Geddy's monstrosity was known as the 'Moogenheimer' as it was a Minimoog plus an eight voice (plus a microphone) grafted together and mounted onto a Hammond organ chassis (sans organ). It weighed over 500 pounds, loved to overheat / go out of tune, and was said to be the terror of keyboard techs. Only one was made, and was only used on the hemispheres tour.
@monosound81
2 жыл бұрын
Does he still own it?
@davebellamy4867
2 жыл бұрын
Seen on Exit Stage Left video.
@christopherharmon2433
2 жыл бұрын
@@davebellamy4867 That was the 'mark 2' version. Which was a two voice and a minimoog. By 1981, the massive SEM based Oberheim synths were being replaced by the OBX and matrix based synths. Plus the original version was a serious PIA to move around.
@bobzmuda3940
2 жыл бұрын
“Moogerheim”*
@lonophonic117
Жыл бұрын
Most interesting
@mack_solo
2 жыл бұрын
11:52 - and fast forward to Superbooth 2022 and we've just witnessed the birth of Oberheim OB-X8 under Sequential flag. Also possibly the last co-op between Dave Smith and anyone else before Dave passed away a couple of days prior to NAMM 22 show.
@solomonjenkins9505
Жыл бұрын
wait did sequential make the x8? I thought oberheim re bought the company?
@noglobalists
3 жыл бұрын
I was Oberheim's product specialist/SEM tweaker/final tester from 1976 to 1979. Tom and the rest were nice people (we had a shop dog named "Pooch"); I thought Jim Cooper should have gotten a mention. I once bought an 8-voice from Gino Vanelli.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for finding the video nolobalists! Great to hear you were with Oberheim back then during those formative years. Do you still have the 8-voice? I'd love to hear any further stories you have.
@noglobalists
3 жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams Sadly, no. I had to sell. My time with Oberheim was fun; I was working at Guitar Center (when there was only one) and got to know the Oberheim crew. After I left GC (I'm not a great salesman) Oberheim contacted me to work for him. I didn't see Tom a lot; sometimes he'd walk through the facility, stop behind me, lean in and say, "what are you doing?" I worked with him on a project that Harold Rhodes (Fender-Rhodes piano inventor) collaborated with Tom on an interface to play the 8-voice from the piano. My job was to come up with some sounds to highlight the idea and demo it at Fender. It didn't catch on. But I got to know Harold, which was cool. It was my understanding that Tom was not the inventor of the SEM as much as Jim Cooper. Tom was the digital guy, Cooper did analog. Jim Cooper was one of my favorites among the crew. A talented bluegrass guitarist, he had a troubled marriage that culminated in divorce in '79. After I left (I went to Toronto to perform the Laserium show) I heard that Tom married Jim's ex. Obviously, a falling-out ensued. The word was that the new wife meddled in the affairs of the office; she earned the nickname "Eva Braun". Someone had access to the company credit card and had a ton of manure dumped on their lawn - as a message. This is all second-hand information; take it for what it is. Cooper went on to make his own company, J.L. Cooper. Cooper was deeply involved in the creation and standardization of MIDI. To be honest, Tom didn't pay well. He told me I would have to take electronics courses to remain with the company, not possible on the $6/hr I was getting - for doing nearly everything. They held a meeting once, where it was determined that if someone "dropped a bomb on Azbill, were out of business". So they made me delegate more. Tom did do some things for the employees that weren't cheap; I'm not trying to make out that he was a skinflint. One Christmas, he took us all out to a fancy restaurant, passing out bottles of Chevis to the assemblers, while the tech's (like me) got a 6" Thai stick (from sales manager Russ Jones). It was the '70's. I met some interesting people during my tenure; in particular David Palmer of Jethro Tull, who wanted to form a band with me playing classical music on the OB's, touring the great halls of Europe. As you can tell, it never happened. If I think of more, I'll add it. Oh, Pooch actually belonged to Faye, the woman that ran the assembly side. Well, now that reminds me… Faye's gals had their own assembly station; one decorated her space with Elvis paraphernalia; YUGE fan. When Elvis died she had to take a few days off. Serious. Cheers!
