The world of synthesizers is vast and ever-expanding, and amidst this exciting terrain, the Behringer Deepmind 6 has made its mark as one of the most talked-about synthesizers in recent years. Behringer, a music equipment company known for its innovative and affordable instruments, has outdone itself with the Deepmind 6. This 6-voice, 37-key true-analogue synthesizer aims to blend the vintage charm of classic synth sounds with the flexibility and diversity of modern control and design aesthetics. This review will delve into the world of the Deepmind 6, exploring its specifications, features, pros, cons, and key performance factors, helping you to understand why this synthesizer is an instrument that deserves your attention.
Contents
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Behringer DeepMind 6, the first thing you might notice is its stunning finish and the solid build. There is no doubt that this synthesizer, like all Behringer products, prioritizes durability and longevity.
The keyboard design is impressive, providing full-sized, semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch pressure sensors. The attention to detail is evident in the clean design, solid keys, and sturdy knobs and sliders.
The backlit LED panel makes navigation easy, and it’s a genuinely thoughtful touch that makes a difference once you try to flick through the presets or the extensive menu of the synth in lower-light situations.
The panel layout is well designed and easy to understand. Each section is logically laid out, with the main oscillator and filter controls to the left, envelop and LFO configurations in the center, and modulation setup on the right.
You will also find a vast array of I/O options at the back of the DeepMind 6, including USB, MIDI, and an array of audio jacks. This allows easy integration into any setup and ensures seamless compatibility with a range of additional equipment.
Another notable point in the unboxing is the comprehensive manual that Behringer includes. This instrument is packed full of features, some of which are quite advanced, and having an in-depth manual to reference is very beneficial. It covers everything from basic setup and operation to explaining advanced synthesis features.
All in all, the initial impression of the Behringer DeepMind 6 is one of quality. The company clearly took the time to provide an excellent user experience right out of the box.
| Product Name | Amazon Link |
|---|---|
| Behringer DEEPMIND6 BEHRINGER DEEPMIND 6 | Find more info on Amazon here! |
| Behringer DEEPMIND12 BEHRINGER DEEPMIND 12 | Find more info on Amazon here! |
Key Features and Functionality
The Behringer DeepMind 6 is a powerful analog synthesizer that boasts a number of impressive features and functionalities for digital musicians and producers. Here are some of the most notable aspects of this dynamic musical tool.
Powerful Polyphony
With a 6-voice polyphony, multiple voices can sound simultaneously. Each of these voices comes with two DCOs, two envelopes, a noise generator, and an 8-channel modulation matrix. This is a testament to the DeepMind 6’s ability to generate rich and complex soundscape.
Versatile Oscillators
Each voice has two oscillator sections that can generate sawtooth, square/pulse with pulse-width modulation, and an octave-divided square sub-oscillator. The flexibility in the creation of waveforms allows for a broad spectrum of sound design.
Unison Mode
Behringer DeepMind 6’s Unison mode can stack up to six voices for powerful leads and thick basses. This mode extends out to its chord and poly which allows you to play complex chords with ease.
Extensive Modulation
The DeepMind 6 offers extensive modulation options, with 19 sources and over 130 destinations – a rarity on synths at this price point. This grants users the ability to intricately shape and morph sounds to their liking.
Inspiring Effects Section
The instrument comes loaded with 4 simultaneous effects engines comprising more than 33 world-class TC ELECTRONIC, MIDAS and KLARK TEKNIK algorithms. This includes reverb, chorus, flanger, delay and multi-band distortion among others.
Integratable Wi-Fi
Complete with in-built Wi-Fi, this feature allows wireless control over most of the programming aspects via a dedicated app. A unique and futurist addition, making parameter tweaking more versatile and comfortable.
Arpeggiator and 32-Step Sequencer
For those wanting to experiment with sequence-based music, the DeepMind 6 is equipped with a 32-step control sequencer and an adjustable, swingable arpeggiator which further extends its creative potential.
Solid Build Quality
The DeepMind 6 has a solid, metal construction, giving it a durable and industrial feel. This speaks volumes about the equipment’s endurance in live performances and production environments.
These are just some of the key features that make the Behringer DeepMind 6 such a standout in the world of synthesizers.
Sound Quality and Performance
Behringer’s Deepmind 6 stands out particularly for its sound quality and performance capabilities. This 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer is designed with a focus on rich analog sounds, coupled with futuristic digital control.
The sound quality of the Deepmind 6 is superb. Leveraging true analog synthesis, it produces warm, deep, and rich tones – from lush textured pads to heavy basses, and from classic leads to sparkling sequences. Its two digitally controlled oscillators, accompanied by a noise generator for each voice, offer a wide variety of sonic possibilities. The 24dB ladder filter and the high pass filter are versatile and guarantee an exceptionally full sound.
A key element contributing to the sound quality is the range of simultaneously available effects. Modulated by the extensive modulation matrix, the effects include several varieties of reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, and more, each integrating smoothly with the overall output.
