is synced to VC01 the voices jump from time to time unfortunately. Have your patches as well. Lovely. Fingers crossed i will get it back soon

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Sorry to hear that! But sequential service has been excellent the one time I needed help (busted ob-x8 lever box). Good luck and hope you get back to jamming soon!

[@samuelhof2192]

Thx mate ❤

[@cfs]

Firmware 1.8.0 is supposed to help with some filter stability/uneven voices - hopefully you'd tried that, too.

[@samuelhof2192]

Yes. Tried that…

[@electrosonicnebula]

It's a cool synth for sure but of course other models have a vintage *knob* such as the Take 5, which is pretty much all the analog synth most analog fans actually need, including the possibility of programming the vintage behaviors.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Agreed! The vintage knob was a stroke of brilliance from Dave. I love it on all their synths. I just love other things about the OB-6 slightly more than the other Sequential offerings :)

[@ilovecatsandsynths9702]

OB-6 is great. I got a module and then made the mistake of buying a Take 5 a month later so the OB-6 has been a bit neglected, but I hope to give it more love in the future. I do love its filter and its sound, and it can do absolutely gorgeous pads that no other analog synth can. Have you checked out the Trigon-6 yet? It sounds great from what I’ve heard and it’s got a similar workflow and UI to the P6 and OB-6, being built on the same basic platform.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

late reply but not used Trigon yet!~ I use my GS E7 for ladder filter poly sounds, have you heard my videos on that? It is a cheaper option and sounds insanely good.

[@joshtackett]

Would love to see what you think of the Prophet 10! I want to eventually get a sequential Poly and that’s one everyone seems to love as well! Would be cool to hear your opinion and comparing it to the OB-6 and Prophet 6 as well!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

It's on my list! It's an end game synth for sure but I need to sell some stuff to afford one right now, and I like everything I own too much ! LOL

[@joshtackett]

@@MilesAwayOfficial I need to see your review/presets of this thing! Only THEN will I truly know which I'm most interested in (OB-6 or Prophet-5). Reason being, the way you work synths and the musicality you bring resonates with me more than most other demos that I see out there!

[@everpuremusic]

If your video had stopped right after the demo song, it would have made the point already 100%. I love my Prophet-6, but the OB-6 is just so wonderful on so many levels!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Fair! 😂 thank you I’m glad you enjoyed. Prophet 6 is amazing too, did you see my video on it?

[@everpuremusic]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Of course, I did! 🤩

[@AlainHubert]

I bought an OB-X8 last month, and still have and use my OB6 Desktop. Why did I buy it? Because it offers things the OB6 can't do. Like longer envelope times, two LFOs, split and double modes, an OLED display for naming patches, better tuning stability (my OB6 still takes about 5 minutes to become stable even after 8 years, whereas the OB-X8 is perfectly stable from cold start), and still includes the SEM filter with notch, low pass, band pass, and high pass, although not continuously variable, granted., and two other types of filters. Hey, it has to offer something more for 2.5 times the price, right? But all that beaing said, I agree that my OB6 still has a big place in my setup.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Yep I’m exactly like you. I adore my X8. It’s probably the single best sounding oscillator section on any synth I’ve ever tried, up there with a minimoog. I use it for pretty much all my trailer and cinematic stuff. But the Ob-6 is just so trusty and fast to work on, and the morphable SEM filter is too unique and useful to ever give up. It’s my slight winner for that reason.

[@AudioLomtik]

I knew my OB-6 was a keeper the moment I heard it. I have an OB-X8 desktop to compliment my OB-6 kbd and I don't think I could bring myself to sell either of them. Would love to see a shootout between the OB-6 and the 3rd Wave using only the 2 pole filter on the 3rd Wave!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

interesting idea! might do that if I get less busy!

[@therealone1288]

Good tip on the distortion, i do find it to be a little bright for me most of the time

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

My pleasure!

[@Thaile37]

Ok so tell us you’re coming out with a new preset pack…please?😅

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

It’s in the works! Mid 2024!

