The Oberheim OB-X8 in a nutshell

Oberheim are back with a very serious synthesizer indeed; the OB-X8.
In this video we take a quick look at what it does and what it sounds like.
Huge thanks and congratulations to Oberheim and Sequential.
oberheim.com/
www.sequential.com/
0:00 INTRO JAM
0:58 THE OB-X8
1:15 DEMO 1
2:13 THE HEADLINES
2:38 DEMO 2
3:35 SPLITS AND DOUBLES
3:51 DEMO 3
4:42 DEMO 4
5:13 PAGE 2
7:03 DEMO 5
8:22 SUMMARY
9:09 OUTRO JAM

[@entropybentwhistle]

If the OB-X8P2 actually came with the “AWWW YEAH!!!” and cowbell buttons, THEN it would be a dream synth. It is as close to it as one can get without those things, though.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Haha, like the DJ button on 90s keyboards.

[@mastercylinder1939]

@@AlexBallMusic hey, that’s the reason I bought the Casio Rapman.

[@mapgeek6]

THIS is how a synth demo is done!

[@Ichneumonxx]

Oh gosh, this and prophet 5 and I'd just dissolve into happy little polygons...

[@artisan002]

One of the very few OB-X8 reviews that is actually informative, and not just some weird attempt at recreating 1983. Thank god... Naturally, I wish there were a bit more. But, I just like Alex's style with this kind of stuff. I do kind of miss him reacting with his face, though; it's been a while.

[@AlexBallMusic]

I considered face reviewing to all 41 page 2 features, but decided against it.

[@artisan002]

@@AlexBallMusic That's would have been strenuous as hell.

[@tonydotnottingham]

Alex, your videos are a joy - thank you!

[@ozzy3933]

@@AlexBallMusic i'd fully commit to watching it

[@mastercylinder1939]

I miss the Slanger fella, I’m sure this synth could make some convincing 80’s porn music.

[@adastra123]

Alex could be demonstrating a plastic kazoo and it would make me want to get one. He raises the bar of what one expects. Kudos to Alex.

[@AlexBallMusic]

What a coincidence, you won't believe what the next video is...

[@adastra123]

@@AlexBallMusic 😂. A feck it no way !!

[@peterstanchion3197]

It's called Underheim here in Oz.

[@final_mile_music9713]

Unter 😂

[@dustincassidy]

😅

[@JonMurray]

This deserves far more likes hahaha!

[@paperstreetaudiocompany]

😂

[@eficer04]

Mannn Demo 5 is so good I wish it were an actual streamable track

[@creatorsremose]

Why isn't it, Alex? Why?!

[@guywilkinson]

Yeeehhhhh!!!! Why not 😭

[@kjh111059mckooster]

Sigh .... Still no answer....😢

[@xa1a]

Mate, demo number 5 had me with my eyes closed and hands up in the air. What a brilliant idea! I have been debating getting one of these for a bit, but I may have to pull the trigger on this!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Ah cheers. It is a wonderful thing. 🙂

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great video as always man! Like I said in my review, this synth is just so musically perfect to me. Happy you got your hands on one :)

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

8:00 WOW.

[@EndreeNerd]

Alex understands the soul of these instruments so perfectly, that if he could multiply the production rate of his channel by -let's say- 8, no other synth channels would be needed.

[@remynettheim4918]

ABx8

[@AlexBallMusic]

I genuinely enjoy watching other channels. Everyone has a different style.

[@EndreeNerd]

@@AlexBallMusic, being so humble is another big plus and yes, I like to watch some other synth channels, too, but none of them for the demos.

[@budgetguitaristcom]

This IS my favorite synth channel, but honestly I'd really miss AudioPilz (Bad Gear) and a bunch of others.

[@bluetv6386]

@@AlexBallMusic and I very much doubt Mr Schlanger would want us to end up with only one Ball!

[@GertBoers]

This has easily become one of my favorite KZbin channels! (Together with Tim Shoebridge.) Excellent as ever!

