The DX-7-like piano at 5:26 made my jaw drop on the floor. Didn't think this was possible with classic subtractive synthesis. Just goes to show programming is an art.
You forgot to mention the new filter mode. It’s gorgeous. I use it on mine, constantly. We are truly living in a synth wonderland, these days. So many amazing tools to stay inspired.
@@AdamBorseti Hi Brother Adam , Yes I can't stop playing it. I have the OB6 too which I do really like and will keep, but since I got the OB8 I've never played this much before. It sounds so great!
Massive thanks for your comment and request regarding the hold/arp problem. At first it made me think my OBX8 was broken. Video/sounds: As always super inspiring. Thanks for everything in 2024. Looking forward to more musical and inspiring vids in 2025.
Without wishing to sound too sycophantic, I can see why you're so in-demand, Matt; you're a fantastic pianist and musician who also knows how to programme synths to create interesting (but most importantly, musical) sounds. And an excellent songwriter to boot. A triple threat!
Great video as always Matt! I have the desktop and for me it just has something that my other synths don't have in terms of total sonic beauty. What really amazed me with the firmware update was the new modified 4 pole filter... a fully analog, new filter type that gives the OB-X8 the ability to do punchy bass sounds that it couldn't before. In fact I don't think I've heard a vintage OB-Xa (glorious as they are) ever approach that level of bass punch.
Your videos are always wonderful. Thanks! I love this synth and have programmed many patches because it gives me lot of inspiration. My dream would be to be able to install a second board with 8 more voices inside and be able to save all the sounds both single with 16 voices and 8 in layer. For the "hold", for me, it's ok but should be nice tho have more choices.
Yeah the hold thing and the arp in general could use a “modern” or “sensible” setting in the menu. The arp behaves more like a sequencer. You press and hold “hold” with your left hand and then punch in 8 notes with your right and there’s your “held” arp. Someone on the OB-X8 Facebook group wrote an entire manual just for the arp. Super useful since it’s so unintuitive. My biggest gripe is that you can’t really use the arp at all in a unison patch. Great video and patches btw! I love the DX-ish layered EP sound.
Love your sound design as always Matt. That mysterious sound at around 2:54 reminds me of something from Joe Zawinul and Weather Report I appreciate your insights and honesty about the synth too Thanks
Great sounds Matt 👍👍👍, I will definitely buy them even if I also like programming my own sounds. I agree with your comment on the hold function and I hope that Oberheim will listen to you and modernise this on the next update! Usually they listen to their customers so I am optimistic on that😀.
I got a recommendation a good few months ago to download the OB-Xa VST. I love the sound that I can get from it so I can only imagine what the real thing is like.
Good demo! I don’t like binaural mode, except in OBX8 mode using the LFO, which is decent. I’ve realized it’s better generally to double track than to use stereo effects on synthesizers, unless there’s a really good built-in chorus like on the Juno 60 . Like the TIN DRUM vibes you were getting.
+100000 on the weird legacy hold mode. They absolutely nailed the hold/chord mode behavior on the P6 and OB-6. Similar on note priority (really not usable on the OB-X8 to play legato chords with a sustain pedal). Would absolutely LOVE if they allowed that to be configurable.
I put in a support request as a feature request for this a several other obvious enhancements for speed of workflow and programming. They told me to do this on their forum to most effectively communicate ideas in.
I hit like on this video before the first chord was done. What a beautiful sound. Showing your true colours at 5:50 I see! I thought for sure you would have broken into Japan's Canton around 7:10 ;)
I wish it had reverb, delay, chorus inside that could be saved with the patch. It sound good but with built in effects no doubt it is much more desirable.
Fantastic video as always. I just got a Minimoog 2022 which is amazing. My next synth would probably be this the OB X8. It just has my favorite synth sound. I'm a bit unsure if I should pick the desktop or the keyboard. I already have Moog One, Quantum Mk2 keyboard and a Native instrument so in theory I could use for example the Quantum which has an excellent keyboard with poly aftertouch. I do feel I may regret not getting the full keyboard though but space is getting tighter...
