Behringer has revealed plans to release clones of a studio full of classic analog synthesizers.
They’ve updated their site with details for new versions of these synthesizers:
- WASP DELUXE Analog Synthesizer with Dual OSCs, VCF, Multi-Mode VCF, 16-Voice Poly Chain and Eurorack Format
- ARP 2600 Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer with 3 VCOs and Multi-Mode VCF in a 6U Rack-Mount Format
- Octave The CAT Paraphonic Analog Synthesizer with Dual VCOs, 4 Mixable Waveforms, External Signal Processor, 16-Voice Poly Chain and Eurorack Format
- SYNTHI VCX3 Analog Synthesizer with 3 VCOs, VCF, LFO, Ring Modulator and Reverb
- MS-101-BK, MS-101-GY, MS-101-BU – Analog Synthesizer with 32 Full-Size Keys, 3340 VCO with 4 Simultaneous Waveforms, VCF, ADSR, 32-Step Sequencer, Arpeggiator and Live Performance Kit
- K-20 – Analog and Semi-Modular Synthesizer with Dual VCOs, Ring Modulator, External Signal Processor, 16-Voice Poly Chain and Eurorack Format
It looks like Behringer is releasing information on their plans early in their development process, like they did with the still-to-be-released Behringer D, because they haven’t shared any photos or release dates for the new synths.
It also looks like the synths will not be straight clones of the originals, but will be redesigned to do things like support MIDI, fit in Eurorack format, add USB support, etc. They’re also likely to differ from the originals by using modern surface-mount production methods, like the Behringer D.
We would not be surprised if they release more info around the time of the 2018 NAMM Show – though they no longer participate in the NAMM Show.
Here’s what we know about the new Behringer synth clones so far. For each synth, we’ve included a video example of the original in action, along with the specifications that Behringer has shared:
WASP DELUXE – based on the rare EDP WASP synthesizer:
- Analog synthesizer with dual OSC design allows
- Reproduction of original “Wasp Deluxe” circuitry with matched transistors and JFETs
- Pure analog signal path based on authentic OSC, VCF and VCA designs
- 3 variable oscillator shapes with pulse / ramp and enhanced mode
- Switchable, multi-mode VCF with Lo, Hi, Band and Notch modes
- Flexible LFO with 4 waveform shapes, frequency and pitch modulation control
- 2 analog Envelope Generators for modulation of VCF and VCA
- Noise generator
- 16-voice Poly Chain allows combining multiple synthesizers for up to 16 voice polyphony
- Complete Eurorack solution – main module can be transferred to a standard Eurorack case
- 29 controls give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
- External audio input for processing external sound sources
- USB/MIDI implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection
- 3-Year Warranty Program
2600 – based on the classic ARP 2600 synthesizer:
- Analog synthesizer with triple VCO design
- Reproduction of original “Arp* 2600” circuitry with matched transistors and JFETs
- Semi-modular architecture
- 3 VCOs, each with LFO mode, FM inputs, and multiple wave-shape outputs
- Multi-mode VCF with dedicated low-pass output with additional switched high/notch output
- Eange of modules including ring modulator, lag processor, sample & hold, Schmitt trigger and envelope follower
- ADSR and AR Envelope generators with switchable time factor
- Realistic digital spring reverb for inspiring sound effects
- Noise Generator with continuously variable colour
- 2 dedicated LFOs with pulse and sine wave outputs
- Switched Post Filter Distortion (PFD) / Inverter option on voltage processor
- Differential (+/-) input VCA with both linear and exponential control inputs
- Additional functions include attenuator, mixer, inverter, slew rate limiter and 4-way multiple for creative patching flexibility
- External audio input for processing external sound sources
- 58 Faders and 15 buttons give you hands-on direct and real time access to all parameters
- 83 Patch cable input / outputs for the ultimate in configuration flexibility
- Powerful headphone output with dedicated level control
- MIDI implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection
- 3-Year Warranty Program
CAT – inspired by Octave’s The CAT synthesizer
- Analog synthesizer with dual VCO design
- Reproduction of original “CAT SRM II” circuitry with matched transistors and JFETs
- Analog signal path based on authentic VCO, VCF and VCA designs
- 4 variable and simultaneous oscillator shapes (Sawtooth, Triangle, modulated Pulse and Sub
- Octave Square)
- Paraphonic mode allows both oscillators to be independently controlled
- Oscillators can be modulated from 6 different sources with 2 modulation depth attenuators
- Classic filter design (high pass/low pass with peak/resonance) with self-resonance capability
- Filter can be modulated from 6 different sources with 2 modulation depth attenuators
- Dedicated and fully analog triangle/square wave LFO
- 2 analog Envelope Generators for modulation of VCF and VCA
- White noise generator
- 16-voice Poly Chain allows combining multiple synthesizers for up to 16 voice polyphony
- Complete Eurorack solution – main module can be transferred to a standard Eurorack case
- 7 controls give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
- Audio input for processing external sound sources for enhanced creativity
- External control inputs and outputs (High Note CV, Low Note CV, Gate, Filter etc.)
