My Memo adds some pill-zazz to automatic medicine dispensersEvery few years, a new startup takes a stab at automatic pill dispensers to help with drug adherence and to prevent people from accidentally dosing more than they should. Makes sense: For many of us, as we get older, more and more medicines join the lineup that keeps us ticking along. Unfortunately, memories get fuzzy, […]
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152 million tracks had 1,000 plays or fewer on music streaming services last year. 45 million had no plays at all.The number of tracks with no plays on audio streaming platforms jumped by 7.7 million over the past year, according to a new Luminate report
Source

Music industry applauds introduction of ‘No AI FRAUD Act’ in US CongressThe proposed law would establish 'an intellectual property right that every individual holds over their own likeness and voice'
Source

NAMM 2024 lineup from 37 MIDI Association companies who will have booths at the Winter NAMM show.
https://www.midi.org/midi-articles/midi-association-namm-2024-booth-schedule
Interesting topics are there.

University Challenge contestants confuse D&B with Jungle – producers have a field day sampling itProducers have taken to social media to share remixes of a University Challenge answer after the contestants confused drum and bass with Jungle, and the results do not disappoint.

READ MORE: Best audio gear at CES 2024: Headphones, turntables, speakers and…a picture frame?

If you’ve never watched University Challenge, it’s a tournament where some of the UK’s brightest students are tested on their knowledge, which sometimes involves pop-culture. In other words, it’s a great place for some quality meme content.
This week’s programme didn’t disappoint, as a clip of contestants from the University of Aberdeen confusing the two genres has gone viral.
The question was: “What name is given to the genre of dance music that developed in the UK in the early 1990s out of the rave scene and reggae sound system culture associated with acts such as A Guy Called Gerald and Goldie?”
TV host Amol Rajan quickly responded that he “can’t accept drum and bass. We need Jungle, I’m afraid”, leading to a wild response from the internet.
“Please, please will someone sample [Amol Rajan]?”, wrote one X user.

Please, please will someone sample @amolrajan saying: "I can't accept Drum & Bass. We need Jungle, I'm afraid." pic.twitter.com/NGdRaOIPgl
— Nathan Filer (@nathanfiler) January 8, 2024

The post, which now has a staggering 6.7 million views, was replied to with some interesting remixes.
Here are some of the best ones:

i had things to do this evening. remix feat @amolrajan pic.twitter.com/XLuIh9bfh3
— Amy Goodchild (@amygoodchild) January 8, 2024

Dillinja – Grimey (University Challenge Aberdeen Remix ft. @amolrajan) pic.twitter.com/WXXVZk9ZBl
— Bren (@megabren) January 8, 2024

One producer even manages to use the University Challenge theme tune into his remix:

We need Jungle (I'm afraid) ft @amolrajan pic.twitter.com/tMTjfl3Zxh
— Tom Bradbury (@pipsmithe) January 8, 2024

The post University Challenge contestants confuse D&B with Jungle – producers have a field day sampling it appeared first on MusicTech.

Bandsintown made 3.7B concert recommendations in 2023: Did you get your share?In 2023, Bandsintown made 3.7 billion concert recommendations for 1.5 million shows listed on Bandsintown.com to its 84 million registered live music fans. Those mindboggling stats should leave every touring. Continue reading
The post Bandsintown made 3.7B concert recommendations in 2023: Did you get your share? appeared first on Hypebot.

Blackbird Studio Nabs New Fairchild 670John McBride, owner of famed Blackbird Studio in Nashville, has acquired one of the first new recreations of the legendary Fairchild 670 compressor/limiter. McBride's sizeable collection of vintage microphones and prized outboard gear includes a pristine vintage 670.

Visit Fairchild at NAMM 2024 Booth #14104

Toni Fishman, founder and CEO of microphone designer/manufacturer TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, in 2023 launched the new company, Fairchild Recording Equipment LLC. After five years of extensive R&D and precision testing, the authentic recreation of the legendary Fairchild 670 vacuum tube compressor is now available in very limited numbers.

After evaluation of the new unit in side-by-side testing with his vintage 670, Blackbird founder John McBride purchased it and remarked, "This new 670 is the most accurate re-creation of the original that I've come across, and it's significant that this milestone re-creation also provides modern bulletproof reliability."

Unlike other attempted Fairchild 670 re-creations, Fishman's new 670 utilizes the same tubes, custom-wound transformers and is built to the original specs. The architecture, point-to-point soldering and turret-style construction make this the only authentic recreation of the original 670 designed and built by Rein Narma at the request of recording innovator Les Paul in 1959.

The original Fairchild 670 has a reputation as the best sounding and most versatile compressor ever made. Used on countless hit recordings over the years, its unique combination of tube driven amplification and gain reduction gives the 670 a wide range of compression effects, from subtle and transparent to heavy and pumping. 

Fishman's new vacuum tube Fairchild 670 compressor is faithfully recreated to provide modern producers and audio engineers with the classic sound of the first intelligent automatic volume control limiter. With its dual-channel design and unique compression characteristics, the Fairchild 670 is capable of adding warmth, depth, and character to virtually any audio signal. The vacuum tube technology used in the 670 adds a natural, organic quality to the compressed signal, providing that distinctive classic analog sound to both digital and analog productions.

Key Features: Dual mono operation, six selectable time constants, threshold, compression, makeup gain controls, VU metering, hand-wired point-to-point construction, custom-designed transformers, tube-driven amplification.

Applications: vocals, drums, bass, guitars, strings, piano, brass, orchestral instruments, mix buss/mastering.