@noglobalists
3 жыл бұрын
Looking again, I'm reminded of when I thought of putting the two levers (mod/pitch) together that way. I was standing with another tech (a guy named Schwartz) who seized on it to proclaim it as HIS idea to Tom. Whatever.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
3 жыл бұрын
@@noglobalists That is really cool that it was your idea to put the levers together in that manner. Great insight!
@avace917
2 жыл бұрын
Prince used various Oberheim synths over the years as well. 1999, Little Red Corvette and Let's Go Crazy to name but a few.
@SPAZZOID100
Жыл бұрын
OBXA
@yepyep3897
Жыл бұрын
@@SPAZZOID100 Prince records also included 4-voices, OB-Xs, an OB-SX, OB-8s and Matrix-12s. Prince's Oberheim use goes back to his first or second LP.
@Heathcliff_hensel
3 жыл бұрын
I lucked out and got one in 1996 for $600. It stopped working a few years back but im going to get it fixed. It really has the wall of sound coming at you.
@gelatinous6915
3 жыл бұрын
Get it repaired ASAP. The longer it sits around broken the worse the damage can get. Leaky capacitors can cause tons of damage over time
@rg2027x
3 жыл бұрын
I traded a Waldorf Pulse, some Akai sample cd's & S5000 for an OB-X around 2002. Guy laughed thinking he's getting the better end of the deal, though I felt pretty good about my decision : )
@shaunbivens8737
3 жыл бұрын
That's funny he didn't say anything about PRINCE! Who was one of the first pop artist to use the 8 voice, and the OBXA on the opening of his hit 1999😉
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Shaun - I know - Prince was all over the OB-X - I originally had him mentioned, but I couldn't find any visual footage and the music was DRM'd so I can't use it in my video. But yes - in retrospect I should have still included the legend.
@hevyonez97
3 жыл бұрын
Prince had been using the OBX's since the 1980 "Dirty Mind" album...plus you see Lisa and Dr. Fink using them all over the classic Prince videos like "1999" and "Controversy"....
@lnerell
3 жыл бұрын
@@hevyonez97 I seem to remember seeing them use an OBSX, not an OBX.
@hevyonez97
3 жыл бұрын
@@lnerell in the Let's Pretend We're Married video we can all see the OBSX being played by Lisa and Dez, but The OBXA is also part of their stage gear...in the Uptown video, Matt is definitely using the OBX...that's basically what I was implying in my original comment, the OBX/OBXA is the primary synth heard on those old classics...with the OBSX being visually seen in the 1999 era videos, we can now confirm that synth was being used in their setups as well...
@jprod1460
3 жыл бұрын
Actually 1999 was a 4-voice overdubbed a couple of times.
@lnerell
3 жыл бұрын
You got the date wrong when they were taken over by Gibson. I worked at Oberhim in 1985-1986, they were owned by ECC, which was a group put together by Tom's lawyers to save the company. Gibson took them over around 1990.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for that first had in Loren. I'll see if I can correct that info with and edit to the video. Much appreciated
@davebellamy4867
3 жыл бұрын
4:46 This video is a gem. I always wondered why Tom Oberheim used the X in OB-X.
@F0nkyNinja
3 жыл бұрын
So technically they can be OB-4, OB-6 and.... OB-8?
@ProckGnosis
3 жыл бұрын
Nena und 99 Luftballons...ganz geil! Great job! Was ALWAYS lusting after an Oberheim, and now I've had to settle for the Sequential Oberheim OB-6, which I don't really feel is "settling" because it sounds great!!
@synchro505
2 жыл бұрын
What a wondrous beast and iconic synthesizer. Thank you for such a well put together account of the story behind the Oberheim OB-X.
@maxmatson1578
3 жыл бұрын
FUCK Yeah!!! Huge mad props for mentioning Jazz Coleman of "Killing Joke".👌 Love that band!🎹🎧💫😵💀😎👍
@adam872
3 жыл бұрын
Whenever I hear Love Like Blood I always gravitate to that big OBX pad sound.
@maxmatson1578
3 жыл бұрын
@@adam872 100% agree👍 Another another total classic!🎹👌
@rg2027x
3 жыл бұрын
yes.... i respect how he had that OB-X front & center on stage
@steves.4720
3 жыл бұрын
Perhaps should be renamed History of Oberheim synths since it's so thorough! Really great job!
