Behringer MS-5 (Roland SH-5 Copy) Now Shipping
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!
