Behringer BX1 synth is inspired by the classic Yamaha CS-80 and DX1, with more teases at NAMM 2025NAMM 2025: Upon its hotly-anticipated return to the NAMM Show, Behringer has debuted the BX1 synthesizer, inspired by Yamaha’s DX1 FM synthesizer and the Yamaha CS-80. We played the functional unit but we’re told that it’s on show only as a prototype. Behringer’s Pro-16 and JT-16 synths are also on show as prototypes.
READ MORE: NAMM 2025 Live: Latest rumours, news and products from the biggest music technology show in the world
We figured that Behringer would be showing off some new gear at the show but, honestly, the BX1 is a surprise. Usually, the brand is keen to share updates on upcoming products with its audience, however, it’s remained pretty quiet about any DX1 emulations. It did reveal that it acquired and was restoring an “ultra-rare” DX1 in 2020 — the new BX1 is evidently the result of this endeavour.
Behringer’s BX1 synth at NAMM Show 2025. Image: Sam Willings for MusicTech
The BX1 is much more compact than the original DX1 and, of course, much more affordable. Only 140 DX1 synths were made in 1983 and so a second-hand purchase would set you back some £32,000. A representative from Behringer told us that there is no official price yet, but it’s likely going to be a little more expensive than the UB-Xa, which is around £730. It also has a filter section that’s inspired by the filters of the Yamaha CS-80 — the same Behringer rep told us that the company wanted to get “the best of both worlds” from Yamaha’s classic synths. And we all know how much a second-hand CS-80 costs…
It boasts 32 playable voices and an FM synth engine with a visual display designed to make patching and routing easier than on the original DX1. A Modern/Vintage button lets you change the character of the synth’s sound for a dustier, detuned vibe, and an arpeggiator is onbard with a hold function to create quick sequences.
Another standout feature of the BX1 is its SD Card slot, which is for transferring SysEx patches to and from the synth. That means you can transfer patches from other DX hardware, such as the Yamaha DX7 and the original DX1, and even patches from software emulations of DX gear.
It admittedly doesn’t feel like a premium product — the side panels are not wood but plastic — but it sounds pretty versatile from our brief experience.
Elsewhere on the Behringer stand is the JT-16 and Pro-16. The former is an emulation of the Roland Jupiter-8, the latter inspired by the Sequential Pro One. These aren’t currently plugged in and are seemingly just for show.
Behringer’s Pro-16 synth at NAMM Show 2025. Image: Sam Willings for MusicTech
Behringer’s JT-16 synth at NAMM Show 2025. Image: Sam Willings for MusicTech
There’s no word on a release date of the BX1, JT-16 or Pro-16 yet, but Behringer tells us the response from show attendees so far has been pretty positive.
Keep up with NAMM 2025 as it happens. 
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