[@dankeplace]

Both have their own unique approaches and work hard to deliver quality that really shines through. Kudos to both.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Tim is Attenborough and I'm Nutkins.

[@GertBoers]

@@AlexBallMusic ​For some videos that might be true (Geert van Schlänger), but your documentaries are amongst the highest quality I've ever watched.

[@sn1000k]

Alex doesn't make sad bastard synth music. Wacky bastard maybe!

[@sn1000k]

Still got love for Tim shoebridge though

[@Google_Was_My_Idea_nr.1]

This OB-X8 is 1 of the greatest sounding synthesizers I've ever heard ❣

[@HumptyDumpty-os7ie]

Come one, man… That’s the most absurd thing I’ve read this past week

[@keyboardkingpin]

ALEX Always keeping the BALL rolling! love when same era/brand drum machine and synthesizers are used together to make beats as if you were an oberheim demo floor salesman from the past...

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, always fun to get the family back together.

[@waugsqueke]

Love it. I hope they gave you this one, Alex, this is definitely your instrument. I'm always amazed at how many of your demo pieces sound like pieces we were trying to develop in the 80s.

[@CaidicusProductions]

Man, Alex... Your videos are just such a treat. Each and every time.

[@stevecappella7358]

Nice job Alex. You always provide the technical content that's informative as well as an enjoyable entertainment aspect in your videos. Thanks again and happy new year.

[@AkosJanca]

Dear Alex, thank you for the great nutshell intro. I really enjoyed your music demos, too!

[@fuzz7boy]

and thank YOU for making another great video, Alex! Always informative and entertaining.

[@jacksonjenkins2159]

The jams you make are incredible!

[@petegreenwood2793]

Fab intro song! Top notch work as usual!

[@dreamhyperdrive]

Great demo as always. The sounds from your demos are always inspiring thanks very much! 😀👍

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you kindly!

[@scottmcauleysounds]

Great demonstration! Nicely done!! Loving my OBX8, absolute beast! 👌

[@LarsBjerregaard]

Sounds to die for. Great demos Alex, thanks!

[@echodub81]

Once again, very delightful demos! Thank you!

[@MegaRlambert]

Alex, just wow, amazing sequences and live demos, you are the man!!! I have OBX8 so far I’ve enjoyed it, but you just made me realize that I know nothing about it’s untapped potential!!

[@arenotdiy7280]

The arrangements are always amazing, but this video made me dance in my seat a couple times. Super awesome job Alex

[@studentsmusic]

As usual: Alex, you nailed it and I buy it. Phenomenal channel of a great musician who takes things to the core.

[@jackduxbury1632]

The tracks you made with it sound sooooo so dope ❤ Awesome video and playing Sir 🫡

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@kevinhartnell2075]

Amazing synth, as expected, but holy mackerel, "Demo 5" is also fantastic! Great job, as usual.

[@derekliljequist1086]

Great review. I have zero regrets with my OB-X8. Easily my favorite I own. The last piece you played at the end of the video reminds me of early 80s electro like Cybotron. Well done.

[@epromenator]

Hell Yeahhhh Love your vids. Outro jam is a killa

[@grrlpurpleable]

Thank you for creating!!! Love your work, the presentation, humour, knowledgeable and detailed content and the demos, especially the demos... all done with genuine passion and without hubris :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you. It's a pleasure and I'm glad that comes across.

[@andrewj.682]

Already know this vid is gonna be awesome! Keep making wonderful videos

[@VEsound]

Love my OB-X8 and all what you said is true. Not a complicated synth, sounds good without hard work, a real Oberheim.

[@squirrelvalhalla9386]

Outro jam is ace! Nice werk.

[@robertmyers6518]

Fantastic work, as always. Tasty demoes, as well, but I'm especially partial to Demo 2. Thanks, Alex!

[@carlosserrano3985]

Nice sounding synth, definitely the soul of Oberheim is there. Another great video as aleays sir!

