This week’s edition of Synth Deals brings you a selection of offers ranging from affordable synth modules to effects units and processors.

Synth Deals

Maybe you’re an experienced musician who’s never dabbled with synthesizers, or a complete beginner. Either way, this is a great opportunity to save on getting your first synth. Let’s take a closer look at the offers available:

Behringer JT-4000 Micro

The JT-4000 Micro takes you back to the 1990s with its recreation of the Roland JP-8000 virtual analogue synth engine. This little module uses a 12-bit DA converter and provides two oscillators per voice as well as a 2-operator FM synthesis engine.

Another interesting factor is its analogue filter, with accessible controls. So, you have the ability to use a range of different waveforms including the famous Supersaw, and shape the sound with ease.

Overall, the JT-4000 Micro is an exciting synth for the price. What’s more, its convenient USB-C connectivity both powers the synth and gives it MIDI capabilities.

• Save 10% on the Behringer JT-4000 Micro now at $44
• More from Behringer

Behringer JT-4000 Micro

Available for $44 at

SOMA Metaconformer

Is your DAWless jamming setup beginning to feel a bit stagnant? Enter the SOMA Metaconformer. This versatile MIDI processor can reconfigure your workflow in some very fun ways.

With its three modes, you can change your MIDI signal path. For instance, the Combiner mode will allow you to control several monosynths simultaneously with a single polyphonic input.

Meanwhile, the Splitter mode allows up to 8 zones per MIDI channel. What’s more, the Translator mode can convert note information into CC messages and there’s also a clock output function which is very useful.

• Get nearly 10% off the SOMA Metaconformer now at $169
• More from SOMA

SOMA Metaconformer

Available for $169 at

Jomox T-Resonator II

The Jomox T-Resonator II is a very tweakable stereo analogue effects box with 8 different delay algorithms for creative sound processing. These include chorus, flanger, waveguide, delay, and reverb effects.

Once you’ve selected the effects program you want to work with, you then have two program-specific parameters with which to tweak the sound. In addition, the dual-filter matrix provides a versatile platform for sound shaping.

Here, you can create feedback loops with colourful or angry resonant peaks which is useful on drums, synths, guitars, and more. Overall, the T-Resonator II presents a different approach to effects processing, and it’s especially suitable for electronic music.

• Save 25% on the Jomox T-Resonator II now at $249
• More from Jomox

Jomox T-Resonator II

Available for $249 at

KORG microKORG XL+

Now a modern classic, the microKORG XL+ is an 8-voice virtual analogue synthesizer with a 16-band vocoder. The microKORG never offered a control per parameter interface, but it did provide an intuitive platform for selecting and tweaking sounds.

The 128 presets are categorized into music genres and types, while the synthesis controls and effects are accessible with the three knobs on the top right of the keyboard.

Although simplistic, the microKORG XL+ is surprisingly versatile and sounds great, with a range of 17 KAOSS effects to add expression and character.

• Get 25% off the microKORG XL+ now at $456
• More from KORG

KORG microKORG XL+

Available for $456 at

ASM Hydrasynth Explorer

The ASM Hydrasynth Explorer is a unique 8-voice digital wave-morphing synthesizer with the ability to shift between oscillator waveshapes. With each of its three oscillators, you can select from the range of 219 waveforms.

From there, you have a dual-filter section, five 5-stage envelopes, five LFOs, and a flexible mod matrix for adding further animation to your sounds.

What’s more, you can add effects such as chorus, rotary cabinet, flanger, phaser, tremolo, EQ, Lo-Fi, compressor, reverb, and delay. Overall, with MIDI I/O, CV outs, USB connectivity, and portable battery operation, the Explorer is a versatile synth.

• Get nearly 15% off the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer now at $519
• More from ASM

ASM Hydrasynth Explorer

Available for $519 at

More about Synth Deals:

• All about Synthesizers
• More Deals

*Note: percentage discounts may vary according to your region and currency conversion rates on the day of purchase. Displayed percentage discounts are guidelines only.

The post Synth Deals from Behringer, KORG, ASM, and Jomox appeared first on gearnews.com.

Dub pioneer Lee Scratch Perry was a mystical figure who had a major influence on recording and electronic music culture in many ways.

Like his music, Perry was a man of many colours and he went through different phases throughout his career. He began working with labels like Studio One and Amalgamated Records, before forming his own label, Upsetter Records, in 1968.

This was a particularly tumultuous time during which Perry broke ground by releasing controversial singles like People Funny Boy and Run for Cover that took shots at figures within the music industry.

He also achieved success with his studio band, The Upsetters, with an instrumental called The Return of Django in 1969. However, it was his haunting and outlandish production of The Wailers’ single Mr Brown that would set the tone for his future work as a producer.

The Lee Scratch Perry Sound

As an artist, engineer, and producer of music styles such as Dub, Reggae, and Rocksteady Soul, Perry was prolific, notably working with Bob Marley, Junior Murvin, Max Romeo, Eric Gale, and many others in his famous Black Ark Studio from 1973 to 1978.

Like many artists in Jamaica at the time, Perry didn’t have access to the latest studio gear. This didn’t bother him or hold him back, though. In fact, he developed his profoundly unique methodology by working on decidedly average equipment, as well as handmade and modified gear with a few interesting pieces here and there.

TEAC A3340

In the days of Lee Perry’s Black Ark Studio, the TEAC A3340 was the main tape recorder used in sessions, along with another TEAC 2-track recorder for mixing down.

