Matt, what I really love about your content is that, as a member of a successful band, you aren’t reliant on monetisation of your channel. The issue of tiny screens is a huge obstacle to many customers. The Jupiter80 did a nifty thing with tablets. Most of us have obsolete touch-screen phones sitting in the drawer by the bucketload. All these screens are bigger than the shitty little screens synth manufacturers are offering us. Recycle Sequential, it’s either Android or iOS , it doesn’t need updates or security patches, after being a phone it could be a really useful display.
Tom Oberheim pulled a rabbit out of his hat and made the greatest synth of all time. 61 key, all of the control of the originals. I have a nice '81 OB-Xa 8 voice that needs some company and this is it.
My Xa is in the shop, so I find myself watching all these X8 videos to hold me over until her return, but I'm think along the same lines. This would be a great "company" for her. :)
Rarely do you see a synth demo where someone is so in-tune with their instrument and makes such fantastic sounds. The musicianship, the sounds, the demos, everything is there. Fantastic job, what a wonderful demo of a synth I will unfortunately never be able to afford 😅
No disrespect to other synth enthusiasts (like myself) but that's the difference when you breath sine waves and turn knobs for breakfast and become one with synth music. Matt is a beast on another level of his own game. 🔥
Having no idea of synths or sounds or playing keys whatsoever, the way your demos are made is just fun to watch and to hear. I feel educated even though I'll probably never buy a synth myself. Good stuff!
Plenty of low cost software and free software sythersizors to get you into sythersizors with minimal cost, You will needs a half decent PC and a Midi keyboard.
I have an OB-6 and a Take 5, both of which I love, but this is pretty much the grail synth now. Dont know why I'm torturing myself watching all these videos of this amazing synth when I cant afford 🥲🥲🥲🥲 - sick video as usual Matt! Beautiful playing, beautiful programming!
This is the demo I've been waiting for. There really wasn't any proper demos that really show off how great this synth is when it was released. I own one and I can assure you it's the real deal. I'll never sell it, it's definitely a keeper.
You did it again - it is such a joy to listen to your play! So many memories - Prince, Lyle one could go on. And - I am getting more and more interested in this synth. Thank you very much Matt!
Something about nostalgia, it's the same when people say the 80's was the greatest era ever, but they fail to point out how bad it actually was. Blinders can always obscure the reality of things. I would rather have the OBX8 by far over any OG units, the costs of servicing them alone would require a deep wallet. This video clearly shows that a modern take is more than just a shadow of a classic, it is the new, better re-envisioning that allows people who want that sound, but cannot afford the asking of the older gear plus the upkeep.
This was the demo I was waiting for since this synth launched. Absolutely beautiful sounds and fantastic playing as ever. (Love the Logan’s Run clip too.) And that VV is simply lush.
Perfect circuit is a great store - lived nearby when I was living in the US. Thank you for the great review. I got the poor mans Obie - the matrix 1000 - not in the same league as most of the others! Really happy Tom Oberheim got to get his genius ideas out in the world again - he has a beautiful approach to instrument design.
Another stunning demo, I appreciate the way you go through every part of the synth while showing the actual sound at different settings and you still have time to enjoy the playing, which is everyone's favorite part. I can't buy one of these at the moment but hopefully mid next year. Funny enough the owner of Perfect circuit bought some synths from me like my Prophet VS,Sequentials Six T and a few others. Before my son was born I had to thin my collection to make sure we had everything in order for his nursery. Now with him being 7 yrs old, I can finally get myself the synth I have always wanted. I get to save up for this beauty one month at a time, which tbh will make it even more exciting. I've been a fan of yours since Jamiroquai but your UA-cam channel made me appreciate your genius even more. Thank you for the inspiration Mr Johnson.
Electric word life, it means forever. And that's a mighty long time, but I'm here to tell you there's something else. The Afterworld... Bravo for this beautiful video, Matt!
I think I said it before, you are truly inspirational in every video you make. I bought one OBX-8 in the end of August, but wow! It is so much fun to see, someone that actually really know what they are doing, when twisting and tweeking with the instrument and make it sound just so amazing. I also agree A and B videos are quite boring, or people that turns the arpeggio on and twist the filter knob in a five hour long "music" clip. You are above that i think and I know when spending time watching your videos it is not a waste of time, because you always produce a five star show. You are truly the best in what you do, and your videos make me very happy filled with energy. Thank you !
