Kraftwerk’s “The Model” Signature Synth sound [SOLVED]

ZankFrappa · October 2025

If the import still doesn't work, I only have one solution left:
Open the iOS settings, scroll all the way down to “Apps,” find the OB-Xd 3 settings, and change the document storage from “iCloud Drive” to “On My iPad.” Then copy all banks to the OB-Xd folder on your iPad and select “Import From Shared Folder.”

This will definitely work.

ZankFrappa · October 2025

@espiegel123 said:
I hadn't realized that a second version of the app was released separately. Is the sound engine significantly different from the original release?

As far as I can remember, my old tinnitus ears couldn't hear any significant difference 😞

rapidfire · October 2025

@ZankFrappa said:

@rapidfire said:

@ZankFrappa said:

@rapidfire said:

@ZankFrappa said:

@rapidfire said:

@ZankFrappa said:

@rapidfire said:

@NeuM said:

@rapidfire said:

@ZankFrappa said:
A while ago, I found these Kraftwerk patches for the OB-Xd (and some accompanying samples) on Facebook.
There are both single presets and banks for five songs, including “Das Model.” Since the zip file is too large,
only the samples for “Das Model” are included here.
The creator of these presets is Hedge777. Maybe you'll find them useful.

Thanks for the zip file. Maybe I’ll find them useful…..are you kidding! they are absolutely superb and just what I have been searching for, literally for weeks, oh why didn’t I ask you guys sooner.

There are .fxp preset files and .FXP files in the , these are obviously bank files but they only import as one preset and wipe out all previously imported presets, OB-Xd is a strange beast, I don’t like the preset management at all! But most importantly - I now have the sound I’ve been searching for, thank you @ZankFrappa, very much appreciated 🍻🍻🍻
Mike

You only need to import the individual .fxb bank files (using "Import Bank" function). it contains all of the patches and won't erase any other patches.

Hmmm, I first created a new bank and titled it Kraftwerk, I then tapped the red MENU tab>File>Bank>Import Bank and navigated to the Files app>Das Model.fxp 147k, but this file is greyed out and I can’t select it. If I select Import Presets, all the .fxp and .FXP files then become available to import,

There should be an OB-Xd folder on your iPad. Copy the banks there, open the OB-Xd app, and import the banks via
“Menu (the red button) -> File -> Bank -> Import Banks from Shared Folder.”
If I remember correctly, all banks will be imported at once.

I pasted the bank.fxp file inside the OB-Xd folder, went through the import routine, the moment I select Import From Shared Folder, I get a Import Summery - 0 Banks Imported, 0 Existing Banks Not Imported, and using other import routines already mentioned give no results

I remember that there are/were import problems with OB-Xd 3 if you also have the old OB-Xd version installed.
I described this workaround somewhere here in the forum at the time:

--- I was only able to install OB-Xd 3 banks after uninstalling the old app version (if you already had your own banks installed, don't forget to backup).
I then copied the banks into the OB-Xd folder (which now also had the v3 app icon!!!). Started the app and selected “Import Banks from Shared Folder” in the menu. All banks loaded, also in the auv3 plugin.
I hope the description helps everyone who, like me, has the .fxb banks grayed out.
EDIT: In the system settings, “iCloud” was set as the storage location for both apps, I changed it to “on my iPad”. ---

Careful, I noticed that too late!!! Once the old version is uninstalled, it can no longer be loaded into existing projects, of course.
Before uninstalling the app, I should have checked all projects to see if they contained OB-Xd and made a note of the presets.

I have the OX-Bd 3 on both iPad Air 4 and Air 6, when I tried importing in AUv3 mode the Import From Shared Folder option is not available, all other options fail because the .fxp files are greyed out, except for the .fxp presets.

Import the banks using the standalone app, that should work.

Otherwise, hmmm, do you have both versions (OB-Xd and OB-Xd 3) installed on your iPads?
What does the app icon look like, like this (v3)?

I only have the v3

Your screenshot shows that the presets are stored in iCloud. The small cloud next to the folder name indicates that the folder or its contents have not yet been synchronized with the iPad. Press and hold the OB-Xd folder and then select “jetzt laden” (this is what it says in the German iOS system; in English, it should say “Load Now” or something similar). Then try importing the banks again via “Import From Shared Folder”

In February 2024 I downloaded 32 banks and placed them inside the main OB-Xd folder, they have been waiting to synchronise with the iPad ever since, I have now just long pressed and finished the downloading, thanks for the instruction, but even these 32 banks are all greyed out when trying to import them.

rapidfire · October 2025

@ZankFrappa said:
If the import still doesn't work, I only have one solution left:
Open the iOS settings, scroll all the way down to “Apps,” find the OB-Xd 3 settings, and change the document storage from “iCloud Drive” to “On My iPad.” Then copy all banks to the OB-Xd folder on your iPad and select “Import From Shared Folder.”