[@ajlazarusofficial]

It totally depends on what you want. All Sequential instruments are good. Having owned an OB-6 for six years, then getting the OB-X8, then selling the OB-6, there’s only one thing you said that I disagree with - which is that you can’t tell the difference between the two in a mix. That is definitely not true. There is overlap on certain types of sounds, but they are significantly different. For me, the OB-X8 is what I wanted when I got the OB-6. I wanted a real Oberheim, and the OB-X8 is it. The OB-6 is a modern, Sequential/Oberheim hybrid. Which may be what someone else wants. On its own, the only thing that prevents the OB-6 from being a true flagship/centerpiece is having six voices and a four octave keyboard. What I miss from the OB-6 is the Clock section, for syncing the LFOs and arpeggiator to a specific BPM. That is something I wish the X8 had, but it is ultimately minor.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Well said! The reasons you list are why I keep my OB-X8. Spoiled to have both, but for the music I make that modern/vintage hybrid sound is perfect. Whereas the classic real Oberheim sound I find is better on its own, but not as easy to mix is always to contemporary songs. Dual mode update though is insane, easily makes the X8 in another league!

[@davebellamy4867]

There's my favourite OBX8 sound in that first patch 0:01. So I keep my OB6.😂👍 Is that one OB6 sound or two OB6 sounds overlaid or OB6 plus another synth for the choir type feel?

[@ronmoes42]

This is indeed one of the best synths and those I love, like the synths from Sequencial the prophets. I do believe that using a real Syth is kind of snobby these days if not a bit redundant in most studios. I can understand that some want the hardware for it's sound, but in mixing a song the synth track probably gets a room reverb on it, maybe some saturation like the RC-20 etc to thicken up the sound right, one can make it like the real thing and ofcourse if you have the Vintage vault 3 from UVI like i do you have OBERHEIM OB-1,OB-8,XPANDER,MATRIX-6,MATRIX-12, MATRIX-1000,OB-X,OB-XA,OB-12,TWO VOICE PRO sampled and ready to go. the only thing you need these days is a midi controller, which has more features on it and helps with the flow of producing anyway.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I respect your opinion but I find that since moving to hardware and software hybrid, no other workflow works for me personally. I love VSTs, and made my whole first EP on Diva and Serum, but there’s no replacement for me of having a dedicated instrument that you can use without a computer. But everyone works differently 😊

[@jodd5534]

For me its ob6 and voyager xl, match made in heaven. Hydrasynth as the master controller

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

That's an epic set up!!

[@triplebeam23]

There is little to no content on the OB-6 .. its kinda crazy .. please can you make a full walk through on this synth pretty please 🙏

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I did a full almost 50 min walkthrough last year ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYXTkp-pfZWDbbc

[@davebellamy4867]

LFO or other mod to the filter state low-notch-high or BP to notch is a feature of the OB6 that I love. kzbin.info/www/bejne/opWYmpeLmtSDY5o The layout of the mod section is perfect though it would be nice to have even more options - but simplicity is often the key to elegance.

[@Luap-ls3ix]

You’ve probably been asked already but what is that music reactive light on the table? Looks so cool with those “tubes”

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Massdrop FFT Audiolight!

[@caloykoy1]

What were the drums and external effects (if any) used in the demo? Sending a Super Thanks because the demo was just wow. ☺♥🔥

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you so much for the Super Thanks! The drums for this one are mostly from Damage but layered with some other stadium samples. Reverbs are the only effects I really added, mix of Walrus Sloer & Big Sky!

[@caloykoy1]

Thank you for replying. ☺️ May I ask why you are not fully satisfied with the OB-6 effects? Even just generally, because that is quite a big question. 😊

[@scottmcdiarmid8196]

love my OB6, sizzles and pos like no other, UBXa would be close but its not got that Sub OSC 😞

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I need to try the UBXA! What's your verdict, do you like it?

[@scottmcdiarmid8196]

its not an OB6 but it lends itself to pads mainly because of the voice count. badly needs a sub Osc as the bass is a bit weak@@MilesAwayOfficial

[@locusteater6667]

would you ever consider trying the Trigon-6? seems interesting, you'd get that 2nd LFO with the 3rd oscillator I guess

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I would love to try the Trigon! I keep an eye out locally for a trade, cause I’m not in the position to buy any new synths right now, and Sequential aren’t a company that sends out review units. But if I can find one to review I will do a video like this and a patch bank, it looks awesome!

