Calgary Recording Studio Now Offering Analog Synthesis
The Oberheim OB-X8: A Synthesizer Enthusiasts Dream
Unboxing the Oberheim OB-X8 was a truly memorable moment. It felt as though I were holding a piece of music history in my hands. From the tactile and satisfying button clicks to the wooden, engraved drink coaster that came alongside the synth, the attention to detail and love that Oberheim put into this piece called for us to provide it to Calgarians.
Legacy, Demand, and Where We Are Now
The OB-X8 is more than just a synthesizer it’s a tribute to the golden age of polyphonic synthesis. Combining the best features of Oberheim’s classic OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8, the OB-X8 seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern convenience. This instrument isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about capturing the timeless essence of Oberheim’s signature sound while addressing the needs of today’s musicians.
Oberheim, founded by the legendary Tom Oberheim, has always been synonymous with lush, expressive analog tones. The OB series, in particular, defined an era, shaping the sound of countless hits from the 1980s. With the OB-X8, Oberheim has created an instrument that feels like stepping into a time machine only this time, it’s equipped with all the modern tools you’d want.
A very talented pianist tearing the X8 up day 1 of us offering it.
Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the OB-X8 makes an impression. Its build quality is impeccable, featuring a robust metal chassis with elegant wooden side panels that echo its vintage predecessors. The 61-key Fatar keybed feels luxurious and highly responsive, making it a joy to play whether you’re noodling with basslines, experimenting with leads, or laying down lush chords.
The interface is laid out intuitively, with a sea of knobs and buttons that invite exploration. One of the standout features for me is how everything you need is right at your fingertips. Unlike many modern synthesizers that rely heavily on menus and screens, the OB-X8 embraces a tactile, hands-on approach (the buttons and knobs are drool worthy), staying true to its analog roots.
The Sound of the OB-X8, and It’s Persisting Influence
The Oberheim OB-X8 isn’t just an instrument it’s a gateway to some of the most iconic sounds in music and film history. The original OB series (OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8) has left an indelible mark on the world of sound design, appearing in countless hit records and movie scores. The OB-X8 continues this legacy, delivering the same lush, warm tones that defined a generation of music.
In Music - The Classics
Oberheim synths have been the secret weapon behind some of the most iconic tracks in pop, rock, and electronic music. Here are a few legendary artists who made these synths famous:
Prince: The OB-X was central to the sound of Prince’s groundbreaking album 1999. The lush, sweeping pads and funky basslines on songs like “Little Red Corvette” owe much to the OB-X’s rich tonal palette.
Van Halen: The unmistakable intro to “Jump” was created using the OB-Xa. Its soaring, brassy tones became a signature sound in rock music and inspired countless musicians to explore synthesizers.
Toto: Toto used the OB-Xa extensively, most notably on their hit “Africa.” The synth’s layered pads and atmospheric textures added depth and emotion to their timeless anthem.
Rush: The OB-X made its way into progressive rock, featuring prominently in Rush’s album Signals. Its ability to produce both ethereal and aggressive sounds made it a perfect fit for their evolving sound.
In Film - The Classics
The cinematic world also embraced Oberheim synthesizers, and their lush, analog character became synonymous with sci-fi and drama:
Blade Runner (1982): While the Yamaha CS-80 is often credited as the primary synth in Vangelis’s iconic score, the OB series was part of his arsenal. The OB’s warm, atmospheric pads were used to create the futuristic and melancholic soundscapes that defined the film.
The Terminator (1984): Brad Fiedel’s pulsating, mechanical score heavily featured Oberheim synths, creating the perfect juxtaposition of humanity and machine. The OB’s gritty analog tones brought a rawness to the now-classic soundtrack.
Tron (1982): The original Tron film embraced cutting-edge technology, including Oberheim synths, to craft its otherworldly, digital soundscape.
Top Gun (1986): Harold Faltermeyer’s soundtrack, particularly the iconic "Top Gun Anthem," prominently used the Oberheim OB series to create its sweeping, cinematic themes.
In Modern Music
Many contemporary musicians have rediscovered and embraced the Oberheim sound, either through vintage models or modern recreations like the OB-X8. Here are some notable examples:
Deadmau5: A master of blending analog and digital, Deadmau5 is known to incorporate Oberheim tones into his lush, cinematic soundscapes. Tracks like “Strobe” feature the kind of rich, evolving pads and leads that the OB series is famous for.
Skrillex: Known primarily for his heavy bass drops, Skrillex has shown a keen appreciation for analog gear in his more melodic work. His productions often feature fat, warm pads and soaring synth leads, reminiscent of the OB sound.
Tame Impala: Kevin Parker is a fan of vintage analog synths and their modern iterations. His dreamy, psychedelic sound often features Oberheim-like textures, adding depth to tracks like “Let It Happen” and “The Less I Know the Better.”
Bon Iver: Justin Vernon has been incorporating synth textures into his music since 22, A Million. The Oberheim sound fits perfectly within his sonic palette, creating warm, emotional layers in tracks like “33 ‘GOD’” and “Faith.”
Frank Ocean: Ocean’s experimental and ambient production style often relies on analog textures to create atmosphere. The Oberheim’s lush, evolving tones can be felt in the subtle synth layers throughout albums like Blonde.
Tycho: A pioneer in ambient electronic music, Tycho uses analog synths to craft expansive, melodic compositions. His reliance on warm pads and analog textures aligns perfectly with the Oberheim sound.
In Modern Film and TV Scoring
The cinematic quality of the Oberheim sound continues to captivate modern composers, making its way into blockbuster scores and streaming-era hits:
Hans Zimmer: Known for his love of analog synths, Zimmer has used Oberheim tones in recent scores like Duneand Blade Runner 2049, capturing the retro-futuristic aesthetic Oberheim is known for.
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross: The award-winning duo behind the scores of The Social Network, Watchmen, and Soul often employ analog synths like Oberheim to craft haunting, atmospheric layers.
Ludwig Göransson: For The Mandalorian and Tenet, Göransson combined cutting-edge synthesis with classic analog warmth, bringing an emotional edge to his soundtracks.
As I write this blog post, one of our engineers is playing with the X8 (ran mono through a VOX amp), which inspired me to include this section. From the first chords I played to those that I am currently listening to - it’s mindblowing how rich and true to the original Oberheim models this instrument is.
Conclusion: Why Analog Matters
In an age where convenience often takes precedence, analog gear like the Oberheim OB-X8 reminds us of the value of slowing down, embracing imperfection, and connecting deeply with our instruments. It’s not just about sound quality; it’s about the experience one that fosters creativity, inspires emotion, and connects us to the timeless art of music-making.
Our studio was designed around the philosophy of embracing imperfections. In a digital-first world, offering analog options has become a cornerstone of our mission. Artists like Kanye West, Mac Miller, and Tyler, the Creator have released groundbreaking records that continue to inspire Gen Z creators, proving that analog tools bring a unique warmth and character to music. By providing a safe space equipped with these same tools, we aim to bridge the material gap between Calgary’s budding artists and the industry's biggest names. This access brings local creators closer to realizing their visions, breaking barriers, and elevating their work to the next level.
Analog isn’t just a relic of the past it’s a cornerstone of the future. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting your journey, the world of analog is one worth exploring. It might just change the way you think about music.