Oberheim OB-X8 User Manual
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Oberheim OB-X8 User Manual

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USER'S GUIDE
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  • Page 1 USER’S GUIDE www.oberheim.com...
  • Page 2 THE OBERHEIM CREW Tom Oberheim, Marcus Ryle, Dave Smith, Art Arellano, Gerry Bassermann, Gus Callahan, Fabien Cesari, Bob Coover, Carson Day, Sally Decker, David Gibbons, Chris Hector, Tony Karavidas, Mark Kono, Justin Labrecque, Andy Lambert, Karl Lee, Michelle Marshall, Andrew McGowan, Joanne McGowan, Julio Ortiz, Steve Starkweather, Brian Tester, and Gabby Wen.

  • Page 3: User's Guide

    User’s Guide Version 1.2 May, 2023 Oberheim 1527 Stockton Street, 3rd Floor San Francisco, CA 94133 ©2023 Oberheim www.oberheim.com...
  • Page 4 For Technical Support, email: support@oberheim.com This device is to be serviced by an Oberheim-qualified technician only. Service technician must exercise due caution when opening the device to avoid electric shock and the device being unsecured when open.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Chapter 2: OB-X8 Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  • Page 6 Modulation (LFO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Modulation Controls .
  • Page 7 Appendix B: Calibrating the OB-X8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74...
  • Page 8 Oberheim...

  • Page 9: How We Got Here

    How We Got Here The story of the OB-X8 is a story that has its beginning back in 1978. It’s a story of innovation and competition, loss and gain, friends made and friends lost, and most of all, about the power and value of collaboration.

  • Page 10: Chapter 1: Getting Started

    OB-X8 provides the best of all worlds — and all OB- poly synths. The OB-X8 is first and foremost a performance instrument. Most of the...

  • Page 11: Rear Panel Connections

    Rear Panel Connections The rear panel of the OB-X8 has connectors for power, USB, MIDI audio, and pedals. This rocker switch controls power on and off to the 1 . Power On/Off— OB-X8. Accepts a standard, grounded IEC power cord.

  • Page 12: Using Usb

    A interface and MIDI cables are not necessary, just a MIDI cable. The OB-X8 is a Class Compliant USB device. It does not require any additional drivers to be installed to communicate with a Mac or Windows computer MIDI In and USB should not be used at the same time, as overlapping messages from different sources may cause the OB-X8 to respond unpredictably.
  • Page 13 Device Manager under “Sound, video, and game controllers” — and clicking OK. If OB-X8 is no longer listed in the Device Manager, turn off the OB-X8 then turn it back on again while it is connected via USB. It should be detected on power up.

  • Page 14: Calibrating The Oscillators And Filters

    The first time you use the OB-X8, please run the built-in calibration procedure. Repeat the calibration procedure as needed over the next few days of use. The OB-X8 learns the range of temperatures at your location and will keep itself in tune over this range.

  • Page 15: Sound Banks

    This Bank also includes the original presets found on the OB-X. This is true for each of the individual Banks and the presets within them. There is also an OB-X8 bank, filled with original presets that take advantage of the OB-X8’s capabilities.

  • Page 16: Selecting Programs

    To choose a program: 1. Turn the bank knob to select a bank (OB-X8, OB-8, OB-Xa, OB-SX, OB-X, or User). 2. Turn the group knob to choose a group within that bank (1-16). (Be sure the Lower and Upper buttons are turned off in order to select a Split or Double Group and Program.)

  • Page 17: Comparing An Edited Program To Its Original State

    Manual Mode The OB-X8 also features a “live panel” mode in which its sound switches to the current settings of its knobs and switches. In other words, the current preset is ignored and what you see on the front panel is what you hear. This is a great mode for learning, experimentation, and instant gratification.

  • Page 18: Creating A Program From Scratch

    An existing program can be very useful as a jumping off point for new sounds. But it’s also useful (and educational) to create a new sound from scratch. The OB-X8 makes this easy by providing a “Basic Program” that you can quickly recall at any time. This preset is very simple, with a single oscillator as its basis.

  • Page 19: Saving A Program

    3. Use the knob to select a character then use the knob to scroll value change the character. 4. When you have finished, press the to exit the page switch edit name screen. Rear Panel Connections Oberheim...

  • Page 20: Canceling Save

    The sound is saved. 6. Alternatively, if you want to cancel saving and continue editing, press button. It stops flashing and saving is canceled. write OB-X8 User’s Guide Rear Panel Connections...

  • Page 21: Exploring The Ob-X8

    Finally, be on the lookout for tips and notes scattered throughout this manual to gain a better working knowledge of the OB-X8. We wish you many hours of musical exploration! Exploring the OB-X8...

