Oberheim19818-voice polyPolyphonic Keyboard$$$$Collector-Grade($3,000+)
Oberheim OB-Xa
Composers wanting the bold, brassy analog pad sound heard on classic 80s film scores.
Find on ReverbUsed-gear listings, graded conditionCheck prices on eBayBroader inventory, live auctions
No MIDI on the Oberheim OB-Xa? Here's how to bridge it
Free tool — see exactly what kind of converter connects it to a modern MIDI setup.
Strengths
- Thick, aggressive dual-VCO voices give it a distinctively bold, brassy analog character
- Page-based patch memory sped up preset recall compared to fully knob-per-function designs
- Widely used on iconic film scores, giving it a recognizable cinematic pad/brass tone
Trade-offs
- No MIDI on original units, requiring a retrofit for DAW integration
- Voice cards are complex and costly to fully restore when they fail
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Oberheim |
| Model | OB-Xa |
| Era | 1981 |
| Typical Price Tier | Collector-Grade ($3,000+) |
| Voice Architecture | Polyphonic (8-voice) |
| Polyphony | 8 voices |
| Oscillator Type | Analog VCO (2x per voice) |
| Filter | 24dB/oct analog low-pass (SEM-derived) |
| Keys | 61 |
| Built-in Sequencer | No |
| MIDI Equipped | No |
| Patching | Hardwired front panel with patch memory |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
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This deckOberheim OB-Xa
Match48
Flexibility68
Portability22
Ease of Use65
Tonal Neutrality35
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Maintenance & Supplies
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