This will definitely work.

Thank you, I change from iCloud Storage to On My iPad, I made a new folder and named it OB-Xd and copied the .fxp file into it, still nothing, so I selected Export Bank and sent one of my existing banks to the folder, only this time there were two identical folders with the OB-Xd on them. I went into the Files app, copied the Das Model .fxp file and pasted it into the folder with my exported bank, opened OB-Xd >MENU>File>Bank>Import Bank From Shared Folder - and this time it imported 🎉🎊🍻 you are a genius my friend, I can’t thank you enough, now I can import all my other downloaded banks.
Many many many thanks
Mike🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

rapidfire · October 2025

@michael_m said:
Look for a few YouTube videos on the Polymoog. It was very different from other synthesizers of the time, and from what I remember was designed around similar concepts as electronic organs.

There are definitely a few companies that produce desktop plugin emulations, but can’t speak to the accuracy of any of them.

I just watched another great Polymoog video on YouTube, wow, that is one hell of a beast!
https://youtu.be/Bxe4hqYk1mc?si=YMRC2Ar3_ToPc1Sr

Gavinski · October 2025

@espiegel123 said:
I hadn't realized that a second version of the app was released separately. Is the sound engine significantly different from the original release?

In terms of sound I don't think there was an audible difference from my perspective. There's a walkthrough on the update/review on my YouTube. Like their Discovery app it was a good release in some ways but also sloppy round the edges.

ZankFrappa · October 2025

@rapidfire said:
Thank you, I change from iCloud Storage to On My iPad, I made a new folder and named it OB-Xd and copied the .fxp file into it, still nothing, so I selected Export Bank and sent one of my existing banks to the folder, only this time there were two identical folders with the OB-Xd on them. I went into the Files app, copied the Das Model .fxp file and pasted it into the folder with my exported bank, opened OB-Xd >MENU>File>Bank>Import Bank From Shared Folder - and this time it imported 🎉🎊🍻 you are a genius my friend, I can’t thank you enough, now I can import all my other downloaded banks.
Many many many thanks
Mike🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

Oh yes, I overlooked your last step. In order for the OB-Xd folder to be created, a bank must first be exported.
I assumed that the folder was created when changing from “iCloud Storage” to “On My iPad.”

Now that the import is working, is anyone interested in the complete zip file (32 MB)?
It contains several OB-Xd presets, as well as presets for PPG Wave v2, Memorymode, FM8, and several other synths.
All song-specific, as with Kraftwerk. In addition, there are a few banks for Yamaha DX.

rapidfire · October 2025

@ZankFrappa said:

@rapidfire said:
Thank you, I change from iCloud Storage to On My iPad, I made a new folder and named it OB-Xd and copied the .fxp file into it, still nothing, so I selected Export Bank and sent one of my existing banks to the folder, only this time there were two identical folders with the OB-Xd on them. I went into the Files app, copied the Das Model .fxp file and pasted it into the folder with my exported bank, opened OB-Xd >MENU>File>Bank>Import Bank From Shared Folder - and this time it imported 🎉🎊🍻 you are a genius my friend, I can’t thank you enough, now I can import all my other downloaded banks.
Many many many thanks
Mike🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

Oh yes, I overlooked your last step. In order for the OB-Xd folder to be created, a bank must first be exported.
I assumed that the folder was created when changing from “iCloud Storage” to “On My iPad.”

Now that the import is working, is anyone interested in the complete zip file (32 MB)?
It contains several OB-Xd presets, as well as presets for PPG Wave v2, Memorymode, FM8, and several other synths.
All song-specific, as with Kraftwerk. In addition, there are a few banks for Yamaha DX.