  • Page 22: Chapter 2: Ob-X8 Controls

    Chapter 2: OB-X8 Controls This chapter explains all of the front panel controls of the OB-X8. It will go section by section, looking at the role each panel control plays in synthesizing sounds. The front panel of the OB-X8 is based on the origi- nal OB-X, Oberheim’s first fully-programmable poly synth.
  • Page 23 This was the only edit mode available on the original OB-series units, so it is the default mode for the OB-X8. In Passthru mode, turning the pot has no effect until after the edited value equals the preset value (that is, until the edited value “passes...
  • Page 24 The Program switches become active when this parameter is selected. Turn- ing off any of the Program switches disables that voice, allowing the OB-X8 User’s Guide Global Settings...
  • Page 25 OB-X8 to be used normally, with the selected voice or voices ignored (and fewer voices available.) With a voice disabled, you can still perform standard oscillator calibration using the switch. tune . Selects one of the 15 . Alt . Tuning Scale: Equal Temperament, 2-64 OB-X8’s optional alternative tunings.
  • Page 26 Sets the mode of operation 20 . Volume Pedal Pol: Normal, Reversed. for an expression pedal connected to the Volume jack on the OB-X8’s rear panel. This allows for compatibility with different expression pedal types. Sets the output mode for the 21 .
  • Page 27 Preset, Group, Bank, or the entire 640 program sound set (plus Splits/Doubles) to the selected MIDI Output. Pressing the write switch performs the operation. This is useful for archiving your OB-X8 programs. Use this 30 . Reset Prgm To Factory: Preset, Group, Bank, All.

  • Page 28: Oscillators

    Oscillators provide the raw building blocks of the OB-X8’s sound by producing waveforms, each of which has its own inherent sound character based on its harmonic content. The OB-X8 has two oscillators per voice. Each discrete oscillator generates sawtooth, pulse, and triangle waves. The square wave can be set to match OB-X/Xa or OB-8 level characteristics using Page 2.
  • Page 29 6. Turn up the level of Oscillator 2 in the Filter section by pressing the 2 switch. 7. Experiment with setting each oscillator to a different waveshape. 8. Try tuning one oscillator to an interval such as a third, a fifth, or a sixth. Oscillators Oberheim...

  • Page 30: Oscillator Parameters

    Each oscillator generates sawtooth, pulse, and triangle Waveform: waves. Pressing the switch will select the waveshape. With pulse both switches off (LEDs unlit) the resulting waveshape is a triangle. Activating both waveshape switches (both LEDs lit) combines the saw and pulse waveshapes. OB-X8 User’s Guide Oscillators...
  • Page 31 OB-8 than on the OB-Xa and OB-X. Since the OB-X8 always allows for the saw and pulse waves to be combined, a Page 2 feature is provided to select whether the pulse wave’s level should be that of the OB-8 (required to match OB-8 presets), or the level of the OB-X or OB-Xa.

  • Page 32: Filter

    Filter Each of the historic OB- polysynth filter types is available in the OB-X8, along with the additional modes of the SEM 2-pole filter (accessed via Page 2.) The OB-X used a discrete 2-pole, 12dB-per-octave, state- variable lowpass filter based on the original SEM filter design, but with programmable resonance added, as found on the OB-X.

  • Page 33: Filter Controls

    OB-Xa/8 4-pole mode. Each subsequent press of the button will increment and loop through these three states. The OB-X8 has three additional filter modes that were not available on any of the original OB synths, but were included in the SEM. These modes are Highpass, Bandpass, and Notch.
  • Page 34 Level parameters. The original OB synths provided only an on/off control for Oscillator 1, and a “half” and “full” level for Oscillator 2. The OB-X8 keeps the simple on/off switches on the front panel, but provides continuous level control for each oscillator on Page 2 with a range of 0 (off) to 127 (max, and the same level as the original instruments’...

  • Page 35: Envelopes

    Envelopes The OB-X8 has two 4-stage envelope generators (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release). They are useful for creating modulation that varies over time according to the shape of the envelope. The Filter Envelope, for example, causes the filter to open or close according to the contour of the envelope.
  • Page 36 For example, the attack time on the OB-8 has a more linear shape than on the OB-Xa even though they both use the CEM3310. In use, you may hear a more exponential curve on the OB-X/Xa. Differences between OB-8 and OB-X/OB-Xa envelope response OB-X8 User’s Guide Envelopes...

  • Page 37: Filter Envelope Controls

    You can change the OB-X8’s envelope shape characteristics per preset. Enter Page 2 and scroll to Envelope Type. You can select OB-X/Xa or OB-8 to utilize the particular shape characteristics of each legacy design. See “Chapter 3: Page 2 Parameters” on page 50 for more information about Page 2 parameters.
  • Page 38 Filter Envelope controlling how the filter opens and closes and the Volume Envelope controlling how the Volume controls the overall volume shape of the sounds you create. To learn more about the Volume Envelope, read on. OB-X8 User’s Guide Envelopes...

