Behringer today introduced Steps, a clone of the Mutable Instruments Stages Eurorack module.
Behringer is well on its way to cloning the entire Mutable line, having previously introduced modules based on Mutable’s Ripples, Marbles, Tides, Plaits and Blades.
Mutable described Stages as a ‘modulation construction set’. Like Stages, the Behringer Steps can be used as an ASR envelope, complex 6-stage envelope, LFO, 4-step sequence or switched LFO.
Features:
- Ultra-flexible 6-stage envelope, 4-step sequencer and LFO module
- Based on Mutable Instruments Steps
- High-resolution 24-bit/48 kHz synthesis for unsurpassed sound quality
- Single and grouped segment looping capabilities
- 3 different segment types include Ramp, Hold and Step
- Single segment processing with duration from 1 ms to 16 s
- Up to 14 CV generation with extremely accurate resolution
- Eurorack specs: 14 HP, +12 V 80 mA, 12 V 20 mA
Behringer Steps Intro Video:
Pricing and Availability:
The Behringer Steps module is shipping from their factory, priced at $119 USD. It typically takes a month or two for Behringer’s introductions to be available at retailers, after they start shipping.
luckily, it looks like the panel is symmetrical so it’s reversible! just paint the back and flip it around.
Thats not possible I’m afraid. Since they don’t use jacks and pots which bolt to the faceplate, they use spacers which connect the pcb to the back of the faceplate. At least that’s what they did on other modules, chances are high they did the same with this one.
crap, you know i forgot all about the welded stand offs in back.. bummer
What a clever little module. Me gusta!?
Who thinks this is ethical?
Mutable licensed all of their products to be open source, supporting true ‘clone’ copies and derivative works. This approach to encouraging copying is pretty rare.
Behringer is making clones and in some cases building on the original designs. As long they follow Mutable’s licensing, this type of copy doesn’t raise ethical concerns that I’m aware of.
The main concern I’ve seen raised about Behringer’s Mutable copies is debate around whether they’re actually following Mutable’s licensing. That’s ultimately up to Mutable to decide, and they do not appear to be too interested in ‘policing’ how their IP is used.
tldr version: Cloning MI modules is encouraged, as long as you follow their open source license.
Is it any more or less ethical than building your own Stratocaster or Les Paul clone?
Yamaha Pacifica? Epiphone?
Instant buy for me, thanks Behringer
B is dominating the Etsy clone game, one mutable knockoff at a time!
Also it’s possible there’s an issue with this article; did b knockoff mutables marbles design yet? Not sure personally?
yes, it’s called ‘Chaos’. they changed the LED order for some reason on that one.
Yep. They call it Chaos.
yup, and tides, blades, ripples, etc… i was put off by Brains though. the waveshaper has a zoop to it like the trigger delay was done wrong. timing is everything! and attention to detail as well…
hmm, two of these would be excellent with Spectravox VCA’s. i find this module has the most annoying LED setup though.
I love the idea (I’ve read online) that Behringer make their panels deliberately horrible looking to signal where they are placed in the market. As if anyone in their team is saying “OK, Stefan, make this one look really gaudy, we’d don’t want customers to think it’s actually high-end!”
I’m more of the opinion that Uli likes these designs and thinks they are good