The A3340 was a quarter-inch 4-track tape machine that was released in 1972 for semi-professional or home recording use, and quickly became a hit amongst artists and was widely used throughout the 1970s.

While Perry’s apparent practice of breathing the smoke from a certain medicinal plant onto his tape reels may have worked wonders for him, there’s no tangible evidence of its effect on the sound.

You too can take the tape route, and with a correctly calibrated machine and good-quality tape. Alternatively, the T-Racks Tascam Tape Collection from IK Multimedia has a detailed software recreation of the A3340.

• More about Tape

IK Multimedia T-RackS TASCAM Tape Collection Download No customer rating available yet

Available for 229.00 € at

RTM LPR 35 1/4″ 1100m Plastic Reel

Customer rating:

(70)

Available for 63.00 € at

Grampian 636 Spring Reverb

While some dub artists like Mad Professor condemned spring reverb, the Grampian 636 was a main fixture in the Black Ark Studio, imbuing its character on many recordings.

For a spring reverb, the 636 is unbelievably clean-sounding and creates a sense of space without allowing sounds to get lost in the mix. Another key aspect of the 636’s allure is its preamp, which can subtly introduce colour or create distortion effects.

The key to using spring reverb in a dub context is to use it as a parallel effect on the aux sends of a mixing desk. This gives you real-time control to send any channel to the spring reverb in varying amounts.

The 636 and its subsequent recreations have always been sought-after pieces of studio kit, but never before has it been more accessible than the Behringer Spring Reverberation 636.

• More about Spring Reverb

Behringer Spring Reverberation 636 No customer rating available yet

Available for 199.00 € at

Roland Space Echo RE-201

The Roland Space Echo was first introduced in 1974, making it a prime Black Ark era piece of gear. It combines a tape echo and a spring reverb in one easy-to-use and very tweakable unit.

The main control knob selects a different configuration of tape heads, spring reverb settings, or a combination of both. Meanwhile, the range of knobs includes EQ for the reverb, and intensity and rate controls for the tape echo.

Besides its unique sound, the Space Echo is popular because it allows you to easily manipulate sounds with a performance-orientated approach. For this reason, it is a perfect tool for dub music and essential to Lee Perry’s sound.

A more compact, and lightweight option is the Boss RE-202, which adds controls for Saturation and Wow & Flutter. Meanwhile, there are many other ways to create the sound of the Space Echo, so be sure to check out this post for more details.

• Space Echo Alternatives

Boss RE-202 Space Echo Delay/Reverb

Customer rating:

(12)

Available for 322.00 € at

Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Another key aspect of the Lee Perry sound is the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase pedal that he used for delay effects. Unsurprisingly, the Bi-Phase was also released in 1974, using photocell circuitry which offered a wider dynamic range than the average FET phaser.

One of the core elements that makes the Bi-Phase unique is the feedback controls. This allows you to emphasize the peaks within the phase shift loop where no cancellation was present, resulting in that fat, colourful sound we love.

The Bi-Phase is particularly effective when stacked on dub delays, so each step is coloured in a slightly different way. The beauty of the effect is that it’s far from being a one-trick pony, hence the range of artists that have created great sounds with Bi-Phase also includes Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins.

As a modern alternative, the Behringer Dual-Phase gives you a recreation of the Bi-Phase without paying vintage prices, and it also has CV input for external control.

• More about Phaser Effects

Behringer Dual-Phase

Customer rating:

(15)

Available for 159.00 € at

Alice Mixing Console

Finally, at the center of the Black Ark Studio, was an Alice Mixing Console. This colourful-looking board was in fact designed for broadcast purposes and never regarded as a professional console by Lee Perry.

However, although they lack the same routing options as recording consoles, broadcast desks are generally equipped with great preamps and EQs due to the focus on speech intelligibility.

Moreover, Alice consoles specifically had impressive headroom for mixers in the 1970s in their price range. What’s more, there was a built-in stereo limiter on the output which ensured that your signal didn’t melt the tape.

Which mixing desk should you use for creating dub music? Undoubtedly, one with a wealth of aux sends like the Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ4.

• More about Alice

Allen & Heath WZ4 16:2

Customer rating:

(23)

Available for 1,749.00 € at

Which of your favourite artists would you like to see in our Sound-alike series? Please let us know in the comments below!

More about Lee Scratch Perry:

• Lee Perry’s Linktree
• More Sound-alikes
• Creating dub delays

*Note: This article contains promotional links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

The post The Upsetter: How To Sound Like Lee Scratch Perry appeared first on gearnews.com.

Whether you’re doing multitrack recording, mixing, or incorporating hardware into your DAW workflow, preamp expanders can make your life easier in many ways. We’ve selected some of the best ADAT preamps for these purposes and we’ll look at why.

We’ve discussed the origins of the ADAT format previously. So with a basic understanding of how optical Lightpipe devices work, let’s take a look at how digital mic preamp expanders can be used in your home recording setup.

It’s important to note that these devices incorporate an analogue to digital conversion stage. This means that regardless of how clean and pristine the signal may be from the preamp inputs, the quality of the converters plays a crucial role.

Clocking and jitter

When syncing multiple digital devices to the same sample rate, Word clock ensures that they are linked per sample. A sample rate of 48 kHz means that 48000 samples are linked per second, and this is where jitter comes into play.

Jitter is the result of any deviation between the linked converters. The higher the sample rate, the more room there is for error. So keep in mind the sample rate you plan on working with when selecting any digital device you’d like to add to your setup.

