J3PO MAINS Presets for the OB-Xd - Sounds Demo

video by J3PO

"This video is a demo of the 20 presets included in the 'J3PO OB-Xd MAINS Presets,' for use with the DiscoDSP OB-Xd free virtual synthesizer. These patches are modeled on sounds from specific songs from my album, MAINS, out now on Ropeadope.

These 20 patches come exclusively as a bonus with the album (as a download) from BandCamp: https://j3po.bandcamp.com/album/mains — when you purchase the album, in the download you will also receive the patch bank as well as explicit instructions (in a PDF) on how to load the sounds into the OB-Xd. Get the synth here (it is free/donation based): https://www.discodsp.com/obxd/"

You can find additional OB-Xd demos here.

Sequential Synth Tips with J3PO / Julian Pollack

Published on May 12, 2020 Sequential

"Welcome to 'Sequential Synth Tips,' where some of our favorite artists share their tips, tricks, and techniques on Sequential synths. In this episode, pianist Julian Pollack aka J3PO demonstrates how to ‘map’ filter cutoff and other parameters to the mod wheel on the OB-6 and Prophet-6. Follow J3PO here: http://www.julianpollack.com/"

THE OBERHEIM OB-X8 HAS ARRIVED

video upload by Oberheim Official

"For the first time in over 40 years, a legendary analog synth sound returns.

The OB-X8 combines the three different voice architectures of the classic OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 synths into a single incredible instrument. The individual filter types and other unique characteristics of each model have been faithfully reproduced, along with an uncompromising 100% analog signal path, giving you the most authentic and satisfying OB experience possible.

Oberheim is BACK!"

Oberheim OB-X8 INHALT Sound Design Demo No Talking

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

https://inhalt.bigcartel.com

"My history with Oberheim runs deep. Probably the most important synthesizer for me was the Oberheim OB-8. I connected deeply with its melancholic and midnight music sounding tone which matched very well what I was doing with INHALT at the time. But never to be beguiled by softer emotions, the flick of the unison switch instantly took the OB-8 into an aggressive "body" music. It was the perfect writing tool due to the even tone across all octaves and the fact that its intrinsic musicality was unavoidable. Around the time I got the OB-8 I also got a vintage 2 Voice (thanks for restoring that one Chok) and both were heavily used on many records that I made. Those were my MVP's for many years.

When I received the call from my colleagues at Sequential that not only was a new Oberheim in the works, but that it was to be THE Oberheim, I couldn't wait for the beta testing and sound design to start. And when the prepro unit arrived, I knew that the newly reborn and official Oberheim company, in tandem with the team at Sequential, created something incredible. Something so comprehensive, deep, detailed, featured and yet immediate and simple, with no possibility of making a bad sound. Every sound I made sounded exactly as it should, and they ALL embodied that unmistakable Oberheim sound. That magic that is often imitated but never accomplished. Until now.

I'm not going to get into specs, those have been already covered everywhere, but I will say this: as someone that has used all of the "big" Oberheims, and that has made many records in commercial studios with the OB-8 and a vintage 2 Voice, I can definitively say that this Oberheim does all of those sounds and more. Its charisma changes from filter to filter and it seamlessly traverses from X, Xa to 8 with the Page 2 voice offset and vintage knob, but it ALWAYS sounds like the genuine Oberheim that it is. This incredible team, that I've had the pleasure of working with, has created something that might possibly be the ultimate polyphonic analog synthesizer. And I can't wait to use it on the many upcoming projects at Infinite Power Studios.

This is a recording I made of many of the patches I created for Oberheim and the shipping factory library that will come with the synth.

Please note, the OB-X8 in the video is a prototype unit and I recorded this with a beta firmware. As such, while the synth was largely done there were some changes both to the panel and to the OS that are in the final shipping version (obviously). The OB-X8 was recorded straight into Pro Tools HD and no post processing or fx were added. What you're hearing is the raw synth."

The Sound of the Oberheim OB-X8 - Julian "J3PO" Pollack [custom knobs on this one]

video upload by J3PO

"Oberheim has released a new synthesizer--the first in many decades--the OB-X8. It is a faithful recreation of all three of the classic OB-series synthesizers in one: the OB-X, the OB-Xa, and OB-8. It is an incredible synth.

In this video, you will hear a bunch of presets I created for the OB-X8. Some of my sounds will be included factory with the OB-X8 while most of these presets will appear in a presets pack I will release soon (check www.j3po.net for the release of my official sound bank). This particular unit is an early prototype with non-production knobs. The final production units will look slightly different.