[@annabelle6861]

Honestly Alex you're an absolute maniac for my wallet and future dreams... Always showing off these cool instruments I desperately want. Keep up the amazing content, you're keeping the soul of synths alive (along with your youtube colleagues)

[@shiftedfocusmusic]

The demos are so good! Excellent video as always!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@gaetan_gm2557]

Thanks for your video and most of all, for all the workrs you made before. I know you now since 2/3 years i think but what i appriciate the most is your worrking with thoses beast making song / demo song for us. THANKS !!! My favourite parit is kind ok "It will be came from a monster to describe all thoses things".... AND YOU DO IT !!!

[@eventualinfinity3862]

Another incredible demo! Well done.

[@timburdsey]

Great video, Alex. Demo 5 may have been your best demo ever. If you were to release it, I’d buy it! 😉

[@splintercast8092]

I like the fact that you are wearing a top that coordinates with your hair in this video. Your review of the OBX-8 is great too!

[@c4li]

by far the best video i have seen of this marvelous instrument

[@christianholmstedt8770]

The best KZbin channel drops a new video and I drop everything to watch it.

[@tommymandel3326]

Hi Alex, that was an unbelievably funky, energetic and evocative intro arrangement! Having dispensed with the well deserved compliments, I must confess that with a Jupiter80, a Korg X50, an OB-6, I don't feel the need to retread in that river again! (I played Ian Hunter's OB-Xa and Mick Jones' OB-X a lot back in the day.)..I do miss my DX-Stretch drum machine though! Sammy Merendino had burned me a Linn9000 snare chip for the DX.) Big praise as always, you're that rare find - someone it's hard to define as a techie who plays keys, or a keyboard player who *really* understands tech. Carry On!

[@AlexBallMusic]

OB-6 is no small consolation. I've nearly bought one a few times. DX Stretch - forgot about that thing! Such a funny solution, but totally logical. Imagine buying bolt-on sections of a drum machine now! Especially just to add four sounds. Thanks for dropping by Tommy.

[@erik_stein]

You had me at Page 2. Loved that jam!

[@Mark_Ocain]

Great demo, Alex !! This thing is a beast and a worthy successor to its ancestors.

[@greatheightsu]

The sounds you make on this bad boy, chefs kiss.

[@W6EL]

Excellent video. I have to say, I think the music in this video has the highest RMS levels of any of your videos to date! But it was worth it for that earth-shaking bass!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Pardon? Can't hear you. 😜

[@JoeyFTL]

The jams are always incredible

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you

[@computrhead]

I do like the third demo and fourth demo. Great insight on what this synthesizer can do. Good job.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@luisarenassoto9990]

Gracias Alex, excelente demostración del OB X8

[@lab-by-the-sea]

Great work! Your Demo5 sent me right back to the mid 80s!! ❤

[@GLCLNT]

The final jam is pure dope please release it !!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@FrozenLonesome]

My favourite thing about Alex’s videos is that his demonstrations focus on the musicality of the instruments. Another enjoyable and well done video.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you. Music is always to goal, so it's nice to know that comes across.

[@SpikesStudio3]

Ha Alex, that was GOLD, !!!!!! You really worked that baby. Looks like you enjoyed yourself making the tracks. 😁👍

[@AlexBallMusic]

I did indeed enjoy it. 🙂

[@sawsquaresinetube]

Looks like this was a very inspiring synth!

[@ToreHansen]

Very cool video and synth as always1

[@Scottzilla1970]

I played one of these in the shop the other day and instantly fell in love with it. It's definitely a dream synthesizer for me.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I dont have the space plus there are some great VST plugins that emulate the OB XA

[@dankeplace]

I haven't even watched the vid and already know it will be good. Alex, you have a way of producing content that is not matched. Your interview with Alan Howarth blew me away and how you broke down EFNY. People like yourself aren't just talented, but are an encyclopedia to YT, thus providing documented, invaluable content that never existed before the invention of the net. I can't imagine what would the world have been like without your talents. Keep doing what you do, it's your destiny. 😁

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you. I think the EFNY vid was one of my favourites. I was over the moon to get Alan to tell the tale.

