Thanks for doing this small comparison vid. In my very very honest opinion, from the patch you played there is so little diffrence. In fact at one point the ob6 sounded brighter which I like in my kind of String patches. The first time I watched , I used my ears and not the screen, the diffrences were so minute.
The OB-X8 includes Curtis (CEM) filters while the OB-6 uses a 2-pole low-pass filter based on the Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module (SEM) design. The difference can be heard especially for the distinctive and softer sound of the OB-6 compared to the filters Curtis. We can clearly hear the sound difference between these 2 legendary machines, with the SEM filter of the OB-6 which gives a softer and organic sound color while the OB-X8 shows a more aggressive and percussive character with its Curtis filters.
Hey Luke, I think the OBx8 has a thicker more traditional "Oberheimy" sound. I think the OB6 thrives in versatility like the Prophet 6. When it comes to "the" sound, the Prophet 5/10 and OBX8 are simply on their own. That being said. The OB6 will save some money and cover some similar ground well. I definitely regret selling mine haha
they are both great. my biggest problem with the ob6 is the lack of an octave. Also the OB X8 is just fatter sounding in person. Like it has more low end or something. IDK. Ive got both the keys and module version of the OB6 so I may just sell the keys version and polychain the module with the X8 and use it for a controller for the OB6
@@christopherpederson1021 I own the OB-X8. Of course it sounds great. I prefer the OB6 in this example. That's like debating which shade of blue is superior and declaring the other guy "eyes are bad" because he favors navy over royal.
interesting. I have the OB6 and Im considering the OBx8 - which I prefered here. There is an openess and definition on the x8 the OB6 doesnt match. It makes the OB6 sound slightly warmer but I think its the lacking definition thats doing that. The notes kind of blend into one sound where as on the OBx8 they are distinctly different notes.
And what's interesting, Luke, if you're playing your impro in the lower section, the OB-6 is definitely bigger and rounder in the bass range and also in the mid-range. Especially in the high octave, the OBX-A is richer in overtones. But that's just the string sound. The OB-6 has so many weird and unique sounds with lots of modulation possibilities, a wonderful polyphonic aftertouch and 2 fantastic effects that also allow you to spread the stereo signal. Overall, and of course the price, the OB-6 is the more flexible synth.
Still waiting for a OB-X8 vs OB-6 video showing us what we want - "how DIFFERENT they can sound". If I choose the right pad I can make a Prophet 5 sound like a Jupiter 8. Let's get to the fun stuff: "Here is a timbre you can't make with an OB6"
Nice comparison! The OB-X8 sounds lusher, the OB-6 more precise. The OB-X8 would fit more easily into a busy mix, the OB-6 wants to be up-front. Full disclosure - OB6 owner experiencing GAS for the OB-X8.
Hiya Luke… sorry to be the outsider on this but i prefer the OB-6 to the OB-X8 in every demo I’ve seen, including this one. I dig the OBX8 and all, but NOTHING comes close to the OB-6.. not even other Sequential products.
X8 sounds wider/brighter/more open … OB-6 sounds a bit darker (less highs/more bottom & mid balance) and like it wants to be playing a lead line rather than pads/chords
Sounds pretty close to me! I think the X8 does have the edge, but I think they would both sound wonderful in a mix. What waveform settings did you use for this on the OB-6?
Thanks Luke for this test. I have the OB-6 in my setup. At first the sound is exately the same for me, but the Stereo Spread of the OB-X ist bigger, so the sound sounded a little more warmer and deaper in the high and low frequencies. With a small Stereo Spread PlugIn the OB-6 sounded than exately like the OB-X8. But the OBX8 has 8 voives, that's one of the advantages, not the price.
Agreed. Same here re: OB-6. While I would have loved to add the X8 to the studio, I can better use that 5k for (a bunch) of other stuff on the wish list. Great comparison Luke!!!!
The The biggest difference in your demo, is the X8 has a different stereo spread, than the OB-6. With that said, I love both synths, however, as similar as they both are in some respects, both have different features, functions, and can sound very different from each-other, depending on the type of sound.
So here we’re not making a full comparison between the two but rather one where a classic OB sound is replicated. To that end, as with some of the other comments, the OB=8 sounds more towards that classic silky smooth creamy OB texture, whereas the OB-6 is extremely close but a wee bit brighter with a slight touch of brassy-ness. As with all new instruments it’s nice to have them be able to replicate or emulate their legacy, but for me I prefer it to at least be able to have some of its own identity. For that, here I have a preference for the OB-6.
OBX8 has the solidity and definition. OB6 sound scooped in the mids/more smiley face and doesn't have the midrange definition. I want an OBx8 module so I could actually use it live. Will they come out with one?
No I ended up switching my live setup from using regular keyboards and a module to using a laptop for all my sounds using vsts. So if I’m gonna use this for studio I’ll probably go for the full keyboard version.
