Oberheim OB12 Is it just wrong?

Published on May 29, 2020 No Nag Recordings

"In this rather long video I try to demonstrate all the features of the OB12. Both it's weak spots but also it's strength's.
In my mind, it's a really good synth, well laid out and can do epic sounds. It has a lot of features that not many synth have. At least on papper. Some things just don't work. If it's because of a weak CPU or badly writen firmware, I don't know. But I just stay away from those functions instead. Just don't expect it to sound like a OB-Xa or alike. Rightly tweaked this can still sound huge and fat, quiky and mean."

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My take: It's wrong, but a keeper. I almost gave mine up until I realized its unique charm. It's not the best sounding VA if "thick" classic analog is what you are after. The FM and Resonance can be ear splitting. The Ring Mod has a unique character. You have to be careful as subtle changes have a big impact. It's that oddball character that makes it. Yet somehow it can make some of the most lush sounding pads. It's an odd one for sure. I'm glad I kept mine in the end as it can do things other synths just can't. It's almost like they didn't fine tune or reign things in so put through proper effects you can get some real magic out of it.