Another superb video, Matt. Good that your bided your time after the first initial ‘taste’ we had at GearFest in the summer. The synth sounds great, and has great programming tools in your hands, obviously aided by the fact you come to it as an OBX-A owner! Nice vintage vid FX and your VV piano sounds great. 👍🏽
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai Just played the last gig of the year in Germany as part of the “42nd Anniversary Tourette” (Arse!) Had a bit of scare with my right hand middle finger going septic after I cut the nail too short and it caused an infection. Very painful to play on, spent 4 hours in A&E getting it lanced prior to going onstage at the Indigo last Friday. Lesson learned, I hope! Are you gigging atm?
@@MikeLindup42 Ouch what a nightmare, hope it's ok now! I'm playing Pizza express Soho with my own thing on Monday then a couple of shows with Jay so all good
There are lots of synth reviews on the internet, but these are by far the best. Being able to see the synth used in a musical context is the most important and enjoyable thing! Are we all thinking P10 + Ob-X8 jam video next? ;)
Great review! Always love your content. I think the X8 is a stellar synth. But I think the biggest miss is that they included the extra SEM filters but didn’t give you the flexibility of using them in a continuously variable way as you could on the SEM. That sound is incredible and it’s a shame to have all the pieces there but the inability to complete the picture.
YES my thoughts exactly. It’s a stellar instrument but this fact alone is enough to steer me away from purchase. It’s mind boggling to think how they could’ve missed this.
Thanks Matt for your review. Your OB sounds great even without running through any FX. I really enjoy your reviews. They’re informative and from a keyboardist’s prospective.
Love your videos, very educational, and nobody else does it better at explaining the different control settings and demonstrating them so well, Thank you!
I love your channel and I always look forward to you using synths in context and balancing the commentary. Your production value is very high and I appreciate that quality. You always dive deep and get the most out of the synth's architecture. I must comment that $5K for this is paying 25% for Obeheirm name, 25% for nostalgia bug and the rest for the hardware /software. I can get the same and more out of a 2 used Novation Ultranovas for about $750 or a used Studiologic Black Sledge for the same $$$. If there is an audible difference, 95% of people can't tell the difference. For pros like you, these expensive mega polys are worth it, so have at it. Apples, Oranges and Kiwi.
Yes it's not for everyone at the price, it's like buying a car. The more you go up the price range the smaller the improvements get but they are still improvements. That's how I look at it anyway!
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai Good analogy and coincidentally, Hans Zimmer Quote. "I remember having to make that decision, was it going to be a car or a Minimoog... I still dont drive"
Matt, your enthusiasm is contagious, your playing impeccable, and your explanation spot on. A true inspiration from a true musician. Thanks for all the effort you put into these videos, highly appreciated. One of my fav channels on youtube for sure. I’m saving money for the OB-X8, gonna pick one up definitely, and will get your sounds too I guess 🤩
What a joy to have a synth demo'd by a good musician. Appreciate all your other little touches too .. (Logan's Run ... Prince ;) ). Think you may have just sold me one.
Excelente!!! gracias por hacer estos video, además de ser increíblemente bellos estos sintetizadores, los haces sonar de forma extraordinaria!!! Espero que tengamos la suerte de que hagas una reseña del gs-e7. Saludos!
When you think you‘ve seen and heard it all, along comes Matt with another super musical and inspiring demo. Great sound programming, too. Think I need those patches! 👍👏
The beautiful ones don't always smash the picture ... Brilliant insight-giving demo, every technical feature translated to musical use cases. And let's not forget : Enjoyable !! (with a capital E). BTW: sold my OBXa years ago for about 2400$, wish I could sell it now and get an OBX8's and some goodies instead ...