@irife2771
3 жыл бұрын
The old slogan rings true: Some things are better than others.
@Tyrell_Corp2019
6 ай бұрын
Imagine that for a moment: Prog-Rock was ubiquitously played on the radio. I was there. I remember it well. You'd head "Long Distance" by Yes followed by The Beatles, followed by Stevie Wonder. It was eclectic. It was beautiful.
@jokijarvi2
3 жыл бұрын
intro opening showing Chris Franke from Tangerine Dream and then intro speech is all about british musicians not a word about german pioneers
@davebellamy4867
3 жыл бұрын
3:44. Looks at the SEM filter controls. Thinks of OB6 and smiles.😊😊😎😎 Thank you Tom and Dave.
@umbertoyltp
2 жыл бұрын
For me Oberheim came into focus when Jan Hammer of Mahavishnu Orchestra went solo. He clearly loved Oberheim and proudly showed it in photographs. On his albums liner notes was carefully mentioned that no electric guitars were used. He was a pitch bend master, and his Jimi Hendrix' Manic Depression was a good demonstration of his skills.
@patkelly8309
3 жыл бұрын
OB-Xa for President
@brucebennett5338
Жыл бұрын
Gibson has destroyed many great companies. The Expander & Matrix 12 were bloody brilliant!b I had a Matrix 6r for awhile and loved it.
@ISOTROPOSPHERE
3 жыл бұрын
Tom is re-releasing new SEMs, Gibson gave him back his Oberheim brand and I think not allowing Behringer to use the name.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
3 жыл бұрын
I heard - huge news. I'm hoping he re-releases some more SEM based synths
@adam872
3 жыл бұрын
The OBXa is probably my favourite analogue synth of all time, not that I can ever see myself affording one. They sound incredible though. If I ever had the opportunity to build my dream rig, this machine would certainly be in it.
@thedeepblueskys
2 жыл бұрын
Nothing beats the original, but Behringer is making a clone of it. I’m curious what people are gonna think of it when it comes out. I don’t expect it to sound the same, but it’s might be pretty cool.
@HeavyInstinct
2 жыл бұрын
If you love the sound but can't afford the price tag Sonicprojects OP-X Pro II virtual synth can currently be had for less than 99 bucks. I've had it for a few years now and it sounds fantastic!
@adam872
2 жыл бұрын
@@HeavyInstinct you're right, it's an excellent emulation
@veerchasm1
2 жыл бұрын
I owned an OB8 back in the day, looking forward to the Behringer
@drKrollspell
2 жыл бұрын
Great ! Such perfect mini-documentaries! Couldn’t be better!! Congratulations 🏆 !!
@RadiAsian
3 жыл бұрын
@11.15 Chromeo. Excellent music
@christ5826
2 жыл бұрын
thanks I have an OB8 but one day Ill find an X Im a huge Japan fan!
@Oberheim.OB-XA
2 жыл бұрын
OB-XA GOLD
@matrixmodulator
2 жыл бұрын
9:51 so my ob6 has not centered labels above the buttons, i see this is a tradition lol
@user-KORG
2 жыл бұрын
Не интересно! У меня KORG.
@Coowallsky
2 жыл бұрын
Bob James took to the Oberheims like he did to the Rhodes.
@Raydensheraj
3 жыл бұрын
The OB-X always sounds to me like a british early 90ies Rave machine with it's detuned full pads and stabs. The OP-X Pro VST wasn't mentioned here...I think Sonic Projects done a better job then Arturia.
@scottritshie105
3 жыл бұрын
You beat me to it. I’ve been using this plugin for a few years now and it’s STELLAR. Looks and feels exactly like the real board for only $99. Best of it, it comes with LOADS of 70’s and 80’s presets.
@HeavyInstinct
2 жыл бұрын
@@scottritshie105 I agree with you guys wholeheartedly. I've too have owned it for a few years now and it sounds absolutely fantastic. Very versatile and you can't beat the price tag.
@2112jonr
2 жыл бұрын
Yep, they're focussed on hardware, not code.