Sweetwater Sound, Inc. and Vintage King Audio have been named initial domestic dealers. European dealers include Klemm in Austria, Germany and Switzerland; Funky Junk in France, Italy and Spain; Cyber Farm in Denmark and Sweden; SX Pro in the UK. Asian dealers include MID in Japan; Gearlounge in South Korea, and Budee in China.

“There’s 800 ways to skin the DJ cat”: Deadmau5 on the why DJing is more than just a live performanceDeadmau5 has unpacked why DJing is more than just a live performance, instead doubling-down on the notion that those who rely on pre-recorded material are still DJs.

READ MORE: Kenny Beats: “We gave this young man $20,000 in studio equipment – then he started going live with strippers for 6 hours a day on insta”

As explained in an interview on The Shawn Ryan Show, Ryan asks the electronic music producer – whose real name is Joel Thomas Zimmerman – his thoughts on DJs over-exaggerating their live performances using pre-recorded material.
“At its fundamental, a DJ plays music,” he states. “He’s a human iPod. With all due respect, you get to Mix Master Mike and Cubert and other DJs who are like technical scratch DJs, who play on whatever.”
“[But then I think] no, this is an art. Take Kid Koala right? He’s made an entire album out of turntablism. And you’re like, okay, yes, also a DJ, but that’s different.”
The producer then goes on to explain that some DJs don’t even use any “traditional” equipment.
“There’s a guy right now, he’s absolutely destroying everything, this guy called Fred again.., and he does a lot of pad whacking and stuff like that. Is he making an album up there? He could to a degree, but he’s doing a lot of sampling, and cutting and that’s another thing.
“But you could also say, “Oh, he’s DJing”, playing back some elements of pre-recorded material. So there’s your answer.”
“There’s 800 ways to skin the DJ cat,” Zimmerman concludes. “I’m so glad that era [of only playing original music] is gone, because when electronic music became more and more popular and producers were producing music they were like, ‘Well, how are we going to do this on the stage?’ Me in the studio is like listening to the same fucking loop for like fucking 30 hours straight back-to-back trying to fine tune shit you know what I mean? That is not something you could sit through and have a great time to.”
You can listen to the whole interview – which clocks in at just under four hours – below:

The post “There’s 800 ways to skin the DJ cat”: Deadmau5 on the why DJing is more than just a live performance appeared first on MusicTech.

“There’s still work to be done” on CHOMPI sampler, say Hainbach and Ricky TinezWhen the $600 CHOMPI sampler, the debut product by fresh-faced brand CHOMPI Club, was published on Kickstarter in March last year, it quickly became one of the platform’s most-anticipated products of 2023. However, early CHOMPI owners, including musicians/product reviewers Ricky Tinez and Hainbach, have already found some issues.

READ MORE: Focal’s Trio6 monitors are $3,499 each but worth every penny

Both Tinez and Hainbach have posted their reviews of the CHOMPI sampler, which is set to start shipping once all pre-order slots have been filled, to YouTube in the past two weeks. In these reviews, it’s clear that the varispeed recording function, which lets you slow a sample up or down and record over that new version, is a hit. However, this is quashed by bugs, recording difficulties, usability issues, and a lack of features, they say.
In case you’re not clued up, the CHOMPI sampler is a characterful chromatic sampler and tape music instrument that echoes Casio’s 1985-launched SK-1 sampler synth. Featuring a distinct sampling engine, versatile multi-effects, tape-style looping, and customisable aesthetics, it offers “immediate fun”, says CHOMPI Club.
According to a YouTube review by Tinez, however, some issues dull this sense of fun. There’s frustratingly no way to change the volume sample control, and he doesn’t like the fact that there’s no sequencer. Also, sampling through the on-board microphone can be difficult due to a noisy Shift button, he points out.

Another issue with recording your own samples, Tinez highlights, lies in the fact you have to hold down the record button while recording, forcing you to play one-handed. It’s also hard to distinguish which level parameters for the filter, for example, are due to a lack of labelling, he says.
It’s not as if CHOMPI Club is blissfully unaware of these issues, we must add. As seen in Tinez’s review, the brand reached out to him to write, “We’ve been compiling a solid list of issues and feature requests over on Discord as well. But it felt like it might be worth mentioning directly as we’re currently working on the next firmware update. In addition to some bug fixes, the update will also include independent volume and pan control per sample. As well as some deeper MIDI implementation config options.”
Hainbach’s review is, on the whole, more positive. However, with his usual happy smile, he does come across obstacles, having to refer back to the manual again and again to overcome these problems. He also points out, as does Tinez, that the lack of labelling on the unit makes learning how to use the CHOMPI sampler a steep learning curve.

It’s not all doom and gloom for those who have pre-ordered the CHOMPI sampler, however. Hainbach is a fan of the simplistic aspect of the sampler.
“Once you’ve set up a bunch of loops, it can be fun,” he concludes in the video. “You have to use your ear and your imagination and there’s no screen – there’s no way you can actually edit anything – so it’s a bit like a very simple MPC in that regard. The simplicity […] forces you to just roll with things instead of overthinking too much, which is something I always enjoy.”
“I love the effects section, the looper – that is absolutely fantastic. It is very tape style and the jog wheel is the perfect interface for that. For a first product, this is impressive.”
Check out the CHOMPI sampler for yourself at Chompi Club.
The post “There’s still work to be done” on CHOMPI sampler, say Hainbach and Ricky Tinez appeared first on MusicTech.