It is important to note that the OB-X8, like the original OB's from back in the day, does NOT contain any onboard effects. In this video, I used some external reverbs and delays to give certain presets the ambience and resonance they deserve. Light compression and limiting was applied for the purpose of uploading to YouTube and balancing the sounds."

Update: Oberheim OB-X8 Preset Demos

video upload by james terris

"I'm always reluctant to post something in prototype form. When I had this unit it was sonically pretty close. Obvious at a glance are the knobs and 3D printed bender box levers. The synth itself sounds great and such a dream to play with a nice modern key bed."

And the press release:

Oberheim Returns to Operations and Releases Its First New Synth in 35 Years

San Francisco, CA – May 9, 2022 – In a momentous industry development, Oberheim Electronics, one of the most venerated names in synthesizer design, has announced its return to operation to meet the rising global demand for its instruments.

Today, the company is launching its first new product, the OB-X8: an eight-voice polyphonic analog synth that combines all of the key features of the legendary OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 products from the 1980s – including all the original presets that gave them their signature sounds.

“I wanted to come back strong with a new design that brings together the sounds of the greatest instruments from across the OB range, together with the distinctive sound and styling of those synths,” said Tom Oberheim. “But we took it even further. You can now combine the various OB voice architectures in ways that produce unique and interesting new sounds and capabilities.”

Originally founded by Tom Oberheim in 1969, Oberheim Electronics created ground-breaking products that fueled the electronic music revolution throughout the 1970’s and early 1980’s. After ceasing operations in 1985, these instruments attained near-mythical status, with highly prized vintage models selling for many times their original price on the secondhand market.

Since that time, Tom Oberheim had created a handful of limited-production instruments and co-designs with various partners under other names. But in a recent significant development, he regained control of the Oberheim trademarks and IP, and now, in partnership with Focusrite PLC, has decided to once again introduce new products under the Oberheim brand name for first time in more than 35 years.

“I’ve always had a very optimistic outlook on our industry and the future in general. I felt that one day, when the time was right, Oberheim would return. A big part of this was the fact that so many musicians have contacted me over the years to ask how to get hold of an original Oberheim. So when I finally reacquired the Oberheim name, it was clear that the time was finally here,” said Oberheim.

The catalog of artists associated with the original products is long, and includes innovators like Prince, Van Halen, and Herbie Hancock. For many, it was much more than just an instrument. A handful of A-list artists such as Trent Reznor, creative force behind Nine Inch Nails, and Golden Globe, Academy Award, and Primetime Emmy-winning composer got pre-release previews. “When I was shown the new OB-X8, I was immediately impressed with the forensic level of detail that went into its design and the respect for its lineage,” remarked Trent. I will be making room in my studio for one and I’m excited more people will be able to experience this classic instrument.”

Creating a new company out of thin air was no small feat. “I’m excited to work with my old friend and audio industry innovator Marcus Ryle, along with some other members of the original Oberheim team again,” said Tom. “And thanks to an exclusive partnership with Focusrite group company Sequential LLC, we have the ability to design, manufacture, distribute, and support new instruments on a global scale.”

For Marcus Ryle, one of the inventors behind the ADAT, the QuadraSynth, and Line 6 guitar amps and effects, this represents closure of sorts: “Synths were my first love and the reason I entered this industry. Tom hired me when I was 19, and I feel lucky to have been a part of the Oberheim design team during its glory days. Now, a whole new chapter in the story of analog synthesizer-based music is about to get written.” Dave Smith, founder of Sequential and himself a legendary figure in synth history, also collaborated with Marcus (an Oberheim team member from the 1980s) and Tom to create the new product. “We’ve already developed other interesting design ideas with Tom for follow-up products that will allow us to take Oberheim into the future as a synth brand,” commented Smith. “It’s a very exciting time to be a musician.”

The OB-X8 eight-voice analog synthesizer will be available at the end of June with a US MAP of $4,995.

For more details visit www.oberheim.com.

About Oberheim
Oberheim is the 21st century return of the legendary company that helped fuel the electronic music revolution. Now, just as then, Oberheim is guided by the vision of engineer and inventor, Tom Oberheim. Tom’s genius for innovation introduced the world to the first commercially available poly synth and other groundbreaking electronic instruments that literally changed the sound of music. Today, Oberheim reawakens this legacy by bringing the famed Oberheim sound to a new generation of instruments and artists. The company’s passion remains unchanged by time or technology — to once again provide the world with the finest-sounding analog synthesizers ever made. Oberheim brings its products to market with the help of the Focusrite organization and renowned synth maker, Sequential."