For this reason, you can’t expect to run multichannel high-res (192 kHz and above) conversion on budget gear. Steady clocking and jitter accuracy are why the more high-end converters cost as much as they do.

Choosing the best ADAT preamps

Although they all perform a similar function, ADAT pres range in price. While some offer high-quality preamps and conversion stages, others are equipped with additional digital connectivity formats like MADI.

To expand the tracking and mixing capabilities of your setup, we’re looking at rack-mountable preamp expander modules with a minimum of 8 analogue inputs or more.

Audient EVO SP8

The SP8 offers the EVO series Smartgain system in a preamp expansion model. The multichannel Smartgain feature works seamlessly over up to 24 channels, provided you have the EVO 16 interface, with two SP8 preamp modules.

Even if you don’t have an EVO interface, this is still an excellent ADAT preamp with great preamps and conversion that offers up to 24-bit 96 kHz recording. Moreover, the EVO series has got to be some of the easiest recording gear to use, with its simple interface and clearly laid out front panel.

This makes the SP8 a great choice for home recording, with LCD metering and a pair of conveniently placed JFET instrument inputs.

• More from Audient

EVO SP8

Customer rating:

(10)

Available for 429.00 € at

Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre

As a recording frontend, the Clarett+ OctoPre gives you plenty of value for the price. Its converters are excellent, and the preamps are modeled on the renowned ISA 110. Also, there are 2 instrument inputs and 8 insert points, which provide a great deal of flexibility.

It can record up to 4 channels at 192 kHz or 8 channels at 48 or 96 kHz so you get a decent expansion on your current interface. In addition, the Sub-D25 output is useful for integrating with your patchbay or mixer.

Overall, the Clarett+ OctoPre provides a good balance of utility and sound quality. It also comes with a collection of software from XLN Audio, Softube, Antares, and Brainworx.

• More from Focusrite

Focusrite Clarett+ OctoPre

Customer rating:

(10)

Available for 738.00 € at

Audient ASP 880

The ASP 880 is nothing new, but it is still one of the best choices of ADAT preamps available. There are two instrument inputs, and each of the 8 preamps has its own individual switches for phantom power, HPF, polarity, and converter bypass.

In addition, there is a Sub-D25 connector for both send and return, giving you flexible routing options for your insert path. What makes this a slightly more precise preamp is the variable controls for HPF and three impedance settings.

This is why the ASP 880 continues to be used in such a wide variety of audio setups including recording and broadcast studios.

• More from Audient

Audient ASP 880

Customer rating:

(59)

Available for 996.00 € at

SSL Pure Drive

The SSL Pure Drive microphone preamp range offers two flexible solutions with four and eight preamps. Apart from the 192 kHz 32-bit AD conversion, the Pure Drive pres also function as USB audio interfaces.

As you can expect from SSL, the routing and connectivity options are unmatched. From insert sends and returns to AES/EBU outputs and word clock, the Pure Drive has it all.

In addition, the preamps themselves offer a range of features, with precise gain and trim controls, metering, variable high-pass filters, and three drive modes including Classic-Drive, Asymmetric-Drive, and Clean.

• More from SSL

SSL Pure Drive Quad

Customer rating:

(2)

Available for 1,189.00 € at

SSL Pure Drive Octo No customer rating available yet

Available for 2,089.00 € at

RME 12Mic

If you’ve got the budget for high-end conversion, the RME 12Mic offers 12 incredibly transparent and low-noise preamps (4 x combo, 8 x XLR inputs) with RME’s unique SteadyClock FS technology.

The 12Mic also supports a wide range of digital formats including ADAT, MADI, and AVB. RME is also known for stable drivers, and the software routing matrix makes it easy to adjust your setup to take on different tasks.

The price may be steep and there’s certainly no bundled software, but if you’ve used RME’s pres or converters before, you’ll know it’s more than justified.

• More from RME

RME 12Mic

Customer rating:

(4)

Available for 2,599.00 € at

More about the best ADAT preamps:

• Multichannel audio interfaces
• The history of ADAT
• All about preamps

Videos:

*Note: This article contains promotional links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! We will receive a small commission if you buy something through these links. We appreciate your support!

The post The Best ADAT Preamps for your home studio appeared first on gearnews.com.

Modular without the modules? Here’s a convenient way to get into modular synthesis. We’re looking at some of the best semi-modular synths for starting your own patch-lead spaghetti empire.

Semi-modular synths first rose to fame with instruments like the Roland System 100, ARP 2600, the EMS VCS 3 and Synthi AKS, and the Korg MS-20.

Although these instruments are revered for their sound, they provided a different approach to sound design than the workflows of classic subtractive synths like the Minimoog.

Choosing the Best Semi-Modular Synths

Semi-modulars differ from regular analogue keyboards and desktop modules in that they provide CV I/O for the various sections of the synth. This enables the oscillator, filter, and envelopes to interact with each other as well as with external instruments.

This allows a huge range of real-time tweaking, which makes them especially useful in electronic music production workflows. Also, many of the semi-modular desktop units you’ll find have their own sequencer, which means you can get creating straight away.

Behringer Crave

If you’re looking for analogue sounds, the Behringer Crave provides a great entry point into semi-modular synths. You get plenty of patching I/O (18/14) and sound-shaping capabilities, plus the VCO chip is based on the CEM3340 which was used in classic synths.