Bandzoogle adds an EPK plan for MusiciansMusician website platform Bandzoogle has added an EPK plan that enables the creation of an electronic press kit in minutes. EPKs are used by many musicians to book shows, solicit. Continue reading
The post Bandzoogle adds an EPK plan for Musicians appeared first on Hypebot.

Unearthed 1982 Brian Eno interview: “I generally don’t like electronic sounds”A recently unearthed 1982 interview with ambient pioneer Brian Eno has revealed that he “doesn’t generally like electronic sounds that much”.

READ MORE: “Innocent” Four Tet “shocked” by career success, says Logic1000

The interview, recovered by BBC Archive and conducted by Mike Andrews for a BBC show called Riverside: The Synthesizer, People and Performance, originally broadcast on 1 November 1982, sees Eno discuss the relationship between acoustic instruments and electronic gear.
“I generally don’t like electronic sounds that much, which you might find surprising,” he says. “I find natural sound, or sound produced from non-electronic sources, to be so rich and so interesting. And yet, the interesting thing about electronic sound is that it’s very easy to manipulate.
“The synthesizer seems, to me, to present you with a position where you could turn natural sound into electronic sound and use some of the freedoms that the synthesizer then allowed you.

“Instead of just using the synthesizer, I use the whole studio as an appendage to the instrument in that way.
“The illusion with the big synthesizers is that somewhere among all those wires is the thing that’s gonna save the day for you – and it’s never true.”
42 years on from this BBC interview, Eno is still making music: he released a collaborative album with Fred again.. in May 2023 alongside works with his brother Roger Eno, and has created the soundtrack for the BAFTA-nominated series Top Boy. He’s also touring, having recently performed several shows with the Baltic Sea Philharmonic orchestra.
LUX by Brian Eno
Alongside this, Brian Eno is also still providing brilliant quotes in interviews. In a chat posted to YouTube with collaborator James Blake in 2023, for example, he refers to the “arsehole chord”, which Blake ashamedly played in one of their sessions.
In 2022, Eno said he “still gets butterflies” when he walks into the studio, and he recently wrote in the Financial Times about how he likes to push the boundaries of what music gear can do.
“Most equipment is invented to do an existing job faster, or cheaper, more cleanly, or more easily,” he writes in the op-ed. “What I like to do is to discover what you can do with it that isn’t historical – something that it wasn’t designed for, something new (I’m sure the inventors of early microphones didn’t anticipate that their tools would lead to totally new ways of singing, just as the inventors of multitrack recording probably didn’t imagine Bohemian Rhapsody).”
Read more Brian Eno news via MusicTech.
The post Unearthed 1982 Brian Eno interview: “I generally don’t like electronic sounds” appeared first on MusicTech.

What’s new on InstagramFrom broadcast channels to new editing tools, templates, Reel upgrades, and post options to more tools that make collaboration easier, here’s everything new in the Instagram toolkit. by SHAE WOODWARD. Continue reading
The post What’s new on Instagram appeared first on Hypebot.

Kenny Beats: “We gave this young man $20,000 in studio equipment – then he started going live with strippers for 6 hours a day on insta”Kenny Beats has recounted the strange outcome of him gifting a young musician $20,000 worth of studio equipment in 2020.

READ MORE: Kenny Beats’ Glastonbury 2023 set proved that he’s a supreme tastemaker 

The producer got in touch with the boy named Ray, after a photo of him recording a verse of a song in a makeshift studio set-up in his bedroom during the pandemic went viral on social media.
“He supposed to be cleaning the room not in the damn studio,” the caption of the viral post reads.
Within days of the photo going viral, Beats gifted Ray an entire home studio to help him level up his production skills. Nearly four years later, Beats offered an update on the strange turn of events that followed after a follower on X/Twitter asked what became of the boy.
“We gave this young man $20,000 in studio equipment,” he tweeted on Sunday (7th January). “He got 40,000 followers in minutes. Then he started going live with strippers for 6 hours a day on insta. Seems like it all worked out.”

We gave this young man $20,000 in studio equipment
He got 40,000 followers in minutes
Then he started going live with strippers for 6 hours a day on insta
Seems like it all worked out https://t.co/Mzu0jPDgT9
— kennybeats (@kennybeats) January 7, 2024

pic.twitter.com/7ybfS21gTX
— ₱.$ (@p_londres) June 10, 2020

Ray is hardly the only person who’s benefitted from Beats’ generosity. In a subsequent post responding to a commenter who suggested it “would have been smarter to help multiple people with lower costing equipment”, the producer said he had given away “over $300,000 in products and gear and cash to different producers on twitch over 3 years”.

Would have been smarter to help multiple people with lower costing equipment. But that doesn’t make for an exciting enough title does it?
— Pedakin (TWITCH PARTNER) (@Pedakin) January 8, 2024

 

he supposed to be cleaning the room not in the damn studio pic.twitter.com/098XJoxzQF
— Z (@zactaviss) June 5, 2020

Meanwhile, Beats also recently revealed how he learned swing in his drums, saying “I grew up with visual music.”
In a recent podcast with Rick Rubin, the musician says that he never learned swing in his drums from jamming away on an MPC, but rather visually from a grid.
“For me, bounce, swing, groove, any feel – when you grew up making beats on a laptop versus recording music to tape… I see, swing and bounce visually. Yeah, I grew up with a grid, I grew up with visual music.”
The post Kenny Beats: “We gave this young man $20,000 in studio equipment – then he started going live with strippers for 6 hours a day on insta” appeared first on MusicTech.

