Question on P6/OBx8

[Mahob]

Hi everyone! First post here. I am considering to buy a desktop version of the P6 or OBx8. I have been wanting the P6 since it came out, and now that I have the cash, the OB came out a couple of years ago. Of course I know it’s different, but truth is that no one has the OB in my country, so I need to rely on YouTube videos, which might not be accurate in sound. However, judging by many comments, sound wise the OB is superior in fatness, movement, etc. it looks like very one who reviews it is mind blown by its sound, though I do know the P6 produces that same effect on me. Still, the lack of sequencer, poor arp and lack of effects worry me a bit. Also poliphony worries me, considering I do play music and sometimes (not necessarily always) I use four fingers in right hand plus three on left. For context: I am not a professional musician nor a producer, just a serious enthusiast who now can afford to buy any of those at my forties and who plays at home as a sort of meditation, mixing arp basses, loops, drum machines, playing scales with pianos at the top, pads, etc. I  have a sub37, an Elektron Analog Keys, a jxp8 (which I am considering to sell for funding the new one), and a Nord stage 3. I know many say that the OB should not be your only analog poly, and that P6 is more all rounder, but I am not sure if that qualifies to me. I would really appreciate any insights or comments, particularly from those who have both synths. The only thing is that “get the two” is not an option in my case! . Thanks in advance for any help!

[LPF83]

Hi everyone! First post here. I am considering to buy a desktop version of the P6 or OBx8. I have been wanting the P6 since it came out, and now that I have the cash, the OB came out a couple of years ago. Of course I know it’s different, but truth is that no one has the OB in my country, so I need to rely on YouTube videos, which might not be accurate in sound. However, judging by many comments, sound wise the OB is superior in fatness, movement, etc. it looks like very one who reviews it is mind blown by its sound, though I do know the P6 produces that same effect on me. Still, the lack of sequencer, poor arp and lack of effects worry me a bit. Also poliphony worries me, considering I do play music and sometimes (not necessarily always) I use four fingers in right hand plus three on left. For context: I am not a professional musician nor a producer, just a serious enthusiast who now can afford to buy any of those at my forties and who plays at home as a sort of meditation, mixing arp basses, loops, drum machines, playing scales with pianos at the top, pads, etc. I  have a sub37, an Elektron Analog Keys, a jxp8 (which I am considering to sell for funding the new one), and a Nord stage 3. I know many say that the OB should not be your only analog poly, and that P6 is more all rounder, but I am not sure if that qualifies to me. I would really appreciate any insights or comments, particularly from those who have both synths. The only thing is that “get the two” is not an option in my case! . Thanks in advance for any help!

While it's true YT is not completely accurate in sound, I think that you can get a *relative* idea of the sound between different synths.  So I would just say watch A LOT of YT videos.  I have them both but they are different beasts.  The OB-X8 has a specialness to the sound that's hard to describe, but the P6 is amazing as well, very versatile and I would say if you care deeply about arp and sequencing capability on the synth itself (or FX for that matter), you may be happier with the P6.  The latest firmware for the OB-X8 unlocks a new filter type (modified 4 pole) that in some ways takes it to a level the vintage OBs couldn't go... it allows it to do good sounding, punchy mono bass which was always a strength of the P6, and that makes it a harder choice if looking at earlier reviews of the OB.  The P6 has a decent on-board chorus but the OB has a sort of natural chorusing that makes it not really need FX for that.  Some of the other FX of the P6 like phaser might be killer features to you if you don't want to use external pedals.  For pads overall I think I prefer the OB's smoothness and extra 2 voices.  Your mileage may vary though.

[Mahob]

Thank you for taking the time to answer. It is so difficult to take a decision. Another thing I noticed in the P6 forum is that there are many messages related to issues or problems with some aspects of the P6. Not sure if this is because it has many more users than the OB or it is only a perception I had. How do they compare in terms of materials and crafting? Have you had issues with any of them?

[LPF83]

Thank you for taking the time to answer. It is so difficult to take a decision. Another thing I noticed in the P6 forum is that there are many messages related to issues or problems with some aspects of the P6. Not sure if this is because it has many more users than the OB or it is only a perception I had. How do they compare in terms of materials and crafting? Have you had issues with any of them?

I have the keyboard version of the P6 and the desktop OB-X8 (both bought new), and have not had any much issue with either of them, I would not say comparative reliability is a factor in my case.  The P6 does have some play in the knobs (look up wobbly knobs, known issue on a lot of Sequential synths) which is a little annoying if you overthink it, yet I've never heard of any reports of these coming off or breaking or suffering anything beyond the annoyance - the OB knobs feel more solidly placed.