@soloharmonicsrobj8246
3 жыл бұрын
The first band that was featured at the beginning is Tangerine Dream. One of my favorites, I like to compose and play their style of sequenced rhythmic patterns. I have a Mini Moog software synth with an arpeggiator and gate sequencer that emulates that style perfectly. The problem with analog hardware synths is they're unaffordable for most hobbyists like me. I did once own a Cat by Octave synthesizer that I purchased used. It needed to be restored and I eventually sold it. I definitely would enjoy hands on with the OB-X and many other classic synthesizers.
@VPXM2012
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah... oh, the memories lol Been on that road decades ago. Eventually, my emotional hobby trickled down into realistic expectations. Apart from still holding onto working General Music Equinoxe synth, I've sold all my hardware gear (two were donated)... and it wasn't a financial decision either lol Software music these days, is really capable of so much more diversity, with so little space given. It's like that "old" discussions about analogue vs digital. Eventually, digital caught on, and now even surpassed even the best trained ears in the world, from making educated guesses, of which one sounds better. Just wanted to put this here lol PS: Tangerine Dream, Brian Eno, Kitaro, and Jarre, were my favorite teachers for learning digital music ideas.
@2112jonr
2 жыл бұрын
Something like a Novation Bass Station II is a) Analogue and b) Affordable.
@soloharmonicsrobj8246
2 жыл бұрын
@@2112jonr Thanks for the input and yes there are some micro sized synths coming out now as well that are closer to analog.
@sjfarrell2.03
3 жыл бұрын
Arturia's version is really good, IMO. Not as good as a 40-year-old rust bucket that will cost you 20k but you can't have it all.
@AlainHubert
Жыл бұрын
Now 2023 and still waiting for that elusive UB-Xa. All we have so far is the OB-X8 with a hefty price tag.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
I know tell me about it.. I have some money set aside for it - can't wait. The early Beta demos sounded great.
@lab-by-the-sea
2 жыл бұрын
oberheim started my love for synths in the late 70s ...
@gsprings43
3 жыл бұрын
No one metions herbie hancock here
@noyzmakr
3 жыл бұрын
Hey that’s my OB-SX performance control section pic from Reverb lol. My 6-voice is currently for sale. Great synth!
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
3 жыл бұрын
Much appreciated for not getting upset at me for using it, and thank you! let me check it out on Reverb - they are amazing. Are you selling to raise money for other gear?
@danieldougan269
2 жыл бұрын
When I think of OB-Xa, I also think of Eddie Van Halen.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
I know! He owned about 10 of them - I wonder if Wolfie will ever sell a few?
@akfreed6949
Жыл бұрын
Edward Van Halen used the OB-Xa for the title track of the 1984 album . By the way the title track is originally about a half hour long . Edward used the OB-8 for the song I'll Wait .
@station2station544
Жыл бұрын
Johnny, your research and well thought out narration on your "Story of" videos is of huge value. The aliens will come across these gems after we're gone.
@Noise-Conductor
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the stories.
@resofactor
3 жыл бұрын
Sonic Projects OP-X VST or the FREE DiscoDSP OB-XD is the best of us will ever get our hands on.
@HerrNox
3 жыл бұрын
The Sonic Projects plugin is awesome.
@resofactor
3 жыл бұрын
@@HerrNox It really is. A "real" OB-X or PPG is another world for me, even if Behringer "clones" them.
@steves9045
3 жыл бұрын
OP-X Pro is the best!
@ericcindycrowder7482
2 жыл бұрын
What model OB did Rush famously feature in the intro to Subdivisions?
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Eric & Cindy - I think you can see Geddy playing an OB-X at the start of the Subdivision Video here: kzitem.info/news/bejne/po-PyoV4aZ-ceIo
@barryvalentino6045
2 жыл бұрын
I have that ring modulator. Bought it from a guy in the 80’s. Wonder what it’s worth?
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
I think about $1500 or more - amazing!
@Juliano_DJOL
2 жыл бұрын
Another great video!
@antonhosinsky3090
3 жыл бұрын
Back in 1986 my father bought me a synth as we were moving to an island where there was no market for pianos. We rented an OBX which was sold dirt cheap, and a Roland JX-8p. I had a friend over for a weekend long jamming, still have the cassette tape around somewhere. The OBX was absolutely massive in size and had an immense powerful sound, especially when you hit the Unison mode... it was absolutely crazy. I settled down for the Roland though because it was way more flexible in sound and had some really good analogue and electric piano sounds, while the OBX was very much a one kind of sound instrument only. It´s great that the classics like OBX and Prophet-5 are manufactured again but they look like toys and have nowhere near the presence and impact of the originals.