Behringer 2024: Every synth, drum machine and controller Behringer is working onIf you know Behringer, you’ll likely know the company loves a teaser campaign. Since 2017, the German instrument manufacturer has been trickling out snippets of new synthesizers and drum machines inspired by studio gear legends.

READ MORE: Best synths to buy in 2022: 17 of the best synthesizers under $600

The clones have been somewhat of a touchy subject in the gear industry, compelling the brand to issue a statement on the “principles of competition” and to “clear up some misconceptions.”
In its own words, Behringer “chases analogue ghosts” in a bid to make music-making a more accessible hobby and give more producers than ever the chance to own a hardware synthesizer.
It’s a promising mission statement. The problem is how long it can often take for Behringer’s ideas to come to fruition. The RD-9, for example, is the brand’s reprise of Roland’s TR-909, and was first announced back in 2018 but wasn’t available to purchase until June 2021.
Product delays have been exacerbated by the global chip shortages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, the war in Ukraine. Consequently, many music technology companies – Behringer included – are now in a weaker position to mass-manufacture instruments. Behringer is optimistic, though, stating that “new chip plants” in the United States could facilitate manufacturing from 2023 onwards.
To date, Behringer has unveiled details of over 27 synths on its Facebook page – the company is apparently working on over 50 – ranging from miniature Roland Jupiter-8-inspired synths to complete recreations of the legendary Yamaha CS-80. Plus, the company recently announced it’s also working on virtual emulations of hardware synths for its imminent free DAW.
Here, we round up Behringer’s upcoming instruments and the latest updates on its progress.
Every instrument Behringer is working on in 2024:

Spice
BMX (Oberheim DMX clone)
Space FX
Neptune-80
B-Tron III
RS-9
JT-2 Jupiter
Moogerfooger clones
MS-1 MKII
QT32
Pro-16
AKS Mini
Groove Key
Enigma
LmDrum
VCS 3
MS-5
Model 15
DS-80
Wave
PolyEight
Model D Soul
Saturn Soul
JT-4000 Spirit
Pro-VS Soul
UB-1 Spirit
Soul/Spirit power and mixer hubs
CS Mini
Hirotribe
2-XM
RS-9
RSF Kobol
Syncussion SY-1
Polivoks
ARP Quadra replica
1601 Sequencer
Behremin
Proton semi-modular synth
BoogerFooger
BCR32 MIDI Controller
Behringer DAW
Behringer virtual emulations

Spice
Image: Behringer, Facebook
The Spice synthesizer is a compact, bright red semi-modular instrument inspired by Moog‘s Subharmonicon. It features full MIDI/USB implementation and is currently undergoing beta testing, with a target price of $249. It shares similarities with the Subharmonicon, including a dual oscillator design with four subharmonic oscillators, two four-step sequencers with a polyrhythm section, and a patch matrix.
Behringer fans are already inquiring about compatibility with the Edge and Crave synths, which are also based on Moog’s Sound Studio series. With over 50 products in development, Behringer’s release dates remain uncertain, but the Spice is expected to offer a more affordable alternative to the Moog Sound Studio trio.
Read more via musictech.com
BMX
Image: Behringer
BMX is a clone of Oberheim’s DMX drum machine. Behringer kept the DMX’s buttons and faders, but added editing controls and a possibly larger LED/OLED screen. The back has USB, MIDI, trigger and sync connections, along with individual outs, summed main out, and a sampling input.
In March, Behringer said: “Today, we fired up the first version of our BMX prototype, a homage to the legendary Oberheim DMX,” Behringer stated on Facebook. “Aside from the original sound samples, the BMX has also a built-in sampler, analogue filters and much more. This is one cool sampling drum machine.”
Space FX
Image: Behringer
Another addition to Behringer’s range of Eurorack modules is SPACE FX, a 24-bit digital stereo effects unit featuring 32 Klark Teknik-powered effect algorithms, each with up to three adjustable parameters. The SPACE FX also enables effect combinations and manual synchronization of time-based effects like delay.
The module has a vintage-inspired faceplate reminiscent of classic Roland hardware, while the digital display bears a striking resemblance to the one found on Behringer’s Arp Odyssey-inspired synthesizer, the Behringer Odyssey.
Neptune-80

Behringer has finally revealed its highly anticipated Neptune-80 synthesizer, which has been modeled after the iconic Roland Juno-6/60.
The Neptune-80 will include all of the classic features found in the original Roland Juno-6/60, such as a single DCO, a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, a VCA, an envelope, an LFO, and the iconic BBD-based chorus. However, this new synthesizer has a significant upgrade with 8-voice polyphony, a new analog matrix, USB/MIDI connectivity, and patch storage capabilities.
B-Tron III
Behringer B Tron III
This one’s a replica of the Mu-Tron III guitar pedal, the B-Tron III.
The device features a state-variable multimode filter that offers selectable lowpass, bandpass, or highpass modes. It also comes with a peak knob that allows you to adjust the volume of the cutoff frequency and a gain dial that enables you to adjust the filter’s sensitivity to your instrument’s signal. The two effects switches include Range (low/high) and Drive (down/up).
RS-9
Image: Behringer on Facebook
In March, Behringer confirmed that its RS-9 Eurorack drum sequencer was near production after a successful testing phase. The RS-9 is not a direct replica of any classic gear item, but it draws inspiration from the Behringer RD-9 and Roland TR-909 drum machines. The device has been adapted to a Eurorack format, providing a unique offering for music enthusiasts.
The device features ten trigger outputs, each accompanied by Accent outputs, as well as Sync In/Out, MIDI In/Out via a 5-pin DIN connector and USB. Additionally, the device includes a single CV input, which sits alongside a Reset input.
JT-2 Jupiter
Image: Behringer
In February, the brand teased its latest prototype on Facebook, revealing that they’re working on a full-key version of the Jupiter while simultaneously introducing a more compact and budget-friendly Eurorack package. The prototype boasts an authentic Jupiter voice, with VCOs and VCFs identical to those found in the original version, as well as an autotune and arpeggiator function.
The JT-2 comes with limited connectivity options, including a single MIDI In/Out and USB, as well as a mono audio out. The front panel of the device features 3.5mm CV/Gate, Sync, and audio outputs. The classic Roland colorway of red, orange, and yellow buttons is used to operate the arpeggiator, and the device does not come with any presets.
Moogerfooger clones
Credit: Behringer
Behringer announced its plans to clone Moog’s sought-after Moogerfooger series in March 2023, specifically targeting the popular MF-104 analogue delay pedal. However, since then, the brand has been relatively quiet about the planned pedal series.
In the first prototype unveiled by Behringer, it was observed that they added a 1/4-inch CV input, five-pin MIDI input, and CV control to the pedal’s design. The Moogerfooger S-Series includes virtual versions of the MF-101S lowpass filter, the MF-102S ring modulator, the MF-103S 12-stage phaser, and the MF-104S analogue delay, among others.
MS-1 MKII

