Behringer MS-1 mkII Is ‘Vastly Improved’ Over Original Release

Behringer today announced the MS-1 mkII, an updated take on their knockoff of the Roland SH-101 synthesizer.

The original release of the Behringer MS-1 was praised by many for its value, but the company had to acknowledge problems with the MS-1 MIDI implementation, and some buyers complained that the synth didn’t sound like the original Roland SH-101.

It sounds like the new version addresses shortcomings of the original MS-1. Here’s what they have to say about the MS-1 mkII:

“Many of you asked for the MS-1.

Here it is, but as improved MKII. This revised version is based on the original 662 chips for a vastly improved VCF and VCA performance. And then we also added the dual glide function.

We’re very excited about the new MS-1 MKII as it’s as close as it gets to the original.”

Behringer did not providing any information on availability, but shared images of the MS-1 RD in boxes, suggesting that the MS-1 mkII is in production and will be available soon.

29 thoughts on “Behringer MS-1 mkII Is ‘Vastly Improved’ Over Original Release

    1. There is never an obligation to buy a product. When a company launches something and, beyond the actual and/or added value of the brand, the responsibility for the purchase lies entirely with the customer.
      There are hundreds of audio and video demos, of written or narrated reviews out there, so if you are averagely cautious it is really hard to be fooled.
      I therefore see no reason why Behringer should take it upon itself to recall version 1 (for free) because version 2 now is out.

    2. Is this just a hope or is there evidence of such a policy?
      I’m trying to decide whether to risk buying an mki or wait for mkii.

  1. The initail clone was not close enough to the original; missing portamento mode, osc square pulsewith not narrow enough, envelope shape too short and linear instead of curved etc. …
    Original sh 101s are too expensive today or in questionable condition.

    The MS-1 MK2 hopefully is what i wished for, but didn’t expect to happen.
    Potentially means: Good things come to those who wait.

    Looking forward to sound examples.

  2. Those “factory” photos look staged. Everything is too neat and tidy. No humans in sight. All the pieces are identically arranged.

    1. They probably are staged a little, but that is what a factory is supposed to look like, not a bunch of s*#t thrown around. Believe it or not some factories actually look like this and are supposed to. It creates a safe and efficient workspace allowing to focus on task at hand.

  3. All of these Behringer knockoffs are similar – they look kinda like the originals and they sound kinda like the originals, but they ain’t the originals.

    Fine for what they are, but anybody that thinks they are getting an amazing bargain is an idiot.

  4. Those who have a snobbery of “originals” versus “not originals” should put their money where their mouth is, at the costs we all see rising for old and newer as one
    Afterall, these units are being introduced to a new set of ears and hands and also for something that could be affordable Not just for pros or the like

    If you like the sound then cool, if not then go buy your original units

    Not all of are able or well off enough to afford such things

    1. It’s ‘snobbery’ to pretend that there’s no difference between the originals and knockoffs and to hate on people that can see and hear these differences.

      Pointing out that there are differences isn’t even being judgmental. It’s just stating the obvious.

      I’ve got two of these Behringer knockoffs, and it’s painfully obvious where they cut corners. But the whole point of knockoffs is that people want a cheap copy, isn’t it?

    2. I bought the original because I love it, and it plays a major role in much of the music I enjoy and make (classic Electro and Techno). It was worth the investment to me because it plays a central role in my music and is one of the main tools of my trade. If that was not the case and I just wanted to have some fun with an SH-101-style synth, I would have gone with a clone without hesitation. The difference is barely audible, and for many use cases, the clones are well enough.

    1. Your valuable and deep comment about this article sure will turn many potential buyers away from the product. Now please enlighten us all with the music that you make and that sure is worth a listen.

  5. I’m yet again disappointed by a MKii AGAIN!! RD8 was the same so you end up with a Synth/Drum machine that the company you bought off is basically saying it’s not any good so here’s the better version tuff you bought the original clone! WTF I think i’m at the point of giving up buying off Behringer . I’ve been quite a good supporter up until now . It’s been great having some hardware to play around with that’s close to the original if not perfect .I could no way experience this without Behringers contribution to the clone/low end of the price market . I suppose in future I will just wait 3 years before buying any new clone just in case it MKii’d again

  6. It’s funny but, if you don’t like their clones, don’t buy them. I have several minimoogs and they blow the vintage ones in the dust by a million miles. Having said that, I like my poly D just as well as my real moogs. I sold my voyager recently and don’t miss it is a highly capable synth and more versatile than any model ever made. I think Behringer is doing their
    Cloning etc with some cool sort of original synths. You don’t like their ideology, company
    philosophy, zip it Doris, don’t support them.

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