In addition, the 32-note step sequencer and arpeggiator means you can immediately begin creating synth patterns. The Crave offers poly-chaining, and there is a good deal of connectivity for incorporating it with other gear in your setup.

• More from Behringer

Behringer Crave

Customer rating:

(596)

Available for 189.00 € at

cre8audio East Beast and West Pest

Keen on exploring East Coast and West Coast style synthesis? cre8aduio and Pittsburgh Modular have created the perfect duo that allows you to experience the quirks of these two opposing schools of thought in synthesis.

• With the East Beast you get the classic East coast design with a multimode filter
• Meanwhile, the West Pest offers unique features like wave folding, FM, and an LPG-like dynamic section similar to the Taiga

Both are equipped with sequencers, mini button keyboards, and the versatile multimode modulation routing tool. You can also use either of these as Eurorack provided you have 40 HP of space.

• More from cre8audio

cre8audio East Beast

Customer rating:

(13)

Available for 239.00 € at

cre8audio West Pest

Customer rating:

(17)

Available for 249.00 € at

PWM Malevolent

The Malevolent is a simple keyboard-orientated semi-modular synth with a great layout, which makes it a nice choice for beginners. The design feels somewhat familiar, with a few similarities to the Korg MS-20.

You have all the basic necessities, including two oscillators, two envelopes, and an LFO, as well as distortion if you’re looking to get crazy. In addition, the internal arpeggiator has both MIDI and CV outs which makes the Malevolent useful for controlling other gear.

• More from PWM

PWM Malevolent

Customer rating:

(8)

Available for 479.00 € at

Pittsburgh Modular Taiga

It provides a huge amount of creative controls, but the layout of the Taiga is still straightforward enough to get going without having to RTFM. From the extensive 3-oscillator sound generation section to the analogue delay, each section has its own corresponding CV I/O below the controls.

What’s more, there’s a preamp with overdrive below the mixer, a multimode filter, and a dynamics controller. There’s no step sequencer per se, but the MIDI to CV interface allows you to easily sequence patterns from your DAW or another sequencer.

• More from Pittsburgh Modular

Pittsburgh Modular Taiga

Customer rating:

(6)

Available for 739.00 € at

The Moog Studio

With the Moog Studio, you get a complete modular desktop system, with 3 unique synthesizers neatly racked up and a 4-channel summing mixer and 3-way power supply unit.

• The Mother-32 is a single oscillator synth with a 32-step sequencer and a 4 x 8 patch matrix
• The DFAM is a percussion synthesizer with a simple 8-step sequencer and a 3 x 8 patch matrix
• The Subharmonicon is a 2-oscillator synth with an 8-step polyrhythmic sequencer and a 4 x 8 patch matrix

*Each unit offers Eurorack compatibility in a 60 HP format.

• More from Moog

Moog Sound Studio: Semi-Modular Bdl

Customer rating:

(11)

Available for 2,399.00 € at

More about the Best Semi-modular Synths:

• Everything Semi-modular
• All about Eurorack

*Note: This article contains promotional links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

The post The Best Semi-Modular Synths for your Studio Setup appeared first on gearnews.com.

In this week’s edition of Synth Deals, we’ve selected a range of creative music-making tools, including grooveboxes, synth modules, and FX.

Synth Deals

You’ll find some great options for creating beats as a beginner, while we’ve also got some more serious semi-modular synths for the cable-friendly kids. Let’s take a closer look at the offers available:

Elektron Model:Cycles

The Model:Cycles is a versatile 6-track FM groovebox with intuitive sound and pattern creation features and a 64-step sequencer. Unlike some of the more advanced Elektron gear, this one is definitely OK for newbies.

Each audio track can function as a MIDI track, and gives you a choice of six FM-based sound generators called Machines. Once selected, each machine then has four unique controls for sound shaping.

In addition, the Model:Cycles is also equipped with one LFO per track, as well as send effects such as Delay and Reverb. Overall, it’s a great creative tool that will link up nicely with other gear in your setup.

• Save 25% on the Elektron Model:Cycles now at $299
• More from Elektron

Elektron Model:Cycles

Available for $299 at

Behringer Pro-800

The Pro-800 is an affordable gateway into lush polyphonic analogue heaven. Inspired by the underrated Sequential Circuits Prophet 600, it offers 8-voice polyphony and two oscillators per voice.

In addition, you have a warm -24 dB per octave low-pass filter and a noise generator for adding extra grit and texture to your sounds. Meanwhile, you can modulate pitch, pulse width, and filter cutoff with a choice of six LFO waveforms and there are two envelopes.

Apart from USB, the Pro-800 also provides connectivity in the form of MIDI out and filter CV in. What’s more, there’s a Poly Mod section and Unison mode for creating larger-than-life sounds.

• Get nearly 20% off the Behringer Pro-800 now at $325
• More from Behringer

Behringer Pro-800

Available for $325 at

Pittsburgh Modular Taiga

The Pittsburgh Modular Taiga is a 3-oscillator semi-modular analogue synth with paraphonic capabilities and an extensive CV I/O matrix for external control of every parameter.

Sound creation is centred around the 4-channel source mixer, which feeds the versatile PGH multimode filter and envelopes for more precise shaping.

In addition, there are some unique creative features like the Dynamics section where you can flip between VCA and low-pass gate modes, as well as an analogue echo section.