The MS-1 MKII is expected to provide further developed tones, unlocking the sounds of popular bands such as Devo, The Chemical Brothers, and The Prodigy. According to Behringer’s social media post, “Many of you asked for the MS-1. Here it is, but as [an] improved MKII… This revised version is based on the original 662 chips for a vastly improved VCF and VCA performance. And then we also added the dual glide function.”
The upgraded synth promises to deliver superior sound quality and enhanced playability, making it an exciting new addition to the market. Fans of the original MS-1 will undoubtedly be eager to try out the new and improved MKII version.
QT32

QT32 is a MIDI controller teased by the brand in late April 2023. It looks to have a similar feel to an AKAI controller, with a jog wheel for controlling pitch or any parameter you set it to. There are eight assignable pads, ADSR controls, an arpeggiator, beat repeat and options to have two banks of knob controls, letting you switch between both at the touch of a button.
Not much more has been said about this, but fans have since suggested additions of a MIDI out, a built in speaker and an extra octave.
Read more via Behringer’s original Facebook post about the MIDI controller.
Pro-16

Sequential’s Prophet-5 was one of the most iconic synths of the 80s but was largely unavailable to the mass market until the brand announced a fourth revision in November 2020. While the Rev4 has been enjoying deserved praise, Behringer has been hard at work on a recreation of its own – and one that could feature 16 voices of polyphony.
Most interestingly, the Behringer Pro-16 seems to feature a knob in the same position as the Rev4’s Vintage rotary control. However, it’s hard to say for certain if it will be used to emulate the behaviours of past Prophet models.
Read more via MusicTech.
AKS Mini
Image: Behringer
Behringer shared details about their upcoming AKS Mini synthesizer on Facebook in January, stating that the final version will feature three voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), a built-in arpeggiator, and a 16-step motion sequencer.
The brand has ambitious plans to launch this mini synth, along with several others, during the summer at a price point of $99. In May 2022, Behringer initially unveiled the AKS Mini with a prototype that promised to replicate the oscillators, filters, and other internal components of the classic synthesizer. The only notable deviation from the original design appears to be the absence of the 16×16 pin modulation matrix, likely done to maintain the compact ‘mini’ concept.
Read more at MusicTech.
Groove Key

Behringer unveiled images of their upcoming Groove Key in December last year. It’s a hardware multi-track sequencer and groovebox hybrid. The prototype, showcased on Facebook, has sparked discussions about its striking resemblance to the Arturia Keystep Pro, albeit with a sleek black finish.
The Groove Key emphasises MIDI control, featuring four channels of MIDI/CV sequencing and a dedicated drum sequencer. Behringer highlights the unit’s extensive connectivity options, including numerous I/Os and CVs. Although the prototype is currently 3D printed, all functions are reportedly fully operational, according to the brand’s Facebook post. The Groove Key combines sequencing power with a design reminiscent of the popular Arturia model.
Read more at MusicTech.
Enigma
Behringer is doing the Buchla Easel 208 in a Eurorack format with the Enigma, a proposed reproduction of the original. The clone is said to be an authentic analogue replication of the original (including 14 optocouplers), with the addition of total recall functionality, an OLED display and both five-pin and USB MIDI. Behringer also says it hopes to price the synth at $399 – but as with the other synths, we’re not sure when this one will actually launch.

We'd love to have your feedback. We have started to design an “Easel 208” inspired Eurorack version called Enigma….
Posted by Behringer on Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Read more at MusicTech.
LmDrum

The latest word on the LmDrum is that the drum machine has completed its revision B hardware design, which Behringer hopes “will be the last one.”

