The Ultimate Classic? | The OG Oberheim OB-Xa - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in 2025 | Review
The Oberheim OB-Xa is a legendary analog polyphonic synthesizer, released in 1980 as the successor to the OB-X. It helped define the sound of the 1980s and remains highly revered for its lush, powerful tone and bold aesthetics.
The OB-Xa is known for its warm fat tone, aggressive bass and brassy leads, sweeping cinematic pads, and cutting powerful presence in a mix.
Its filter has a distinctive character compared to the Moog or Roland synths, often described as a more raw open sound.
A true staple in the 1980s to the 90s with great musicians like Van Halen, Queen, Toto, and Prince. You have heard this instrument in use.
Roland, brushed this synth back into life. It was recalibrated, cleaned up, and tuned and scaled.
The Oberheim OB-Xa is one of the most iconic synthesizers in history. Its enormous analog sound has stood the test of time, and it's still a go-to for synth purists and retro sound designers alike.
This is a great synth for those who have a deep appreciation for the beauty of vintage analog synthesizers. It works with limitations due to its condition but still holds true to its abilities.
Watch the Video to learn more on all that Roland did to bring this synth back to life.
CONTACT AN EXPERT TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR SYNTHESIZER There’s a lot to consider when choosing your synthesizer, which is why our experts have been assisting musicians like you for nearly a century. From analog to digital synthesizers, modular and keyboard synthesizers, and more, we offer a wide range of options to meet your needs. For more details on our synthesizers, access to our top offers, and a complimentary expert consultation, contact us or complete our form today!
Here are our 2026 Father's Day gift suggestions from us to you. Curated for every type of musician dad, from the experienced player to the dreamer who's always wanted to pick up an instrument. For the Vintage Guitar Enthusiast If...
Larrivee's Finest Guitar? OM-10 Rosewood Deluxe Full Review & Demo In the guitar space we often hear about Fender, Taylor, Martin, Furch, Gibson, or all of the major players in the business, but sometimes we forget how big of a...
The Kawai CX202 Digital Piano New digital piano models don’t often get the excitement they deserve and this is definitely the case with the Kawai CX202. The CX202 was released in the Fall 2025 season and it’s gaining attention for...