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Behringer has officially introduced Vintage, a free software synthesizer for Mac + Windows.

Initially,  we thought it was available; then we were told that it wasn’t – but Behringer has now finally released Vintage, its free VST synth.

Vintage is a traditional subtractive synth, featuring two oscillators and dual multi-mode filters.

The software synth was created in collaboration with Stefano D’Angelo of Italian DSP company Orastron, who – according to his LinkedIn page – previously worked for Arturia. Behringer is making Vintage available as donation ware, with donations going to support the Playing For Change Foundation.   

To recap, some people managed to download Vintage this earlier this month, but then we were told that its short-lived availability was down to an “accidental leak”. In between, Tone2 Audiosoftware was forced to clarify that it had nothing to do with Vintage’s development (some had noted similarities between Vintage and Tone2’s Saurus synth).

Vintage does now have a proper page on the Behringer website. It’s “based on meticulous modelling of legendary analog vintage synthesizers” and is the first in a new series of software instruments.

Vintage offers two oscillators with hard sync and a choice of waveforms (sine, square, saw, noise and sub-oscillator), two 12/24 dB filters that can be switched between low-, high- and band-pass as well as notch and formant modes (plus filter envelopes), and a noise generator.

There are also two amp modules with an ADSR envelope, and dual LFOs. All of which is said to combine to produce a “legendary tone” that gives you the “soul of vintage synthesizers”.

Features:

• Synthesizer engine based on meticulous modeling of legendary analog vintage synthesizers
• Two high-quality oscillators with hard sync function and selectable waveforms including sine, square, saw, noise and sub-oscillator
• Two versatile filters featuring 12/24 dB switchable low, high and band pass, notch and formant modes, plus selectable drive curves for lush harmonic saturation
• Filter ADSR controls are easily accessible and a flexible routing scheme allows for serial or parallel filtering
• Noise generator with color knob controlling low pass cut-off
• Following the filters, two amplitude modules allows for panning and leveling with controllable ADSR envelope
• Dual LFO to modulate oscillators, filters and amplifiers with separate controls for rate, attack, delay, retrig and waveform

Behringer says that Vintage is valued at $99. Vintage is available now as a free download.

Vintage is available for PC and Mac and runs in VST/AU/AAX formats. Find out more and download it via the Behringer website.

Today, Behringer introduced the CU1A 2 In/2 Out USB/Audio Interface for Eurorack modular systems.

The CU1A is designed to make it easy to record audio from your modular on your computer, or to route audio from your computer into your modular synthesizer.

Features:

• Audio interface connects your modular setup with your computer for recording and playback
• High-resolution 48 kHz converters for high-end audio quality
• Works with your PC or Mac computer—no setup or drivers required
• Stereo headphones output with dedicated Level control lets you monitor both input and output
• Powered via USB Type C – no power absorbed from your modular system
• Eurorack specs: 8 HP, 0 mA +12 V, 0 mA -12 V

The Behringer CU1A is shipping from their factory now and is priced at $79.

The Vintage VST has not been officially launched and weblink ‘accidentally leaked’

A week on, the company has offered an explanation for the availability of the synth in a comment on Computer Music Magazine’s Facebook page.

“The Vintage VST has not been officially launched and the Weblink for our testers has accidentally leaked,” says Behringer. “We’re in the process of finalising the plugin and launching it soon.”

It seems that some people managed to get hold of Vintage by signing up to receive it on the Behringer website, but the registration page was quickly removed.

In another comment on Facebook page, Behringer has also confirmed that Vintage wasn’t created in collaboration with Tone2 Audiosoftware, which issued its own clarification on this last week. After some commenters noted the similarities between Vintage and Tone2’s Saurus synth, the company said: “The look and feel of the recently released Behringer Vintage has caused confusion among our customers. Behringer Vintage is NOT a new version of Tone2 Saurus. Both products have a different synthesis architecture and sound different. We are not involved in the development of Behringer Vintage.”

In response on this statement, Behringer says: “You are absolutely correct and this VST was designed by a famous designer who creates sound engines for many leading VST brands.”

The company hasn’t said which designer they’re referring to, but adds: “We’re very proud of this partnership and will introduce many more VSTs for free or a minimal fee to empower musicians that ‘have not and cannot’. We’re closely working with Playing For Change Foundation and encourage you to donate whatever you can. We will match any donation up to 1 million USD. Thank you so much.”

A release date for Vintage hasn’t been confirmed.