Behringer teases UB-Xa Mini, A $99 Taste of the ‘Authentic Sound Of The OB-Xa’


The last product that Behringer has (so far) announced this NAMM is the UB-Xa Mini.

Today, Behringer shared this sneak preview of their upcoming UB-Xa mini analog synthesizer,  a minisynth that they say offers “the authentic sound” of the Oberheim OB-Xa.

Details are still to be announced, but Behringer says that the UB-Xa mini offers three voices. It’s not clear if that is three paraphonic voices or if three polyphonic OB-Xa style voices.

Like the CZ-1, this is another $99 budget synth.

That said, of course it is probably a cut-down version, although Behringer doesn’t give any info on just how cut down it is, saying, “we now have a more affordable option, the UB-Xa Mini, available for only 99 USD for those who want the authentic sound of the OB-Xa. The synth is currently in beta testing and we are looking forward to shipping it soon.”

Finally, the company gave a more general update on how its various projects have been affected by chip shortages, and it looks like that situation is improving.

“As we near the resolution of the chip crisis, we are intensifying our efforts to deliver all our pending products,” it said, concluding with the rather up beat,”synths for all!”

And get more info (possibly) from Behringer website.

Behringer intros 72 HP Eurorack Spring Reverb Effect


Today, Behringer introduced the Spring Reverberation 636, an unofficial copy of the Grampian 636 spring reverb, in Eurorack format.

The original was used in genres from rock to spaghetti western soundtracks to dub. Here’s what Behringer has to say about it:

“Emulating our heroes is one of the many things we can have fun with as musicians which is why we wanted the SPRING REVERBERATION 636 to be as faithful as possible to the original Grampian Type 636 used by Pete Townshend and legendary reggae dub master Lee “Scratch” Perry.

Now you can have their legendary secret ingredient added to your setup so you can create your very own masterpiece, or to just have fun with.”

Behringer appears to have translated the original design into Eurorack form factor fairly literally, resulting in a large hardware effect that takes up a lot of rack space – 72HP – while only offering three controls. The design also doesn’t add any modular CV control over the effect.

The 72 HP width may also strike some synthesists as awkward, since it’s wider than Behringer’s 70HP Euro synths, like the D, and narrower than the 80 HP width of the Neutron and Pro-1.

Unusually for the company’s products, the Behringer Spring Reverberation 636 is more expensive and takes up more rack space than some readily available options. Other solutions generally mount the spring reverb in the case, so the panel is only as big as needed for the controls. For example, the Doepfer A-199 Spring Reverb Module offers more control in 8 HP, for about $50 less.

Because of these design decisions, the Spring Reverberation 636 may appeal more to people interested in an inexpensive copy of the Grampian 636 than to synthesists interested in a hardware reverb unit.

The Behringer Spring Reverberation 636 is expected to be available within 1-2 months, priced at $199.

What do you think? Watch the video, and then share your thoughts on the Behringer Spring Reverberation 636 in the comments!

Behringer CZ-1 Mini Inspired by Famous Classic Casio CZ Synths

Today, Behringer shared a preview of the CZ-1 Mini, a minisynth that copies the sound engine used in Casio’s famous vintage CZ synth line of ’80s.

The CZ-1 Mini adds an analog filter not found on the original, which used Phase Distortion Synthesis, Casio’s response to Yamaha’s implementation of FM synthesis.

“The momentum keeps building as we introduce CZ1 Mini,” Behringer says, “an extraordinary reproduction of Casio’s CZ synthesizer engine, combined with an analogue filter. With its exceptional phase distortion synthesis, the sound the CZ1 Mini produces is unparalleled.”

Behringer says that the CZ-1 Mini is ready for beta testing, and that it has a target price of $99.