Now that I have Import From Shared Folder working (thanking you) how could I refuse such a wonderful offer, yes please, I would very much like the complete file, there are many packs such as A-ha, Depeche, Giorgio Moroder,
Spandau Ballet, Stevie Winwood, Visage, that I would definitely use 👍
Mike

DMfan · October 2025

@ZankFrappa said:

@rapidfire said:
Thank you, I change from iCloud Storage to On My iPad, I made a new folder and named it OB-Xd and copied the .fxp file into it, still nothing, so I selected Export Bank and sent one of my existing banks to the folder, only this time there were two identical folders with the OB-Xd on them. I went into the Files app, copied the Das Model .fxp file and pasted it into the folder with my exported bank, opened OB-Xd >MENU>File>Bank>Import Bank From Shared Folder - and this time it imported 🎉🎊🍻 you are a genius my friend, I can’t thank you enough, now I can import all my other downloaded banks.
Many many many thanks
Mike🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

Oh yes, I overlooked your last step. In order for the OB-Xd folder to be created, a bank must first be exported.
I assumed that the folder was created when changing from “iCloud Storage” to “On My iPad.”

Now that the import is working, is anyone interested in the complete zip file (32 MB)?
It contains several OB-Xd presets, as well as presets for PPG Wave v2, Memorymode, FM8, and several other synths.
All song-specific, as with Kraftwerk. In addition, there are a few banks for Yamaha DX.

YES PLEASE!

😁🙏

/DMfan🇸🇪

ZankFrappa · October 2025

Hedge's original link is inactive. I hope my link works, I don't do this every day
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2zp2ndgmwfzcusp3g3cer/ADbDGDWP4FhXfCB9yL8fN-g?rlkey=hczxr41cws5jsz7y48go4i04g&st=nogls5rp&dl=0

I also searched for Hedge, he's still active online.
After reading his YouTube description, I think his presets are something special!
And it might also explain why his presets are “absolutely superb” (as rapidfire wrote), created with his ears:

"I'm Hedge. I reverse-engineer sounds and rebuild entire tracks. This is sound design. No presets, no shortcuts.
I've been completely blind for a few years. This channel is about sound, not visuals."

If you want to thank him for his work, here are his contact links:
https://www.facebook.com/hedge777
https://www.youtube.com/user/SuperBingo888

rapidfire · October 2025

@ZankFrappa said:
Hedge's original link is inactive. I hope my link works, I don't do this every day
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2zp2ndgmwfzcusp3g3cer/ADbDGDWP4FhXfCB9yL8fN-g?rlkey=hczxr41cws5jsz7y48go4i04g&st=nogls5rp&dl=0

I also searched for Hedge, he's still active online.
After reading his YouTube description, I think his presets are something special!
And it might also explain why his presets are “absolutely superb” (as rapidfire wrote), created with his ears:

"I'm Hedge. I reverse-engineer sounds and rebuild entire tracks. This is sound design. No presets, no shortcuts.
I've been completely blind for a few years. This channel is about sound, not visuals."

If you want to thank him for his work, here are his contact links:
https://www.facebook.com/hedge777
https://www.youtube.com/user/SuperBingo888

Thank you, your link works fine. Not all the packs are for the DSP OB-Xd, I have managed to import 5 banks and they happen to be what I wanted from your list, so, happy days😃
Mike

Gavinski · October 2025

@rapidfire said:

@ZankFrappa said:
Hedge's original link is inactive. I hope my link works, I don't do this every day
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2zp2ndgmwfzcusp3g3cer/ADbDGDWP4FhXfCB9yL8fN-g?rlkey=hczxr41cws5jsz7y48go4i04g&st=nogls5rp&dl=0

I also searched for Hedge, he's still active online.
After reading his YouTube description, I think his presets are something special!
And it might also explain why his presets are “absolutely superb” (as rapidfire wrote), created with his ears:

"I'm Hedge. I reverse-engineer sounds and rebuild entire tracks. This is sound design. No presets, no shortcuts.
I've been completely blind for a few years. This channel is about sound, not visuals."

If you want to thank him for his work, here are his contact links:
https://www.facebook.com/hedge777
https://www.youtube.com/user/SuperBingo888

Thank you, your link works fine. Not all the packs are for the DSP OB-Xd, I have managed to import 5 banks and they happen to be what I wanted from your list, so, happy days😃
Mike

I'm curious, is the ob-xd patch a dead ringer for the original lead sound you were after? Cheers!

rapidfire · October 2025

@Gavinski said:

@rapidfire said:

@ZankFrappa said:
Hedge's original link is inactive. I hope my link works, I don't do this every day
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2zp2ndgmwfzcusp3g3cer/ADbDGDWP4FhXfCB9yL8fN-g?rlkey=hczxr41cws5jsz7y48go4i04g&st=nogls5rp&dl=0

I also searched for Hedge, he's still active online.
After reading his YouTube description, I think his presets are something special!
And it might also explain why his presets are “absolutely superb” (as rapidfire wrote), created with his ears:

"I'm Hedge. I reverse-engineer sounds and rebuild entire tracks. This is sound design. No presets, no shortcuts.
I've been completely blind for a few years. This channel is about sound, not visuals."