[@locusteater6667]

Ok awesome, Ive had my eye on that one for a while, hopefully by the time you get your hands on one to review I'll also have enough cash to afford it as well hah, cheers! @@MilesAwayOfficial

[@ghostfrom1950]

for me the reason i want to get rid of it (IN MY SETUP) is the lack of 4 pole filter. Now I understand why on the original OB-X that DIY-ing a 4P filter caught on back in the 80s. Had Sequential somehow came out with an expansion pack/update to add this or if there was some 3rd party retrofitted thingy ma-boo, I would totally keep it as my only poly synth

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Totally fair! Check out the OBx8 then, the 4 pole filter is really gentle but sounds great, and you get the 2 pole too (two options for 2 pole)

[@ghostfrom1950]

@@MilesAwayOfficial 😂😂😂

[@mitchelstephen7536]

That is a beautiful sounding synth. I have an Oberheim Xpander, and he OB-6 sounds smoother, creamier, prettier.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I've never tried the Xpander! What is the character like?

[@mitchelstephen7536]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Songs examples are the best demos of the Xpander, it has a harder splattier sound: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGK9gXhmnrdjfsU kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIWnq5uBirWYopY kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5LViIh9ZdZ6r6s kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJWpkpSara-fask Thanks again for the great demo. I'm thinking of picking up an OB-6.

[@mitchelstephen7536]

@@MilesAwayOfficial A character that is very hard to replicate :)

[@TheAdamMalcolm]

My only problem with my ob6 is the init patch sounds so good tweaking things feels weirdly wrong,

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

lmao for real! That init patch is on so many of my songs 🤣

[@thedarkestrainbow]

Curious to see how you feel about the TEO5. It def makes the choice for an Oberheim today a bit more complex. Compared to this you lose 5 keys and 1 voice, but you gain more modulation, an extra LFO, updated effects, and a more X8 leaning sound at a fraction of the price. Also curious what you think when comparing this to the Polybrute. For almost a grand less you can get a 6 voice Polybrute which objectively blows this out of the water on paper spec wise. Sound is personal preference. For $500 more you can get the Polybrute 12 and still come in under the Oberheim X8 in both price and features. If they expanded the Teo5 to 12 voices…💀

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I pre-ordered one for the channel! I personally don't need it, but it looks like a fantastic entry point into the OB world, so I am going to review it, compare it and make patches to help viewers decide :)

[@joshberrios3604]

i think u r gonna love more the TEO5?

[@goodman1127]

OBs have unique sound, alike the Prophets but they are totally different sounding machines.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Totally agree! The iconic poly synths for a reason :)

[@moogy77]

Can the arpeggiator run along with the sequencer ?

[@gktde9874]

Awesome synth 👍…but my Prophet 10 is still my N1!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I’d really love a P10! Fell in love the last time I played one!

[@davebellamy4867]

What external effects go well with the OB6 (and Prophet-6) in your experience? What was used on this video especially at 0:01 intro??

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Late reply but I swear by a good reverb and delay with the OB-6. My current faves are Walrus Meraki and Meris Mercury X but those are really pricy. For mid budget, I love the Empress Echosystem Delay and Walrus Sloer Reverb combo with the Ob6!

[@davebellamy4867]

​@@MilesAwayOfficialThanks for the reply! I have OB-6 and Prophet-6. Both legends in my view. Perfect fun workflow for making music. Simplicity is beauty for me.

[@jmeditation]

How does the Prophet Rev 2 compare to the OB-6? Thoughts?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I’m working on trying to rent a Rev2 for a video to compare and review!

[@Lachenmann7]

The Rev2 is the ultimate Sequential (both in its capabilities and its price, which is the fairest synth price in history). 16 voices; 5 octave keyboard; an extra envelope; multiple LFO's. And, the OB-6 has some of the most magical sounds I've ever heard coming from a synthesizer. (Don't forget the Prophet X: there are still a few left, and it's way ahead of its time. Very few people really understand what it's capable of.)

