Oberheim OB-X8 Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer
Update: 02/28/2026
It is with great reluctance that I have temporarily withdrawn the
original webpage for this product.
Back in August 2024, Oberheim released OS version 2.0 which added
great features. I acquired two desktop models with the intention of
using them in my stage system. Unfortunately, OS v2.0 had a bug that
prevented me from using split mode for my stage system. If played
from the keyboard model, split mode works fine. If played over
MIDI to the keyboard or desktop model using MIDI channel n and
channel n+1, the split point is ignored. Oberheim changed
the split function such that the split ranges respond over the
complete MIDI note range - if you're using two MIDI controllers set
to MIDI channel n and channel n+1. To minimize stage space, I wanted
to use a single MIDI controller for split mode. The controller
transmits MIDI data for both channel n and channel n+1 for the
entire keyboard range, and I wanted the split point managed by the
OB-X8 where it was programmable per split patch. Since the split
point is ignored, the actual behavior is now double - both splits
are now layered. The previous OS version worked the way I
wanted it to, but v2.0 defeated it.
Oberheim suggested omni mode - yes split mode works correctly over
MIDI, but it is not a solution in that I have other MIDI devices in
my stage system. If I trigger any other MIDI device, the OB-X8 in
omni mode also responds. Still a problem.
Now this is a bug that should had been caught in beta test. I
had been in contact with Oberheim (Sequential) support. It took
multiple inquiries asking for a solution.
Oberheim suggested reverting back to pre-v2.0 OS. Not a solution
either, because my MIDI controller also transmits MIDI Active Sense
which corrupts the operation of the OB-X8 (v2.0 fixed that bug).
There is no way to disable MIDI Active Sense on the MIDI controller.
Buy a MIDI processor box that filters MIDI Active Sense, Oberheim
suggested. Spend more money on an accessory instead of the OEM
fixing the problem? I don't think so. And there were new features in
v2.0 I wanted to use, such as the user bank and a new filter mode.
Focusrite finally dispatched a MIDI system expert to understand my
desires. He finallly grasped what I was trying to do, and would
clarify it for the support team.
Focusrite owns Sequential, whose team is responsible for developing
the OS for Oberheim and Sequential products. I am told there is only
a single OS developer member on the team.
No estimate was given when the OS bug would be addressed. It is now
March 2026, over 18 months since v2.0 had been released in August
2024. During that time, Focusrite has released OS updates for the
TEO-5 (Nov 2025), the Take 5 (Nov 2025), the Prophet-5/10 (May
2025), and the Prophet 08 (Oct 2024).
I have an OB-X8 that I cannot use in my stage system, yet
Focusrite has managed to release OS updates for other products.
It makes no sense to have a webpage to promote a product that does
not work. Focusrite is not doing me any favors owning a defective
product, so I am withdrawing my original webpage with glowing review
until I receive the OS solution I have asked for. 18 months is far
too long. With this kind of support, I am reluctant to purchase any
further Focusrite products.
Until Oberheim/Focusrite releases the OS solution I need, the
original webpage stays withdrawn and all inquiries will be ignored.
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