• Save over 15% on the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga now at $666
• More from Pittsburgh Modular

Pittsburgh Modular Taiga

Available for $666 at

Polyend Play+

The Polyend Play+ is a 16-track performance-based groovebox with eight audio and eight MIDI tracks. Besides the ability to load samples via microSD card and use the built-in library of 3000 samples, you also have a range of synthesis options.

These include two monophonic and one polyphonic analogue-style synth engines, and a digital FM synthesis engine with two wavetable operators and two feedback loops.

In addition to its powerful sequencer, the Play+ can also function as an audio interface, with the ability to send up to 14 stereo tracks into your DAW.

• Get 10% off the Polyend Play+ now at $722
• More from Polyend

Polyend Play+

Available for $722 at

Elektron Analog Heat +FX

The Analog Heat +FX is an analogue distortion box with a multimode filter, a dual-band EQ section, and a versatile digital effects section for adding character and expression to any sound.

You can use the Analog Heat +FX in a chain of effects pedals or on an aux send on your mixer. Moreover, it also functions as an audio interface with a 48 kHz 24-bit AD/DA conversion stage.

The modulation capabilities are impressive too, with three LFOs and an assignable envelope/envelope follower. In addition, the effects can be controlled via USB or MIDI, as well as with CV, expression pedals, and footswitches.

• Save 12% on the Elektron Analog Heat +FX now at $885
• More from Elektron

Elektron Analog Heat +FX

Available for $885 at

More about Synth Deals:

• All about Synthesizers
• More Deals

*Note: percentage discounts may vary according to your region and currency conversion rates on the day of purchase. Displayed percentage discounts are guidelines only.

The post Synth Deals from Elektron, Behringer, Polyend, and Pittsburgh Modular appeared first on gearnews.com.

Behringer takes on the classic Grampian analogue reverb in the Spring Reverberation 636, but is the size and shape too huge for Eurorack?

Spring Reverberation 636

Back in the day, reverbs took up quite a bit of space. The very fact that you have to shake a physical spring to generate the reverberation meant that these units were big. Digital technology, of course, sorted that all out and made reverb and other effects far more compact and convenient.

But something like the Spring Reverberation 636 is not meant to be convenient. It’s meant to impose itself onto your desk and demand to be used.

So, what do we have? Well, the original 636 contained a nice big reverb tank consisting of a pair of suspended springs connected to electromagnetic transducers to simulate the effect of a live hall. It had a reverb time of more than 2 seconds. There were two independent inputs: one for low-impedance sources such as microphones, the other for higher-impedance signals such as guitar and preamps.

The microphone preamp consists of a DC feedback pair with the input transistor biased for low-noise operation. It’s supposed to be driven hard in order to get the best out of the mechanicals and the signal-to-noise ratio. There’s an overload indicator light to let you know when you are hitting those limits.

Behringer says they’ve replicated it perfectly and so we can assume it has all the same sort of stuff going on. On the front panel, you get gain controls for the mic and aux channel, plus a mix control over the reverb. The preamp has become renowned for its saturation and that alone makes this a useful box.

Eurorack friendly

Behringer has added a bunch of Eurorack connections along the top of the front panel for easy patching. That’s certainly useful, but in Eurorack terms, the Behringer 636 is ridiculously wide.

There are plenty of spring reverb modules available for Eurorack, and all of them place the reverb tank outside the rack to save space. I don’t think many people are going to be dropping this thing into their modular case.

However, the presence of the connections does make it easier to plug-in from your modular, but I don’t think Behringer needed to build it into a Eurorack format case. All the same connections can be found on the back of the unit as 1/4″ jacks, so you can use it as a desktop effects unit.

Springs and space

Judging from the demo video, the 636 sounds rather fabulous. It is instantly recognisable and full of character. You start to think about reverb differently simply because it’s sitting there front and centre.

It looks a little bit strange from our modern perspective of digital effects and miniaturisation. But it really does feed into the analogue aesthetic that we all seem to love without question.

Pricing and availability:

The 636 is now available for order from Thomann.

Behringer Spring Reverberation 636

Available for $181 at

• Behringer website.
• More from Behringer.

*Note: This article contains promotional links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

The post Behringer Spring Reverberation 636: Vintage Springs in Eurorack space appeared first on gearnews.com.

Behringer releases some shots of the forthcoming JT-16, a tantalising take on the Roland Jupiter-8 and it’s looking great.

Behringer JT-16

Behringer is not at NAMM, but it does like to get in on the buzz. Today, it released a couple of photos of the much-rumoured but never-seen completed JT-16 synthesizer. The post on Facebook says that the synth is still in very early stages, and there’s a lot to do before it’s ready. But it does give us an opportunity to compare it to the original to see if anything differs.

The big difference, of course, is the 16 voices, but that’s all under the hood. What interests me is the front panel. It’s much less deep than the original, benefitting from surface mount components and miniaturisation. The layout of the top row is pretty much spot on. There are a few cosmetic changes, but otherwise, you get the full roster of synth controls, starting with the LFO, VCO modulator, two VCOs, filter section, VCA and a pair of envelopes. These synths were not that complex.

The row of buttons is rather different. The arpeggiation section has been slimmed down, it has transpose controls and fewer keyboard options. There’s a whole added sequencer section, some programming controls around the screen and a reduced row of preset buttons. I imagine the screen plays a large part in all this, offering deeper destinations and additional features.

On the whole, the JT-16 looks pretty smart.

• Behringer website.
• More from Behringer.
• Behringer Facebook post.
• Here you’ll find more all Behringer synth releases and rumours in one place.