Thanks for this. Question - if you set the OB-X8 to 4L4R panning and then select a multi or split program does one patch come exclusively from the L out and the other exclusively from the R out? (To me personally it would be ideal if that is the case)
They both sound fantastic! I would be happy with the OB6 and not regret getting it over the OBX8. But I'm a live player, so the smaller size and effects on the ob6 would win for me
Not possible to give a verdict between both synths comparing only one patch. However in this particular comparison the OB6 loses a bit of presence on some notes. This is overall one the the minor major differences between both of them. The OB-X8 remains constantly upfront, with all the benefits this brings.
There seems to be a chorus effect on both which would go a long way toward making them sound more similar than they are. Osc 2 detune on the OB6 sounds more grating and accordion like compared to the X8 which has a much sweeter and more natural sounding detune.
The voice pannings on an original OB (X thru 8) were always sonically defining, and I never quite heard that replicated on the OB-6, until now. Maybe it's the new vintage algorithm on the 6? This feels like the OB-6 really can match the old and new OB X line synths. Well done! Just currious are there any FX used on either 'board?
Wow! The OB-X8 by a mile. OK, maybe a half mile, but still SO much closer to the vibe of the Van Halen track. The OB6 sounds good but a tad anemic in the mids and highs by comparison. The X8 has an energy to it that the OB6 just doesn't have. This coming from a guy who owns neither. Yet. Awesome comparison Luke!
@@SPAZZOID100 I own one too - and I had a couple of hours with it in a room with a friends OBx8. Honestly, the OB6 sound plain flat compared to the x8 in the room.... I mean it was clear as day and shocking how much more open it was. Every note was its own thing, all the harmonis could be heard separately as the intertwined. The OBs sounded thicker, with much less movement, and the notes seemed to blend into one. Its left me wondering how I can afford the OBx8 and how much to ask for my OB6..... something I could have done without having just bought a 3rd wave lol.
@@SPAZZOID100. “Future classic!” 🤣😂😅 OB6 and P6 are great, if you want more affordable options, or for gigging … but I’d get the DT editions of both (4 octaves is barely enough)
That's the exact combo I have (Prophet 10 with OB-6), still makes more sense to me than just an OB-X8. I also have Prologue 16 which is a kind of cross between them but in a musical Japanese way.
OB-6 vs. OB-X8 is like P6 vs. P5/10: The ‘modern‘ ones sound fantastic in their own right - but when it comes to ultimate rawness, growl, oomph, the ‘ancestors‘ have an edge. If those were castles, the OB-6 would be Neuschwanstein, the OB-X8: Camelot.
As someone who owns a two voice and an OB-6, and has extensively played and serviced an OB-8, the OB-6 nails the classic SEM tone in a way that the 80s Oberheims couldn’t. I suspect that the greater depth of tone is because the OB-6 is discrete whereas the OB-8 and OB-X8 use curtis chips.
In theory yes but in reality no. The obx8 although it comes very very near has a bit of a modern touch in the sound. If you play higher notes you could hear, the obx8 is a bit sharp and i am sure the iriginal is not. The patches on the obx8 sound very authentic but it is not as vintage as you think, if thats what you are after. The p5 sounds more vintage. Naturally it sounds a lot more vintage than the ob6. So i just want to say. It sounds very good, oberheimy, and thick but somehow the core sound is more modern than you would think.
@@markus6409 As for sharp sounding high notes I guess turning down the key tracking helps. My setting is usually zero anyway. And then there‘s the vintage knob to make it sound less modern.
Tbh, there was very little differences at all and honestly the average listener wouldn't know the difference. Based on this video, if the OB6 would have 5 octaves, I wouldn't consider the OB-X8 at all although admittedly I would prefer 8 voices instead of six.
Thanks for doing this small comparison vid. In my very very honest opinion, from the patch you played there is so little diffrence. In fact at one point the ob6 sounded brighter which I like in my kind of String patches.
The first time I watched , I used my ears and not the screen, the diffrences were so minute.
The OB-X8 includes Curtis (CEM) filters while the OB-6 uses a 2-pole low-pass filter based on the Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module (SEM) design. The difference can be heard especially for the distinctive and softer sound of the OB-6 compared to the filters Curtis.
We can clearly hear the sound difference between these 2 legendary machines, with the SEM filter of the OB-6 which gives a softer and organic sound color while the OB-X8 shows a more aggressive and percussive character with its Curtis filters.