Hi Matt, thanks for the video. With these updates, we can dream of a 16 or 32-voice monster in order to enjoy it with "enough" polyphony. I have an OB-X8 as well but I will never buy an additional module version in order to double the polyphony: way too expensive! I did it at the time with an OB-6 + OB-6 module but it's too pricey with the OB-X8. And polychain isn't the best solution for me: I still dream of a reissue++ of the Matrix-12. Wait and see if it happens. If it comes, it will not be easy to decide if I keep the OB-X8 instead of a Matrix-12 or sell it for the Matrix-12... Thanks for saying how the hold isn't great arpeggiating the beast! Let's hope they can add an option to choose the Hold function behavior on the "Page 2" menu via firmware update.
Dear Matt. Thank You for all the fantastic videos. I have a request. If possible would You consider doing a collaboration video with Howard Jones when both of Your Schedules would allow it?
Great video as always Matt!! I have to ask the million dollar question, Prophet 10 or OBX8 if it were your only poly? I'm going to buy either the Prophet 10 or the OBX8 as my only poly (for a while) and am absolutely torn between the two. Thanks!!
@ awesome! That’s good to know. I have a prophet 10. I scored a new OB-X8 for a killer deal new, but I’m tempted to cancel my order. I’m nowhere near the player you are. Thanks for all of the great videos. Truly inspirational!
I don't fully grasp what's meant by niche, since in my opinion it's the by far best sounding polysynth on the market. It has 2-pole, 4-pole and even multimode filters. In principle, every standard sound should be possible, and thanks to binaural mode & Pg.2 of course some further of the certain something. Is the sound perhaps too good? Is it that what's meant by niche? For some years OBsynths dominated Prince's sound drastically & there never made the impression of niche. If niche is just wow, then welcome niche!
A little late to the party, eh Matt? That update was five months ago. I thought this was another new update... Bummer. Happy holidays, still! ;-) The only BIG downside to the new binaural mode is the lack of available voices...
@ thx Matt. Have a Fantom ex and looking to get another keyboard that doesn’t have sound overlap. Was thinking Waldorf stuff but I’m just getting into keyboards after a 30 year break. Was thinking Nord wave 2 but would love to get your thoughts. I’m not a pro just having fun. Getting my daughters into this stuff - they are 12.
You know what? The 1982 Yamaha CS70M was already binaural. Two 8 voice channels with fully independent outputs. Including the fifth detune option. So what’s really new?
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquaiNo, but one can fix that in the mix. Furthermore: put both sounds on full ring mod blast and see if you can tell the difference! I’ll gladly put on a cupper while you try! 🤣
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai PS. Fully programmable ring mod per sound = output, including the the glorious AR envelope modulation trick for the LFO made famous by the CS80. So stop complaining already 😁
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai - thanks, Matt .... going to go for the desktop ( as much as I would like the full unit but there's nowhere near enough space right now! )
@@originallondon7994I have the desktop and it’s great. I am controlling it with my Korg Kronos and my Roland A50 (which has poly AT , great with the new version of the OBX8) 😀
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai I just spent Christmas with your music, Matt! I would love to see you checking out the Polybrute 12 to see if it fits your mood at all and what the most important differences are to Moogs and Oberheims for you. I’ve seen a video of you playing the Andromeda too. I saw the synth live at KEBU's gig, paired with the original Polybrute. Spectacular to me!
Excuse me, Matt, this is a bit misleading. This “new“ update - 2.0, right? - is over half a year old. Nevertheless I learned a lot about it from you and enjoyed your sounds and musicality as always.
Ideally, I'd like to own the OB-X despite lacking many features. The X8 has original chips and classic filters that the UB-Xa doesn't and obviously sounds superior, but for being a modern mega synth, 8-voices and channel-AT are lukewarm. So it's rather a natural curiosity seeing a smaller name succeed in features lacking in the big name's creation.
The DX-7-like piano at 5:26 made my jaw drop on the floor. Didn't think this was possible with classic subtractive synthesis. Just goes to show programming is an art.
Yeah it's fun sometimes to work with limitations!