I qualified that with "bought new" because I sometimes see different experiences from folks that bought used, which makes me wonder about the history of the hardware or if it was sold for a reason.

I have heard some describe the tone of the P6 using terms like "harsh" which made me wonder if there were some issues with their particular unit, as its not a characteristic I would associate with this synth.  And I have heard others say that they heard two different P6's and they were very different, which makes me wonder if there was a bad manufacturing run at some point.

As far as more issues reported for the P6, it's been out a lot longer in total years.  It also came out at a time when not many pure analog polys were available in the competitive range, so it doesn't surprise me if it has more hands on it (which will always lead to a higher quantity of negative feedback).

Other differentiating factors to consider, the P6 is one of the more "immediate" analog polys available.. hard to describe but everything just does what you want it to without thinking.  The OB is a little more menu divey, but rewards on sound.

[Mahob]

You have been really helpful and objective, despite having both (the usual answer in your place would typically be to go with the obx8). Thanks a lot about that. As far as my research goes, I totally agree with your last paragraph. Immediacy is a key factor to me, as I am not a producer and I mostly improvise with all the other stuff I have. It’s like if always something is lacking  . I would say that I am more inclined to the P6 due to my personal needs, but what I still cannot fully solve is its “analogueness” in its sound. For instance, the JX8P even having DCOs seems to have a randomness in its sound that I am not pretty sure is the same in the P6. What do you think about it?

[LPF83]

You have been really helpful and objective, despite having both (the usual answer in your place would typically be to go with the obx8). Thanks a lot about that. As far as my research goes, I totally agree with your last paragraph. Immediacy is a key factor to me, as I am not a producer and I mostly improvise with all the other stuff I have. It’s like if always something is lacking  . I would say that I am more inclined to the P6 due to my personal needs, but what I still cannot fully solve is its “analogueness” in its sound. For instance, the JX8P even having DCOs seems to have a randomness in its sound that I am not pretty sure is the same in the P6. What do you think about it?

I would say neither a P6 nor an OB-X8 really sound exactly like a JX8P, but they both have their "analogueness" and can be tweaked to sound similar.  When you hear sounds from the P6, it's hard to know if it's being played with the Slop knob in the original mode or vintage knob mode, which has the effect of adding randomness.

[Mahob]

Hi everyone! First post here. I am considering to buy a desktop version of the P6 or OBx8. I have been wanting the P6 since it came out, and now that I have the cash, the OB came out a couple of years ago. Of course I know it’s different, but truth is that no one has the OB in my country, so I need to rely on YouTube videos, which might not be accurate in sound. However, judging by many comments, sound wise the OB is superior in fatness, movement, etc. it looks like very one who reviews it is mind blown by its sound, though I do know the P6 produces that same effect on me. Still, the lack of sequencer, poor arp and lack of effects worry me a bit. Also poliphony worries me, considering I do play music and sometimes (not necessarily always) I use four fingers in right hand plus three on left. For context: I am not a professional musician nor a producer, just a serious enthusiast who now can afford to buy any of those at my forties and who plays at home as a sort of meditation, mixing arp basses, loops, drum machines, playing scales with pianos at the top, pads, etc. I  have a sub37, an Elektron Analog Keys, a jxp8 (which I am considering to sell for funding the new one), and a Nord stage 3. I know many say that the OB should not be your only analog poly, and that P6 is more all rounder, but I am not sure if that qualifies to me. I would really appreciate any insights or comments, particularly from those who have both synths. The only thing is that “get the two” is not an option in my case! . Thanks in advance for any help!

While it's true YT is not completely accurate in sound, I think that you can get a *relative* idea of the sound between different synths.  So I would just say watch A LOT of YT videos.  I have them both but they are different beasts.  The OB-X8 has a specialness to the sound that's hard to describe, but the P6 is amazing as well, very versatile and I would say if you care deeply about arp and sequencing capability on the synth itself (or FX for that matter), you may be happier with the P6.  The latest firmware for the OB-X8 unlocks a new filter type (modified 4 pole) that in some ways takes it to a level the vintage OBs couldn't go... it allows it to do good sounding, punchy mono bass which was always a strength of the P6, and that makes it a harder choice if looking at earlier reviews of the OB.  The P6 has a decent on-board chorus but the OB has a sort of natural chorusing that makes it not really need FX for that.  Some of the other FX of the P6 like phaser might be killer features to you if you don't want to use external pedals.  For pads overall I think I prefer the OB's smoothness and extra 2 voices.  Your mileage may vary though.

