Oberheim OB-8

The Oberheim OB-8 is a polyphonic analogue synthesizer used by Prince and Dr Fink. It was the last in the OB series that included the OB-X, OB-SX and OB-Xa.

It was first used on the Purple Rain tour, and Dr Fink can be seen playing one in the Purple Rain film. Prince would go onto use the OB-8 on Around The World In A Day, Parade and Sign O The Times. The OB-8 would also be taken on tour as a backup synthesizer, although it seems like the band preferred the more aggressive OB-Xa for live use.

Prince also used an Oberheim on later records like Newpower Soul and Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic, possibly an OB-8. An OB-8 also remained in the collection of Dr Fink and was auctioned off in 2024.

Occasionally he'll bring in one of the old Oberheims, but very rarely. I think we only have the OB-8 left over now; the rest of the stuff has been sold off.