Behringer shared a teaser for their MS-5 synthesizer, what appears to be a knockoff of the Roland SH-5 synthesizer from the 70s. Unveiled in typical Behringer fashion through a, the MS-5 seems to be a faithful recreation of the 1976 Roland SH-5.
The image is of an early mockup or prototype, based on Behringer’s Poly D form factor. The Behringer MS-5 replaces the modulation panel and the top panel of the Poly D with panels based on the SH-5
Thought by many to be one of the finest instruments in Roland SH series, the SH-5 is an analogue monophonic synthesizer with plenty to offer. Two analogue oscillators, two filters, two LFOs, white and pink noise generators and an excellent ring modulator provide ample opportunity for sonic manipulation.
However, it is the SH-5 versatile signal path, which enables users to mix five audio sources individually through the onboard mixer and route external audio through the filters and ring mod that helps it stand out. Behringer emulation is likely to replicate these features, with the addition of a few modern touches.
As the Behringer MS-5 appears to be in the very early stages of development, so details on pricing and availability are to come.
Cherry Audio has launched the Memorymode synth plugin, a super-sized plugin version of the mighty Moog Memorymoog polysynth. The Memorymoog was released back in 1982.
Cherry Audio has updated the original design with a variety of features:
Memorymode’s LFO, arpeggio, and delay effects all feature one-button tempo sync.
Filter and amplitude velocity sensitivity add a new layer of expressiveness.
A unique Drift parameter allows continuously-variable adjustment of tuning accuracy, from perfectly in tune, to aged and loose, or anywhere in between.
The ‘Modern’ button brings Memorymode into the present with fattened bass and sparkling highs.
Comprehensive MPE support is included for expressive controller performances.
Memorymode’s effects add the final polish to patches, including a stereo phaser, a stereo ensemble, a flexible tempo-synced echo and a reverb section.
The user interface has also been streamlined and simplified, trading the original instrument’s numeric-keypad-and-command-numbers with pop-up menus and an improved value display window.
The three-oscillator voice architecture and ladder filter circuit of the original have been faithfully emulated, but the Memorymode also offers one-button tempo sync on the LFO, arpeggio section, and delay.
In addition, there is a Drift parameter – this can be used to control tuning accuracy- an the Modern button brings the sound up to date with fattened bass and extra sparkle at the top end.
Other new features include MPE support, an expanded Voice Modulation section and the inclusion of more than 600 presets.
Memorymode Demo Track
Galassi created this 80’s-inspired track using sounds of the Memorymode synthesizer:
Behringer has confirmed that the company is working on a new synth in collaboration with Vladimir Kuzmin, creator of the famous Polivoks.
Kuzmin previously created a mini version of the Polivoks with Elta Music. The Polivoks/ Polivox is a Soviet-era synth analog subtractive synthesizer. Released in 1982, the Polivoks was a duophonic analogue synth that has gone on to become something of a cult favourite.
While the synth’s 2 VCO/VCF/VCA architecture is similar to other analog synths of the era, the Polivoks is known for the unique sound of its filter and its rugged industrial design, but it seems that he has plans to come up with something different for Behringer.
Vladimir Kuzmin says that he wants to see his legacy live on.
“With great interest have I followed Behringer’s Vision to bring back iconic synthesizers and make them affordable for musicians,” he says. “For all my life, I have been extremely passionate about synthesizers and I decided to contact Uli to see if Behringer would be interested to design a new Polivoks as I would love to see my legacy live on.
Discussing the new collaboration, Behringer boss Uli Behringer says: It’s an immense honor to have Vladimir Kuzmin on our team as he is a legendary synth designer.
“This partnership demonstrates again that we welcome collaborations with boutique inventors and manufacturers, as we believe we can perfectly coexist and complement each other.”
No price or release date has been set for the new Polivoks, but we shall keep you updated.