The post Behringer JT-16: First photos of the Jupiter-8 clone appeared first on gearnews.com.

In this week’s edition of Synth Deals, we’ve got a selection of offers ranging from modules and grooveboxes to professional workstations.

Synth Deals

If you’ve been thinking about getting into beatmaking or taking your setup to a more professional level, we’ve got an exciting batch of offers worth checking out. Let’s take a closer look!

Behringer Toro

The Behringer Toro is inspired by the classic Moog Taurus synthesizer. This is a simple sawtooth-based analogue synth with two oscillators and a 5-octave range for creating basslines for any style of music.

To create unique sounds, you can tune each oscillator individually and control the beat rate. In addition, there is an oscillator mix control, glide amount, and filter, as well as simplified volume and filter envelopes.

The Toro also offers the versatility of MIDI and USB connectivity, and you can even use it as a Eurorack synth voice within your modular rig.

• Save 20% on the Behringer Toro now at $202
• More from Behringer

Behringer Toro

Available for $202 at

Roland TR-6S in Synth Deals

The Roland TR-6S is a 6-channel digital groovebox that uses the powerful ACB sound engine with sampling and even FM synthesis capabilities.

You get access to all the classic Roland drum machine sounds, as well as samples that you can load via SD card. Together, these sounds can be layered to produce unique drum sounds for authentic to outlandish drum kits.

In addition, there is a range of effects designed to shape percussion sounds like reverb, delay, filter, and overdrive.

• Get 15% off the Roland TR-6S now at $339
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Roland TR-6S

Available for $339 at

Novation Circuit Rhythm

The Novation Circuit Rhythm is a portable 8-track sampling groovebox with an intuitive sequencer and a range of creative features. On each track, you can slice, loop, and reverse samples as well as trigger them chromatically.

What’s more, the sequencer gives you access to interesting features like step probability and pattern-mutate. For adding character to your sounds, there is a range of effects including delay, reverb, lo-fi tape, shutter, and a mix compressor.

With loads of sample time (228 seconds per pack and 32 seconds per pad), a microSD card slot, and 4 hours of battery time, the Circuit Rhythm is a great option for beatmaking.

• Get 40% off the Novation Circuit Rhythm now at $271
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Novation Circuit Rhythm

Available for $271 at

SOMA Cosmos

The SOMA Cosmos is a creative looper and delay pedal, brimming with creativity and a performance-orientated workflow. Each of its four algorithms provides you with three different variations.

These include settings with two delay lines with relative shift, four delay lines with relative shift, a Giant Reverb mode, and a Granular Delay mode. Depending on the algorithm selected, you get anywhere from 2.5 to 22 seconds of loop time.

Meanwhile, the footswitches allow you to quickly trigger high-pass and low-pass filters, as well as loop functions such as record, erase, and reverse.

• Save 15% on the SOMA Cosmos now at $599
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SOMA Cosmos

Available for $599 at

Roland Fantom 6 in Synth Deals

The Roland Fantom 6 is a versatile synth workstation equipped with the powerful 256-voice Zen-Core engine, as well as the V-Piano and the SuperNATURAL sound engines.

It provides 16-part multitimbrality with four layers per part, and multisampling capabilities with up to 352 samples per tone. What’s more, there’s a 32-band stereo vocoder and individual processing effects for all channels and the master bus.

In addition, the 16-track onboard MIDI sequencer offers real-time and TR-style input modes and you can use it to program external instruments in your setup.

• Get 12% off the Roland Fantom 6 now at $2,639
• More from Roland

Roland Fantom 6

Available for $2,639 at

More about Synth Deals:

• All about Synthesizers
• More Deals

*Note: percentage discounts may vary according to your region and currency conversion rates on the day of purchase. Displayed percentage discounts are guidelines only.

The post Synth Deals from Roland, Novation, Behringer, and SOMA appeared first on gearnews.com.

Can’t keep track of the Behringer clone synthesizer announcements? With this constantly updating list, you don’t have to. And of course there are some rumors included.

Behringer Clones

Behringer doesn’t do things the normal way. Most musical instrument companies make formal announcements of new products, which then begin shipping. Behringer takes a more guerrilla approach, dropping ideas for prototypes into its Facebook group and asking for direct input from customers. This approach can be exciting but it can also become difficult to keep track of what’s actually been announced for production and what is just R&D.

With this in mind, I’ve trawled through the Behringer Facebook group timeline and compiled a list of all of the synthesizers that the company has said will be going into production. This doesn’t include drafts or general prototypes (see the bottom for more on these). It also doesn’t include MIDI controllers, Eurorack modules or effects. I’ve done my best in good faith but I may have missed a few. If you find any, please let me know in the comments.

Ready to meet the Behringer clones? Here they are in alphabetical order.

AKS Mini

Part of the Mini line, AKS Mini looks to be a Honey, I Shrunk The Synth version of the VCS3 (below). It will have three VCOs, a built-in arpeggiator and a 16-step motion sequencer, plus “the exact same oscillators, filters, etc., and of course the magic VCS sound,” according to a Facebook post from big B. The retail price is targeted at $99 and shipping was scheduled for summer 2023 but it has yet to materialze.

CZ-1 Mini

We’re officially moving this one up from the rumours list. As of January 30, 2024, the CZ-1 Mini is heading off to beta testers and, “upon successful completion, it will enter production,” said Behringer in a Facebook post. What is the CZ-1 Mini? It’s an instrument combining Casio’s 1980s phase distortion synthesis – as heard in the ultra-popular CZ-101 – with an analogue filter. “With its exceptional phase distortion synthesis, the sound the CZ-1 Mini produces is unparalleled,” says Behringer.