@patkelly8309
3 жыл бұрын
I don't believe any recreation can match the impact or presence of the original. However if you take into account the lower price range, and see the smaller size as a leveller, you begin to see the worth of the newer model. It opens up a world of sound to those who otherwise would never get the opportunity to hear and experience it.
@aqueveque
3 жыл бұрын
tremendo video, gracias! yo tuve el Prophet 5 y me arrepiento haberlo vendido :(
@davebellamy4867
2 жыл бұрын
Same here! However, I have an OB6 now and it's gorgeous.
@angel2of7death
3 жыл бұрын
So glad I discovered this channel!! Informative and excellent narration!
@mainmajo
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much for showing. 🎹❤️👍
@roger_001
Жыл бұрын
Chromeo ❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥
@garycoots5629
3 жыл бұрын
I owned an OBSX which would never stay in tune. It had an "auto-tune" button on the front panel and I would literally have to quit playing on stage in the middle of a song and hit the auto-tune button and wait for it to re-calibrate.....lol
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
3 жыл бұрын
strange as that was the first OB with Curtis chips. I heard they were problematic though with the tuning circuitry - the Cmos mulitplexers go on them
@garycoots5629
3 жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams I was told it had something to do with using VCO's instead of the newer DCO's, but I'm not sure. Great video, Johnny!
@AlexanderAlm
3 жыл бұрын
thank you for an amazing video and celebration to a wonderful synth!
@user-JM1967
Жыл бұрын
Has it mono outputs?
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
yes
@petertorda5487
2 жыл бұрын
Wow, this sounds absolutely totally different then Jupiter 8, much more complex, almost like wavetable.
@TheWarhammerfreak
3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely loving your videos, man. Thanks for bringing such great content
@Bananskuden
3 жыл бұрын
You forgot to mention that Tom Oberheim reissued the original Two-Voice "Pro" a few years ago and is doing it again this year with the "Pro Special".
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
3 жыл бұрын
I know - since this video was more about the OB-X I left that out, but I probably should of added it in. A new Two voice would be amazing. I'd be all-in on a new four voice or son-of-four-voice though.
@Bananskuden
3 жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams I have the Two-Voice Pro and it's a great sounding machine. It's not a poly though.
@davebellamy4867
3 жыл бұрын
The new Two Voice Pro SE appears to have the Oberheim nameplate on it at last but I also love Tom Oberheim's signature. What a guy.
@RedBlaze02
2 жыл бұрын
Did EVH use an OB-X or OB-Xa on the 1984 album? I have read that he actually used an OB-X in the studio and then used an OB-Xa on the road and video.
@Ashfaq1999
2 жыл бұрын
Great video
@spurv
3 жыл бұрын
Very cool. Audio is better than the last one, which is a huge plus. However ... for your next video, please consider using ducking. Sometimes the music is overpowering your narration (4:10)
@pcuimac
2 жыл бұрын
What about the "OP-X Pro II"? It's a really good emulation in my book, if not the best.
@AdamBorseti
3 жыл бұрын
Where'd this channel come from? Fantastic work, my man!
@SpikesStudio3
3 жыл бұрын
Hey johnny, great job. Its really good to see synth genealogy. Nice choice. She is beautiful.