Removing fluff on a key while playing (at 13:43)... Glad to see it's not just me! I've been given many confused looks by my bandmates when doing that. 😅
The new OB-8 synth sounds amazing! You can really hear those same fat, yet delicately rich sound on Japan's 'Tin Drum' album. It just provides those amazing thick pads and cutting 4ths and 5ths. Beautiful Matt! I just can't wait until the day a soft-synth sounds that fabulous! XILS Lab PolyKB gets close!
Great Synth. Bought you album on vinyl and really enjoying it, likely to be got to pick me up. Love the Incognito links as well. Great Stuff, keep it coming.
How did Oberheim/Sequential not immediately send you one of these to demo right away? It would have cleared a lot of things up and avoided a lot of naysayers and synth critics who said it wasn’t the real deal because of some of the shitty demos early on. Huge mistake on behalf of Oberheim. Best demo so far.
Matt, what I really love about your content is that, as a member of a successful band, you aren’t reliant on monetisation of your channel. The issue of tiny screens is a huge obstacle to many customers. The Jupiter80 did a nifty thing with tablets. Most of us have obsolete touch-screen phones sitting in the drawer by the bucketload. All these screens are bigger than the shitty little screens synth manufacturers are offering us. Recycle Sequential, it’s either Android or iOS , it doesn’t need updates or security patches, after being a phone it could be a really useful display.
Dearly beloved... we are gathered here today to celebrate this thing called OBX8 ! Nice one Matt, amazing as always 🎹🤩
Tom Oberheim pulled a rabbit out of his hat and made the greatest synth of all time. 61 key, all of the control of the originals. I have a nice '81 OB-Xa 8 voice that needs some company and this is it.
My Xa is in the shop, so I find myself watching all these X8 videos to hold me over until her return, but I'm think along the same lines. This would be a great "company" for her. :)
It makes such a difference to hear a synth played by a truly talented musician, to make it come alive. And Matt, you’re one of the greats!
Rarely do you see a synth demo where someone is so in-tune with their instrument and makes such fantastic sounds. The musicianship, the sounds, the demos, everything is there. Fantastic job, what a wonderful demo of a synth I will unfortunately never be able to afford 😅
This guy is a professional and a successful producer.
Remarkable demonstration ! You're clear, and convince you know this beast deeper than other musicians that gave opinions recently. Good job Matt !
No disrespect to other synth enthusiasts (like myself) but that's the difference when you breath sine waves and turn knobs for breakfast and become one with synth music.
Matt is a beast on another level of his own game. 🔥
Having no idea of synths or sounds or playing keys whatsoever, the way your demos are made is just fun to watch and to hear. I feel educated even though I'll probably never buy a synth myself. Good stuff!
Never say never, behringer offer alot of entry-level synths to play with.
Plenty of low cost software and free software sythersizors to get you into sythersizors with minimal cost, You will needs a half decent PC and a Midi keyboard.
@@HOLLASOUNDS a great option for sure
I've been sitting on the fence on this . . . this demo sold it . . . great work.
I have an OB-6 and a Take 5, both of which I love, but this is pretty much the grail synth now. Dont know why I'm torturing myself watching all these videos of this amazing synth when I cant afford 🥲🥲🥲🥲 - sick video as usual Matt! Beautiful playing, beautiful programming!
Such a spot on comment for those of us with other Dave Smith gear! (OB-6). "Torturing myself" had me ROTF ;) OB-X8 is indeed a gem.
I just bought a Prophet 5 and am waiting for it to arrive but I cant help thinking I wish it was one of these
21.44 Lets Go Crazy!!!! yeah!!! Really beautiful patches Matt
This is the demo I've been waiting for. There really wasn't any proper demos that really show off how great this synth is when it was released. I own one and I can assure you it's the real deal. I'll never sell it, it's definitely a keeper.
This is glorious Matt!
Just bought mine yesterday and I’m impatiently awaiting its arrival. Oberheim is BACK!
As a huge oberheim obx fan this is great to hear, I had long given up any hope of owning an original but this seems like an amazing object
You did it again - it is such a joy to listen to your play! So many memories - Prince, Lyle one could go on. And - I am getting more and more interested in this synth. Thank you very much Matt!
The Lyle Mays tribute was sweet.. Awesome synth, great demo by an inspired musician !