You forgot to mention the new filter mode. It’s gorgeous. I use it on mine, constantly. We are truly living in a synth wonderland, these days. So many amazing tools to stay inspired.
Very true!
Incredible demo of an incredible synth!
Thanks!
Merry Christmas Matt
Have enjoyed watching all the videos throughout the year
Super thanks 👍
Happy holidays!
Christmas in Japan. Lovely, Matt.
Hi Mike, loving your new single!
What a beautiful sounding instrument
Besides your amazing sound designs, I love how you give the bad along with the good on any synth in such a respectable way.
Goes beautifully with your Vintage Vibe. Amazing playing and patches as always, Matt
Thanks!
An excellent and enjoyable channel, great playing and great demos of gear and also licks, Presented in a friendly and unpretentious style.
Thanks!
you are so inspiring, please keep making these videos
Thank you Mr. Johnson I just unboxed mine Monday Dec 23rd , I love it. Great Video. Hope you had a nice Christmas. Joe from Litchfield Ct USA .
Enjoy it
Hey congrats on your Oberheim! Mine has become my favorite synthesizer of all time.
@@AdamBorseti Hi Brother Adam , Yes I can't stop playing it. I have the OB6 too which I do really like and will keep, but since I got the OB8 I've never played this much before. It sounds so great!
Massive thanks for your comment and request regarding the hold/arp problem. At first it made me think my OBX8 was broken.
Video/sounds: As always super inspiring.
Thanks for everything in 2024.
Looking forward to more musical and inspiring vids in 2025.
Thanks! Merry xmas
You can use a footswitch pedal connected to the HOLD function and you can use it exactly as you describe. At least on the original OB-8.
Without wishing to sound too sycophantic, I can see why you're so in-demand, Matt; you're a fantastic pianist and musician who also knows how to programme synths to create interesting (but most importantly, musical) sounds. And an excellent songwriter to boot. A triple threat!
Thanks!
Great video as always Matt! I have the desktop and for me it just has something that my other synths don't have in terms of total sonic beauty. What really amazed me with the firmware update was the new modified 4 pole filter... a fully analog, new filter type that gives the OB-X8 the ability to do punchy bass sounds that it couldn't before. In fact I don't think I've heard a vintage OB-Xa (glorious as they are) ever approach that level of bass punch.
Good call!
Great synth, great programming and great playing. This video is a joy, as always. Cheers!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Again an amazing video featuring not only super dope sounds, but also some of the good and bad points of this synth. Kudos!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Your videos are always wonderful. Thanks! I love this synth and have programmed many patches because it gives me lot of inspiration. My dream would be to be able to install a second board with 8 more voices inside and be able to save all the sounds both single with 16 voices and 8 in layer. For the "hold", for me, it's ok but should be nice tho have more choices.
No doubt!
@hayeye IT would be costly, but what about polychaining a desktop module to the keyboard? Would this be an option?
@ i doni like polychain. And a module is too expensive
5:50 this sounds strikingly like one of the presets on the Roland Super JX, and it appears to be structured similarly as well.
Exactly my thought too..! The Super JX is a very underrated synth btw… ❤
Absolutely gorgeous sounds 🫠
Thanks!
Yeah the hold thing and the arp in general could use a “modern” or “sensible” setting in the menu. The arp behaves more like a sequencer. You press and hold “hold” with your left hand and then punch in 8 notes with your right and there’s your “held” arp. Someone on the OB-X8 Facebook group wrote an entire manual just for the arp. Super useful since it’s so unintuitive. My biggest gripe is that you can’t really use the arp at all in a unison patch.
Great video and patches btw! I love the DX-ish layered EP sound.
Thanks!
Wow, Matt you really maximize/exploit the potential of this synth. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you like it!
Awesome! Happy New Year!
Happy new year!
Perfect Christmas downtime video - Thanks Matt!!
My pleasure!
Wow, shocked by that DX7-ish piano sound you made, never would have thought that was an Oberheim .... all the other patches were great too
Glad you like them
7:25 Japan "Tin Drum" ('esque)
Classic!
Love your sound design as always Matt. That mysterious sound at around 2:54 reminds me of something from Joe Zawinul and Weather Report
I appreciate your insights and honesty about the synth too
Thanks
Thanks!