If you want to thank him for his work, here are his contact links:
https://www.facebook.com/hedge777
https://www.youtube.com/user/SuperBingo888

Thank you, your link works fine. Not all the packs are for the DSP OB-Xd, I have managed to import 5 banks and they happen to be what I wanted from your list, so, happy days😃
Mike

I'm curious, is the ob-xd patch a dead ringer for the original lead sound you were after? Cheers!

No, on its own it is very sharp but it has a very close resemblance to Kraftwerk, when I play it along side a patch I made for Synthmaster One in dual mode, it is close enough for me, each one played on their own lacks that little something.
I have attached a short clip from my backing track, the first 2 bars are Synthmaster One playing the riff, the second 2 bars are just the OB-Xd and from the fifth bar it is both synths together, it’s close enough for me.

frond · October 2025

@rapidfire said:

@frond said:
@rapidfire
The Polymoog Resonator is likely responsible - The Polymoog also had separate outputs at the back for Resonator, filter, and direct. You could parallel process with those outputs.

It would not be surprising if Kraftwerk also had a Moog fixed filter bank. Similar in idea to Resonator

Kraftwerk were unique, and so were a lot of their sounds, you definitely highlighted their technical abilities with all things electronic.
There were lots of bands around in the early 70s like Chicory Tip, Curved Air, Ike & Tina Turner to name just a few who used the synth commercially, but Kraftwerk started experimented with them as soon as they became available to them, their first album titled Kraftwerk (1970), had no synths, they experimented with mics in swirling buckets of ice and fed into echo units and accompanied by flute, guitars, percussion, organ, it sounded ok back then, but if you listen to it today it would sound very boring, I’m not sure if I still have it in my collection

I enjoy all of Kraftwerk's recordings with Conny Plank. I enjoy the others up to Computer World. A lot of good music recorded in Germany in the 70's.

It appears you've accomplished the sound you were after. If you, or anyone else, want to go further, here are some ideas.

No Polymoog emulation on ios that I'm aware. The Polymoog utilised divide down technology for it's polyphony, and that is partly responsible for it's unique sound. Organs and String Machines also utilised divide down for polyphony. I'm aware of three String Machine emulations on ios; audiothing RES-09, Waldorf Streichfett, and Electrorchestra. Each has it's strengths with regard to String Machine emulation. The melody in the recording of The Model sounds string-like.

If you are willing to work further you will need to set up three filters in parallel using AUM or equivalent. There may be a pre-made filter to purchase from the app store. something that does multi-band processing. If you have the Moog Model 15 you could try the fixed filter bank, but the filter set-up is very different than the Polymoog Resonator. Also try AUM invert phase, or equivalent.

I remember something called 'bandit' being multi-band, but don't recall who made it.

Here is an example of the Polymoog Resonator on youtube. It's very clear what it adds to a sound.

anickt · October 2025

There is Rob Jackson’s ANALOyXS. Vox Numana presets are based on Gary Numan’s use of the Polymoog.

Gavinski · October 2025

@frond said:

@rapidfire said:

@frond said:
@rapidfire
The Polymoog Resonator is likely responsible - The Polymoog also had separate outputs at the back for Resonator, filter, and direct. You could parallel process with those outputs.

It would not be surprising if Kraftwerk also had a Moog fixed filter bank. Similar in idea to Resonator

Kraftwerk were unique, and so were a lot of their sounds, you definitely highlighted their technical abilities with all things electronic.
There were lots of bands around in the early 70s like Chicory Tip, Curved Air, Ike & Tina Turner to name just a few who used the synth commercially, but Kraftwerk started experimented with them as soon as they became available to them, their first album titled Kraftwerk (1970), had no synths, they experimented with mics in swirling buckets of ice and fed into echo units and accompanied by flute, guitars, percussion, organ, it sounded ok back then, but if you listen to it today it would sound very boring, I’m not sure if I still have it in my collection

I enjoy all of Kraftwerk's recordings with Conny Plank. I enjoy the others up to Computer World. A lot of good music recorded in Germany in the 70's.

