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 UB-Xa Synthesizer Overview + Walkthrough Demo


Synthesist tom noise shared this overview and walkthrough demo of the new Behringer UB-Xa.

The Behringer UB-Xa is unofficial copy of the classic Oberheim OB-Xa, enhanced with 16-voice polyphony and polyphonic aftertouch.


Topics covered:

0:00 – Introduction

1:20 – Overview and structure

3:30 – Presets loading and writing

5:43 – Shift mode und secondary functions

10:10 – Víntage Atrophy Modes

13:00 – Oscillators

17:50 – Unison and poly voice count

20:38 – Portamento and Portamento Bend

22:05 – Filters

23:16 – Envelopes, LFO

27:20 Modulation Matrix

31:50 – Voice Panning

33:29 – Arpeggiator

34:50 – Chord Memory

35:30 – Sequencer

38:00 – Performance Section

40:00 – Split / Double Modes

44:53 – Outro Jam

Watch the video and share your thoughts on the Behringer UB-Xa in the comments!

 

 

 

Why Did Behringer Cut The Price Of Its Oberheim OB-Xa Knockoff $300 After A Week ?


Why is Behringer slashing pricing of its UB-Xa synthesizer – a knockoff of the Oberheim OB-Xa – barely a week after it was officially introduced?

The Behringer UB-Xa made its official debut last week, with a $1,499 price, after nearly six years of teasers and sneak previews. The company is marketing the UB-XA as an “authentic reproduction of the classic OB-Xa, including original factory patches”.

Behringer announced today, though, that it has cut the price of the UB-XA synthesizer by $300, dropping the price to $1,199. The company gave this as the official reason:

“The entire Behringer team has decided to donate their earnings and even more to the charity “Playing for Change” as they share our vision to empower less fortunate people.

We are offering the UB-Xa for a price way below the actual value. If you can, please consider donating the balance or any amount in between to the foundation, and we will double your donation up to an additional $1,000,000.

We believe there’s a musician in every human being. Our mission is to empower those who have not and cannot.”

Based on the company’s message, sales of the UB-Xa will not directly support the non-profit, but Behringer plans to match donations of UB-Xa buyers.

The Playing For Change Foundation is a global nonprofit organization, with the mission of offering creative opportunities for marginalized youth, most specifically in the developing world.