- Comprehensive USB/MIDI implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection
- 3-Year Warranty Program
SYNTHI VCX3 – inspired by the SYNTHI VCS3:
- Analog synthesizer with triple VCO design
- Reproduction of original “VCS3” circuitry designed in 1970
- Analog signal path based on authentic VCO, VCF and VCA designs
- VCOs featuring multi-turn knobs for precise frequency control
- Variable oscillator shapes with variable pulse widths
- Classic 24 dB low pass filter with resonance
- 16 x 16 pin patch bay serves as signal routing matrix by inserting pins into holes
- Ring modulator adds insane spice and edge to your sounds
- Dedicated and fully analog triangle/square wave LFO
- Noise generator dramatically expands waveform generation
- Two-axis joystick serves as performance controller
- 42 controls give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
- External audio inputs for processing external sound sources
- Comprehensive MIDI implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection
- 3-Year Warranty Program
MS-101-BK, MS-101-GY, & MS-101-BU – a clone of the classic Roland SH-101:
- Monophonic synthesizer with 3340 analog oscillator
- 32 semi-weighted full-size keys for great playability
- Analog signal path based on VCO, VCF and VCA designs to recreate the classic sound performance
- Oscillator with 4 simultaneously, mixable waveforms: saw, triangle, square/pwm and octave-divided square sub-oscillator
- Resonant VCF can be modulated with ADSR, LFO, keyboard tracking and bender controller
- 6 FM sources
- ADSR envelope generator
- Easy-to-use voltage controlled 32-step sequencer with 64 sequence locations
- Arpeggiator with wide patterns
- Attachable handgrip included with pitch bend wheel and a pitch modulation trigger
- Guitar strap included
- Bender assignable to VCO, VCF and pitch mod wheel on attachable handgrip
- Noise generator can be used as modulation source for distortion-like effects
- Portamento function with auto mode
- Pulse wave can be modulated by LFO, envelope and manually
- 57 sliders and switches to give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
- External audio input for processing external sound sources
- Comprehensive MIDI implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection
- 3-Year Warranty Program
K-20 – a Eurorack version of the Korg MS-20
- Analog synthesizer with dual VCO design
- Reproduction of original “MS-20” circuitry with matched transistors and JFETs
- Analog signal path based on authentic VCO, VCF and VCA designs
- Semi-modular architecture with default routings requires no patching for immediate performance
- 4 variable oscillator shapes with variable pulse widths and ring modulation for ultimate sounds
- First-generation filter design (high pass/low pass with peak/resonance)
- Dedicated and fully analog triangle/square wave LFO
- 2 analog Envelope Generators for modulation of VCF and VCA
- 16-voice Poly Chain allows combining multiple synthesizers for up to 16 voice polyphony
- Complete Eurorack solution – main module can be transferred to a standard Eurorack case
- 36 controls give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
- External audio input for processing external sound sources
- Comprehensive USB/MIDI implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection
- 3-Year Warranty Program
It’s worth noting that Behringer has these new synths on their site in their ‘Synthesizers and Samplers’ category, but they have not shared any plans for any samplers yet.
Check out the details and let us know what you think of Behringer’s synth clone plans!
Update: Behringer has updated the Musictribe site to remove info for these products.