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Synthesist O.Z. Hall shared this in-depth look at the Behringer Perfect Pitch PP1, a new Eurorack module that converts microphone, guitar, or line-level sources to MIDI, CV, and USB signals.

The module also features a line out so you can run external signals through your modular system.

The PP1 is designed to let you play your synth by singing, playing guitar, etc, and the video has numerous examples of how this works.

Topics covered:

0:00 – Introduction

0:17 – Mic input – Vocals

0:36 – PP1 Front Panel Controls

3:13 – Hi-Z input – Bass

3:27 – Hi-Z input – Guitar

3:59 – Line input – Mono Synth

4:11 – Mic input – Trumpet

4:36 – Line input – Sampled Trumpet

4:54 – Gate Threshold adjustment

5:10 – Conclusion

Today, Behringer announced that its MS-5 synthesizer – an unofficial copy of the Roland SH-5 – is now shipping.

The Behringer MS-5 is an analog synthesizer, that they say features “a faithful reproduction of the original ‘SH-5’ circuit”. The synth voice features 2 VCOs, Multi-Mode VCF, VCA, 2 LFOs, 2 Envelopes and a Ring Modulator.

The MS-5 follows the same format as its earlier Behringer Poly D, so it’s smaller than the original SH-5 and has a keyboard with fewer notes as a result. But for many, the design changes from the original will make the Behringer copy a lot more convenient, especially the fact that the control panel folds flat, making it much more compact to move and store.

The Behringer MS-5 also makes its PCB trim pots directly accessible from the back panel, a huge improvement over some of its previously analog designs, which force you to disassemble the instrument to access tuning trim pots.

Features:

• 37 semi-weighted full-size keys featuring velocity functionality
• Copies original “SH-5” circuitry with matched transistors and JFETs
• Analog signal path
• 2 VCOs with 4 switchable waveshapes and variable pulse widths
• Multi-mode 24 dB diode filters with resonance
• Additional band-pass filter with resonance
• Ring modulator with LFO control and external input
• Signal mixer with multiple destinations
• Soft and hard synchronization for VCO 2
• 2 analog LFOs with saw, triangle, square and sine waveforms
• Sample & hold circuitry with adjustable delay time
• Noise generator with white and pink noise for expanded waveform generation
• 71 controls give you direct and real-time access to important parameters
• Front panel can be laid flat or tilted in multiple angles for easy access of controls
• External audio input for processing external sound sources
• Stereo outputs featuring servo-balanced stages for highest signal integrity
• 2 pedal inputs for controlling filter cutoff and oscillator pitch
• CV/Gate in and out for connecting to external equipment
• MIDI support, with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection

The Behringer MS-5 is priced at $599, and they say it is shipping now from the factory. Note that it can take a month or more from when the company ships instruments from its factory for them to become available at its retailers.

Watch the official Behringer MS-5 intro video above, and then share your thoughts on the synth in the comments!

Today, Moog Music  shared this profile of Grammy-winning producer & songwriting duo The Avila Brothers, and their work on the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show.

The Avila Brothers have worked with Usher, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani, Missy Elliot, Mariah Carey, Patti Labelle, Earth Wind & Fire and others.

The video focuses on how they produced the show, using a lineup of Moog instruments, including the Minimoog Model D, Moog One, Subsequent 37, Matriarch, Vocoder, Subharmonicon & a yet to be announced synth, rumored to be called the Moog Mirror.

The Avila Brothers have worked on live shows and records with Usher for years. Alongside production team members Lil Jon and Kronic, the brothers helped craft some of Usher’s greatest hits into a performance for the biggest audience of their careers.

The Moog Mirror has not been officially announced, but it is rumored to be an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer. It’s expected to be the first new hardware synth the company will introduce since their purchase by InMusic, though they’ve recently released the Marina bass synth virtual instrument and Animoog Galaxy for the Apple Vision Pro.