Preorder CME’s Favorite New Releases Introduced at Superbooth 2023!

The OB-X8 synthesizer has been universally acclaimed for bringing Oberheim's classic tone to a whole new generation. And now, all the OB-X8 presets, synthesis features, and sound editing controls are available in a compact package that fits everyone’s creative space.  

The new OB-X8 desktop version has everything the keyboard version has with the exception of the 61-note Fatar keybed and the pitch and mod levers, but don't let that stop you from experiencing all the sonic power of the Oberheim OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 in a footprint that's compact enough for studios of any size, and convenient enough to take out on the road! 

Think Small, Play Big 
The OB-X8 desktop module boasts an identical sound engine to the keyboard version, featuring an all-analog signal path with discrete VCOs, VCAs, and filters. And with its knob-per-function sound designing experience, you'll have immediate access to virtually all the synth's parameters, allowing you to create your own unique sounds with ease and precision. 
 
Pure Analog 
The audio signal path of the OB-X8 is all analog, filled with warmth and punch. It’s the same trademark Oberheim sound that made iconic tracks like 1999 by Prince, Jump by Van Halen, and Tom Sawyer by Rush so unforgettable. And now it’s yours to enhance your own music. 
 
All New Sounds 
The classic OB-series factory sounds that you know from countless recordings are all here. But that’s just the start: our network of world-class sound designers has created jaw-dropping new sounds just for the OB-X8. And because the OB-X8 has a clear and easy-to-grasp set of controls, creating your own sounds is as easy as turning a few knobs and saving what you like. 
 
Three In One 
The OB-X8 combines the three different voice architectures of the OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 into a single instrument. The individual filter types and other unique characteristics of each model have been faithfully reproduced, giving you the most authentic OB experience possible. You can even mix elements of different models to create sounds never possible with the originals. There’s never been an OB-series synth as powerful and versatile. 

Page 2022
OB insiders know that the myriad of “Page 2″ functions unlocked the hidden power of the original OB-8. We’ve included all of the classic Page 2 parameters and created new ones for 2022, giving you direct access to 40+ nuanced controls such as additional SEM filter modes, per-voice panning, LFO keyboard tracking, Mod delay time and envelope inversion, independent pulse width control, and much more.

 Hardware  

• 8-Voice pure-analog polyphony  
• Two discrete OB-X/SEM-lineage VCOs per voice deliver classic punchy Oberheim tone  
• Discrete SEM-lineage VCFs deliver authentic OB-X-style tone and presence  
• Genuine Curtis filters add bold OB-Xa/OB-8 character  
• Meticulously modeled envelope responses match each OB model: OB-X, Ob-Xa, and OB-8  
• Bi-timbral capability allows two presets simultaneously for splits and doubles  
• 400-plus factory programs, including the full set of factory sounds for the OB-X, OB-SX, Ob-Xa, and OB-8  
• Integral fan-less, heatsink-free power supply  
• Real walnut end cheeks  
• High-resolution OLED display enables patch management and easy access to advanced features   

Enhancements  

• Additional SEM filter modes add high-pass, band-pass, and notch functions to the classic OB-X filter  
• Vintage knob allows variable amounts of voice-to-voice variability to emulate the behavior of vintage instruments   
• Velocity response adds expressiveness to volume and filter   
• Channel Aftertouch response adds real-time performance-based modulation  
• Enhanced unison allows variable voice stacking from 1-8 voices  
• Programmable per-voice pan allows wider stereo presence  
• Variable oscillator and noise levels  
• Variable triangle wave cross-modulation  
• Over 600 user-programmable preset locations   

Ins & Outs  

• L/R Stereo and Mono outputs  
• Volume, Sustain, and Filter pedal inputs  
• Arpeggiator clock input  
• MIDI In, Out, Thru  
• USB 

 Dimensions: OB-X8 desktop module weighs 9 lbs. 9 oz. (4.34 kg) and measures 22.00” L x 8.50” W x 4” H (55.88 cm x 21.59 cm x 10.16 cm). 
 