  • Page 39: Volume Envelope Controls

    7. Finally, with decay set to 100% and sustain still set to zero, repeatedly strike and release note on the keyboard as you turn the Volume Enve- lope’s release knob clockwise. Notice how the release becomes longer the further you turn the knob. Envelopes Oberheim...

  • Page 40: Modulation (Lfo)

    Selection of Saw Up can only occur when pressing Sine and Square at the same time, and Saw Down only by pressing Square and S/H at the same time. Modulation section OB-X8 User’s Guide Modulation (LFO)

  • Page 41: Modulation Controls

    The OB-8’s LFO was digitally generated before converting to analog control voltages to send to their destinations. The OB-X8 has a new Page 2 parameter to select whether the current preset’s LFO will be from the OB-X/Xa or OB-8.
  • Page 42 There are two modulation busses available on the Destination 1: OB-X8. This allows the Modulation LFO to be sent to two different sets of modulation destinations. Any singular or combination of destinations may be selected. • Depth 1: Sets the overall modulation depth for the following three modulation destinations.

  • Page 43: Master Section

    Master Section This section contains a set of overall controls for the OB-X8, including Master Volume, Master Tune, and other unique performances features like Hold and Chord. Master section Master Section Controls Master Volume is a global control for the overall Master Volume: volume.
  • Page 44 Hold feature. This switch has no effect and the LED will not light if there are no voices currently latched by the hold switch (i.e., the LED must already be on). hold OB-X8 User’s Guide Master Section...

  • Page 45: Chord Mode

    (and latch) until a new note is played. Since Chord only works while Hold is on, the Chord LED (and function) will be off if Hold is turned off. Master Section Oberheim...

  • Page 46: Control Section

    Since Control parameters are saved per preset, Doubles or Splits can have different Control parameter settings. This can be useful for enabling different types of key response, glide, or detune, across the keyboard, specific for each of the layered or key-split presets. Control section OB-X8 User’s Guide Control Section...

  • Page 47: Control Section Controls

    (OB-X/Xa/8) that provide the OB-X8’s features and characteristics. Another reason for the vintage sound of the new OB-X8 is that we did research into what made the original sound the way it did — warm, organic, and alive.
  • Page 48 The greater the pres- sure that’s applied, the more modulation will result. The OB-X8 provides monophonic (or “channel”) aftertouch, which means that applying pressure to any key within a chord will apply modulation to all notes currently held.
  • Page 49 To choose a different response curve, use the parameter in aftertouch curve the Global parameters. The OB-X8 module features a Page 2 Aftertouch setting. When unison is on, the OB-X8 functions like a monophonic Unison: synthesizer in that only 1 note can be played at a time. However, that one note can be powered by as many as eight voices, depending on how many you choose to use.
  • Page 50 (no Detune applied) the LED will be off. Lever Box (Keyboard only) The Keyboard’s Lever Box contains most of the OB-X8 performance controls, including the pitch and modulation levers. It also contains an arpeggiator and an independent LFO dedicated to pitch vibrato. It is...

  • Page 51: Using The Pitch And Mod Levers

    Using the Pitch and Mod Levers The OB-X8 has a Pitch lever and a Mod lever. You can use these controls to enhance live performance by bending notes and adding modulation in real time as you play. In the same way that guitar players use note bends...

  • Page 52: Pitch Lever

    The Oberheim Pitch and Mod levers are different from the pitch and mod wheels typically found on other synthesizers. The Oberheim levers have several differences from the familiar wheels: • The pitch bend amount can be switched between two ranges (typically one whole step, or one octave).

  • Page 53: Mod Lever

    The knob can be used to set a static amount of depth vibrato, and its setting is combined with the Mod lever. Control Section Oberheim...

  • Page 54: About Lever Box Mode (Keyboard And Module)

    Box modes (Mod or Arp), so mod parameters can be adjusted, even while the Arpeggiator is running, for example. When Double/Split are engaged, the UPPER and LOWER switches in the Lever Box can be set separately for Mod and Arp modes. OB-X8 User’s Guide Control Section...

  • Page 55: Mod Mode

    Whenever the amount switch is enabled, this custom bend range is active. • TRANSPOSE DOWN: Transposes the pitch of the oscillators one octave lower. • TRANSPOSE UP: Transposes the pitch of the oscillators one octave higher. Control Section Oberheim...

  • Page 56: Arp Mode

    Master once more. Pressing while an hold arpeggiation is latched by Master Hold reverts the notes to a latched chord. Pressing the Lever Box switch again reverts the latched hold keys to the previously-latched arpeggiation. OB-X8 User’s Guide Control Section...
  • Page 57 In Split Mode, there is a single Arpeggiator, which can be enabled for both or either of the sides of the keyboard Split. In Double Mode, there is still a single Arp, and it can be selected for the Lower or Upper layer or both layers of the Double. Control Section Oberheim...