Sounds like heaven! Especially with the Rhodes combo
Love it with the piano!
Man! I thought we had another software update, when I saw the title of the video. I ran to the website looking for the new update 😅
Sorry!
Me too haha 😂
Nobody gets me watching videos about instruments I'll never own like Matt Johnson lol. A man can dream though
Great video. Thank you.
Unfortunately, an impossible acquisition for us here in Brazil due exchanges disadvantages.
I can understand!
Again incredible Sounds, thanx Mr. Johnson!
Thanks!
"Double plus mode" has to be a 1984 reference...
Great sounds Matt 👍👍👍, I will definitely buy them even if I also like programming my own sounds.
I agree with your comment on the hold function and I hope that Oberheim will listen to you and modernise this on the next update! Usually they listen to their customers so I am optimistic on that😀.
Would be great!
Not being able to sstore my creativity was a big deal breaker for me, I'm glad they addressed it.
amazing! Thanks for this and happy holidays :D
Happy holidays!
Dug your vid for Yamaha with Dom and this is stellar as ever 💜
Glad you enjoyed it
oh my goodness that DX7 like sound is absolutely beautiful.
Thanks yeah I love that one. Better than a DX!
Beautiful sounds
Thanks for listening
I got a recommendation a good few months ago to download the OB-Xa VST.
I love the sound that I can get from it so I can only imagine what the real thing is like.
Thanks for this video. I love my OB-X8 and did the update ages ago but didn't really dive in the binaural stuff. Some cool examples here!
Cool, thanks
Good demo!
I don’t like binaural mode, except in OBX8 mode using the LFO, which is decent.
I’ve realized it’s better generally to double track than to use stereo effects on synthesizers, unless there’s a really good built-in chorus like on the Juno 60 .
Like the TIN DRUM vibes you were getting.
The King has spoken
+100000 on the weird legacy hold mode. They absolutely nailed the hold/chord mode behavior on the P6 and OB-6. Similar on note priority (really not usable on the OB-X8 to play legato chords with a sustain pedal).
Would absolutely LOVE if they allowed that to be configurable.
I put in a support request as a feature request for this a several other obvious enhancements for speed of workflow and programming. They told me to do this on their forum to most effectively communicate ideas in.
creamy af, Great playing maestro, as usual . Makes us smile!
Many thanks!
Such beautiful, analog vibe.. Something from 80/90 movies, Miyadzaki films.. 🙏🤝
Inspiring demo and new sounds! ❤
Thanjs!
I hit like on this video before the first chord was done. What a beautiful sound. Showing your true colours at 5:50 I see! I thought for sure you would have broken into Japan's Canton around 7:10 ;)
All well spotted!
beautiful playing...
Thanks!
That FM patch is pretty genius 😮
It's fun using those high frequencies
7:07 so Japan!! ❤
I wish it had reverb, delay, chorus inside that could be saved with the patch. It sound good but with built in effects no doubt it is much more desirable.
Personally I prefer the flexibility of external effects, though they did a great job on the built effects in the TEO-5.
Fantastic video as always. I just got a Minimoog 2022 which is amazing. My next synth would probably be this the OB X8. It just has my favorite synth sound. I'm a bit unsure if I should pick the desktop or the keyboard. I already have Moog One, Quantum Mk2 keyboard and a Native instrument so in theory I could use for example the Quantum which has an excellent keyboard with poly aftertouch. I do feel I may regret not getting the full keyboard though but space is getting tighter...
Yeah I never se desktops much it’s great to have the controls in front of you
Steve Jansen in the house
so beautiful 🍀
Thanks 🙏
Many thanks!
That is impressive stereo even on my phone speakers! Be interested to hear a stereo-off with your JP8
It's a bit cooler on the OB I think
Nice Matt! I really enjoyed this update. If this is the niche tool, what's your workman's synth of choice?