Enigma

Uli’s take on West Coast synthesis will arrive with the Eurorack-format Enigma, a Behringer clone of Buchla’s Music Easel/Easel Command. In July 2023, Behringer announced that it had completed assembly of the prototype although it’s “still a long way from shipping the unit” so you’ll have to wait to get your lo pass gate on.

Hiro Tribe Soul

Hiro Tribe Soul (written as Hirotribe with one word in Facebook posts) is apparently a Monotribe groovebox recreation made in conjunction with Korg MS-20 engineer, Hiroaki Nishijima. Like the Model D Soul (below) it was reportedly finished in spring 2022 and waiting for semiconductors. Behringer also said it would be working with Nishijima on “many more synths.”

Korg MS-20 mini

Customer rating:

(168)

Available for 579.00 € at

JT-4000 Micro

The first to be released of Uli’s Micro series, the JT-4000 Micro is a four-voice hybrid paraphonic synth with two analogue-modelling oscillators per voice plus an analogue filter. It appears to be based on Roland’s trance-powering JP-8000. I can’t say that I love the design but it does sound good in the demo video. A firmware update as of late January 2024 adds an oscillator balance parameter, which “allows for more nuanced control over the sound, enabling you to blend and shape tones with greater precision,” according to Behringer.

Behringer JT-4000 Micro

Customer rating:

(26)

Available for 49.00 € at

Jupiter-8 / JT-16

It’s no secret that Behringer is working on a full-size version of the Jupiter-8. Now we have an official announcement about the first prototype and production. He’s even teased the JT-2 Jupiter Voice. Until more information becomes available, we’ll have to content ourselves with these shots of mystery PCBs. Or check the announcement of JT-16 here.

Kobol

Coming soon is the Kobol, a keyboard-attached recreation of the famous French monosynth. Originally made by RSF in the 1970s and offering a monophonic keyboard, two expanders, and polyphonic keyboard versions, Behringer’s Kobol places the synth in its flip-top housing.

Kobol Expander

Now available is the Kobol Expander, a Eurorack-format recreation which slots the circuits from the two different expander units into one instrument. The Kobols are renowned for their lovely sound so I’m excited to hear these in action. Note that Behringer has also teased a keyboard version of the Poly Kobol but there’s no confirmation of production so far.

Behringer Kobol Expander

Customer rating:

(24)

Available for 199.00 € at

Model D Soul

A miniaturized Minimoog, Behringer announced the Model D Soul back in March 2022 as part of a line of tiny synths. Two Soul-branded instruments, the Pro VS Mini and AKS Mini, are now called Mini so I expect this one will change as well. As of spring 2022 it was “fully completed and ready for production” and just waiting for chips.

Behringer Model D

Customer rating:

(296)

Available for 289.00 € at

Model 15

A Moog Model 15 in Eurorack format or a Behringer clone of the Grandmother? Model 15 will be both, really, as Grandmother is based on circuits from the 15 modular system. Behringer announced on April 19 2023 that Model 15 was getting ready for production and the target price was $249.

Moog Grandmother

Customer rating:

(113)

Available for 1,289.00 € at

MS-1 MKI/MKII

The MS-1, Behringer’s SH-101 recreation, is getting a new version, which is “based on the original 662 chips for a vastly improved VCF and VCA performance,” according to the company. It also adds a dual glide function.

Behringer MS-1-RD

Customer rating:

(57)

Available for 189.00 € at

MS-5

Another widely anticipated Behringer clone is the MS-5, a recreation of Roland’s SH-5 monosynth from the 1970s. Behringer’s version will be in its familiar flip-top format. As of March 2023, it was heading out to beta testers and then to manufacturing. So, any day now?

MonoPoly and PolyEight

Announced back in 2021, PolyEight, the Behringer clone of Korg’s PolySix, is apparently still happening. Until then, content yourself with Behringer’s version of the Mono/Poly, the MonoPoly.

Behringer MonoPoly

Customer rating:

(47)

Available for 508.00 € at

Neptune-80

The Juno-inspired DeepMind series of synthesizers is well-received but what people really want, it seems, is a Behringer clone of the Roland Juno-6/60. Enter the Neptune-80, an eight-voice remake with an additional analogue matrix, BBD chorus and modern user interface, according to the company.

Behringer DeepMind 6

Customer rating:

(133)

Available for 579.00 € at

Pro VS Mini

The first of Behringer’s Mini line of pocket-sized and affordable $99 synths to be released, the Pro VS Mini is a reimagining of Sequential Circuit’s groundbreaking hybrid Prophet VS. It has 16 digital oscillators and 128 waveforms plus a vector joystick for morphing between them, as well as a 24dB/octave analogue filter and two LFOs. Advance demos sound really good. It’s sure to sell boatloads.

Behringer Pro-VS Mini

Customer rating:

(18)

Available for 99.00 € at

Pro-16/Pro-800

Does the world need another Prophet-5 remake? It would appear so, as Behringer is reportedly “getting closer” (as of spring 2023) to the release of its Pro-16. As the name suggests, Uli and team are beefing it up from five to 16 voices. I hope you have a lot of fingers. Now available is the Pro-800, an eight-voice version of the Prophet 5’s younger brother, the Prophet-600.