That sweater looks cozy af 😊
Something about nostalgia, it's the same when people say the 80's was the greatest era ever, but they fail to point out how bad it actually was.
Blinders can always obscure the reality of things.
I would rather have the OBX8 by far over any OG units, the costs of servicing them alone would require a deep wallet.
This video clearly shows that a modern take is more than just a shadow of a classic, it is the new, better re-envisioning that allows people who want that sound, but cannot afford the asking of the older gear plus the upkeep.
The preset pack is just jaw dropping. I never knew it could sound like this. Spent all night playing them.
Matt plus any synth = amazing. Matt plus OB-X8, no words exists to describe the stoke.
“Chuffed,” I believe was the word he used.
Thanks for the Prince voices! Really nice!
Best synth reviewer on YT imho - all the tech features explained and demo'd from a consummate player's/musician's perspective - keep em' coming, Matt!
Best demo I've seen yet by a country mile. Thanks!!
This was the comment of which I was trying to think.
Want! Prolly gonna take the plunge on the new desktop version! Thanks for the smashing demo!❤❤❤😊😊
This was the demo I was waiting for since this synth launched. Absolutely beautiful sounds and fantastic playing as ever. (Love the Logan’s Run clip too.) And that VV is simply lush.
Man oh man, I love the sound of this instrument! It seems like an instrument you keep for a lifetime!
I actually learned alot about synthesis watching this. I have the obxa soft synth from arturia. Thanks for the quick into in obersything
You are the best synthesiser reviewer out there, really outstanding Matt, thank you
You make such great sounds Matt. Thanks for this beautiful playing and nice exploration. I can't wait to play one of these things.
This is the best analog synth I ever heard, period. Thank you for your talent and passion.
Beauty isn't it. Awesome to hear your spin.
Alex, your vid + Matt’s here are why I shall order one of these within the year. 🥳
Likewise Alex I watched your vid and it's great as always. Plus a lot less long winded than mine!!
Two of my favorite UA-camrs in one place! Here’s hoping for a future collaboration…
Perfect circuit is a great store - lived nearby when I was living in the US. Thank you for the great review. I got the poor mans Obie - the matrix 1000 - not in the same league as most of the others! Really happy Tom Oberheim got to get his genius ideas out in the world again - he has a beautiful approach to instrument design.
Matt Johnson and Oberheim is a perfect duo
I always come back to hear that patch at 23:54
Purchased! Finally got the ObX8
After watching this about 80 times, I just ordered! Thanks for convincing me!
Another stunning demo, I appreciate the way you go through every part of the synth while showing the actual sound at different settings and you still have time to enjoy the playing, which is everyone's favorite part. I can't buy one of these at the moment but hopefully mid next year. Funny enough the owner of Perfect circuit bought some synths from me like my Prophet VS,Sequentials Six T and a few others. Before my son was born I had to thin my collection to make sure we had everything in order for his nursery. Now with him being 7 yrs old, I can finally get myself the synth I have always wanted. I get to save up for this beauty one month at a time, which tbh will make it even more exciting. I've been a fan of yours since Jamiroquai but your UA-cam channel made me appreciate your genius even more. Thank you for the inspiration Mr Johnson.
Electric word life, it means forever. And that's a mighty long time, but I'm here to tell you there's something else. The Afterworld... Bravo for this beautiful video, Matt!
Nice overview Matt & all Hail to the Legend of the mighty Dave Smith for helping to make this and the OB6 happen
Amazing demo! I pre-ordered mine the day it was announced, and it definitely lives up to its expectation.
Never too late to join the party - actually not a party without the in depth analysis from MJ that UA-cam needs
Always a pleasure to watch and listen with you Matt !
Your playing is so serene thanks for sharing
I have no room for one but a lovely sound. Got to love that wonk!
I think I said it before, you are truly inspirational in every video you make. I bought one OBX-8 in the end of August, but wow! It is so much fun to see, someone that actually really know what they are doing, when twisting and tweeking with the instrument and make it sound just so amazing. I also agree A and B videos are quite boring, or people that turns the arpeggio on and twist the filter knob in a five hour long "music" clip. You are above that i think and I know when spending time watching your videos it is not a waste of time, because you always produce a five star show. You are truly the best in what you do, and your videos make me very happy filled with energy. Thank you !