OBERHEIM OB-X8 SPECIFICATIONS

• 8-voice, pure-analog polyphony with saw, square/pulse, triangle, and noise
• Two discrete SEM/OB-X-lineage VCOs per voice deliver classic punchy Oberheim tone
• Discrete SEM-lineage VCFs deliver authentic OB-X-style tone and presence
• Genuine Curtis filters add bold OB-Xa/OB-8 character
• Meticulously modeled envelope responses match each OB model: OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8
• The 61-key FATAR velocity- and touch-sensitive keyboard allows unparalleled expression and responsiveness
• Bi-timbral capability allows two presets simultaneously for splits and doubles
• 400-plus factory programs, including the full set of factory sounds for the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa, and OB-8
• Integral, fanless, heatsink-free power supply
• Real walnut end cheeks
• High-resolution OLED display enables patch management and easy access to advanced features
• Classic Oberheim Pitch and Mod levers allow expressive note bending, vibrato, and access to arpeggiator functions

ENHANCEMENTS
• Additional SEM filter modes add high-pass, band-pass, and notch functions to the classic OB-X filter
• Vintage knob allows variable amounts of voice-to-voice variability to emulate the behavior of vintage instruments 
• Velocity sensitivity adds expressiveness to volume and filter 
• Channel Aftertouch adds real-time performance-based modulation
• Enhanced unison allows variable voice stacking from 1-8 voices
• Variable triangle wave cross-modulation
• Over 600 user-programmable preset locations
• Programmable per-program pan allows wider stereo presence
• Variable oscillator and noise levels

INS & OUTS
• Stereo and Mono outputs
• Volume, Sustain, and Filter inputs
• Arpeggiator clock input
• MIDI In, Out, Thru
• USB
• Dimensions:
• Weight: 32.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 40.5” L x 16.67” W x 5.87” H

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sequential Synth Tips #10 with J3PO / Julian Pollack: OB-6 Side-Chain Compression Technique

Sequential

"Welcome to 'Sequential Synth Tips,' where some of our favorite artists share their tips, tricks, and techniques on Sequential synths. In this episode, pianist Julian Pollack aka J3PO demonstrates how to set the amp and filter attack on the OB-6 to achieve side-chain compression type effects."

You can find J3PO at http://www.julianpollack.com/

Sequential Synth Tips

Sequential Synth Tips #15 with J3PO / Julian Pollack: Prophet-6 Polyphonic Glide

Sequential

"Welcome to “Sequential Synth Tips,” where some of our favorite artists share their tips, tricks, and techniques on Sequential synths. In this episode, pianist Julian Pollack aka J3PO demonstrates how to play chords on the Prophet-6 using the ‘Polyphonic Glide’ technique.

Follow J3PO here: http://www.julianpollack.com/"

Sequential Synth Tips

The Sound of the Nord Wave 2 feat. J3PO - #1 Analog

NordKeyboards

"This brand new series shows the unique range of sounds and capabilities of the Nord Wave 2. With a total of 5 episodes, LA-based keyboardist Julian "J3PO" Pollack demonstrates the different sound categories as well as complex layers and rhythmic patches. The first episode is focused on the Analog waveforms featured in the Nord Wave 2. #nordwave2 #j3po #analog #iseenord"

lush OBERHEIM OB-X8 + Strymon soundscapes

video upload by J3PO

"In this video, we explore ~10 minutes of ethereal textures of the Oberheim OB-X8, combined with two of Strymon's greatest FX pedals: the Big Sky (reverb) and the Time Line (delay).

All of the these presets are from the 'J3PO Oberheim OB-X8 Presets: Future Vintage,' available from www.j3po.net. Of course, the presets themselves do not contain any FX, and you can hear them dry in this video: [posted here]

I have preset libraries available for the Oberheim OB-X8, Prophet 6, Prophet 5/10, Prophet Rev 2, OB-6, Spectrasonic's Omnisphere, Arturia OP-Xa, Softube's Model 72 & 84, XLN's Addictive Keys Mark One and a free bank of 50 sounds for the free VST synth “OB-Xd” — all available on my website. If you're a Nord Stage 3 or Wave 2 user, download my bank from the Nord Keyboards website."

