Behringer has officially launched its 2-XM polyphonic analogue synthesiser, inspired by Oberheim’s Two Voice from the 1970s.

The Eurorack unit – which was first announced in 2022 but put on hold due to chip shortages – pays homage to the classic Oberheim synth, first released in 1975. Originally predicted to have a price tag of $299, the 2-XM comes in at a slightly more expensive $319 instead.

• READ MORE: “Unlike most competitors, we don’t say, ‘How much could I charge and get away with it?”: Uli Behringer on Behringer’s pricing philosophy

The original Two Voice design consisted of two single-voice modules coupled together, and hosted a 37-note keyboard. It was also one of the first synths to introduce polyphony. Behringer’s 2-XM combines all the features of the original with modern additions such as MIDI and USB implementation, stereo, as well as “a tonne” of CV and gate ins and outs.

It has four VCOs, four envelope generators, two LFOs, and two multi-mode VCFs across two synthesiser expander modules. The two voices can be combined, split, or you use all four oscillators in unison for “intricate layering and rich, vintage analogue tones”, according to the budget-friendly brand.

Hear it in play in the video below:

Last year, Behringer released the UB-Xa synth, inspired by Oberheim’s OB-Xa. Following the launch, the classic brand’s founder Tom Oberheim responded to claims from Behringer that the UB-Xa was created with his “consent”, saying “there is no collaboration between us”.

To clear up the confusion, Behringer released a statement on its Facebook page to clarify its practice: “We clearly shared the plan for the UB-Xa synthesiser and received consent to use the trademark. We have utmost respect for the pioneer and it is unfortunate that this situation has escalated. We wish him the very best and much success,” it wrote.

To find out more about the 2-XM or locate a dealer, head over to the official Behringer website. 

The post After a three-year wait, Behringer’s 2-XM – inspired by “the polyphonic synth that started it all” – is finally here appeared first on MusicTech.