The OB- 8 has SEM filters as well, though … 🙃
Hey Luke, I think the OBx8 has a thicker more traditional "Oberheimy" sound. I think the OB6 thrives in versatility like the Prophet 6. When it comes to "the" sound, the Prophet 5/10 and OBX8 are simply on their own. That being said. The OB6 will save some money and cover some similar ground well. I definitely regret selling mine haha
Wow. As someone who typically prefers the OB-X8, my ear prefers the OB6 in this case.
they are both great. my biggest problem with the ob6 is the lack of an octave. Also the OB X8 is just fatter sounding in person. Like it has more low end or something. IDK. Ive got both the keys and module version of the OB6 so I may just sell the keys version and polychain the module with the X8 and use it for a controller for the OB6
Lol. Your ears are wrong. The X sounds great
@@christopherpederson1021 I own the OB-X8. Of course it sounds great. I prefer the OB6 in this example. That's like debating which shade of blue is superior and declaring the other guy "eyes are bad" because he favors navy over royal.
Yes, the 6 is sweeter somehow in this recording.
interesting. I have the OB6 and Im considering the OBx8 - which I prefered here. There is an openess and definition on the x8 the OB6 doesnt match. It makes the OB6 sound slightly warmer but I think its the lacking definition thats doing that. The notes kind of blend into one sound where as on the OBx8 they are distinctly different notes.
And what's interesting, Luke, if you're playing your impro in the lower section, the OB-6 is definitely bigger and rounder in the bass range and also in the mid-range. Especially in the high octave, the OBX-A is richer in overtones. But that's just the string sound. The OB-6 has so many weird and unique sounds with lots of modulation possibilities, a wonderful polyphonic aftertouch and 2 fantastic effects that also allow you to spread the stereo signal. Overall, and of course the price, the OB-6 is the more flexible synth.
@3:48 I'm still not sure which I prefer. They both sound lovely!
Still waiting for a OB-X8 vs OB-6 video showing us what we want - "how DIFFERENT they can sound". If I choose the right pad I can make a Prophet 5 sound like a Jupiter 8. Let's get to the fun stuff: "Here is a timbre you can't make with an OB6"
Dreams not cheesy, incredible composition by EVH
Great choice of tracks with Dreams for the first demo. I prefer the X8, though they're pretty damn close.
Nice comparison! The OB-X8 sounds lusher, the OB-6 more precise. The OB-X8 would fit more easily into a busy mix, the OB-6 wants to be up-front. Full disclosure - OB6 owner experiencing GAS for the OB-X8.
Thats not true.
Hiya Luke… sorry to be the outsider on this but i prefer the OB-6 to the OB-X8 in every demo I’ve seen, including this one. I dig the OBX8 and all, but NOTHING comes close to the OB-6.. not even other Sequential products.
X8 sounds wider/brighter/more open … OB-6 sounds a bit darker (less highs/more bottom & mid balance) and like it wants to be playing a lead line rather than pads/chords
Sounds pretty close to me! I think the X8 does have the edge, but I think they would both sound wonderful in a mix.
What waveform settings did you use for this on the OB-6?
Thanks Luke for this test. I have the OB-6 in my setup. At first the sound is exately the same for me, but the Stereo Spread of the OB-X ist bigger, so the sound sounded a little more warmer and deaper in the high and low frequencies. With a small Stereo Spread PlugIn the OB-6 sounded than exately like the OB-X8. But the OBX8 has 8 voives, that's one of the advantages, not the price.
Agreed. Same here re: OB-6. While I would have loved to add the X8 to the studio, I can better use that 5k for (a bunch) of other stuff on the wish list. Great comparison Luke!!!!
The OB6 has it’s own stereo spread.
@@SPAZZOID100 oh thanks!
OB-6 all day!
I would like to tank you, as much as I can. You just got me save 5k .
The The biggest difference in your demo, is the X8 has a different stereo spread, than the OB-6. With that said, I love both synths, however, as similar as they both are in some respects, both have different features, functions, and can sound very different from each-other, depending on the type of sound.
What do I think? I think I'll take 1 of each. 😁
So glad Tom made the OB-X8, it definitely has that traditional 80s OB sound.
BASICALLY get the OBX8. on a budget get the ob6. and if you wanna have your cake and eat it too get both
I liked the OB-6 better. Seemed a tiny bit warmer and less harsh at the top end.
So here we’re not making a full comparison between the two but rather one where a classic OB sound is replicated. To that end, as with some of the other comments, the OB=8 sounds more towards that classic silky smooth creamy OB texture, whereas the OB-6 is extremely close but a wee bit brighter with a slight touch of brassy-ness. As with all new instruments it’s nice to have them be able to replicate or emulate their legacy, but for me I prefer it to at least be able to have some of its own identity. For that, here I have a preference for the OB-6.
It is very funny that so many people drew so many concusions ony from one preset. A preset that even the filter knob was never touched
OBX8 has the solidity and definition. OB6 sound scooped in the mids/more smiley face and doesn't have the midrange definition. I want an OBx8 module so I could actually use it live. Will they come out with one?