  • Page 58: Hidden Arp Features

    The transpose amounts are always upward relative to the lowest note (C0). To set to the default values, Hold the mode switches and while holding both sequentially play C1, C2, arpeggiate C3, C4, then C5. OB-X8 User’s Guide Control Section...

  • Page 59: Chapter 3: Page 2 Parameters

    Page 2 switch was pressed. On the OB-X8, these features, along with some new additions, can be accessed through the Page 2 display on the instrument’s OLED display.
  • Page 60 6 . Osc Square Mode: wave levels to match either OB-X/Xa or OB-8 levels. This parameter is new on the OB-X8, and sets the 7 . Osc 2 Tri . XMod: amount of Oscillator 1 cross mod by Oscillator 2’s triangle wave. This is...
  • Page 61 OB-Xa/8 4-Pole Low-pass Although the original Oberheim poly synths 12 . Filter Keybd Track: only allowed for on/off keyboard tracking of filter frequency, the OB-X8 allows adjustment of keyboard tracking from 0-127, or 0-100%, or 0-1V/ Octave. This parameter allows the enve- 13 .
  • Page 62 Modulation path is not inverted relative to the other Modulation paths. The scaling and range of the depth controls, as well as the curve of the rate control, perform differently between the two modes. OB-X8 User’s Guide Chapter 3: Page 2 Parameters...
  • Page 63 LFO follows the highest voice of each set of four voices. It will also follow the portamento rate, such that if the highest voice is gradu- ally moving up or down the keyboard the LFO speed tracking will follow suit. Chapter 3: Page 2 Parameters Oberheim...
  • Page 64 Sample/Hold LFO: noise or the selected Lever Box Vibrato LFO waveform. On the OB-8, these two choices were made with additional combinations of the LFO waveshape buttons, where the OB-X8 imple- mentation makes more clear that the selection is between two sources of sample and hold.
  • Page 65 Inverted, then the LFO speed will slow down rather than speed up as per the shape of the envelope. The amount of modulation applied to LFO speed is set by the Depth 2 panel control in the Modulation section. Chapter 3: Page 2 Parameters Oberheim...
  • Page 66 When this parameter is set to ON, all voices’ 36 . Portamento Match: portamento times are identical. When set off, each voice glides at a slightly different speed, emulating the differences in the analog porta- mento of the OB-X. OB-X8 User’s Guide Chapter 3: Page 2 Parameters...
  • Page 67 44 . Aftertouch: setting, allows keyboard aftertouch to affect amp, filter, or amp + filter parameters. Sets the amount of key aftertouch applied to the 45 . Aftertouch Amount: selected parameters in the Aftertouch setting. Chapter 3: Page 2 Parameters Oberheim...
  • Page 68 8 . Hold/Chord Params: saved setting from Upper, Lower, or Split program. Selects whether the Lever Box uses saved 9 . Lever Box Params: settings from the Lower, Upper, or Split program. OB-X8 User’s Guide Chapter 3: Page 2 Parameters...
  • Page 69 Upper preset by +/- 50 cents. Selects saved Pan Mode settings from either the Upper, 5 . Pan Mode: Lower, or Double program (this takes over from each individual preset’s Pan Mode settings, or the Global Pan Mode setting.) Chapter 3: Page 2 Parameters Oberheim...
  • Page 70 Defaults to Lower + Upper. 11 . Mod Assign: Off, Lower, Upper, Lower + Upper - Sets which layer of a Double program the Mod LFO affects. Defaults to Lower + Upper. OB-X8 User’s Guide Chapter 3: Page 2 Parameters...
  • Page 71 The note played represents the amount the upper voices will be transposed up or down, with middle C equal to no transpose, the low C equal to two octaves down, and the high C equal to three octaves up. Chapter 3: Page 2 Parameters Oberheim...

  • Page 72: Chapter 4: Creating Sounds

    The OB-X8 can produce a broad spectrum of sounds. Though the factory programs give you some idea of its scope, if you just play its programs, you’re not using the OB-X8 to its full potential. The real fun is in creating sounds of your own.
  • Page 73 If you turn the frequency knob fully counterclockwise you’ll filter out almost all frequencies and hear very little (the basic program is set to the X, or 2-pole filter, does not cut all frequencies, by design.) Synth Bass Oberheim...
  • Page 74 Filter Envelope controlling how the filter opens and closes and the Volume Envelope controlling the overall volume shape. To learn more about the Volume Envelope, see “Volume Envelope Controls” on page 30. OB-X8 User’s Guide Synth Bass...

  • Page 75: Creating Synth Brass

    Now you know how to create a simple synth bass program using the most essential synthesizer components of the OB-X8: the oscillators, the filters, and the envelopes. Using just these three things you can create an enormous variety of sounds. Keep experimenting with them and if you like what you’ve created, save the programs in one of the user banks.

