Archive for June, 2021

The New Behringer SYSTEM – 15/35/55 Series


Behringer introduces Knockoffs Of Moog Model 15, System 35 & System 55 Modular Synthesizers

 

Today, Behringer officially introduced Euro-format versions of three classic Moog modular systems: the Model 15, System 35 and System 55.

 

The Behringer System-15/35/55 Series Eurorack Synthesizers bring together the company’s previously released Euro-format Moog module knockoffs and pre-assemble them in their Eurorack Go cases.

 

The systems feature essentially the same selection of modules as the originals, but add Behringer’s CM1A MIDI-to-CV/GATE converter, so that the systems can easily be used with standard MIDI controllers.

 

And, since the modules are smaller, use modern components and avoid using the traditional hand-stuffed circuit boards and manual assembly of Moog’s limited-edition reissues, the Behringer systems are available at about a tenth of the price.

 

Here’s what Behringer has to say about the systems:

 

“The SYSTEM 15 is an amazing tool for those who are just starting down the psychedelic, neon-bathed road of modular synthesis.

This whole setup comes equipped with a 921A OSCILLATOR DRIVERS, two 921B VCOs and a 921 VCO all of which provide three fully featured voices that you can adjust and tweak any way you want! The CP3A-M MIXER module allows you to mix up to four inputs which you can then patch out to other modules. Want a nice pad to your song? Have one signal go to a delay module and have another go into a step sequencer or other modules in the SYSTEM 15 for more intricate patches and hours and hours of fun!

The SYSTEM 15 also includes the CP35 ATTENUATOR module with 4 linked attenuators and two sets of 4 multiples and reference voltages. Connecting a single signal to the CP35’s first input will allow it to pass to all 4 outputs. This allows you to have up to 4 variable outputs of a single signal source. Also included are two banks of 4-point multiple circuits for you to be able to route multiple copies of input signals to other modules.

The SYSTEM 35 is an amazing tool for those who are just starting down the psychedelic, neon-bathed road of modular synthesis.

This whole setup comes equipped with two 921A OSCILLATOR DRIVERS, four 921B VCOs and a 921 VCO all of which provide five fully featured voices that you can adjust and tweak any way you want! The two CP3A-M MIXER modules allow you to mix up to four inputs each which you can then patch out to other modules. Want a nice pad to your song? Have one signal go to a delay module and have another go into a step sequencer or other modules in the SYSTEM 35 for more intricate patches and hours and hours of fun!

The SYSTEM 35 also includes the CP35 ATTENUATOR module with 4 linked attenuators and two sets of 4 multiples and reference voltages. Connecting a single signal to the CP35’s first input will allow it to pass to all 4 outputs. This allows you to have up to 4 variable outputs of a single signal source. Also included are two banks of 4-point multiple circuits for you to be able to route multiple copies of input signals to other modules.

The SYSTEM 55 is an amazing tool for those who want the ultimate modular synthesizer capable of fully scoring that next cyberpunk or sci-fi movie from start to finish.

This entire setup comes equipped with a 914 FIXED FILTER BANK which features 12 active bandpass filters ranging from 125 Hz to 5.6 kHz with additional Low Pass and High Pass filters and one 923 FILTER MODULE with separate Low and High Pass filters each with their own dedicated frequency cutoff controls and jacks for both pink and white noise. But that’s only the start, with the SYSTEM 55 comes with so many more modules, you’re sure to have hours and hours of fun creating beats that you can just lose yourself in.”

Behringer says that the systems are in stock and immediately shipping, with the following pricing:

SYSTEM-15 – $1,599.00

SYSTEM-35 – $2,299.00

SYSTEM-55 – $3,599.00

 

 

Erica Synths LXR-02 Drum Synthesizer Now Available To Pre-Order


Sonic Potions and Erica Synths have introduced the LXR-02 Digital Drum Synth, an updated version of Sonic Potions’ renowned DIY kit.

 

The LXR-02 is described as “a complex standalone drum synthesizer with a powerful integrated sequencer”. It features six voices: three multipurpose drum voices, a dedicated subtractive clap/snare voice, FM percussion voice, and a hi-hat voice.

 

Each voice is equipped with a variety of modulatable and tweakable parameters, including oscillator, amplitude envelope, frequency modulation, transient generator, filter, and variable waveform assignable LFO. This means it can create classic analog drum sounds, but has the flexibility to go much further.

 

Features:

 

  • Powerful drum synthesizer with integrated 64 step sequencer
  • 6 synth voices: three multipurpose drum voices, a dedicated subtractive clap/snare voice, FM percussion voice, and a hi-hat voice
  • 7 sequencer tracks: 1 per voice plus an additional track for open hi-hat
  • Per step parameter automation
  • Performance mode features manual rolls per voice, global sample rate reduction, and a special Morph feature for morphing between presets
  • Comprehensive project structure
  • 4 x 1/4″ outputs
  • Dedicated headphone output
  • MIDI I/O
  • USB
  • Analog Clock I/O

 

Sequencer:

 

The sequencer is split into seven tracks—one for each voice, and an additional one to control the open hi-hat of the sixth voice.

 

Each track can be set to a different length, with a maximum length of 64 steps. This opens up the possibility for creating complex polymetric patterns.

 

The sequencer also allows for automation recording, with two parameter changes per step. The sequences programmed in all seven tracks can be stored as a Pattern, and up to 64 patterns can be saved as a Song, and furthermore 64 Songs can be hosted by a single Project.

 

Performance Mode:

 

The LXR-02 also features a dedicated ‘Performance Mode’. In this mode, parameters like track muting are easily accessible, without a ‘shift’ function involved. It also provides access to Manual Rolls, which can be simply triggered via the first seven sequencer buttons with adjustable rate, and even recorded into the pattern if the recording mode is active.

 

Global sample rate reduction provides another way to momentarily “inflict radical sonic destruction to a beat”.

 

Lastly, a ‘Morph’ function allows for morphing between the active and target presets (the latter can be any preset file on the SD card).

 

The Sonic Potions and Erica Synths LXR-02 Digital Drum Synth is available to pre-order via Perfect Circuit  for $589

 

 

The Behringer RD-8 MKII is an even more authentic 808-style analogue drum machine

Behringer says that it’s RD-8 MKII is an even more authentic 808-style analogue drum machine.

 

 

Behringer today introduced the Rhythm Designer RD-8 MKII, an updated version of their Roland TR-808 knockoff that they call “the most authentic analog recreation ever produced.”

 

 

The company says that the RD-8 MKII uses Behringer’s clone of the Roland BA662 VCA chip, introduced last year, to more accurately recreate the sound of the original 808.

 

 

Given that the original RD-8 was designed to be a totally authentic TR-808 reboot, you might wonder why there is any need for a follow-up, but Behringer says that the MKII has been redesigned from the ground up with new components and circuitry. The result, we’re assured, is “dramatically improved” sound and noise/phase response.

 

 

In addition, Behringer says that, together with Coolaudio, its semiconductor-producing sister company, it’s managed to recreate the 40-year-old BA662 chip, which played a key role in creating the voices in the original 808.

 

 

This additional authenticity will be noticeable enough for owners of the first RD-8 to consider upgrading, but if you don’t own the previous model and have been considering it, the good news is that that the MKII edition is available now priced at $329. Find out more on the Behringer website.