Prophet, Moog One, Iridium, Delia and E7 are current most used! Sometimes JP8
Hi Matt, thanks for the video. With these updates, we can dream of a 16 or 32-voice monster in order to enjoy it with "enough" polyphony. I have an OB-X8 as well but I will never buy an additional module version in order to double the polyphony: way too expensive! I did it at the time with an OB-6 + OB-6 module but it's too pricey with the OB-X8. And polychain isn't the best solution for me: I still dream of a reissue++ of the Matrix-12. Wait and see if it happens. If it comes, it will not be easy to decide if I keep the OB-X8 instead of a Matrix-12 or sell it for the Matrix-12...
Thanks for saying how the hold isn't great arpeggiating the beast! Let's hope they can add an option to choose the Hold function behavior on the "Page 2" menu via firmware update.
Yea I wouldn’t do the chain either. A 16 v version would be awesome
Do you still have the OB-6? Layering the 6 and X8 is pretty damn great.
YES MAXTRIX 12, 24!!!
The title should be - " Matt Johnson is Audio Gold " ... :)
Thanks!
Dear Matt. Thank You for all the fantastic videos. I have a request. If possible would You consider doing a collaboration video with Howard Jones when both of Your Schedules would allow it?
Maybe one day!
Great video as always Matt!! I have to ask the million dollar question, Prophet 10 or OBX8 if it were your only poly? I'm going to buy either the Prophet 10 or the OBX8 as my only poly (for a while) and am absolutely torn between the two. Thanks!!
My personal opinion is Prophet 10, I love the OB but the Prophet 10 is more versatile
Thanks so much for your reply❤
I look forward to your phenomenal playing in the next video!!
Very Japan Tin Drum at 8:00
What’s your go to synth for pop? I just placed an order for one and was bummed to hear you don’t use it that often. You’re the man and killer video!
I find prophet 10 so useful
@ awesome! That’s good to know. I have a prophet 10. I scored a new OB-X8 for a killer deal new, but I’m tempted to cancel my order. I’m nowhere near the player you are. Thanks for all of the great videos. Truly inspirational!
@@BoBigRedskeep it. Dream synth :)
@ haha. I decided to keep it. It arrives Tuesday 🙌
Supers sons! comme d habitude
Butter ❤
Going for some Japan vibes again I see. Not that I mind, they were a great band that got magic out of their Oberheims and Prophets 👍🏽
Yeah that synth seems to bring that out of me!
Nice one pal
Thanks 👍
Yaayyy Matt ❤ 2025 soon
Very nice
I don't fully grasp what's meant by niche, since in my opinion it's the by far best sounding polysynth on the market. It has 2-pole, 4-pole and even multimode filters. In principle, every standard sound should be possible, and thanks to binaural mode & Pg.2 of course some further of the certain something. Is the sound perhaps too good? Is it that what's meant by niche? For some years OBsynths dominated Prince's sound drastically & there never made the impression of niche. If niche is just wow, then welcome niche!
I guess it depends on the user. I do t always find it to be the perfect synth for what I’m doing. But another person may
Wonderful
Thank you
Great video as always. Bought the sounds. Thank you. You say over the past year the OBX8 hasn't been one of your workhorse synths. Which ones have?
Most common are Prophet 10, Moog One and Minimoog I'd say. Often also modern ones like Iridium, E7 and Delia!
@ How are you finding Moog Muse after your amazing demo?
7:00 thru 7:30 very cool! kinda reminds me of YMO :)
Yeah line that sound
If only Moog would update the firmware for the Moog One. Matt, PLEASE use your influence to encourage Moog to update the firmware for The One!!
I don’t think my influence is that great!
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai Thank you for replying!
Happy new year!
I saw you in Sydney in the early 2000s...damn...you guys were incredible!
A little late to the party, eh Matt? That update was five months ago.
I thought this was another new update... Bummer.
Happy holidays, still! ;-)
The only BIG downside to the new binaural mode is the lack of available voices...
Yeah I’m a bit late!
May the fourth be with me
are all the patches you played in this video in the preset pack? really into that dx7 piano especially :0
They are not all the same but the DX patch is there. You can hear all the sounds at my website, click the link
Feliz Navidad prospero Año nuevo2025 🎹🥃🥃👍
The proof is in at last. Sounds like those early DX electric piano’s were all about aliasing. 🤣
It's Double-plus good
Always great videos Matt from a legit studio and touring keys player.