Many of you asked about an update of our LM DRUM Drum Machine / Sampler. We have now completed the revision B hardware…
Posted by Behringer on Thursday, March 31, 2022

A take on the iconic LinnDrum, the recreation was announced back in July 2021 as the brand’s first sampling drum machine. In a July 2022 update, Behringer noted that firmware development was at 80 per cent completion and that the drum machine will sport two H7 and F3 ARM processors.
Read more at MusicTech.
VCS 3

As far as we can tell from an image Behringer shared of its prototype, the German manufacturer’s recreation of the EMS VCS 3 takes a lot from the look of the original, with wooden side panels and a similar size and form factor.
However, the brand has stated that its take on the Putney will also pack modern features, including MIDI compatibility, a spring reverb and a manual gate button. The brand revealed that it is working with John Price (formerly of Midas and Neve) to create its version of the synth.
According to an update from 29 March 2022, a pre-production model has been completed and has been sent to its beta testers for a “final sign-off”.
Read more at MusicTech.
MS-5

First announced in July 2021, Behringer’s remake of the Roland SH-5 will follow closely to the circuit design of the original. So much so, in fact that the brand said it wouldn’t support patch saving as “it would completely change the architecture and the sound” of the synth, responding to a fan question on Facebook.
Like the SH-5, the Behringer MS-5 will likely feature two analogue VCOs, a mixer, a ring modulation section, white and pink noise generators, and the ability to mix in five audio sources. It also isn’t too far-fetched to imagine it will support MIDI to some degree.
Read more at MusicTech.
Model-15

Announced in March 2022, this semi-modular system wears Moog inspiration on its sleeves, with a design reminiscent of the Moog Grandmother. On top of its 37 controls for sound generation and modulation, you also get comprehensive MIDI with voice priority and a step sequencer with three memory slots.
While Behringer claims the Model 15 is fully developed, it isn’t due to be shipping anytime soon until it receives the chips it needs. However, we do know that it will be priced at $299.
Read more at MusicTech.
DS-80

Behringer’s purported “breakthrough” in development has yet to yield actual results, as it’s been close to a year since we heard about the recreation of the Yamaha CS-80. First announced in the summer of 2020, Behringer admitted that the project was far from straightforward, but that it has managed to replicate the “critical functions such as VCF and envelopes identically.”
In March 2022 however, as the brand was unveiling its army of microsynths, it suggested that a sized-down take on the CS-80 might hit the shelves soon, with three-note polyphony, a single filter and VCA along with a motion sequencer and more.
Read more at MusicTech.
Wave

The Behringer Wave is a reimagining of the PPG Wave synth, and according to the brand back in July 2021, its firmware was close to being finished. At the time, the brand was looking to put 20 pre-production units into the hands of select beta testers; namely, ones who already own an original PPG Wave and who have “a deep technical understanding and knowledge related to professional testing procedures and sound analysis”.

WAVE is getting ready We got some really good news. The firmware for the WAVE is getting close to completion and with…
Posted by Behringer on Wednesday, July 7, 2021

On top of that, a tester would be required to have a YouTube channel and be willing to post comparisons between the original and the Behringer version – some pretty tough criteria indeed.
Model D Soul

The Model D Soul, announced on 6 March 2022, is a three-note polyphony synthesizer based on the 1970s Minimoog Model D. Behringer is recreating the Minimoog circuitry to the best of its ability, including a VCO with five selectable waveforms and a vintage-sounding low-pass filter.
Behringer has not given us any more information on the Model D Soul since that early March reveal, but it has promised to be delivering all specs and a full video rundown of the product soon.
Read more at MusicTech.
Saturn Soul

The Saturn Soul is Behringer’s miniature take on the classic Jupiter-8 synth by Roland. With three VCOs, a multi-mode filter, arpeggiator and 16-step motion sequencer, the Saturn is set to pack an affordable punch. Plus, Behringer has nodded to the fact it’s building a full-sized Jupiter-8 clone.
Behringer hasn’t alluded to any release date yet but has noted that it’s suggested price is a seriously low $99.
Read more at MusicTech.
JT-4000 Spirit

Fulfilling Uli Behringer’s dream to one day create synths that even children could purchase, the four-voice hybrid paraphonic JT-4000 Spirit is a supremely affordable $49 synth. The JT-4000 offers two analogue modelling oscillators per voice, an analogue filter and two operator FM engines.

Modelled off the Roland JT-8000 sound engine, it looks like a fun little entry-level synth. The synth was teased in February as the JP-8000, seemingly changing names since, and has a due date of June 2022.
Read more at MusicTech.
Pro-VS Soul

The Pro-VS Soul was teased by Behringer in February 2022. It’s a polyphonic four-voice Hybrid Vector synthesizer offering presets and full MIDI implementation. This is loosely based on the Prophet VS from 1986 but, with many additional functions such as 127 wave tables, 32 presets, a sequencer, arpeggiator and display with an oscilloscope, many are comparing it to the likes of the Korg Volca family. At just $99, it could be a steal.

Behringer is yet to announce a release date for the Pro-VS Soul, claiming to be ready to head straight into production once chips are ready.
Read more at MusicTech.
UB-1 Spirit

The UB-1 Spirit is a minisynth based on the Oberheim OB-Xa. It can be bus-powered by a smartphone, powerbank or computer, boasting serious portability, much like the other Spirit and Soul minisynths..
It’s got two analogue oscillators, a four-pole filter, a built-in arpeggiator with three patterns and a hold function. Since its tease March 2022, Behringer has given us no more information on a release date.
Read more at MusicTech.
CS Mini

With a full-sized version also in the works, Behringer’s pocket-sized rendition of the classic Yamaha CS-80, the CS Mini, is another minisynth that offers a lot of functions to play with. Teased in March 2022 with the rest of the minisynths, there’s no release date as of yet, unfortunately, but could come with a price tag just $99.