The Deepmind 6 is not just about sound quality; its performance features are equally impressive. It allows intuitive control with its 37 semi-weighted full-size keys, providing a professional, comfortable feel.
Fully equipped with MIDI functionality, the Deepmind 6 seamlessly integrates with your existing live or studio setup. The unit also features aftertouch, which contributes to an expressive performance by allowing you to alter the depth and dynamic of the sound in response to pressure on the keys.
The unison mode, often a crucial factor of a synthesizer’s performance, can stack up to 6 voices per note, leading to a powerful, dense sound. Other performance features like the ‘Poly’ and ‘Mono’ modes or the built-in arpeggiator, provide an array of creative possibilities when performing live or during studio production.
Despite the complexity of the available sound-shaping parameters, the Deepmind 6 is user-friendly, thanks to its LCD Display with encoder, navigation buttons, and sliders. This makes tweaking and customizing your sounds during performances, or even on stage, an engaging, intuitive process.
In terms of sound quality and performance, the Behringer Deepmind 6 offers a unique blend of classic analog sounds and modern connectivity. It provides an exquisite versatility that is flexible enough to cater to artists of different genres, and beginners as well as pros can benefit immensely from its advanced features.
Connectivity and Integration
The Behringer DeepMind 6 shines when it comes to connectivity and integration features. This synthesizer offers a plethora of connection options that provide you the flexibility for both live performances and studio recordings.
On the back panel of DeepMind 6, you’ll find two 1/4-inch output jacks for the left and right channels, as well as a headphones output. This is quite practical since you can work in a quiet environment without disturbing others. Additionally, there’s a control input for a sustain pedal, which can be useful for those dynamic and expressive performances.
The need for MIDI connectivity for modern synthesizers cannot be overemphasized. Behringer understands this as the DeepMind 6 offers both MIDI In, Out and Thru ports. These MIDI ports can be helpful when you want to connect the synthesizer with other devices like a drum machine, a sequencer or a computer.
One of the key aspects of the DeepMind 6 is its USB connectivity. Through the USB Type-B port, you can connect your synth directly to a computer. This allows for easy integration with DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) for recording, editing and producing music. It also makes firmware updates considerably easier to manage.
Moreover, its built-in Wi-Fi capabilities serves as the cherry on the top. This feature lets you connect the DeepMind 6 to Behringer’s iPad app editor, providing a highly interactive platform for adjusting the synth’s parameters in real-time. You can even use the app to create, store, and recall patches which is a really handy tool for live sets or studio work.
In terms of integration, it’s worth noting that DeepMind 6 is compatible with the majority of popular DAWs out there. Whether you’re using Logic Pro, Ableton Live, or FL Studio, you can seamlessly integrate the DeepMind 6 into your workflow and take your music production to the next level.
Overall, Behringer DeepMind 6 offers an impressive array of connectivity and integration features that can cater to a wide variety of usage scenarios. It’s a very capable tool that provides multiple options for routing audio, interfacing with other gear and integrating with computer software, making it a versatile choice for both studio producers and live performers.
Pros and Cons
The Behringer DeepMind 6 is a powerful synthesizer that has received rave reviews from users across the globe. With a unique and innovative design, it offers a multitude of digital and analogue features. Here we delve into some of the key pros and cons of this instrument.
Pros:
-
Sound Quality: The DeepMind 6 offers phenomenal sound quality that truly stands out. It produces rich, vibrant and cutting-edge sounds which can be further enhanced by its vast range of built-in effects.
-
Keyboard Quality: The 37-note key bed is full-size and velocity sensitive, providing great feel and expression. This makes it a pleasure for both live performances and studio recordings.
-
Design Stability: With a rugged and sturdy casing, it proves to be a durable piece of equipment. This makes it capable of sustaining extended usage over the years.
-
Intuitive User Interface: Its user interface is praised for being intuitive and user-friendly. Each knob and fader is well-placed and clearly labelled, thus making it quite easy to navigate.
-
Value for Money: Given its capabilities and features, it offers great value for money compared to other synthesizers in its class.
Cons:
-
Learning Curve: While the DeepMind 6 is a great synth, it does have a steep learning curve. Thus, individuals with limited experience with synthesizers might find it complex to operate at first.
-
Size and Weight: The synthesizer is fairly large and heavy, making it lesser portable than some of its competitors.
-
Limited Polyphony: With only six-voice polyphony, it can be limiting for complex musical pieces that require multiple voices to be played simultaneously.
-
Tone Variety: Despite having a vast array of built-in effects, some users share that the synthesizer lacks in overall tone diversity.
Every musician has different needs and requirements when it comes to their equipment. The Behringer DeepMind 6, with its host of pros and a few cons, is a synth worth considering for its solid performance and outstanding features.
Comparisons with Other Synthesizers
When comparing the Behringer Deepmind 6 to other synthesizers in the market, several key aspects set it apart.