Perfect circuit !! You can literally try out every synth there is going from headphones to headphone. Such s great shop
Good demo Matt, nice to hear somebody demoing a synth who can play really well
I thought I heard a space cat for a minute there at the end. You have such a blue lilt Matt. I love it. It makes me drift.
Another superb video, Matt. Good that your bided your time after the first initial ‘taste’ we had at GearFest in the summer. The synth sounds great, and has great programming tools in your hands, obviously aided by the fact you come to it as an OBX-A owner! Nice vintage vid FX and your VV piano sounds great. 👍🏽
Thanks a lot Mike, I hope you well. Looks like you guys have been busy
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai Just played the last gig of the year in Germany as part of the “42nd Anniversary Tourette” (Arse!) Had a bit of scare with my right hand middle finger going septic after I cut the nail too short and it caused an infection. Very painful to play on, spent 4 hours in A&E getting it lanced prior to going onstage at the Indigo last Friday. Lesson learned, I hope! Are you gigging atm?
@@MikeLindup42 Ouch what a nightmare, hope it's ok now! I'm playing Pizza express Soho with my own thing on Monday then a couple of shows with Jay so all good
pride in everything you do. even video edit for end montage is thoughtful. Made my day.
Matts videos are definetly the ones to be watched before buying any synth.
There are lots of synth reviews on the internet, but these are by far the best. Being able to see the synth used in a musical context is the most important and enjoyable thing! Are we all thinking P10 + Ob-X8 jam video next? ;)
Great review! Always love your content. I think the X8 is a stellar synth. But I think the biggest miss is that they included the extra SEM filters but didn’t give you the flexibility of using them in a continuously variable way as you could on the SEM. That sound is incredible and it’s a shame to have all the pieces there but the inability to complete the picture.
YES my thoughts exactly. It’s a stellar instrument but this fact alone is enough to steer me away from purchase. It’s mind boggling to think how they could’ve missed this.
Not be fixed with an update?
@@nuggetzmusic1613 I hope so! But who knows… is that possible with an update only?
that melody at 21.20 is so my jam! Love it, your an amazing artist!
Thanks Matt for your review. Your OB sounds great even without running through any FX. I really enjoy your reviews. They’re informative and from a keyboardist’s prospective.
I would love to see a video about your recording setup. Your sound quality is really very nice!
Love your videos, very educational, and nobody else does it better at explaining the different control settings and demonstrating them so well, Thank you!
You're so good at what you do. It's incredible. Thanks for your contributions to music.
Thanks for listening
I love your channel and I always look forward to you using synths in context and balancing the commentary. Your production value is very high and I appreciate that quality. You always dive deep and get the most out of the synth's architecture. I must comment that $5K for this is paying 25% for Obeheirm name, 25% for nostalgia bug and the rest for the hardware /software. I can get the same and more out of a 2 used Novation Ultranovas for about $750 or a used Studiologic Black Sledge for the same $$$. If there is an audible difference, 95% of people can't tell the difference. For pros like you, these expensive mega polys are worth it, so have at it. Apples, Oranges and Kiwi.
Yes it's not for everyone at the price, it's like buying a car. The more you go up the price range the smaller the improvements get but they are still improvements. That's how I look at it anyway!
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai Good analogy and coincidentally, Hans Zimmer Quote. "I remember having to make that decision, was it going to be a car or a Minimoog... I still dont drive"
I wasn't really that gassed about this synth until I saw this video. By far the best OBX8 demonstration I've seen.
Love your skill and enthusiasm for the OB 8X Matt,which push me even closer to a buying one,damned!
I love that 24:43 cat meow sound so much. If I owned one of those Oberheims, it would have to come with a Matt Johnson to do it justice
Matt, your enthusiasm is contagious, your playing impeccable, and your explanation spot on. A true inspiration from a true musician. Thanks for all the effort you put into these videos, highly appreciated. One of my fav channels on youtube for sure. I’m saving money for the OB-X8, gonna pick one up definitely, and will get your sounds too I guess 🤩
I love the Moog One and all, but this thing is in a league of it's own! NOTHING sounds like it!