What about we’d manage to get an authentic CS80 voice into this little box, with MIDI and motion sequencer, perhaps even…
Posted by Behringer on Friday, March 18, 2022

Its slider-loaded keyboard will handle three notes of polyphony, with MIDI and a motion sequencer.
Hirotribe

The Hirotribe is an exciting project coming into fruition thanks to a collaboration between Behringer and Korg MS-20 and Monotribe designer, Hiroaki Nishijima. Nishijima was keen to conjure up an extended, evolved version of the Korg Monotribe that “everyone could afford”.
The results are looking impressive, featuring two DCOs, a drum machine and sequencer, as well as a noise generator, an LFO and a single-knob envelope, all for $99. Release date is still to be announced.
Read more at MusicTech.
Spirit/Soul power & mixer hub

To go along with the above mentioned Soul and Spirit micro synths, Behringer is also apparently, due to the demand of its customer base, toying with the idea of launching a power hub that also acts as a mixer and lets these synths play in tandem. These would be built specifically for the Spirit and Soul synths.
Behringer shared the simple yet highly functional draft proposal on their Facebook timeline. This proposal includes four USB ports for power and four audio channels, making it a versatile option. With a MIDI In port, users can effortlessly connect MIDI controllers, and Behringer even hints at the possibility of creating an instant Poly Chain among the linked synthesizers. Suggestions have also been made to incorporate a reverb effect. A noteworthy feature is the inclusion of touch plates with mute switches at the bottom, which adds a nice touch to the design and maintains consistency with other synths.
Read the original Facebook post.
2-XM

In this Oberheim Two Voice-inspired Eurorack unit, the 2-XM, Behringer’s “authentic reproduction of SEM 2-Voice circuitry from the 70s”, includes four VCOs, two multi-mode VCFs, two LFOs and four envelopes, as well as a Moog Mother-32-style patch matrix.
The shipping date is vague, with the global shortage of chips meaning there’s no confirmation on when the 2-XM will be available to build and buy..
Read more at MusicTech.
RS-9
Behringer RS-9
Remember the RD-9 drum machine, based off the 909? Well the RS-9 is the RD-9 ported to a drum sequencer for Eurorack. Behringer revealed in April that this is in the works and ready for testing. People are already raving about its hands-on, chunky buttons. It’s got 10 individual outputs and full USB/MIDI control, allowing you to trigger any external drum module. So, if you’ve got the RD-8, you can sequence that, too.
The price Behringer are putting on this currently is $149. It will be ready for mass production once testing has taken place.
Read more at MusicTech.
PolyEight

While there has been no update on this since April 2021, the PolyEight is Behringer’s take on the 1980s Korg PolySix. The brand says this updated concept provides a “much-improved user interface”, thanks to modern connectivity such as USB, and adds two voices alongside new functions to the original six-voice synth.

What an exciting day – the first Polyeight has come alive:-) While this is still an early prototype, the firmware is…
Posted by Behringer on Friday, April 2, 2021

The original PolySix has been used from prominent artists such as Alphaville, Damon Albarn, CHVRCHES and Kitaro, and a second-hand unit would set you back by around $2,500 today. Behringer’s PolyEight will certainly be more affordable but there is still no word on a release date.
Read more at MusicTech.
RSF Kobol

Behringer kickstarted 2021 with a teaser of its take on the RSF Kobol on 1 January. French manufacturer RSF originally released the mono synth in 1978 and made no more than 200 units, making the Kobol an extremely rare and coveted synthesizer. Behringer says it has teamed up with one of the original designers, known only as Gilles, to revive the synth.
In March 2022, Behringer updated its audiences on the progress of its Kobol rendition, with hints that a polyphonic version – dubbed the PolyKobol – could be in the works, too. Although the brand is yet to specify a release date, it confirmed that Gilles has “almost completed” the synth.
In April 2022, the brand uploaded a new image of a Kobol module with no keyboard, hinting at two different available designs. The caption reads “Time for testing…”

Time for testing…#synthsforall #behringer #WeHearYou #hardvaporware
Posted by Behringer on Monday, April 11, 2022

Read more at MusicTech.
Syncussion SY-1

Perhaps one of the more idiosyncratic pieces of gear Behringer will reprise is the Pearl Syncussion SY-1. Sharing an update on 11 January 2022, the brand said that its iteration of the drum machine has taken three revisions to get up to scratch but is now ready to manufacture.

The awesome Syncussion is now getting ready for production. It took us three revisions to nail the sound – but now it’s…
Posted by Behringer on Monday, January 10, 2022

Pearl’s original Syncussion SY-1 was released in 1979 and was the predecessor of the Simmons SDSV drum machine. The SY-1 boasted six oscillators that were capable of creating those classic disco drum kits, along with gnarly synth tones. Behringer has no release date on the synth but said in its Facebook post that a 2022 release is unlikely due to chip shortage challenges.
Polivoks

Behringer has collaborated with Vladimir Kuzmin, the original designer of the Polivoks (or Polyvox) synth, to bring this classic Soviet synth into modern production workflows. In a Facebook post in July 2021, Kuzmin explained that he designed the duophonic synth in 1980 at the Urlas Vector plant in Russia, and was initially manufactured by the Formanta Radio Factory. Hence, it is often known as the Formanta Polivoks.