[@dankeplace]

@@AlexBallMusic I think you did him justice too, it was professional, light hearted and extremely entertaining.

[@ZenMountain]

Great content, thanks!!

[@danielelston7457]

Great work Alex your channel has real soul ❤

[@AlexBallMusic]

I appreciate that!

[@MePeterNicholls]

I love the richness in your musicscapes

[@BenHelweg]

You have such great tunes Alex.

[@0xABADCAFE]

My inner synth nerd lives by proxy though channels like this. Keep it coming, Mr Ball!

[@Wulfcry]

Those sounds were a trip to memory lane And Inspiring cant wait to play this as well.

[@harmonicsdetroit]

Best demo of this synth by far! Can't stop listening!

[@nebulance4289]

Demo 5 feels like the song that plays at the end of your favorite TV show, in the best way. This video is fantastic.

[@Death_By_Media]

All bangers man as per usual . Especially 4 and 6 . Maybe Oberheim will have the sense to hit you up 1st next synth release ....

[@Roundtablist]

Some of the rhythmic elements in the final demo remind me very much of Depeche Mode's Big Muff from their first album. Utterly brilliant as always, Alex!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@narfsounds]

Demo 5 sounds amazing! Love it ❤

[@paulcharlesworth9114]

Once again, I find myself wishing I could hit like more than once. Favourite channel on YT.

[@tonalaxis]

Always good content to. Thanks Alex

[@melomaniecMusic]

What a demo! Well done! Now I am tempted to buy one😂

[@cds9000]

That outro jam is some killer stuff.

[@Individual_two]

The new Obie is a wonderful beast. BTW I really enjoy your playing and compositions.

[@Pablo668]

Great work as always Alex. Very nice synth, well out of my price range I'd think.

[@MrTomDangerous]

Five thousand pounds. Nope.

[@supadupahilton6848]

Original OB-X is now going for $20,000.00 US. This is downright cheap.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

8:00 Wow really stepping up in the musical creation with top level sounding music. Excellent indeed.

[@tomahzo]

I had the pleasure of trying this one out at a friend's place a while back and I gotta say it feels like Oberheim is following in Sequential's footsteps by making a bit of like a Best Of synth that captures the essence of several generations of synths into one unit. On the Prophet-5 rev 4 you had the ability to kinda morph between different Prophet revs and different filter sounds, which you can do on this one too (OB-X, OB-8, OB-Xa I guess?). It's pretty cool stuff! And it's fairly easy and hands-on to work with too (even though I feel that the display is too small to host that many features). The sound is impossibly smooth and warm - so much fun. And a pleasure to play as well. And it costs like 5 grand. But hey, you get what you pay for ;).

[@treyquattro]

wow, DEMO5 is NICE! Great to see this keyboard. I thought it was the original at first - all the switches and pot knobs are identical!

[@CBG]

I love the beginning simplicity of demo 5 that creating anticipation right from the top. The sustaining first cord that is subtlely changed by re-trigger, then the high melody, counterpoint arpeggiation and the final ingredient a Steve Lillywhite/Hugh Padgham gated like drum fill. It all feels big, bright, happy, like the closing track of the night. It reminds of the last M83 concert I saw, I was high from all the melodic joy! Also I want one, if only I could afford one, on the list!

[@nasied]

Man, you're like Neil Degrasse Tyson: a master of his stuff and a showman on stage. Magnificent! I love your videos. Greetings from Spain.

[@FortyThievesSF]

Demo 5 sounded like a part of an epic missing track from M83’s Hurry Up We’re Dreaming. Pretty good stuff, there.

[@frankvaleron]

Really superb playing

[@MD_Builds]

OMFG THE COWBELL! LOL :D that was a nice jam too :D ... and OH wow That page 2 demo... Wow..... :o epic!

[@MD_Builds]

Did you ever release Demo 5 anywhere? Id love to hear an extended version, I really like it. Very early M83

[@JeffPalmer83]

Delightful! I’d love to see more of this synth in your hands

[@JeffPalmer83]

​ @Alex Ball - I couldn't help notice, though, that you said this "could" be a dream synth "for some." Not for you?