What a joy to have a synth demo'd by a good musician. Appreciate all your other little touches too .. (Logan's Run ... Prince ;) ). Think you may have just sold me one.
Incredible review, sound design and playing! Fantastic work all around.
Excelente!!! gracias por hacer estos video, además de ser increíblemente bellos estos sintetizadores, los haces sonar de forma extraordinaria!!! Espero que tengamos la suerte de que hagas una reseña del gs-e7. Saludos!
God, how I wish I could afford one of these. The ultimate dream synth for me. Amazing demo as always, Matt!
Wondefully demonstrated as always. I was tempted by the OB-X8 but having a Prophet 10 is good enough for me. I think...
When you think you‘ve seen and heard it all, along comes Matt with another super musical and inspiring demo. Great sound programming, too. Think I need those patches! 👍👏
Thank you! I enjoyed this one more than the playing one( liked that also) but for me this showed more of the synth
Thanks Matt!
The beautiful ones don't always smash the picture ...
Brilliant insight-giving demo, every technical feature translated to musical use cases. And let's not forget : Enjoyable !! (with a capital E).
BTW: sold my OBXa years ago for about 2400$, wish I could sell it now and get an OBX8's and some goodies instead ...
Removing fluff on a key while playing (at 13:43)... Glad to see it's not just me! I've been given many confused looks by my bandmates when doing that. 😅
Such a wonderful demo, awesome work as always Matt!
I'm very jealous! Great playing as always mate!
Nice to hear the classic Lyle Mays sound in there.
Great demo thanks Matt! Some delightful sounds there too. I seriously wish my Prophet 10 had all that stereo voice placement stuff
.
Finally, a real musician. Great as always. Thank you, Matt.
crazy how well it pairs with the vintage vibe
So good! You are right that it's hard to make the Oberheim OB synths sounds bad, but you make them sound even better!
Although there's magic in the OB-X8, the fact of the matter is that Matt can make an Air Guitar sound dreamy
Air keytar.
You Sir convinced me to check this synth out. Great Demo!
And it looks like checking it out cost you $5k :)
@@eventualinfinity3862 Sho DID !
The new OB-8 synth sounds amazing! You can really hear those same fat, yet delicately rich sound on Japan's 'Tin Drum' album. It just provides those amazing thick pads and cutting 4ths and 5ths. Beautiful Matt! I just can't wait until the day a soft-synth sounds that fabulous! XILS Lab PolyKB gets close!
Great Demo. You are the go to keyboard/synth player!!!
The sound is so warm as that awesome jacket on you;)
Matt, I spy a GS Music E7 I see hiding in plain sight. It would be great to hear what you can do with it and your overall impressions.
coming soon!
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai you are the greatest! Can’t wait
Great Synth. Bought you album on vinyl and really enjoying it, likely to be got to pick me up. Love the Incognito links as well. Great Stuff, keep it coming.
Awesome, thank you!
“How small do we want the screen??”
“Yes.”
Thank you so much awesome Matt Johnson🙏🙏🙏🙏👌👌👌👌
Incredible demo Matt, thank you for posting!
Logan’s run carousel hidden in there, awesome.
Thoughts on how it compares to Moog One (being very different) would be interesting.
So different but the M1 is capable of similar sounds plus a lot more. But the OB is so much easier to use
I love all those big squishy sounds an Oberheim can make. And I don’t even play keyboards.
Superb sounds. & great playing too
Excellent. I ordered one 2 days ago.
Oberheim hit the ball out of the park!
Majestic King of Synths.
this must be a cold video cause matt threw a whole warm sweater at the Begining! LOL
Awesome 👍 You covered almost everything.
How did Oberheim/Sequential not immediately send you one of these to demo right away? It would have cleared a lot of things up and avoided a lot of naysayers and synth critics who said it wasn’t the real deal because of some of the shitty demos early on. Huge mistake on behalf of Oberheim. Best demo so far.
Shipping is expensive! This thing is a beast
As good? Different.
And we are different like the synths we like.
All is a matter of taste.
Great demo.
Oberheim & Matt, perfect combination!