This project is a collaboration between the late Chris Huggett (Gnat, WASP, OSCar) and PWM (Paul Whittington). In development over the last period of his life Chris threw everything he could into the Mantis. Although incomplete when he passed away he handed his part of the project over to Paul to continue and to see what, if anything, could be made of it he really was so humble in his work! We at PWM, with the support of Chris’ estate, think this synthesiser is totally amazing and deserves to be born into the world for everyone to enjoy, and we know Chris would be really proud too!

OSCILLATORS:
The OSCs are generated at boot-up using complex mathematics. They run on a DSP chip that gives ultimate stability and control without compromising the unique sound. This is what makes the synth a hybrid but don’t be fooled everything after that through the mixer, gain staging and the filter is analogue.

VCF:
The Filter is a multi-mode state variable VCA Filter with overdrive. It is built using the SSI2164 chip in special configuration designed by Chris Huggett. There are two filters one for each analogue signal path. They can be combined in series or parallel and used with the width control and width modulation to create that distinctive sound only heard on the OSCar.

FX:
The Mantis has two simple digital effects: Reverb and Chorus. Reverb has a time and level adjustment but also a high and low pass filter that can be switched in to limit unwanted lower mud and/or higher bouncy twinkles (!)

ENVELOPES:
Mantis has 2 ADSR envelopes but each has an additional ‘Sustain Fall’ parameter and negative and positive velocity modulation level hardwired for convenience. ‘Sustain Fall’ allows you to create a drop before release even while a key is held for greater sound design possibilities. Each envelope can also be put into repeat mode to act as a pseudo LFO if you wish.

VCA:
The gain staging on Mantis is, of course, all analogue and is run through the SSI2164 VCAs - we have a few of them in the design! The signal is actually twice amplified to ensure the overdriven sound is warm and clips naturally.

Features:

• Duophonic with 2 discrete analogue signal paths
• 2 Oscillators + sub oscillator per voice
2 Envelopes with sustain fall and envelope repeat  2 LFOs with 4 waveform types and sync  2 Multi-mode filters with drive, keytrack and frequency modulation
Dual filter mode with width and modulation
• 37 note full sized keybed with aftertouch
Multi-function joystick and octave shift  Arpeggiator with 6 modes, tap tempo, swing and sync & unique duophonic arp mode  Reverb with low & high pass filtering and 4 chorus modes
• Mixer with Noise and Ring Modulation  Oscillator density and drift  Modulation Routes with fast configuration  Selectable triggering  USBC  Powered via DC PSU
MIDI Din IN, OUT and THRU  Sustain pedal 
• input  Controller pedal input  1/4” Stereo master outputs 
• 1/4” Stereo headphone output  

TELEPATHY is a full voice analog synthesizer module with deep modulation options due to its multi-destination LFO and Envelope. From Bass to Lead sounds, to drums and drones, TELEPATHY has broad and versatile sound design capabilities. It has a Full Analog path (Typhon VCO, 4-pole low pass / 2-pole high pass filters, analog VCA) that is digitally controlled for more precision over its parameters, resulting in a warm, present and distinct Dreadbox sound.

With lots of useful and musical features integrated into a compact size (10hp), and its skiff friendly design, TELEPATHY is a great addition to small or large eurorack systems.

Features:

• 1x Analog Oscillator with saw, square, -1 oct square sub and noise, plus PW control for square, level for noise and waveshape
• Automatic tuning for the oscillator and fine tune
• Analog 24db Resonant Low pass filter with Oscillator FM and Noise FM and 6db High pass filter
• Analog VCA
• 1x LFO with Free/Key/Track/BPM/BPM Key modes, Fade in, Triangle/Saw/Ramp/Square/Random waveforms, that is mapped to various parameters
• 2x Envelopes, one dedicated to the VCA with Velocity control and one loopable for Low pass Filter, Pitch and PW
• CV in patch that can be mapped to all the basic parameters in parallel with dedicated amount for each parameter
• MIDI in/out+through
• CC in/out, Program Change in/out
• Multitimbral Chaining functionality via MIDI up to 8 modules 16 presets
• 10HP