It appears you've accomplished the sound you were after. If you, or anyone else, want to go further, here are some ideas.

No Polymoog emulation on ios that I'm aware. The Polymoog utilised divide down technology for it's polyphony, and that is partly responsible for it's unique sound. Organs and String Machines also utilised divide down for polyphony. I'm aware of three String Machine emulations on ios; audiothing RES-09, Waldorf Streichfett, and Electrorchestra. Each has it's strengths with regard to String Machine emulation. The melody in the recording of The Model sounds string-like.

If you are willing to work further you will need to set up three filters in parallel using AUM or equivalent. There may be a pre-made filter to purchase from the app store. something that does multi-band processing. If you have the Moog Model 15 you could try the fixed filter bank, but the filter set-up is very different than the Polymoog Resonator. Also try AUM invert phase, or equivalent.

I remember something called 'bandit' being multi-band, but don't recall who made it.

Here is an example of the Polymoog Resonator on youtube. It's very clear what it adds to a sound.

Interesting post, thanks, love that YouTube demo of the resonator too

rapidfire · October 2025

@frond said:

@rapidfire said:

@frond said:
@rapidfire
The Polymoog Resonator is likely responsible - The Polymoog also had separate outputs at the back for Resonator, filter, and direct. You could parallel process with those outputs.

It would not be surprising if Kraftwerk also had a Moog fixed filter bank. Similar in idea to Resonator

Kraftwerk were unique, and so were a lot of their sounds, you definitely highlighted their technical abilities with all things electronic.
There were lots of bands around in the early 70s like Chicory Tip, Curved Air, Ike & Tina Turner to name just a few who used the synth commercially, but Kraftwerk started experimented with them as soon as they became available to them, their first album titled Kraftwerk (1970), had no synths, they experimented with mics in swirling buckets of ice and fed into echo units and accompanied by flute, guitars, percussion, organ, it sounded ok back then, but if you listen to it today it would sound very boring, I’m not sure if I still have it in my collection

I enjoy all of Kraftwerk's recordings with Conny Plank. I enjoy the others up to Computer World. A lot of good music recorded in Germany in the 70's.

It appears you've accomplished the sound you were after. If you, or anyone else, want to go further, here are some ideas.

No Polymoog emulation on ios that I'm aware. The Polymoog utilised divide down technology for it's polyphony, and that is partly responsible for it's unique sound. Organs and String Machines also utilised divide down for polyphony. I'm aware of three String Machine emulations on ios; audiothing RES-09, Waldorf Streichfett, and Electrorchestra. Each has it's strengths with regard to String Machine emulation. The melody in the recording of The Model sounds string-like.

If you are willing to work further you will need to set up three filters in parallel using AUM or equivalent. There may be a pre-made filter to purchase from the app store. something that does multi-band processing. If you have the Moog Model 15 you could try the fixed filter bank, but the filter set-up is very different than the Polymoog Resonator. Also try AUM invert phase, or equivalent.

I remember something called 'bandit' being multi-band, but don't recall who made it.

Here is an example of the Polymoog Resonator on youtube. It's very clear what it adds to a sound.

Thanks @frond for the input,
I have accomplished the sound I am after to an extent, but there is always room for improvement. I have the Model 15 but I have not used the Filter bank yet. I never thought of using three filters, sounds quite complicated and in-depth.
I have listened to the Model synth riff thousands of times trying to analyse every aspect from start to finish, I have also searched through literally thousands of presets in different iOS plugins, only Synthmaster One come close to the original Kraftwerk sound, but it does not have that metallic “umf” at the end of of each note.
I am eager to improve the sound and I will fire up the Model 15 (iOS), I’m not really sure how the Filter bank will change the sound, but I will experiment.
Mike🍻

rapidfire · October 2025

@anickt said:
There is Rob Jackson’s ANALOyXS. Vox Numana presets are based on Gary Numan’s use of the Polymoog.

Thanks @anickt for this info,
I never knew this even existed, but I can understand why you suggested it, it does have that 70/80s vibe, but I don’t think it will stretch to what I am searching for. I just watched couple of longish YouTube demos and it is great for VANGELIS type strings, but at only £2.99 it has to be worth getting.
Thank again 🍻

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Kraftwerk’s “The Model” Signature Synth sound [SOLVED]

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