Sequential Prophet 5

Customer rating:

(14)

Available for 3,599.00 € at

Behringer Pro-800

Customer rating:

(74)

Available for 359.00 € at

Proton

Not a Behringer clone but a Behringer original, Proton is a Eurorack-style upgrade of the company’s popular Neutron. It looks like tons of fun and as of June 3, 2023, is “fully approved and ready for production.”

Behringer NEUTRON

Customer rating:

(412)

Available for 311.00 € at

RD-78

In late January 2024, Behringer teased photos of the RD-78, its version of Roland’s famous CR-78 analogue drum machine. They said that they were in the final stages of pre-production and that units had gone out to beta testers, although there was no mention of release date or price. “And for those who love the technical details, we have incorporated the exact same circuitry into the design, including the original coils and LC filters,” they added. The look, however, is very different from the original and more in line with its other, Roland-like drum machines.

Behringer RD-8 MKII

Customer rating:

(25)

Available for 339.00 € at

Behringer RD-9

Customer rating:

(84)

Available for 345.00 € at

Saturn Soul

Another spring 2022 tiny synth announcement, Saturn Soul (probably Saturn Mini when it comes out) is inspired by the Jupiter-8 but with three VCOs and a multimode filter, and can be played monophonically or paraphonically. “The product development is completed and once we receive the necessary chips, we’ll ship this marvel,” Behringer said.

Spice

You’ve got the Crave and the Edge, so now it’s time to add some Spice to your life. A remake of Moog’s Subharmonicon, Spice is reportedly currently in final beta testing and is expected to sell for $249.

Behringer Crave

Customer rating:

(596)

Available for 189.00 € at

Behringer Edge

Customer rating:

(64)

Available for 235.00 € at

Moog Subharmonicon

Customer rating:

(71)

Available for 699.00 € at

Syncussion SY-1

A Eurorack-format Behringer clone of the famous Pearl percussion synth, Syncussion SY-1 will have two voice sections for triggering disco toms and synthetic snares.

TD-3-MO-BK

The black version of the TD-3-MO is still on its way, according to an announcement made by Behringer on July 27 of this year. TD-3-MO-BK adds a new black livery to the line of “modded out” acid boxes, which takes inspiration from the famous Devil Fish TB-303 mod.

Behringer TD-3-MO

Customer rating:

(63)

Available for 222.00 € at

Behringer TD-3-SR

Customer rating:

(434)

Available for 119.00 € at

UB-X

A Behringer clone of Oberheim’s 1979 OB-X poly, UB-X will be an analogue recreation with two oscillators, ostensibly creamy filter and hopefully massive unison. As of June 1, 2023, the company was assembling the first prototype.

Sequential OB-6

Customer rating:

(45)

Available for 3,359.00 € at

UB-Xa

Not to be confused with the grey UB-X (above), UB-Xa is a remake of Oberheim’s OB-Xa, the pinstripe follow-up to the OB-X. This one was a long time coming but is now out.

Behringer UB-Xa

Customer rating:

(15)

Available for 1,298.00 € at

Oberheim OB-X8

Customer rating:

(8)

Available for 5,279.00 € at

UB-Xa D

The UB-Xa D is a keyless desktop version of the UB-Xa (above). As of May 2, 2022 it was ready for testing so hopefully we’ll hear more on this soon.

Oberheim OB-X8 Desktop

Customer rating:

(2)

Available for 3,898.00 € at

UB-Xa Mini

Want a UB-Xa but don’t need all that real estate (or all those voices)? The new UB-Xa Mini is the one for you. A three-voice Oberheim-style poly in a tiny package, this one is slated to sell for $99. Currently in beta testing as of late January 2024 and shipping “soon.”

UB-1 Micro

Now called the UB-1 Micro, this one reimagines Oberheim’s Matrix-6/1000 analogue synths in a very tiny package. “Don’t be fooled by the size,” the company’s social media person said. “This is a monster synth in a small package.”

VCS3

Development of the VCS3 continues apace, with Behringer updating improvements on the patch bay as well as “extensive lifecycle testing.” The VCS3 is of course a clone of the famous EMS VCS3 from 1969, one of the world’s first portable synthesizers. There’s no word on a street date but it does seem to be getting closer.

VS-80

Formerly called the DS-80, Uli has renamed his Yamaha CS-80 clone VS-80 in honour of the late Vangelis. As of December last year, the development team was trying to decide between the original user interface or a “very cool mod matrix.”

Wave

The Behringer clone of the PPG Wave, Wave should hopefully be hitting stores any day now. The wavetable remake was touted as being in its final stages in May 2022.

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave

Customer rating:

(2)

Available for 5,699.00 € at

2-XM

Another Eurorack-format Behringer clone, 2-XM will be a recreation of the Oberheim Two Voice, which famously combined two SEM modules into one powerhouse. This one appears to be really close to release now that worldwide chip shortages are finally getting settled.

Such A Tease: Behringer Clone Unofficial Posts

I’ve tried to stick to instruments that have production announcements for this story. However, there have been plenty of tantalizing Facebook posts that don’t fit that criteria. Here they are in alphabetical order:

• ARP Avatar
• ARP Quadra
• Behremin
• BX-700
• CS Mini
• JT-2 Jupiter Voice
• Polivoks
• Poly Kobol
• PolySource
• Simmons SDS-3

More Information:

• More on Behringer
• More on synthesizers
• Behringer website

The post Meet the Clones – All Of Behringer’s Upcoming Synthesizers appeared first on gearnews.com.