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Behringer has released updated firmware for the UB-Xa synthesizer, saying “This update isn’t just about fixing issues—it’s about giving you the tools to create without limits.”

New in Behringer UB-Xa v2.0:

• Bug Fixes & Improvements:
  • No more ‘thumping’ sound when triggering envelopes.
  • The mod wheel now behaves “perfectly”, giving you full control over your LFO modulation.
  • Enhanced MIDI, arpeggiator, and sequencer functionality.
  • Dual Mode & Aftertouch improvements.
  • SYSEX and oscillator settings are smoother.
• New Features:
  • Save and recall patches with precision, now including atrophy profiles, filter, VCO, VCF, and LFO settings.
  • Fine-tune your sound with precision editing for filter resonance.
  • Take advantage of new envelope modulation modes like Flip, Retrigger, Repeat, Loop, and Legato.
  • Enjoy expanded options in the Mod Matrix, including new destinations and sources.
  • Improved performance features like global transpose and enhanced live performance options.

Find out details on the Behringer website.

A Classic Analog 16-Voice Multi-Timbral Polyphonic Desktop Synthesizer with 8 Vintage Modes and Dual VCFs

Ever since the Behringer UB-Xa synthesizer was announced, people have been begging for a desktop version.

Today, Behringer announced that the UB-Xa D – a 16-voice polyphonic analog synth module, based on the synth voice of the classic Oberheim OB-Xa – is now shipping from their factory.

The UB-Xa D has the same features as the keyboard version, but in a desktop module. It’s designed to be compact and the width is just 46cm, and can be used either as a desktop synth module or mounted in a standard rack.

Features:

• Analog polyphonic synthesizer based on OB-Xa, including original factory patches
• ‘Vintage’ mode allows selection of 8 synthesizer signatures including OB-Xa, OB-8 and more
• 16 voices with 2 VCOs per voice and oscillator sync mode
• Multi-timbral capability allows splitting or layering 2 different sounds
• VCOs and VCFs based on reproductions of original 3340 and 3320 semiconductor designs
• Both VCOs generate sawtooth, triangle or square waveforms with variable pulse width
• Selectable dual-slope 12/24 dB analog low-pass filter per voice with adjustable resonance
• Desktop version for stage performance or rack mount operation with rack mount brackets included
• 8-channel modulation matrix
• Dual-layer arpeggiator and sequencer with real-time sequence transpose
• Velocity and after-touch can be optionally used for more expressive performance
• 2 dedicated LFOs with 7 waveform shapes for modulation of pulse width, oscillator pitch and filter cutoff frequency
• 2 ADSR generators per voice for control of VCF and VCA
• Stereo VCA per voice to allow control over voice/layer panning
• 26 rotary controls give direct and real-time access to important parameters
• LCD Display with encoder for rapid parameter editing
• Assignable preset recall switches for program selection
• Spring-loaded pitch and assignable modulation paddles
• 512 user program memories with “compare and match” feature to quickly match all analog controls to stored program values
• Fully servo-balanced outputs
• CV/pedal inputs for connection to expression pedals and footswitches
• MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) to enable multidimensional controllers and multiple parameters per note
• Comprehensive MIDI implementation (including NRPN/ CC control of all parameters and bulk load/save)

The Behringer UB-Xa D is now shipping from the factory, with a price of $799. Based on Behringer’s previous shipping announcements, it can be several months before their shipping products are available via retailers.

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.