Moog 808 Bass Tutorial with J3PO

Published on Dec 18, 2016 J3PO

"Learn how to make an 808 style bass on the Moog Sub 37 with J3PO."

some synth bass on the prophet 5 with j3po

J3PO

"here's a quick little improvisation on the Sequential Prophet 5 using one of my favorite types of synth bass sounds. It's essentially a square wave with a touch of resonance and low pass filter envelope action. hope you like it. all sounds in this video (except drums) are coming from the P5.

this patch is included in my latest patch pack or the Prophet 5 reissue. ;)

The J3PO Prophet 5 Patches: http://www.julianpollack.com/sounds-s..."

Prophet-5 First Beat With J3PO

Sequential

"Keyboardist and Sequential sound designer Julian Pollack / J3PO performing the first track he composed with the new Prophet-5.

For more information about Sequential and the Prophet-5 / Prophet-10 please visit https://www.sequential.com/product/pr...

Follow J3PO here:

http://www.julianpollack.com/"

J3PO - "ok, ok"

J3PO

"First tune of the year. Hope you enjoy. :)"

Additional J3PO posts here

Julian "J3PO" Pollack jamming on the Nord Wave 2

NordKeyboards

"Julian "J3PO" Pollack shows a creative way of using the Nord Wave 2 in a live performance by combining the arpeggio and pattern feature with some bass and synth patches. Watch this! #nordwave2 #j3po #tutorials"

J3PO Additional Softube Model 84 Presets - Sounds Demo

video by J3PO

"This video demos the 40 additional presets in my pack the "J3PO Additional Softube Model 84 Presets." With the @SoftubeStudios​ Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer, 20 of my presets come factory with the synth. Here are the rest! You can purchase them from my website ($10):

https://www.julianpollack.com/shop/j3...

In this video, the Prophet Rev 2 is being used solely as a MIDI controller.

I also have patches available for the Prophet Rev 2, Prophet 6, OB-6, Prophet 5/10, XLN Audio's Addictive Keys Mark One, and a free bank of 50 sounds for the free VST synth “OB-Xd” — all available on my website. If you're a Nord Stage 3 user, download my bank from the Nord Keyboards website."

J3PO OBERHEIM OB-X8 Presets: Future Vintage OFFICIAL SOUNDS DEMO

video upload by J3PO

"In this video, Julian demos the 64 presets included in the "J3PO OB-X8 Presets: Future Vintage" for the Oberheim OB-X8.

You can buy these patches for your OB-X8 from https://www.julianpollack.com/shop/j3...

This demo was recorded dry straight to Pro Tools, with no external FX, save for some light compression and leveling for the purposing of uploading to YouTube. What you hear is what you get! Of course, users are encouraged to add their own FX, such as chorus, reverb, delay etc. to the sounds. Please see my upcoming video '20 minutes of beautiful OB-X8 & Strymon soundscapes' to hear some of these sounds in context.

There are 64 patches in this preset library and they will load to patches 'OB-X: Groups 8-16' on the OB-X8. The introductory sale price is $39 (normally $45).

The library covers a lot of sonic ground, ranging from ultra vintage Oberheim sounds to tones that fit right into contemporary production. The Oberheim palette is the sound that originally got me into synthesizers (the OB-Xa) and it’s such a joy to have a re-issue of one of the world’s most beloved synthesizers. I hope you enjoy these sounds as much as I enjoyed creating them!

I also have patches available for the Prophet 6, Prophet 5/10, Prophet Rev 2, OB-6, Spectrasonic's Omnisphere, Arturia OP-Xa, Softube's Model 72 & 84, XLN's Addictive Keys Mark One and a free bank of 50 sounds for the free VST synth 'OB-Xd' — all available on my website. If you're a Nord Stage 3 or Wave 2 user, download my bank from the Nord Keyboards website."

Prophet 5 80s Cinematic Vibes with J3PO

J3PO

"Here's a simple patch I created for the Prophet 5 with Vangelis and 80s science fiction movies in mind. It's just a saw tooth wave with some subtle pitch modulation. Reverb by Strymon Big Sky. Enjoy."