  • Page 76: Turning Synth Brass Into A String Pad

    Page 2, scroll to Filter Keybd Track and set the value to 64.) 3. In the section, set the to 70% and to 20%. filter frequency resonance 4. In the section, set the to 0. filter envelope env amount OB-X8 User’s Guide Creating Synth Brass...

  • Page 77: Creating A Hard-Sync Lead

    9. Experiment with the Filter Envelope’s Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release settings to better understand how these affect the shape of pitch modulation routed to Oscillator 2. 10. Also experiment with Oscillator 1’s setting. freq 11. Try changing Oscillator 2’s waveform setting. Creating a Hard-Sync Lead Oberheim...

  • Page 78: A Final Word

    Enjoy exploring the OB-X8! OB-X8 User’s Guide Creating a Hard-Sync Lead...

  • Page 79: Appendix A: Troubleshooting And Support

    USB can cause ground loops, so try disconnecting the cable, if pres- ent. If this removes the hum, resolve any grounding issues between the computer (if connected) and the OB-X8. Or use MIDI, which is opto- isolated. Appendix A: Troubleshooting and Support...
  • Page 80 MIDI interface/hardware or in the MIDI software application. You can also monitor the MIDI traffic with MIDI Monitor (Mac OS) or MIDI-OX (Windows) to see if the OB-X8 is being over- run with duplicate messages.

  • Page 81: Resetting The Global Parameters

    If you’re trying to track down a problem, it’s sometimes a good idea to reset the Global parameters to their defaults. This is a quick way to make sure that the OB-X8 returns to its factory settings. No programs will be overwritten by this process.

  • Page 82: Warranty Repair

    Warranty Repair Oberheim warrants that the OB-X8 will be free from defects in materials and/or workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase. Please register your product online at www.oberheim.com to establish the date of purchase. (This is not a requirement for warranty service, but it will help expedite the process.)

  • Page 83: Appendix B: Calibrating The Ob-X8

    If you’re trying to track down a problem, it’s sometimes a good idea to reset the Global parameters to their defaults. This is a quick way to make sure that the OB-X8 returns to its factory settings. No programs are over- written by this process.

  • Page 84: Appendix C: Exporting And Importing Programs And Banks

    Dumped programs will load back into the same bank and program location in memory when received by the OB-X8 via MIDI. Programs can also be dumped directly from one OB-X8 to another using the MIDI DIN jack, if the parameter is set to...

  • Page 85: Importing Programs And Banks

    To send a program or bank to another OB-X8 as a SysEx file over MIDI: 1. Connect two OB-X8 synthesizers together using MIDI cables and the jacks on their rear panels. midi in and midi out 2. On both synthesizers, Press the...
  • Page 86 6. In the MIDI librarian, open the programs and/or banks you want to send. 7. Transmit the programs. The OB-X8 should load them. They will replace any existing programs in those same memory locations on the synth. Programs will load back into the same bank and program locations from which they were originally exported.

  • Page 87: Appendix D: Factory Sounds List

    Appendix D: Factory Sounds List OB-X8 G 15 P 7 Yeeow Bass G 1 P 1 It’s an Oberheim! G 8 P 4 SEM Sizzle G 8 P 5 Delayed Flight G 15 P 8 AI Will Eat You G 1 P 2 X8 Brass...
  • Page 88 G 7 P 6 Vocal Wow G 7 P 7 Marimbas G 7 P 8 Rock Unison G 8 P 1 Delayed Octave G 8 P 2 Trig Pulse Width G 8 P 3 Poly Portamento OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix D: Factory Sounds List...

  • Page 89: Ob-Xa

    G 7 P 7 Conga G 7 P 8 Terror G 7 P 8 Rush Rezz G 8 P 1 F-Env Horns G 8 P 2 S/H Fifths G 8 P 3 Poly Port Appendix D: Factory Sounds List Oberheim...

  • Page 90: Ob-X

    G 4 P 3 Poly Portamento G 4 P 4 Metal Percussion G 4 P 5 Windy G 4 P 6 Square Wave Mod G 4 P 7 Slow Glide G 4 P 8 Spacey Xmod OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix D: Factory Sounds List...