@davebellamy4867
3 жыл бұрын
Had to show Simple Minds!😎
@PeteMOBie1
3 жыл бұрын
Great to see someone mention the OB-SX. Just to add some extra info on the OB-SX - The last version had 56 sounds. There were three models, the MK I with 24 sounds, the MK II with 48sounds (slide switch on the rear panel selects between 2 sets of 24 sounds) and the MK III in OB-Xa stripe paint job with 56 sounds. My personal thoughts are that the OB-SX was a proof of concept because it used the Curtis chips for the oscillators, filter, envelopes and amps, just like the later OB-Xa. I have a 5 Voice MK III so they came in 4, 5 or 6 voice models for the last version. The voice architecture is that of the OB-X (cross mod whilst OB-Xa uses Filter Env to modulate one of the oscillators for sweeping Sync sounds). Sadly the OB-SX was often purchased to cannibalise the CEM Curtis chips to keep an OB-Xa or Prophet 5 Rev 3 going. The user manuals also differ slightly with the MKI and MK II both states as being based on the OB-X, whilst the manual for the MK III states that it is based on the OB-Xa. A very underrated instrument and I hope to get mine repaired to post updated videos with better audio of some of the presets. The OB-SX uses the same summing OP amp as the OB-X, but the same CEM based technology as the OB-Xa, so has a unique sound in that sense. The OB-SX only has a 12 dB/Octave filter, whilst the OB-Xa has 2 CEM3320 Filters to also get 24 dB/Octave. Thanks again for providing the historical context of all these great Obies.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
3 жыл бұрын
Great info on the OB-SX Pete. I agree with you very much as it does seem like Oberheim originally designed the OB-SX for reduced cost by using Curtis ICs. Once they realized it still sounded great, I think that proved the OB-Xa could be designed similarly. I should have gone into more detail on the OB-SX - I agree it's very under-rated. I've been trying to buy one from a friend of mine for years.
@MartaOfMarta
2 жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams I have both Xa and SX. In my opinion, SX sounds better.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
@@MartaOfMarta Thanks for sharing - can you describe the difference?
@MartaOfMarta
2 жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams Hard to put the sound into clinical terms, but it's always possible that my Xa is not quite right in the summing of the two voice trays. It sounds a lot better when the upper voice rack is disconnected. Loss of volume and clarity ensues when connecting upper voice cards. (I don't know if that is normal, I feel like it is)The fact that the SX hasn't got an upper set, and so does not suffer similarly, may be a factor. But in the end the raw tone of my SX just sounds more correct. That being said, I do prefer synths of the 70's, and SX sounds more that way to me. My SX is yet another variant which the comment by Pete Moulton above has not listed. OBX style graphics but with 56 programs. Anyway it sounds really good. I've enjoyed your videos by the way. Keep up the fine work
@PeteMOBie1
2 жыл бұрын
@@MartaOfMarta Wow! Thanks for that info on an OB-X paint job version with 56 sounds. This is the first time I've heard of such a version, and I'm pretty well clued up on the OB-SX. So would that make mine a MK IIIA? or MK IV? I actually prefer the OB-X paint job to the OB-Xa as it breaks the knobs down, visually into module blocks. I think the difference you might be noticing between your OB-Xa and OB-SX is that the OB-SX uses the same summing amplifier chips as the OB-X, so that means the OB-SX has a sound of its own. Curtis Chipped voice cards like an OB-Xa, but using the voice architecture and summing amp chips of the OB-X.
@danielpirone8028
3 жыл бұрын
Great video! Grew up during this history- thanks for the memories!
@tonelab
3 жыл бұрын
Amazing modu-mentary 🤓 👍🏻 thanks for the effort 🙏🏻
@davewilk7165
2 жыл бұрын
Keep up the good work...so glad I stumbled on your channel....your understanding of technology is "spot on"
@frankvaleron
Жыл бұрын
Great video as always. What is the Behringer clone, did it ever come out?
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
Hi Frank - the Behringer UB-XA has been delayed but I believe it may see stores this year sometime.
@frankvaleron
Жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams thanks for the reply Johnny. This is a great synth history series, I've watched a good few of them
@mikegeary8056
Жыл бұрын
Do one on the Oberheim Expander.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
Great Idea
@Musiquesaecouter
3 жыл бұрын
Other great users of the old white 8 voice, Patrick Moraz (Yes) had a two keyboard version. Also Dennis DeYoung from Styx. 4 voices were also used by Jazzman Joseph Zawinul in Weather Report, and particularly Lyle Mays with Pat Metheny Group have his signature sound you can find in most modern synth banks. Finally a late multiple Oberheim user (Xpanders, Matrix 12) were Steve Roach, the prolific American Ambiant composer.
