Get hardware-modelled Oberheim sounds with Synapse Audio’s Obsession

This plug-in rendition of the OB-Xa aims to stay true to the classic polysynth.

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Synapse Audio Obsession

Image: Synapse Audio

Synapse Audio’s software rendition of everybody’s favourite analogue polysynth, the Oberheim OB-Xa, is said to astutely model the unit’s VCOs, VCF and VCA, with comprehensive individual voice controls that have “never been done before in this detail.”

It certainly seems like the brand is obsessed with creating the ultimate Oberheim emulator plug-in. With Arturia recently releasing its own OB-Xa emulation, it will be interesting to see which of the two companies has stayed most true to the beloved original.

Obsession begins with classic synth topology: comprising two oscillators, a switchable two/four-pole low-pass filter, two ADSR envelope generators and two LFOs – each modelled from hardware.

Synapse Audio says that Obsession’s individual voice control is perhaps its most important feature, allowing individual voices to be tweaked with parameters for offsetting filter cutoffs, amplifier settings and filter scaling – which is found on the actual hardware’s voice board. These work together to help achieve the lush vibrant sounds typically associated with the OB-Xa.

In the back panel of the plug-in, you’ll also find access to a modulation matrix, a hand-draw enabled LFO step controls and several built-in effects, including a reverb with shimmer, a stereo delay and a chorus effect. The full version of Obsession also comes with 420 onboard patches that could be a jumping off point to using the comprehensive synth.

Obsession is available in VST, AAX and AU, as well as Native Instruments’ NKS format, for £79. A demo is available on Synapse Audio’s website as well. Take a listen to the synth in action below.

Learn more about Obsession, here.

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