  • Page 91: Appendix E: Alternative Tunings

    Gamelan tunings. If you want, you can replace these with other tunings that you can find on the Internet. These must be in SysEx format. You can download them into the OB-X8 using SysEx Librarian for Mac or MIDI-OX for Windows.
  • Page 92 Some of the intervals are very close together, offering several choices for the same nominal chords. A=1/1 (440 Hz) 1/1 9/8 8/7 7/6 9/7 21/16 4/3 3/2 32/21 12/7 7/4 63/32 OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 93 Similar to Yamaha’s preset Just Major, the Just Minor gives preferential treatment to minor thirds on the sharps, and has a good fifth relative to the second. C= 1/1 (261.625) 1/1 25/24 10/9 6/5 5/4 4/3 45/32 3/2 8/5 5/3 16/9 15/8 Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 94 64 = Cents +355 65 = Cents +498 66 = Cents +649 67 = Cents +702 68 = Cents +853 69 = Cents +906 70 = Cents +996 71 = Cents +1057 72 = Cents +1200 OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 95 12=1200 19. 12 Out of 31-tET, Meantone Eb-G# note 0=0 note 1=77 note 2=194 note 3=310 note 4=387 note 5=503 note 6=581 note 7=697 note 8=774 note 9=890 note 10=1006 note 11=1084 note 12=1200 Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 96 Ratio: 7876/5267 68 = Cents +793.157 Ratio: 14771/9342 69 = Cents +889.735 Ratio: 11718/7009 70 = Cents +986.314 Ratio: 17561/9934 71 = Cents +1082.892 Ratio: 18204/9739 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 97 7 = Cents +706. Ratio: 857/570 8 = Cents +803. Ratio: 2681/1686 9 = Cents +910. Ratio: 12130/7171 10 = Cents +1011. Ratio: 1205/672 11 = Cents +1092. Ratio: 12599/6705 12 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 98 14 = Cents +1092. Ratio: 12599/6705 15 = Cents +1170. Ratio: 18593/9459 16 = Cents +1248. Ratio: 14957/7274 17 = Cents +1326. Ratio: 8049/3742 18 = Cents +1404. Ratio: 9617/4274 19 = Cents +1482. Ratio: 1111/472 OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 99 18 = Cents +1148.4 Ratio: 13585/6998 19 = Cents +1212.2 Ratio: 17231/8555 20 = Cents +1276. Ratio: 12503/5983 21 = Cents +1339.8 Ratio: 10583/4881 22 = Cents +1403.6 Ratio: 12564/5585 23 = Cents +1467.4 Ratio: 8727/3739 Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 100 31 = Cents +1088.069 Ratio: 11918/6357 32 = Cents +1123.168 Ratio: 13310/6957 33 = Cents +1158.267 Ratio: 17050/8733 34 = Cents +1193.366 Ratio: 14586/7321 35 = Cents +1228.465 Ratio: 13368/6575 36 = Cents +1263.564 Ratio: 1276/615 OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 101 80 = Cents +968.825906 Ratio: 7/4 (JUST) 81 = Cents +996.089998 Ratio: 16/9 (JUST) 82 = Cents +1061.427339 Ratio: 24/13 (JUST) 83 = Cents +1088.268715 Ratio: 15/8 (JUST) 84 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 102 68 = Cents +813.686286 Ratio: 8/5 (JUST) 69 = Cents +918.641696 Ratio: 17/10 (JUST) 70 = Cents +1017.596288 Ratio: 9/5 (JUST) 71 = Cents +1111.199302 Ratio: 19/10 (JUST) 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 103 7 = Cents +699. Ratio: 6439/4300 8 = Cents +790.9 Ratio: 7578/4799 9 = Cents +896.1 Ratio: 15436/9199 10 = Cents +984.9 Ratio: 6357/3599 11 = Cents +1091.4 Ratio: 1591/847 12 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 104 68 = Cents +733.721654 Ratio: 55/36 (JUST) 69 = Cents +884.358713 Ratio: 5/3 (JUST) 70 = Cents +989.314122 Ratio: 85/48 (JUST) 71 = Cents +1088.268715 Ratio: 15/8 (JUST) 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 105 Ratio: 5/3 (JUST) 75 = Cents +905.865003 Ratio: 27/16 (JUST) 76 = Cents +976.537429 Ratio: 225/128 77 = Cents +1017.596288 Ratio: 9/5 (JUST) 78 = Cents +1088.268715 Ratio: 15/8 (JUST) 79 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 106 Ratio: 3/2 (JUST) 68 = Cents +794.133717 Ratio: 405/256 69 = Cents +903.911282 Ratio: 2048/1215 70 = Cents +998.043719 Ratio: 3645/2048 71 = Cents +1107.821284 Ratio: 256/135 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 107 68 = Cents +813.686286 Ratio: 8/5 (JUST) 69 = Cents +884.358713 Ratio: 5/3 (JUST) 70 = Cents +1017.596288 Ratio: 9/5 (JUST) 71 = Cents +1088.268715 Ratio: 15/8 (JUST) 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 108 68 = Cents +794.133717 Ratio: 405/256 69 = Cents +905.865003 Ratio: 27/16 (JUST) 70 = Cents +996.089998 Ratio: 16/9 (JUST) 71 = Cents +1088.268715 Ratio: 15/8 (JUST) 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 109 68 = Cents +821.397809 Ratio: 45/28 (JUST) 69 = Cents +884.358713 Ratio: 5/3 (JUST) 70 = Cents +968.825906 Ratio: 7/4 (JUST) 71 = Cents +1088.268715 Ratio: 15/8 (JUST) 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) 100 Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 110 69 = Cents +996.089998 Ratio: 16/9 (JUST) 70 = Cents +996.089998 Ratio: 16/9 (JUST) 71 = Cents +1126.319346 Ratio: 23/12 (JUST) 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) 73 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 111 68 = Cents +764.915905 Ratio: 14/9 (JUST) 69 = Cents +884.358713 Ratio: 5/3 (JUST) 70 = Cents +968.825906 Ratio: 7/4 (JUST) 71 = Cents +1088.268715 Ratio: 15/8 (JUST) 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) 102 Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 112 68 = Cents +674.690909 Ratio: 189/128 69 = Cents +905.865003 Ratio: 27/16 (JUST) 70 = Cents +968.825906 Ratio: 7/4 (JUST) 71 = Cents +1109.775004 Ratio: 243/128 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 113 80 = Cents +996.089998 Ratio: 16/9 (JUST) 81 = Cents +1088.268715 Ratio: 15/8 (JUST) 82 = Cents +1107.821284 Ratio: 256/135 83 = Cents +1178.49371 Ratio: 160/81 (JUST) 84 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) 104 Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 114 68 = Cents +800.909593 Ratio: 27/17 (JUST) 69 = Cents +905.865003 Ratio: 27/16 (JUST) 70 = Cents +1017.596288 Ratio: 9/5 (JUST) 71 = Cents +1096.302298 Ratio: 81/43 (JUST) 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 115 68 = Cents +813.686286 Ratio: 8/5 (JUST) 69 = Cents +933.129094 Ratio: 12/7 (JUST) 70 = Cents +968.825906 Ratio: 7/4 (JUST) 71 = Cents +1088.268715 Ratio: 15/8 (JUST) 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) 106 Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 116 68 = Cents +813.686286 Ratio: 8/5 (JUST) 69 = Cents +884.358713 Ratio: 5/3 (JUST) 70 = Cents +968.825906 Ratio: 7/4 (JUST) 71 = Cents +1088.268715 Ratio: 15/8 (JUST) 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 117 73 = Cents +905.865003 Ratio: 27/16 (JUST) 74 = Cents +996.089998 Ratio: 16/9 (JUST) 75 = Cents +1059.050902 Ratio: 448/243 76 = Cents +1137.039096 Ratio: 27/14 (JUST) 77 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) 108 Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 118 25 = Cents +2373.131664 Ratio: 30625/7776 26 = Cents +2484.862949 Ratio: 6125/1458 27 = Cents +2577.041666 Ratio: 30625/6912 28 = Cents +2688.772951 Ratio: 6125/1296 29 = Cents +2808.215759 Ratio: 4375/864 30 = Cents +2871.176663 Ratio: 30625/5832 OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 119 68 = Cents +813.686286 Ratio: 8/5 (JUST) 69 = Cents +884.358713 Ratio: 5/3 (JUST) 70 = Cents +1017.596288 Ratio: 9/5 (JUST) 71 = Cents +1088.268715 Ratio: 15/8 (JUST) 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) 110 Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
  • Page 120 Ratio: 8182/5467 68 = Cents +796.09 Ratio: 13019/8220 69 = Cents +894.135 Ratio: 2427/1448 70 = Cents +1000. Ratio: 17189/9647 71 = Cents +1090.225 Ratio: 18484/9847 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) OB-X8 User’s Guide Appendix E: Alternative Tunings...
  • Page 121 68 = Cents +737.651813 Ratio: 49/32 (JUST) 69 = Cents +968.825906 Ratio: 7/4 (JUST) 70 = Cents +941.561815 Ratio: 441/256 71 = Cents +1172.735908 Ratio: 63/32 (JUST) 72 = Cents +1200. Ratio: 2/1 (JUST) 112 Appendix E: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...