Vladimir Kuzmin and Behringer announced today that they have entered into a collaboration to develop a new Polivoks…
Posted by Behringer on Friday, July 16, 2021

Behringer is yet to provide any further updates on its reprise of the Polivoks. But, with Kuzmin at the wheel, this could be one of its most faithful recreations yet.
Read more at MusicTech.
ARP Quadra replica

Behringer teased an ARP Quadra replica via a Facebook post in 2019. For those that don’t know, the ARP Quadra is a legendary synth built in 1978. It was famously used by bands such as 808 State, ELO, Genesis, The Human League, Pink Floyd, New Order, Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran), Joe Zawinul, and film-maker John Carpenter.
The machine merged various existing components, including the Omni, Odyssey, a Solina-inspired string synthesizer unit, a phaser, and a divide-down organ with ADSR envelope, along with a 4075 24 dB low-pass filter, into a single unit. It consists of four sections. The lower two octaves handle the bass, featuring two unison bass circuits (electric and string), along with AR, a single-pole low-pass filter, and a related AD envelope for cutoff. The string section resembles the ARP Omni, while the Poly Synth offers a similar experience to the ARP Omni Poly Synth. Additionally, there is a two-voice Lead Synth reminiscent of the Odyssey, accompanied by a five-way mixer with four unit outputs: a stereo pair, a line mono, and an XLR out.
1601 Sequencer

In December 2021, Behrigner revealed that it had been working on a prototype sequencer inspired by the ARP 1601. In its proposed version, the brand included two qunatisers that will ensure it is the “perfect companion” to the Behringer 2600 and other synths.

We built a prototype of the iconic ARP 1601 Sequencer and also added two useful quantizers, which makes it a perfect…
Posted by Behringer on Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Although Behringer’s reveal of the sequencer appears to be a close-to-complete concept, it caveats that it has “not yet decided if [it will] put the 1601 in production.” Instead, it handed over the decision to its social media followers – who appear to be in favour.
Behremin

Behringer’s take on the legendary Theremin was previewed in November 2020 but we’re yet to hear any updates. Dubbed the Behremin, the motion-controlled synth could carry a price as low as $99 and boast quantisation capabilities, a delay engine and a filter section. It also seems to take inspiration from Moog’s Claravox Continental, sporting an old-school design and gold-coloured panels.
Although the prototype may have been developed, Behringer has specified that it’s announcement was more of a “design study for the purpose to gather customer feedback.” It added that it “cannot promise if and when [Behringer] will make this product.”
Check out the Behringer Synthesizer and Drums Facebook group here.
Proton semi-modular synth

Proton is Behringer’s next evolution of its highly-acclaimed Neutron synth. According to the brand, this will be “the most powerful and complex semi-modular synth ever designed.” Evidently, Behringer is confident of Proton’s prowess and added that it’s “live having several synthesizers in one casing.”
Neutron’s successor includes dual analogue oscillators with five blendable waveforms, multi-mode filters, indendent sub oscilators, a 64-point patch bay and more. Behringer says that Proton is ready for production and will cost $299 – the same as the original Neutron. However, the release date is dependent on when Behringer can receive enough chips to fulfil manufacturing demands.
Read more at MusicTech.
BoogerFooger AD104

Arguably one of Behringer’s least expected designs is it’s rendition of the Moog MoogerFooger MF-104M delay pedal. The synth community has playfully blessed the pedal with the names BoogerFooger and BehringerFehringer, although Behringer has opted for the name AD104.
The effect pedal seems to be a knob-for-knob replica of Moog’s original, packing an LFO-driven modulation matrix and parameters for delay time, feedback, drive and output level. Behringer has also added a five-pin MIDI input and CV control fro the LFO amount.
However, one issue Behringer may encounter in reviving the pedal is sourcing a like-for-like bucket-brigade delay chip. The MoogerFooger’s original chip is exceedingly rare and it’s been decades since Moog has remade it. This could cause issues for Behringer in developing an authentic alternative.
There’s no word on price or release on this one yet, but Behringer joked with one prospective customer online that it will arrive in 2104. We’re convinced it will come before then, though.
Read more at MusicTech.
BCR32 MIDI Controller

Behringer said in 2020 that its customers were requesting “a revival of the BCR2000 MIDI controller which has been discontinued for quite some years.” It’s response was the BCR64 but was later changed to the BCR32 after Behringer announced a collaboration with ZAQ Audio on the product.
ZAQ Audio is responsible for the Zaquener, an alternative firmware for the BCR2000 that transformed the controller into a 32-step sequencer. Evidently, the collaboration will see the Zaquencer programme preloaded into the BCR32. The BCR32 will feature 32 encoders with LED indicators and 20 buttons that you can customise for your workflow.
Behringer hasn’t put a price tag or release date on the BCR32 but has said that it will “seamlessly integrate into [its] upcoming free DAW.”
Read more at MusicTech.
Behringer DAW

To truly bring about its goal of providing music-making tools for everyone, Behringer has pledged to release a free, fully-fledged digital audio workstation (DAW). After announcing the project in 2020, Behringer has kept relatively quiet about progress updates and no release date has been announced. However, the brand is encouraging collaboration from software developers across the globe.
In a post, Behringer said: “We’d like to invite all VST developers around the world to join us build the most amazing free DAW and get your plug-ins integrated. Help us contribute to the empowerment of musicians and the musical education of kids. Contact us at joinus@musictribe.com and we’ll put you in touch with our developers from TC Electronic.”
Read more at MusicTech.
Behringer virtual emulations

In its upcoming DAW, Behringer will include several free virtual emulations of hardware synthesziers and some paid-for soft synths. So far, the brand has shared images of emulations of the Sequential Pro-5, PPG Wave 2 and Oberheim OB-Xa.
According to Behringer, it has created the plug-ins with its sister brand, TC Electronic, and “some of the world’s best VST developers.” These emulations should come to light alongside the release of the Behringer DAW.
Read more at MusicTech.
The post Behringer 2024: Every synth, drum machine and controller Behringer is working on appeared first on MusicTech.

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