Firstly, Deepmind 6 stands its own ground in the area of polyphony, it offers six-voice polyphonic analog boasting two oscillators per voice, a noise generator and two LFOs each. In comparison, the Roland Boutique JU-06A, a strong competitor in the market, only offers a four-voice polyphony, and the Korg Minilogue – a popular choice for many, offers a mere 4-voice polyphony.
Yet, the Korg Minilogue does challenge the Deepmind 6 in terms of interface. The Korg Minilogue offers a more user-friendly interface than the Deepmind 6 with an intuitive layout and dedicated knobs for each parameter. This makes tweaking sounds on-the-fly a breeze on the Minilogue, whereas on the Deepmind 6, greater menu diving is required.
However, the Deepmind 6 compensates for this with its impressive modulation matrix, which provides a ton of flexibility for custom sound design. Offering a 8×12 modulation matrix, the Deepmind stands ahead of the Roland Boutique JU-06A, which does not provide any particular modulation matrix and the Novation Bass Station II, which offers a compact but rather limited modulation engine.
Sound-wise, while personal preference plays a big role, the Deepmind 6 certainly catches the ear with its buzzy, sharp leads and rich pads. The Behringer Deepmind 6 also impresses with the power of its unison mode, which allows you to stack all 6 voices for some truly colossal sounds. This puts it on par with, if not arguably ahead of, well-known competitors like the Roland Juno series and the Dave Smith Instruments REV2.
In terms of build quality, the Deepmind 6 matches up well against other competitors in the same price range, like the Arturia MicroFreak or the Korg Minilogue. Made with a strong metal casing and sturdy controls, it feels durable, while the addition of wooden end cheeks gives it a classic, vintage synthesizer look.
Lastly, another distinguishing feature of the Deepmind 6 is its incorporation of built-in effects – a point which separates it from numerous competitors. Utilizing technology from TC Electronic and Klark Teknik, the Deepmind 6 has 4 simultaneous effect engines with over 33 world-class algorithms, effect types ranging from reverbs and delays to phaser, chorus and more. In contrast, many other synthesizers, such as the Arturia MicroFreak, do not feature any built-in effects, requiring external additives for this functionality.
In summary, while no synthesizer is perfect for everyone, the Behringer Deepmind 6 certainly makes a strong case for itself with its impressive combination of polyphony, powerful sound engine, flexible modulation capabilities, robust build quality and world-class onboard effects.
Price Point and Value for Money
When you consider the price point of the Behringer Deepmind 6, it emerges as an unarguably affordable synthesizer in the market today. Compared to many other synthesizers with similar features and capabilities, the Deepmind 6 offers great value for money. It presents a unique combination of analogue warmth and digital convenience, bundled in a package that won’t drain your bank account.
Although affordable, the Deepmind 6 does not compromise on quality or capability. It offers a rich assortment of sounds for music producers and enthusiasts who want to experiment with various tones and effects. The robustness of the synthesizer is also commendable, making it a durable piece of equipment for any sound artist.
The Deepmind 6 also offers ease of use, making it an ideal choice for beginners. This affordability and functionality make the synthesizer a perfect choice for those starting in the field, and even more experienced sound producers who want a broad array of sounds at a lesser price.
Moreover, the Behringer Deepmind 6 includes additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity and ample patch memory that normally come with pricier models. This aspect adds significantly to its overall value proposition. In an era where music production is rapidly evolving, having these up-to-date tech specs and features at a lower price point boosts the Deepmind 6’s value for money even further.
In summary, the Behringer Deepmind 6 strikes an exceptional balance between quality and affordability. It offers aspiring and professional music producers a viable and cost-effective option, without skimping on quality, durability or features.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Behringer DeepMind 6 surely makes its mark in the world of synthesizers. It is easily one of the most affordable, polyphonic, analog synths on the market with such a rich array of features.
Sonically, it excels in creating lush pads, aggressive basslines and sharp leads. Its 12-voice analog architecture is something typically found in synthesizers that cost two to three times more. The synth’s design may seem intimidating at first, but it provides beginners with an opportunity for deep exploration and understanding of sound synthesis.
Any synthesizer enthusiast would appreciate the depth and breadth of control available. With over 1300 sounds, 8-channel modulation matrix, 32-step control sequencer, onboard wifi for updates and cloud backups – all packed in a well-built, portable shell, it certainly appears to be worth every penny.
However, the unit does have a bit of a learning curve. It can be confusing and overwhelming for those who are new to analog synthesis, but once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are incredibly vast.
In terms of connectivity, The Behringer DeepMind 6 really outdoes itself by sporting an extensive range of options. It has both MIDI and USB connectivity, as well as an external audio input. These features open the door to an endless array of possibilities, in terms of both live performance and studio work.
To summarize, the Behringer DeepMind 6 is a powerful, feature-rich synthesizer available at an unbeatable price. It may be challenging for beginners but offers a lot for those willing to delve deep. From its sound quality to its extensive array of features, it is a worthy investment for any musician or producer. So, if you are on the lookout for a new synth, the Behringer DeepMind 6 is highly recommended.