Behringer had introduces their Kobol Expander, an unofficial copy of the original RSF Expander from 1979.
Behringer’s version updates the original by resizing it to be Eurorack compatible, and adds USB and DIN MIDI control.
This follows their recently announcement of the Behringer Kobol, below, a knockoff of the RSF Kobol from 1978, a rare synth described by some as ‘The French Minimoog”.
The RSF Kobol keyboard is a dual-oscillator monophonic analog synthesizer that offers some unique features for synths of its day, including a sequencer and patch memory.
The RSF Kobol Expander is essentially a rack-mount synth voice, based on the Kobol.
Behringer has not announced details for pricing or availability for the two new synths. They have tagged the synths as #hardvaporware, though, a term they’ve used for their recent synth introductions that they’re unable to put into production because of limited parts availability.
Spitfire Audio, in collaboration with electronic music guru Brian Transeau, aka BT, has introduced a new software synthesizer, Polaris, that they describe as “the ultimate Orchestral Synthesizer”.
Polaris is an extended orchestral sound library featuring orchestral recordings resampled using a wide range of classic synthesizers.
In addition, Polaris offers a huge array of classic synth sounds – deep samples from classic CS-80, Lexicon 224, Prophet T8, Oberheim OB-Xa, Matrix 12, Jupiter 8, and Prophet 5.
What they say about it:
“Massive multi-layers of complex yet accessible organic string orchestral recordings, captured at AIR studios, resampled using an array of classic and rare synthesizers, a cosmic collection of new string techniques has been specifically orchestrated to emulate electronic music production techniques. This sophisticated and eclectic sound library, performed by London’s top-tier contemporary players at renowned AIR Lyndhurst Hall, captures the future of blockbuster scoring.
A modern string orchestra imitating classic synth sounds, from the mind of Grammy-nominated composer, electronic music pioneer Brian Transeau, AKA BT. Polaris is a mesmerizing aural innovation which tastefully pairs the worlds of synthesis and orchestra, an encyclopaedia of new and inspiring sounds with almost endless possibilities, perfect for taking your scores into 2022 and beyond.
Massive multi-layers of complex yet accessible organic string orchestral recordings, resampled using an array of classic and rare synthesisers (Fairlight, EMU E-II and more), a cosmic collection of new string techniques has been specifically orchestrated to emulate electronic music production techniques. This sophisticated and eclectic sound library, performed by London’s top tier contemporary players at renowned AIR Lyndhurst Hall, captures the future of blockbuster scoring.”
Features:
A modern string orchestra imitating classic synth sounds
A massive multi-layering of complex synth sounds made accessible
Customize sounds using eDNA engine
New Granular Engine for further sonic discovery
129 articulations, including:
94 articulations including the original string performances
35 layered ‘Synergy’ patches for use in the eDNA engine
421 presets created by BT himself and the Spitfire Team
54 noise sources recorded by BT
Polaris is available now with an intro price of $269, normally $349.
Behringer has dropped a strong hint that the company is working on a clone of Roland CR-78 drum machine – as used by Phil Collins on his 1981 mega-hit In The Air Tonight.
In a Facebook post reveals just the barebones images, with Behringer encouraging its followers to “guess the product”. The clue – “in the air tonight” – seems much gives the game away as far as we are concerned, which is probably the whole point.
Released in 1978, the Roland CR-78 used analogue synthesis to generate its 14 delicate sounds, and was used by a number of drummers – including Phil Collins – alongside their real kits. It came with a number of preset rhythms; programming of your own was possible, but required additional, inconvenient hardware. We are assuming Behringer’s version will not follow this blueprint.
Though the CR-78 has never enjoyed the high-profile and popularity of some of Roland’s other drum machines, but it’s certainly got its fans. As usual with Behringer, we have no idea when this knockoff – if that’s what it is – will be released or how much it will cost, but we are assuming we shall find out more in due course.