[@user-zd4qy5zl7i]

Yeahh I have prophet6

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great choice too! Just as good, I just gravitate more to the OB sound :)

[@jeffc1753]

I’ve played the OB-6 several times before but haven’t played the OB-X8 yet, but from what I can tell the OB-X8 reigns supreme in sound.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I did a video comparing the two and I bought both. You are correct, the Ob-x8 does sound slightly better. The oscillators are just incredible, and nothing comes close. But I honestly use the ob-6 more for the faster workflow, the built in distortion (so unique for an OB)( and the morphable filter. The sum of the parts of the OB-6 makes it a slight winner for me over the slightly better raw tone of the X8 to me imho

[@jeffc1753]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Understandable. I feel that the voices in the OB-X8 are naturally detuned perfectly and sound better than the OB-6 with Vintage Mode. It’s that combined with the extra voices, extra LFO, and extra octave that makes the X8 the winner for me.

[@cfs]

@@jeffc1753 Not everyone thinks the OBX8 sound better. I prefer the OB-6 overall. Add in all the additional things Miles said, and I don't see myself ever wanting an X8. But I'm glad it exists.

[@jeffc1753]

@@cfs I’m well aware that a lot people think the OB-6 is the 2nd coming. I for one disagree.

[@JBrm]

I got to rediscover and re-like the Prophet 6 after i switched off effects on every single patch. The FX section is just really really bad. Imho switching it on takes so much away from the sound that it's not usable. Another thing that makes the current sequential line up not deserve that title is the lack of a patch name display. With effects off, the sound is really great, though!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I like the no screen! But I agree with you, I only like the Chorus and the analog distortion.

[@silvertongues2]

I sold my OB6, and now have the UB-Xa…… the OB6 sounds nicer to me.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I haven’t tried the UBXA. Would love to review one eventually. What are your main gripes with the sound?

[@silvertongues2]

Hard to describe but the sound just doesn’t seem as expansive, it’s too precise, and just lacking something…. Even with the atrophy settings. It’s such a huge keyboard too….

[@gmo2932]

Are you thinking of trying the trigon 6?

[@xiaoxia5]

ooh, good question! i liked my OB-6, but traded it in to help finance a P10. the Trigon 6 didn't get much love on release, but now i'm seeing lots of love for it which is making me watch more videos on it.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I really want to try one but no loaners/rentals locally, Sequential don't send free gear like some companies, just artist discount, and I pre-ordered the TEO5 instead since I keep getting requests for that. Trigon looks incredible though. I can almost guarantee its a fantastic synth, since the demos sound great and the workflow on these is the best

[@jmcoffin1]

why do you choose OB6 as your favorite synth over the 3rd Wave?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great question, it's such a close toss up, 3rd Wave is easily the one synth to rule them all in features and tone. It's objectively "better" than the OB-6. But the OB-6 has just become so essential to how I make music. The workflow is perfect, I use it on every track and it will be my trusty companion through this entire musical journey in life. It's objectively more limited than the 3W and others, but I find no other synth just works for me like it does.

[@jmcoffin1]

Thanks for the clarification.

[@entropybentwhistle]

@@MilesAwayOfficialDoes the OB6 have the filtering bass boost that the 3rd Wave has? I think that was a Dave Smith invention so I was just wondering if he had implemented it in that instrument.

[@cfs]

@@entropybentwhistle No. But it's filter doesn't cut the bass, nor does turning up the resonance. Those things change the sound, of course. It's not a ladder filter.

[@xuzhangning]

棒棒棒

[@thulioassis1023]

Is the OB-6 still worth it after 3 days you made this video?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

🤣

[@Gerald_Daniel]

I even think that opinions about the supposedly less bright "true" vintage sound are a total misunderstanding. It's mainly cheap VAs with the limited frequency spectrum, definitely not HQ vintage or in general HQ analogue gear. My experience is, the more expensive, the brighter the sound. Besides, a decent 2pole VCF always shines more than a 4pole. Otherwise something's wrong. Who wants an aged sound? I definitely don't. I certainly don't mean desirable voice differences. Once I saw a video people claiming that an ion sounds more analogue than a nordlead because the nord suppposedly sounds much too bright. I thought I was dreaming, because an ion sounds just (more or less) ok but far away from true analogue. My initial thougt was they obviously never played a JP-8, OB, P5, Juno or whatever HQ sounding vintage poly because it's no secret that according to VA inventor Hans Nordelius P5 has been nordleads template.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I actually fully agree with this! Great VCOs are bright and powerful, not boomy and muddy

[@Gerald_Daniel]

@@MilesAwayOfficial ...& VCFs. ⚗️🧬

[@Hoophey]

I'm confused. I thought you said in another video that the OBX8 was an end game synth..

