discoDSP’s free OB-Xd VST synth plugin has been updated, and it now looks more like a classic Oberheim than ever
Better performance for the rather fabulous freebie

If you’re looking for an Oberheim OB-X synth plugin right now, you’re not exactly short of options. Just recently we’ve had new emulations from both Arturia and Synapse Audio, and now discoDSP’s free OB-Xd plugin has been updated to version 2.
As before, this is a pretty straight emulation of the original hardware - so no effects or anything like that - though you do get a continuous blendable multimode filter.
That’s not to say that version 2 doesn’t have any new features, though: we’ve now got seven times faster controls, a Linux build, standalone operation and better stability and compatibility.
There’s also an Ikka Rosma Dark Theme which gives the synth a properly vintage look, and HiDPI (Retina)-ready GUI themes, too. MIDI CC Learn is included as well.
You can download OB-Xd 2.0 for PC and Mac in VST/AU/Linux formats, and there’s also an option to pay $49 for it if you want to support future development. You can grab an iPad version too, if you wish.
Find out more on the discoDSP website.
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.

“I don’t know why I’m apologising for Korg on their behalf…”: There’s a lot we love about Korg’s latest DIY synth – but it has one significant problem for owners of the original

"It costs too much and we don't need it but, yes, we really do want one": Teenage Engineering OP-XY review