  • Page 122: Ob-X8 Midi Implementation

    OB-X8 MIDI Implementation The OB-X8 receives MIDI data according to the settings you have chosen in . In addition, there is interaction between some of globals the program parameters that determine the overall response of OB-X8 to MIDI data. These are the...
  • Page 123 0111 1011 0vvvvvvv Reset All Controllers: Clears all MIDI controllers to 0, 1011 nnnn 0111 1001 0vvvvvvv MIDI volume to maximum See subsequent sections for additional Continuous Controller (CC) and Non-Registered Parameter Number (NRPN) messages received. OB-X8 Reference OB-X8 MIDI Implementation...
  • Page 124 Bank Select: 1 - 5 1011 nnnn 0100 0000 0vvvvvvv Damper pedal: Sends 0 if off, 0111 1111 when See sections that follow for additional Continuous Controller (CC) and Non-Registered Parameter Number (NRPN) messages transmitted. 114 OB-X8 MIDI Implementation Oberheim...
  • Page 125 Additional Continuous Controllers Transmitted/Received The following table details how MIDI Continuous Controllers (CCs) are mapped to OB-X8 controls. They are transmitted when Param Xmit is set to CC, and recognized/received when Param Rcv is set to CC. Param Range BANK SELECT MSB...
  • Page 126 LFO 1 DEST 2 VOLUME LFO PRESSURE PAGE 2 LFO TYPE PAGE 2 LFO SAMPLE/HOLD IN SUSTAIN UNISON UNISON VOICE COUNT UNISON KEY MODE PAGE 2 PEDAL RELEASE 0-255 BRIGHTNESS (FILTER CUTOFF - RELATIVE) 0-175 116 OB-X8 MIDI Implementation Oberheim...
  • Page 127 PAGE 2 LFO 1 MOD 1 RAMP UP 0-127 PAGE 2 LFO 1 RAMP INVERT PAGE 2 LFO 1 MOD 1 QUANTIZE PAGE 2 LFO 1 OSC 1 MOD 1 INVERT PAGE 2 LFO 1 MOD 2 RAMP DELAY 0-127 OB-X8 Reference OB-X8 MIDI Implementation...
  • Page 128 PAGE 2 CHORD KEY LIMIT 0-127 PAGE 2 CHORD HOLD MODE NORMAL/SPLIT/DOUBLE MODE ALL SOUND OFF RESET CONTROLLERS LOCAL CONTROL ON/OFF ALL NOTES OFF OMNI MODE OFF OMNI MODE ON MONO MODE ON POLY MODE ON 118 OB-X8 MIDI Implementation Oberheim...

  • Page 129: Nrpn Messages

    Increment and Decrement commands, which some controllers utilize. Finally, it responds to one RPN (Registered Parameter Number) command, the RPN/NRPN Reset command, which can be handy for resetting the currently selected parameter to a known state. OB-X8 Reference OB-X8 MIDI Implementation...
  • Page 130 1011 nnnn 0010 0101 0111111 eter number (when both MSB and LSB received) RPN parameter number LSB CC - Reset NRPN param- 1011 nnnn 0010 0100 0111111 eter number (when both MSB and LSB received) 120 OB-X8 MIDI Implementation Oberheim...
  • Page 131 Control NRPN Data The following table lists the OB-X8’s control NRPN data. It is received and transmitted but not saved as part of a program. Name NRPN Range Name NRPN Range 0-63 PAGE 2 LFO S+H IN OSC 1 FREQUENCY...
  • Page 132 Control NRPN Data (Continued) The following table lists the OB-X8’s control NRPN data. It is received and transmitted but not saved as part of a program. Name NRPN Range Name NRPN Range MOD BOX LFO 2 SHAPE ARP NUMBER OF TRANS-...
  • Page 133 0-72 SPLIT LOWER TRANSPOSE 1125 0-72 SPLIT UPPER TRANSPOSE 1094 0-64 SPLIT LOWER DETUNE 1076 SPLIT PAN MODE 1077 SPLIT PAN WIDTH 1072 SPLIT HOLD/CHORD SOURCE 1061 SPLIT BOX MOD SOURCE 1047 SPLIT ARP SOURCE OB-X8 Reference OB-X8 MIDI Implementation...

  • Page 134: Sysex Messages

    0vvvvvvv = 0111 1111. Inquiry Message 0000 0110 Inquiry Request 0000 0001 End of Exclusive (EOX) 1111 0111 The OB-X8 responds with: Status Description System Exclusive (SysEx) 1111 0000 Non-realtime message 0111 1110 If MIDI Channel = ALL, 0vvvvvvv = 0111 1111. Otherwise 0vvvvvvv = Channel Number 0vvv vvvv 0 - 15.
  • Page 135 0000 00vv Program Number, 0 - 127 0vvv vvvv End of Exclusive (EOX) 1111 0111 The OB-X8 will respond by sending out the program data in the format described below in Program Data Dump. Request Program Edit Buffer Dump Status Description...

  • Page 136: Packed Data Format

    1111 0000 DSI ID 0000 0001 OB-X8 ID 0011 0001 Request Program Transmit 0000 0101 Bank Number, 0 - 7 0000 00vv Program Number, 0 - 127 0vvv vvvv End of Exclusive (EOX) 1111 0111 126 OB-X8 MIDI Implementation Oberheim...
  • Page 137 6 F7 F6 F5 F4 F3 F2 F1 F0 00 E6 E5 E4 E3 E2 E1 E0 7 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3 G2 G1 G0 00 F6 F5 F4 F3 F2 F1 F0 00 G6 G5 G4 G3 G2 G1 G0 OB-X8 Reference OB-X8 MIDI Implementation...

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