Thanks!
Someone send this video to Inmusic so they get some firmware updates out there for Moog
Best sounding synth by far!
How do you like this versus a Nord wave 2. Thx Matt
I never tried the Wave 2, I did have the original Nord Wave but didn't really love it. I sold it long ago
@ thx Matt. Have a Fantom ex and looking to get another keyboard that doesn’t have sound overlap. Was thinking Waldorf stuff but I’m just getting into keyboards after a 30 year break. Was thinking Nord wave 2 but would love to get your thoughts. I’m not a pro just having fun. Getting my daughters into this stuff - they are 12.
You know what? The 1982 Yamaha CS70M was already binaural. Two 8 voice channels with fully independent outputs. Including the fifth detune option. So what’s really new?
Sel
Did the lfo swipe
From left to right?
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquaiNo, but one can fix that in the mix. Furthermore: put both sounds on full ring mod blast and see if you can tell the difference! I’ll gladly put on a cupper while you try! 🤣
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai PS. Fully programmable ring mod per sound = output, including the the glorious AR envelope modulation trick for the LFO made famous by the CS80. So stop complaining already 😁
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai SEL as in Social Emotional Learning? 🤣
@@marcbrasse747 Don't know what that typo was supposed to be!
I use the Hold button constantly. I couldn’t function without it.
Nice.
Thanks!
How do you beat an oberheim ❤
Enjoyed the video, you can use some of these new sounds on your new album? That's coming out 2025? Venus rising part 2.... ;)
It’s on a couple of tracks!
Can you upload a video of you playing the OBXB solo no talking? I told my friend you know how to make these analog synths sing.
Went all David Sylvian on us at 7.00
Big influence for me
obvious question alert: what is the trade-off wrt the desktop version?? .....would like the sound but don't have the space.........
The trade off is very small as I understand. I think the only thing you miss are those pedal and maybe very few knobs. Audio is the same.
Sound is the same, it’s whether the interface is so desirable without the keys in front of you!
@@andreasoberg2021 thanks, Andreas - - - will probably go with the desktop version.
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai - thanks, Matt .... going to go for the desktop ( as much as I would like the full unit but there's nowhere near enough space right now! )
@@originallondon7994I have the desktop and it’s great. I am controlling it with my Korg Kronos and my Roland A50 (which has poly AT , great with the new version of the OBX8) 😀
Not very often do you get a top player that knows
how to program synths and get them to sound great
Thanks!
Kind of trying to compete with Polybrute 12?
Maybe, there's a lot of strong contenders out there
@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai I just spent Christmas with your music, Matt! I would love to see you checking out the Polybrute 12 to see if it fits your mood at all and what the most important differences are to Moogs and Oberheims for you. I’ve seen a video of you playing the Andromeda too. I saw the synth live at KEBU's gig, paired with the original Polybrute. Spectacular to me!
japan
Yes very inspired by that sound and era!
Excuse me, Matt, this is a bit misleading. This “new“ update - 2.0, right? - is over half a year old.
Nevertheless I learned a lot about it from you and enjoyed your sounds and musicality as always.
Yeah I’m late to the party!
Cool update, but for the asking price of this synth it should at least have double the voices. 4 binaural voices? It's like we're in the 80's again
True but I guess it's full analogue. For me it's the quality of the sounds that's most important. 16 voices would be great but I guess very expensive
How did Behringer put 16 voices and poly-AT in their UB-Xa but not Oberheim, the company that was making synths for almost half a century?
China.
Because they had money to spare after making it sound like absolute shit
I think you have to ask yourself which one you’d rather own. If it’s the Behringher that’s cool personally I’d rather have the OB. It sounds great
Ideally, I'd like to own the OB-X despite lacking many features. The X8 has original chips and classic filters that the UB-Xa doesn't and obviously sounds superior, but for being a modern mega synth, 8-voices and channel-AT are lukewarm. So it's rather a natural curiosity seeing a smaller name succeed in features lacking in the big name's creation.
Second
third
First