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

KZbin makes us make creative titles if we want our subscribers to see our videos - both are equally great for different reasons, but I slightly use the OB-6 more!

[@Zaccyonline]

Get a Yamaha FS1R Miles!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I’ve never even heard of that til now! Is it like a rack mount DX7?

[@Zaccyonline]

@@MilesAwayOfficial That would be the TX802 (which is awesome as well), the FS1R is so much more! TRULY the greatest FM Synth of ALL TIME! I WISH THEY MADE A KEYBOARD VERSION. YES I'M SCREAMING!!!

[@papahuge]

Yeah but have you tried the UB-Xa?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I have not but I’d like to, but it’s gonna sound completely different to this: Curtis filters Vs SEM filters.

[@MykiVonFerro]

Can you just have a channel for OB-6 videos

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

LOL it's not a bad suggestion 🤣 I'm definitely gonna do a second patch bank for OB6 this year, stay tuned too.

[@alainthiry3965]

have you tried others?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Check out my channel, I’ve owned an done videos on most modern synths. I’m also a professional music producer for clients and my own project Miles Away.

[@alainthiry3965]

@@MilesAwayOfficial so you certainly compared the sound with the obx8. Each think what he want and it is a good thing.

[@alainschoonjans6015]

And no more the Prologue?? 😞

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Still have and love the Prologue! I just slightly prefer the OB-6 :)

[@mitchelstephen7536]

I mean... even the Xpander can't do this pad sound you made.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d529dpevpJuorbs

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

xpander looks sweet but yea morphable sem filter on a polysynth is really unique!

[@pcuimac]

Too expensive. I bought a Lenovo laptop + Keylab 49 MkII + Arturia V, OB-X and OP-X PRO II. Also Minimonsta and Oddity. Value without the price.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Totally fair! That’s a great combo. Gforce OB-E is my personal fave ob vst, but all those you listed are great too

[@michaels8607]

Number one I DARE someone to debate with me about what I spend my money on..Good luck getting verbally smashed with that. What I buy is the best, even if it's a $40 Moog copy. It's my money, my business, and I just do not buckle like a toddler to compare anything. Dave makes great gear, and one day I will probably get one. Most of these synths can be duplicated by another, and most people in the club do not care. I have an old Roland and it sings when it warms up..Whomever is gossiping about which synth is better probably needs to have more s-x, eat more ice cream, get a hug often, and work on getting a life.I'm sitting in my place full of gear,yet I love having fun, doing so many other things, and i NEVER worry about comparisons of YT. NO ONE CARES in the mall, the club, in the car, etc,etc..

[@ElectroPanPipes]

You seem to care enough to whine on about it

[@michaels8607]

@@ElectroPanPipes How am I whing when I clearly said I dont care to compare? You and your cohorts can keep your faces in each other's crotches,duncecaps...

[@michaels8607]

@@ElectroPanPipesUsing logical fallacies like the d-ckrider you are..so sad..Again, maybe Mommy can show you the meaning of whining, because you have no clue.

[@michaels8607]

@@ElectroPanPipes HAVE MOMMY read to you duncecaps, all 5of you...>>I made it easier for you duncecaps..>>> The word “whine” has a few related meanings: As a verb: To utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry. For example, a child might whine when they’re hungry or tired. To make a sound similar to such a cry. Imagine the wind whining through the chimney. To complain with or as if with a whine. Someone who is always whining about the weather tends to express dissatisfaction frequently. To move or proceed with the sound of a whine. Picture a bullet whining across the ice. It can also be used transitively, meaning to utter or express with or as if with a whine1. As a noun: A prolonged high-pitched cry, usually expressive of distress or pain. Think of a puppy’s whine when it’s hungry. A complaint uttered with or as if with a whine. Someone who constantly complains might be accused of having a whine1. In summary, “whine” can refer to both the sound itself (like a cry) and the act of complaining in a peevish manner. So, the next time you hear someone whining, you’ll know exactly what they’re up to!

[@michaels8607]

@@ElectroPanPipes SEEM? AS in feminine energy?Like you SEEM to be guessing ElectramangetsPIPED?