Not content with their 2600 clone Behringer is bringing back the ultra-rare ARP 2600 Blue Marvin and Gray Meanie synth models.
Another chance to get your hands on a 2600 clone.
Behringer has announced that it will be releasing two new versions of the immensely popular ARP 2600 clone. The two new editions hark back to early rare versions of the iconic semi-modular synth.
The Blue Marvin and Gray Meanie models were early versions of the 2600 before ARP had settled on the final design that we are more accustomed to. How they differ from Behringer own first version of the 2600 is more than just a change in livery.
The most welcome change is the switch to a single coloured LED on all the faders giving it a much more sedate and serious look. Eagle-eyed Behringer fans may notice that both Marvin and Meanie are sporting single colour LEDs, which are also dimmable. A choice we are sure will prove popular. Under the hood, some tweaks have been made. Most notably the addition of a spring reverb and new higher-grade componentry that promises to improve performance. As well as the dual filter, additional LFO, VCO syncs, and USB MIDI.
Apparently, the stocks of Behringer original 2600 clone are on backorder until March, but these two new models are expected to start shipping in February 2021.
Both the Blue Marvin and Gray Meanie will retail for $599, $100 less than the base-model 2600 (and quite a bit cheaper than Korg recently announced ARP 2600 M).
Pro audio brand Alesis has unveiled the MKII iteration of its Q Series MIDI controllers, new 49- and 88-note models joined by the super-compact Qmini.
Alesis Q Series MKII MIDI keyboards promise no-nonsense performance at a low price.
Alesis Q series MIDI keyboards might be short on bells and whistles, but what they do offer is an amazing price-per-key ratio. Today sees the launch of two updated models – the Q49 MKII and Q88 MKII – and the all-new Qmini.
The idea with each keyboard is to offer no-nonsense performance. The new Qmini features 32 mini keys, the Qmini is very much the baby of the family – you will have octave, transpose, pitchbend, modulation and sustain buttons, whereas, the Q49 MKII and Q88 MKII both have full-size keys and proper pitch/mod wheels.
Additionally, all the models are plug-and-play over USB, with the Q88 MKII’s 5-pin MIDI port also enabling standalone operation (providing you plug in a power supply). This largest model also benefits from semi-weighted keys, whereas. the other two have synth-action keys.
Korg has shared a sneak preview of the Wavestate SE – a new edition of the Wavestate.
The new Korg Wavestate SE adds aftertouch and a premium feel in a new 61-key version.
It seem the Korg product releasing juggernaut rolls on with yet another synth breaking cover. This time Korg has given 2020’s Wavestate the premium treatment with a new SE version, adding what many users would have loved in the original: aftertouch. It is not just a case of simply adding the aftertouch and leaving it there. Much of the patches included in the machine have been tweaked to make the most out of the feature.
Aluminium panel and knobs should make for a very solid synth.
Beside aftertouch, an obvious choice has been taken to up the key-count to 61, further making reinforcing the Wavestate as a full-on performance instrument. In addition, players will also be pleased with the addition of solid aluminium knobs and top panel, giving the Wavestate SE a premium feel.
Korg seems to be really hitting NAMM’s Believe in Music event hard with miniKorg 700FS and Modwave, already being announced.
However, these announcements are merely a sneak preview of what is coming from Korg this year, hence, we do not have any details on release dates and prices as yet. Check out the Korg website for more info.
