WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD

Behringer UB-Xa Desktop Synthesizer Price Confirmed and Now Shipping

16 Jul, 2024 1 Comment

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.

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

30 Jan, 2024 No Comment

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.