Bach Prelude and Fugue in C Minor (Book 1) - Julian "J3PO" Pollack - Oberheim OB-X8

video upload by J3PO

"I love Bach and I love synths. The C minor prelude and fugue from Book 1 of J.S. Bach's 48 Preludes and Fugues is a standard for keyboardists, and is a lot of fun to play. In this video, I perform the piece on an Oberheim OB-X8, with original presets designed by myself. If you dig this, check out my performance of Bach's Prelude and Fugue in C sharp Major (Book 1), performed on a Prophet 10: [posted here]"

SCI Prophet 5 and 10 - Molte voci

video upload by Glen H

"This short improvisation came after playing with the patch 533 - Blades from J3POs P5 patches - [posted here]
which are fantastic by the way, thanks J3PO!. I then starting building something very similar on the P5 Rev 2 and hit record.
Prophets are going via SSL2+ into Ableton and have some Valhalla Supermassive Triangulum reverb.
#SequentialCircuits #Sequential #Prophet5 #Prophet10 @j3po"

THE NEW PROPHET 5 REISSUE - JULIAN "J3PO" POLLACK DEMO

J3PO

"Well, it's finally here, people! Sequential has reissued the iconic, legendary, beloved and incredible Prophet 5 synthesizer. This is truly an incredible moment in synthesizer history. I am so humbled and honored to have been asked to be part of the team to sound design and create new factory presets for this instrument.

In this video, you will hear a bunch of sounds I created for the Prophet 5. Some are included factory, while others will appear in a sound bank I will release in due time.

It is important to note that the Prophet 5 reissue, like the original, does NOT contain any onboard effects. In this video, I used combinations of chorus, delay, and reverb and other FX to create the best ambience for the recording. I used the Strymon trifecta: Mobius (modulation), Timeline (delay), and Big Sky (reverb). Some folks may ask, "don't you miss having onboard FX?" The answer: not at all. Like all of the great vintage synthesizers, all the weight and effort was put into the synthesizer components. To me, it's almost better to have your signal processing separate. Then you have the best of both worlds.

The Prophet 5 reissue (or “Rev 4”) has been built to the same specs as the original, with a few subtle additions for stability, patch memory, and extended features. For all intents and purposes, this IS the original Prophet 5, but built in 2020. I can tell you, it is a gorgeous instrument. The way it sounds, the way it feels, the way it looks, the nostalgia…everything!

Not only is the Prophet 5 being reissued, but also a 10 voice version is being reissued: the Prophet 10! Yes…a 10 voice version!

Some of you will notice that there is no "Prophet 5" placard right above the righthand part of the keyboard. This is because this was a beta unit. I assure you that all production units will have the iconic "Prophet 5" logo where the indentation on the wood is.

Visit www.sequential.com for more information on how to place your order for the Prophet 5 or Prophet 10.

Special cameo by Poppy Pollack at the end of the video, for those who make it to the end. ;)"

Julian "J3PO" Pollack - Oberheim OB-Xa Pad Explorations

J3PO

"Just vibing out, exploring the beautiful sounds you can create on the original Oberheim OB-Xa. :) Only scraping the surface of the sound this instrument is capable of creating. Looking forward to continuing growing with it."

Sequential Featured Artist Interview with JULIAN POLLACK

You can find the interview on Sequential's website here.

"Julian Pollack/J3PO is a pianist, keyboardist, and producer. Described by Timeout New York as a musician who “deftly balances virtuosity with tenderness,” Julian is an in-demand sideman as well a leader of his own projects. When he was 18 years old, having just moved to New York City from his native California hometown of Berkeley, he was featured on Piano Jazz, hosted by Marianne McPartland, the syndicated NPR radio program. Professionally, Julian has recorded and performed with the likes of Marcus Miller, Michael League (Snarky Puppy), Louis Cato (The Tonight Show), David Binney, The Lesson GK, Matt Chamberlain, Tim LeFebrve, Mike “Maz” Maher (Snarky Puppy), Grace Kelly, Ari Hoenig, Chris Bullock (Snarky Puppy), Nir Felder, Gil Goldstein (Esperanza Spalding), Chase Baird (Antonio Sanchez), Amanda Brown (Adele), Evan “EMAR” Marien, Grace Weber, and many others. He has played an integral role in the band The Lesson GK, which has held the famed “Lesson” Jam Session at Arelene’s Grocery on the Lower East Side of New York every Thursday night for many years. In 2019, Julian (as J3PO) will release his new album Small Plates, a collection of 12 tracks that range from simple lo-fi beats to complex jazztronica future house joints. Inspired by analog synths and sample-based music, the album fuses Julian’s love for today’s contemporary production styles with a nod to the jazz tradition and the spontaneity of live music and improvisation. Julian lives in Los Angeles, California.

We chatted with Julian on how he’s using Sequential’s instruments in his music."

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You can find previous posts featuring Sequential's Spotlight series here.