@PacificIslandDrive
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Johnny! Great JOB on this! I know we’ve chatter about synths in the past, and share a similar passion for electronic music, etc, however, I REALLY enjoy your videos! Ironically, I just bought an ‘OB6’, and though I’ve played the OB-Xa, OB-8, and Matrix 12, back in my band days, I could never afford to own one. Even with all the truly amazing new digital synths available today (both hardware and VST), there is something truly special about Tom Oberheim’s synths, that still brings me immense joy. It’s what can only describe to others as... ‘sonic warm sweet-butter’. Though the OB6 is slightly based more on Tom’s SEM synths from the late 70’s, it has many elements from his best synths, all wrapped into one unit, with help from the the amazing Dave Smith (whom is also a true master in his own right). Either way, thank you for the well executed min-documentary, and keep-up the great work! :-)
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Chris - great to hear from you and that you bought an OB-6. I know - it's amazing - I have a few close friends who own one and they absolutely say it's their favourite. I'm saving up so I can hopefully buy one this year. Hope you're doing well and once everything is back to normal let's get together for a catch up!
@davebellamy4867
3 жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams I was going to ask you what you thought of the OB6. It's kind of a gem IMO. It seem to bowl over a lot of people. It was a great idea for Dave and Tom to work together. Perfect timing and a pleasing departure for Sequential/DSI. Great idea to base it on the SEM; to go back to the original concept and be less like a Prophet. I have one. It's a bit special. Tom said, "My heart was in polyphonic synthesis," at the Sweetwater Gearfest panel discission in 2015 and in less than a year, there was the OB6!😊
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
3 жыл бұрын
@@davebellamy4867 I don't have an OB-6 but a good friend has one and he raves about it - says it's his most used and favorite instrument. I've heard nothing but good things.
@tommymandel
3 жыл бұрын
Is it just me or does your friend's OB-X sound better, ballsier, sharper, more metallic, than any other Oberheim? I played an OB-Xa a lot back in the day and liked it. I have an OB-6 now, but that OB-X, man....it sounded cruel!
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
3 жыл бұрын
I know I was thinking the same thing!
@danielfisch389
3 жыл бұрын
IMO the Xa sounds lusher and smoother (but excellent). The X is a force of nature. Raw and huge sound
@steves.4720
3 жыл бұрын
@@danielfisch389 and I think the OB8 sounds even smoother and less gritty than the Xa. Definitely not as raw as the X though
@tubelectron1667
2 жыл бұрын
I remember seeing all those synths in local music shops in the early 80s... They were unfrotunately all far out of my reach financially !
@marcbrasse747
3 жыл бұрын
Maybe the OBXa is the best of all the Oberheims but it was also constantly on the brink of a breakdown from new. What a sound though!
@BritishBeachcomber
3 жыл бұрын
The Moog was also very temperamental. I was at one of Emerson, Lake and Palmer's early gigs and although he got amazing sounds from it, his main instrument was his trusty Hammond organ.
@steves9045
3 жыл бұрын
That’s why Eddie brought 8 of them on the road with him during the 1984 tour
@marcbrasse747
3 жыл бұрын
@@steves9045 For that one sound?
@steves.4720
3 жыл бұрын
@@marcbrasse747 Eddie used the OBXa for '1984', 'Jump', and 'I'll Wait'. By the 5150 tour, he changed over to the OB8 being controlled by a Kurzweil K250 and he took multiples of those on the road with them as well.
@phsycopiano
Жыл бұрын
Can you do one of the Yamaha DX7?
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
Been thinking of it for sure - there are some great ones out there already - check out madfame's stuff. Still might do one though!
@stevecoscia
Жыл бұрын
Really good and informative video. Those surely were exciting days. In the late 70s, I befriended Tony Geranios (Rush guitar & keyboard tech) and he brought me up on stage to see Geddy's Moog/Oberheim up close. Very innovative at the time.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
10 ай бұрын
Wow - that is incredible that you saw that synth up close. It was a incredible creation and I've dreamed of it still being around, but apparently it was parted out and sold off (info from another friend I know that worked with Tony).
@DamienMacLean
3 жыл бұрын
Hey, that a was pretty cool video, I enjoyed it while drinking my morning coffee . Thank you
@Firstinversion899
3 жыл бұрын
Nice job on all of these. Please make lots!!