I seriously took your advice and kept watching (even) more videos. It looks that I get more confused as I keep watching and now I am reconsidering OB6 though I left the OB8. What do you think about it compared to the P6 and considering the other synths I have? Thanks again!

[LPF83]

Hi everyone! First post here. I am considering to buy a desktop version of the P6 or OBx8. I have been wanting the P6 since it came out, and now that I have the cash, the OB came out a couple of years ago. Of course I know it’s different, but truth is that no one has the OB in my country, so I need to rely on YouTube videos, which might not be accurate in sound. However, judging by many comments, sound wise the OB is superior in fatness, movement, etc. it looks like very one who reviews it is mind blown by its sound, though I do know the P6 produces that same effect on me. Still, the lack of sequencer, poor arp and lack of effects worry me a bit. Also poliphony worries me, considering I do play music and sometimes (not necessarily always) I use four fingers in right hand plus three on left. For context: I am not a professional musician nor a producer, just a serious enthusiast who now can afford to buy any of those at my forties and who plays at home as a sort of meditation, mixing arp basses, loops, drum machines, playing scales with pianos at the top, pads, etc. I  have a sub37, an Elektron Analog Keys, a jxp8 (which I am considering to sell for funding the new one), and a Nord stage 3. I know many say that the OB should not be your only analog poly, and that P6 is more all rounder, but I am not sure if that qualifies to me. I would really appreciate any insights or comments, particularly from those who have both synths. The only thing is that “get the two” is not an option in my case! . Thanks in advance for any help!

While it's true YT is not completely accurate in sound, I think that you can get a *relative* idea of the sound between different synths.  So I would just say watch A LOT of YT videos.  I have them both but they are different beasts.  The OB-X8 has a specialness to the sound that's hard to describe, but the P6 is amazing as well, very versatile and I would say if you care deeply about arp and sequencing capability on the synth itself (or FX for that matter), you may be happier with the P6.  The latest firmware for the OB-X8 unlocks a new filter type (modified 4 pole) that in some ways takes it to a level the vintage OBs couldn't go... it allows it to do good sounding, punchy mono bass which was always a strength of the P6, and that makes it a harder choice if looking at earlier reviews of the OB.  The P6 has a decent on-board chorus but the OB has a sort of natural chorusing that makes it not really need FX for that.  Some of the other FX of the P6 like phaser might be killer features to you if you don't want to use external pedals.  For pads overall I think I prefer the OB's smoothness and extra 2 voices.  Your mileage may vary though.

I seriously took your advice and kept watching (even) more videos. It looks that I get more confused as I keep watching and now I am reconsidering OB6 though I left the OB8. What do you think about it compared to the P6 and considering the other synths I have? Thanks again!

The OB6 is a great synth... I love that many aspects of the workflow feel similar to the P6, yet the sound is different.  I like mine enough that I kept it even after I got an OB-X8.. but again different synths.  But synth sounds are really a subjective thing, and a synth that sounds good to one person can sound bad to another, this is why your ears need to be your ultimate guide.

[abel1303]

Hi everyone! First post here. I am considering to buy a desktop version of the P6 or OBx8. I have been wanting the P6 since it came out, and now that I have the cash, the OB came out a couple of years ago. Of course I know it’s different, but truth is that no one has the OB in my country, so I need to rely on YouTube videos, which might not be accurate in sound. However, judging by many comments, sound wise the OB is superior in fatness, movement, etc. it looks like very one who reviews it is mind blown by its sound, though I do know the P6 produces that same effect on me. Still, the lack of sequencer, poor arp and lack of effects worry me a bit. Also poliphony worries me, considering I do play music and sometimes (not necessarily always) I use four fingers in right hand plus three on left. For context: I am not a professional musician nor a producer, just a serious enthusiast who now can afford to buy any of those at my forties and who plays at home as a sort of meditation, mixing arp basses, loops, drum machines, playing scales with pianos at the top, pads, etc. I  have a sub37, an Elektron Analog Keys, a jxp8 (which I am considering to sell for funding the new one), and a Nord stage 3. I know many say that the OB should not be your only analog poly, and that P6 is more all rounder, but I am not sure if that qualifies to me. I would really appreciate any insights or comments, particularly from those who have both Geoguessr Unlimited synths. The only thing is that “get the two” is not an option in my case! . Thanks in advance for any help!

If you're searching for that hands-on experience and pure tone as the top priority, go for the OB-X8. The sound alone might inspire you in ways that outweigh the lack of features.