Oberheim OB-8: A Deep Dive

Headphones recommended! I begin this video with a thorough review of the OB-8's sound design parameters. Every function is explained and demonstrated. At ~ 44:00, I focus on the performance controls--pitch bend, modulation lever, and arpeggiator. I didn't intend to produce an on-line owner's manual, but here it is. I finish the video (starting at ~ 57:08) by demonstrating some of my double and split sounds. Despite the OB-8's deficiencies--no oscillator cross modulation, no oscillator low frequency mode, no inverted envelopes, no envelope PWM (except KBD-triggered LFO), no volume control for the noise oscillator, inadequate control of filter kbd-tracking--the OB-8 contains many sound design parameters not found on other synths. These, along with its super smooth filter and "sweet" sound make it one of the top analog synths of all time. I purchased my OB-8 new in 1984. (As my favorite analog synth, I would never trade it for a Memorymoog or a Jupiter 8). Error correction: I misspoke when I described how to change the direction of pitch bend. I should have said to press and hold the "Upper" and "Amount" buttons in the performance section while powering on the synth. These 2 buttons are just to the right of the 2 that I referenced in the video. Sorry for that error.