Oberheim OB-Xa Resonance Sweep Compared to Matrix-12

video upload by Ryan Day

"Here, I re-create Oberheim OB-Xa factory preset C4, which was famously used in Van Halen's 1984 intro, on the Oberheim Matrix-12. The Matrix-12 uses a different CEM chip (3372) for the filter and I believe the EGs were created in software. However, with programming, it can be made to sound quite similar to the CEM 3320 found in the OB-Xa. Listen for yourself.

Programming hint: I use a tracking generator to achieve the exponential attack curve found on the OB-Xa filter envelope generator. :-)"

I Spent 6 Months Creating the Tom Sawyer OB-X Sweep on my Oberheim OB-X8

video upload by

"Over the course of 6 months, I set out to replicate the classic Oberheim OB‑X resonance sweep from Tom Sawyer using my OB‑X8. Dialing this in was a serious challenge. Even so, it’s not a perfect match as there’s no way to fully capture the unique character of Geddy Lee's original OB‑X, particularly the per-voice oscillator tuning variance, pulse width variance, filter cutoff, and envelope generator de-calibration that shaped this sound.

The OB‑X8’s Vintage knob gets impressively close, though.

This clip was recorded on my phone. I’m hoping to put together a higher-quality demo in the future. For now, hope you enjoy it."