Arturia has announce the launch of its newest software instrument OB-Xa V, a recreation of Oberheim’s legendary OB-Xa analog synthesizer.

Arturia has released OB-Xa V which they say takes the immense analog power of the fat, aggressive sounding OB-Xa from the 80s charts to the modern era. They say that, faithful to the sound of the original and supercharged with new features, OB-Xa V will take you for a wild sonic ride.

A spokesperson told us, “Longing to sound like the biggest icons of the 80s? Jump into the dream world of the future by activating the brand new features of the evolved synth. Immerse yourself in this quirky synth and whip up new songs with the fat, creamy sounds that made it famous. Not only will you feel the original sound of punchy bass, thick analog pads and drones, and cyclical effects at your fingertips, you’ll also have access to brand new features that will bring out this iconic sound deeper than ever. OB-Xa V is here to let you spin that audio hurricane! OB-Xa V has been one of our most requested synths, so we took extra care to make it more satisfying than you’d ever expect. That’s right – we went back to the future!”

Main Features

• Stereo spread with left/right offsets on oscillator, filter, and LFO parameters
• Modulation matrix
• Arpeggiator
• More flexibility on the LFO for easy modulation
• Up to 16 voice polyphony
• Innovative voice detuning
• On-board effects: delay, chorus, reverb, phaser, flanger, compressor, overdrive, multimode filter, and bitcrusher
• Oscillators’ continuous X-Mod modulation (cross modulation)
• Oscillators’ (1, 2, and noise) mix in filter section for rich sound sources
• 4 Function Generators
• Sleek design for great visual experience of your sound
• Seamless preset selection with the visual browser
• Over 400 presets
• Individual voice panning
• Extension panel includes Mod Matrix, four Function Generators, and 3 busses with 9 effects each

Pricing and Availability:

Introductory offer: 149 €
Available as part of V Collection 7 onside at 299 €

As CDM also has recognized Arturia are not the first to make a software version of this instrument – in fact, MusicRadar has a great round-up of software from some years back.

But the OB-Xa both exploits modern modeling technique and adds a bunch of extras in the area of modulation and effects. In fact, in some way, this is as close as you’ll get in software to a spiritual sibling to the awesome Sequential OB-6, made in collaboration between Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim. That’s not so much to say the Arturia OB-Xa is cloning the OB-6 as it is that this being software, you get the same sort of modulation routing and digital effects the hardware gives you. If you’ve got three grand at hand, get the OB-6. For the rest of us, the OB-Xa plug looks about perfect.

Press text:
“GROWLING MULTI-GENRE PLEASER WITH A MODERN TWIST

French specialists in music gear Arturia launch OB-Xa V, a software instrument based on the iconic synth OB-Xa, enhanced with groundbreaking features for an elevated sonic experience.

Applying their expert sound engineering to recreating and updating an iconic synth, Arturia now offer an authentic software with soundscapes previously unexplored. Ideal for innovative musicians, synth programmers, and keyboardists who appreciate a fat, aggressive sound. Its versatility creates gratifying results in many distinct styles of music production, making it a valuable asset for producers and creators across multiple genres.
OB-Xa made music history on albums released by Prince, Billy Idol, Chaka Khan, and Bon Jovi, and is most recognizable for appearing on Van Halen’s biggest hit, ‘Jump’. Contemporary musicians by the likes of Flume, Chrome Sparks, Calvin Harris, and Venetian Snares have also incorporated its energetic potential to enter a new musical dimension. OB-Xa V is here to offer the iconic sound in all its glory while opening up the instrument to more complex and satisfying creations.

OB-Xa V by Arturia is the most ambitious recreation of OB-Xa on the market so far. Its intuitive interface makes utilizing its complex inner workings a joy.

LEGENDARY GROWL MACHINE
Get ready to welcome back the massive sound of OB-Xa with the perks of innovative modern technology.
Supercharged new features
Not only did we recreate the spirit, the sound and the features of the original instrument, but we also added new special functions to make it unique and open new sonic capacities:
Brand new stereo spread feature
16 voice polyphony (double the original)
Arpeggiator
Huge unison
4 function generators
Embedded effect section
Over 400 deep, piercing presets

LAUNCH OFFER
To celebrate the launch of their most requested synth in recent years, Arturia are offering a launch deal at 149€/$149 for a limited time. Arturia users who have registered their products are rewarded with personal offers.