[@AlexBallMusic]

I have the Prophet~10, Super 6, Juno-6 a Korg Trident and I just recently bagged an original Oberheim Two Voice which is being restored. So I'm basically not in a place where I'm looking for another poly or gagging for an Oberheim filter, but if I was, I would be very interested indeed. It's quite the thing.

[@JeffPalmer83]

@@AlexBallMusic makes sense! I got an OB-6 slightly before the X8 was announced, so I also couldn’t justify the price, but it does sound fantastic!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Funnily enough, I sold a REV2 and was going to get an OB-6 or P6 and the rev4 was announced and so I went with that. If it hadn't, like you, I wouldn't have swapped synths having _just_ got one. Probably the biggest privilege of doing the KZbin thing is being able to borrow and try everything in your studio without buying it. I'm always aware others can't do that.

[@JeffPalmer83]

@@AlexBallMusic the Prophets do sound great, but I’m a sucker for the Oberheim filters and all of their buzzzzzzz

[@kevinbatchelor9566]

Your demos are unrivaled.

[@meltonsmoist9693]

M83 eat your heart out!! Fantastic demos as always.

[@MarcioSilva-ssiillvvaa]

This is a top musician. I'm always amazed at the wizardry!

[@AlexBallMusic]

🙂

[@HoraceMash]

…and a nice demo tune in 7… and a cowbell… what a box of treats! Thanks Alex!

[@AdamBorseti]

😎👍🏻 Just got mine today!

[@AlexBallMusic]

💪

[@harrisonthacker9707]

Yay Adam! 😎🎶

[@AdamBorseti]

@@harrisonthacker9707 Sup brotato?

[@AdamBorseti]

@@AlexBallMusic It's OBER TIME!

[@harrisonthacker9707]

@@AdamBorseti Turns out we both share the same birthday, the 10th! Eventually I’ll get one of my own, but nevertheless, I’m very happy for you.

[@michaelmoore1697]

Great Demo. I'm excited for the 16 voice version with poly aftertouch that will be coming along one of these days

[@AlexBallMusic]

I think we all welcome more Oberheim.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Just got mine today and love it!

[@DarrenGlen]

By far the BESSSTTTT demonstration video of what the OBX8 sounds like in real life and what it can do. I hope he got to keep the OBX8 for free from Oberheim for his troubles he deserves it just for those split screens!

[@neilloughran4437]

Great sounds as usual Alex! I think the OBX8 holds its own even in the company of the P5 REV4 (which is my personal fav analog).

[@neilloughran4437]

@ghost mall hehe I know the feeling... I used to own a Matrix 12 and miss that fizziness and stereo field...

[@AlexBallMusic]

P10 is just such a wonderful thing. Still love mine 2 years later. And now the OB-X8 too! Like 1979 again, but with more mobile phones.

[@peterkenney9158]

The stacked bass track is a monster, what a jaw-dropping sound. Also, absolutely loved your funky track that you did for the ARP thing last weekend - is that on Bandcamp?

[@nikolai7199]

They say you can find answer to every question on page 2 of ob-x8

[@AlexBallMusic]

I store most of my belongings there.

[@Ancaja123]

Damn, you are really good at writing in 7/8...Demo 2 has been on repeat

[@AlainHubert]

I finally got my hands on one. And, boy, does it deliver! For decades I dreamed of owning a polyphonic Oberheim, be it an OB-Xa, OB-8, or OB-X, but couldn't afford any of these, because back in the late seventies and early eighties, those were out of reach at roughly $4000 a pop, brand new (the price of a luxury car back then). And even today, at $15K+ for some models, it's still out of my league financially. Luckily, Oberheim is back with the OB-X8 which includes ALL the OB series models in one box. Yes, $5000 is a lot of money, but I had been saving for 6 years waiting for the Behringer UB-Xa, and when I got it, it didn't live up to my expectations. So I sold it after a month and still had enough money to buy the OB-X8. Great video demo of this beast by Alex. Thanks for sharing.