Do you have the X8 module yet?!
No I ended up switching my live setup from using regular keyboards and a module to using a laptop for all my sounds using vsts. So if I’m gonna use this for studio I’ll probably go for the full keyboard version.
The X8 sounds more 'authentic' but the OB-6 is a better sound to me.
I agree with the more objective half of that. 😉
Thanks for this. Question - if you set the OB-X8 to 4L4R panning and then select a multi or split program does one patch come exclusively from the L out and the other exclusively from the R out? (To me personally it would be ideal if that is the case)
Yes that's correct and it's a great feature and sounds awesome.
They both sound fantastic! I would be happy with the OB6 and not regret getting it over the OBX8. But I'm a live player, so the smaller size and effects on the ob6 would win for me
Not possible to give a verdict between both synths comparing only one patch. However in this particular comparison the OB6 loses a bit of presence on some notes. This is overall one the the minor major differences between both of them. The OB-X8 remains constantly upfront, with all the benefits this brings.
"Dreams," by Van Halen!!! 😃
OB6 is better. This ‘lush’ from the OB8X I think is sometimes a lack of precision in the note and it spoils the sound
There seems to be a chorus effect on both which would go a long way toward making them sound more similar than they are. Osc 2 detune on the OB6 sounds more grating and accordion like compared to the X8 which has a much sweeter and more natural sounding detune.
I think the OB6 wins soundwise, but the OB-X8 wins "number of voices and number of keys" wise.
The voice pannings on an original OB (X thru 8) were always sonically defining, and I never quite heard that replicated on the OB-6, until now. Maybe it's the new vintage algorithm on the 6? This feels like the OB-6 really can match the old and new OB X line synths. Well done! Just currious are there any FX used on either 'board?
Wow! The OB-X8 by a mile. OK, maybe a half mile, but still SO much closer to the vibe of the Van Halen track. The OB6 sounds good but a tad anemic in the mids and highs by comparison. The X8 has an energy to it that the OB6 just doesn't have. This coming from a guy who owns neither. Yet. Awesome comparison Luke!
Nahhh. Ob6 is fantastic. I own one. 💪🏾
@@SPAZZOID100 I own one too - and I had a couple of hours with it in a room with a friends OBx8. Honestly, the OB6 sound plain flat compared to the x8 in the room.... I mean it was clear as day and shocking how much more open it was. Every note was its own thing, all the harmonis could be heard separately as the intertwined. The OBs sounded thicker, with much less movement, and the notes seemed to blend into one. Its left me wondering how I can afford the OBx8 and how much to ask for my OB6..... something I could have done without having just bought a 3rd wave lol.
@@SPAZZOID100. “Future classic!” 🤣😂😅
OB6 and P6 are great, if you want more affordable options, or for gigging … but I’d get the DT editions of both (4 octaves is barely enough)
Best combination after seeing this video is OB-6 with Prophet 5/10. No need for the OB-X8.
I want all 3.
That's the exact combo I have (Prophet 10 with OB-6), still makes more sense to me than just an OB-X8. I also have Prologue 16 which is a kind of cross between them but in a musical Japanese way.
OB-6 vs. OB-X8 is like P6 vs. P5/10:
The ‘modern‘ ones sound fantastic in their own right - but when it comes to ultimate rawness, growl, oomph, the ‘ancestors‘ have an edge. If those were castles, the OB-6 would be Neuschwanstein, the OB-X8: Camelot.
As someone who owns a two voice and an OB-6, and has extensively played and serviced an OB-8, the OB-6 nails the classic SEM tone in a way that the 80s Oberheims couldn’t. I suspect that the greater depth of tone is because the OB-6 is discrete whereas the OB-8 and OB-X8 use curtis chips.
@@mog3680 I also love the SEMs (and therefore my OB-6), but they definitely lack a 4-pole filter. On the other hand, the X8 does have a SEM filter.
@@mog3680 this.
In theory yes but in reality no.
The obx8 although it comes very very near has a bit of a modern touch in the sound. If you play higher notes you could hear, the obx8 is a bit sharp and i am sure the iriginal is not.
The patches on the obx8 sound very authentic but it is not as vintage as you think, if thats what you are after.
The p5 sounds more vintage.
Naturally it sounds a lot more vintage than the ob6.
So i just want to say.
It sounds very good, oberheimy, and thick but somehow the core sound is more modern than you would think.
@@markus6409 As for sharp sounding high notes I guess turning down the key tracking helps. My setting is usually zero anyway.
And then there‘s the vintage knob to make it sound less modern.
Tbh, there was very little differences at all and honestly the average listener wouldn't know the difference. Based on this video, if the OB6 would have 5 octaves, I wouldn't consider the OB-X8 at all although admittedly I would prefer 8 voices instead of six.