@PerChristianFrankplads
3 жыл бұрын
Whos studio is that at 11:22? And what are the units we're seeing there? Whoa.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
My friend E's
@bengsynthmusic
10 ай бұрын
I used to be obsessed with OB-Xa primarily for the looks. When the oldies say they like OB-X more, I gave it a listen and was converted. Until I heard that OB-X was highly unreliable with its massive radiators. That ruined it for me for a while but then I asked myself; if it was unreliable, then why aren't they rid of in the marketplace? There are more Jupiter 8s on the market than these things! That converted me back. I would take this over the 8 anytime. I wish this thing had velocity/aftertouch (oh that's right the OB-X8 does).
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
9 ай бұрын
It does look impressive, and they do require a lot of service. The few owners I know are often having them fixed for various issues, so you need a good tech locally. I think the OB-X8 is a great way to go for the sound and look but more reliability.
@ericbgordon1575
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for taking a moment to acknowledge that the Prophet 5 came out just before Oberheim Electronics designed the OBX. The various accounts of Sequential Circuits' history tend to overlook Oberheim as an influencer in (the late) Dave Smith's design of the Prophet 5. Mr. Smith might've long had the notion of attaching a CPU to a synthesizer, but the Prophet's voice boards would likely never have emerged if the SEM hadn't come first. I can name 4 other appearances that the OBX made on camera. They include two music videos from 1981, Styx' "Too Much Time on my Hands" and REO Speedwagon's "Don't Let Him Ho". The others are a rehearsal sequence near the end of the Neil Diamond rendition of The Jazz Singer (where its front panel can be spotted near the end of the scene at the bottom of the screen) and archival concert footage of Chicago in concert at Nippon Buddakan in Tokyo from 1984.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Eric for adding to this thread. Yes - I think Dave and Tom definitely influenced each other a fair bit. The OB-X layout and design was no doubt influenced by the Prophet-5 in many ways.
@centralbpm
9 ай бұрын
time to UPDATE :)
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
9 ай бұрын
Totally right - so much has changed now :) I probably should revise it
@dfreeman120
2 жыл бұрын
Love these stories about these brilliant synths , great work !
@MusicEasel
Жыл бұрын
Great storytelling! Thank you
@21GunStudio
5 ай бұрын
Certainly not cheap these days - asking prices around $20,000!!! I got mine (8 voice OB-X) for $3,800 in 2008
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
4 ай бұрын
Great deal for sure!
@uhoh007
7 ай бұрын
I'm enjoying the UBX-a. It's an inspiring, affordable piece of kit, worth the wait and a tribute to this cool history.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
7 ай бұрын
Glad you like it!
@Juliano_DJOL
2 жыл бұрын
I'd love to have like a week with a OBX and a DMX
@curmudgeonextraordinaire1884
Жыл бұрын
Funny how you mentioned the Behringer clone anticipated to be released in 2021. It’s late 2023 and it’s still not out. Might see it in 2024.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
10 ай бұрын
I know - it's been so long. What's the holdup right?
@RichardAmesMusic
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video - nice job!
@telemindx
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent documental.. many thanks..!!
@SacSynths_Jack_Z
2 жыл бұрын
Later OB-X also had the computer interface connection. Lovely video!
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the clarification Jack
@Kevinfordsynthesizers
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this piece, a fascinating video.
@flowmaka
Жыл бұрын
I loved the sound of the obxa. I thought it was the warmest synth I have ever played. Great video. I’m always interested in Vintage synth documentaries.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
Thanks James!
@tsitracommunications2884
6 ай бұрын
Queen used an obx on their album the game
@keryncoulter
2 жыл бұрын
Brings back great memories....
@BryanJohnson1969
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Arturia and Beringer for making affordable versions of these great scents that I could never afford otherwise. BTW, G-Force makes a VST for the Oberheim 8 Voice and it's incredible.
@lumpichu
Жыл бұрын
I have sonicproject OP-X Pro-II VST and can definitely recommend it.
@Riktenstein
3 жыл бұрын
Great video - thank you!!
@vintageMIDI
3 жыл бұрын
Fantastic lineage overview. Keep going!
@MultiPetercool
3 жыл бұрын
Roger Powell’s Probe Keytar was interfaced to an Oberheim 8-voice. Not sure about Jan Hammer’s version.
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