The Behringer Model D is a well-regarded analogue synthesizer that has marked its spot in the field of music production. This compact synth, a direct clone of the infamous Minimoog Model D, has gathered attention and praise for being an affordable, yet high-quality venture into the world of vintage sound design. This monophonic gadget has managed to replicate the sophisticated, warm tones and fat bass that the Minimoog was renowned for, making it a highly sought-after piece of equipment for both newcomers and seasoned synthesizer enthusiasts.
The Model D showcases a visually pleasing, compact design paired with user-friendly functionality and impressive sound capabilities. Beyond the aesthetics, it offers three voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), a noise generator, classic Moog ladder filter, and overdrive circuit, among other features that open doors to limitless creative possibilities.
In this article, we will dive deep into the Behringer Model D’s features, sound capabilities, design, pros and cons, providing an in-depth review for anyone considering it as their next synthesizer investment. Keep reading if this compact yet versatile synth has piqued your interest, and join us as we decode everything you need to know about this affordable analog powerhouse.
Contents
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Behringer Model D comes in a rather compact packaging that is both aesthetically pleasing and sturdy. First impressions are very favourable, thanks to its sleek look that is reminiscent of classic analogue synthesizers. Weighing only 1.7 kilograms, the Model D is remarkably light, enhancing its usability for musicians on the go.
Upon opening the box, you’re greeted by the synthesizer unit itself, safely nestled within protective foam padding. Additionally, it comes with a standard power adapter and a user manual. The manual is concise and easily understandable, making it a fantastic resource for those new to analogue synthesizers.
The Model D stands out with its solid construction and high build quality. It sports a robust metal chassis with wooden side panels that add a touch of retro charm. The device feels sturdy and well-built, balanced with a tactile user interface that is easy to navigate.
Its front panel hosts a variety of knobs and switches which are well placed and not overly clustered. They feel good to the touch, providing the right amount of resistance when turned. You’ll find 13 knobs dedicated to modifying the sound and five large switches dedicated to modulation. There’s also a handful of 3.5mm patch points which align with the Eurorack format which many will appreciate.
In terms of aesthetics and build quality, the Model D definitely impresses. But the true magic of this device lies in its function and sound. The fact that it aims to replicate the sound and functionality of a Moog Model D, but at a fraction of the price and size, is nothing short of impressive. Overall, the unboxing experience and first impressions of the Behringer Model D are very positive, setting the stage for great expectations in terms of performance and sound emulation. From that standpoint, it seems like it’s set to deliver.
| Product Name | Amazon Link |
|---|---|
| Model D Behringer | Find more info on Amazon here! |
| Behringer MODELD BEHRINGER Synthesizer | Find more info on Amazon here! |
Key Features and Functionality
Behringer’s Model D is a synthesizer that boasts a variety of powerful features that make it a formidable tool for musicians and producers seeking that classic ’70s analog sound.
True Analog Synthesizer
The Behringer Model D recreates the raw power of a true analog synthesizer. Its discrete design generates a unique and unbelievably fat sound, that adds depth and body to any piece of music.
Three Powerful Oscillators
At the heart of the Model D are three powerful oscillators. Each can generate four waveforms: sawtooth, triangle, square, and pulse. This allows the Model D to produce a range of sounds, from jagged, metallic harshness to smooth, organic warmth.
24dB Ladder Filter and LFO
The Model D features a 24dB ladder filter, which can be modulated with keyboard tracking, waveform, or an external audio source. This allows for high variety of sound shaping. The integrated LFO covers a wide range of modulation possibilities, allowing the creation of unique sounds and phrases.
Semi-Modular Design
The Model D’s semi-modular design with default routings requires no patching for immediate performance, but it can be altered to fit any desired sound design. Its size and weight also make it highly portable, suitable for both studio and live performances.
USB/MIDI Connectivity
With the rise of digital music production, connectivity is key. The Model D offers both USB and traditional MIDI jacks, making it easy to integrate it with your existing setup.
Ultrahigh-quality Components
Behringer prides itself on the use of high-quality components, ensuring longevity and maintaining the sound integrity over years. As such, it’s built for hard-knocking beats and soulful melodies.
The Behringer Model D offers these key features and more. Its promise to deliver rich, versatile sound and its compatibility with modern musical equipment make it a solid choice for those seeking an authentic analog sound in the digital age.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Behringer Model D highlights a fantastic analog sound that introduces a new standard for synthesizer modules. With its impressive depth in harmonic content and extraordinarily warm tones, the Model D manages to create a rich and powerful sound output that can be compared with far more expensive synthesizers.
The sonic capabilities of the Model D are remarkably diverse, thanks to its straightforward and user-friendly layout. With three voltage-controlled oscillators featuring six waveforms, ranging from sinusoidal to sawtooth, the synth offers the user a baseline to sculpt sounds to their preference. The square and sawtooth waveforms and triangle sub-oscillator help achieve the old-school fat synthesizer sounds coveted by musicians and producers alike. To add to this, the mixer section allows the user to mix oscillator and noise levels, and hence provides even further control over the resulting sound output.
In terms of performance, the Behringer Model D excels with its voltage-controlled filter section that can switch between three filter modes: Low Pass, High Pass and Off. This section gives you control over the filter cutoff, resonance, envelope settings and keyboard follow, letting you modulate and shape your sound with precision. The noise generator is also a nice addition, capable of producing both white and pink noise, useful for sound design and ambient creations.
For fans of the classic Moog style of sound, the Model D doesn’t disappoint. The 24dB ladder filter and LFO (Low-frequency oscillator) recall the vintage synthesizer sounds of the past with exacting attention to detail. Its rich, creamy tones are extraordinarily evocitive, whether employed on leads, basses, or atmospheric soundscapes.
In essence, the Behringer Model D’s sound quality and performance punch well above its price point. It’s a pleasing concoction of vintage warmth and modern precision, with enough variation to cater to a wide set of musical tastes and applications. Thus, it provides solid proof that you don’t have to break the bank to achieve professional-level analog sound.
Connectivity and Integration
The Behringer Model D provides a wide range of connectivity options, making it incredibly versatile and easy to integrate into your existing music production setup.
Firstly, it features 5-pin DIN MIDI input and thru to connect to traditional MIDI equipment, as well as USB MIDI for direct integration with your computer or other USB-capable devices. So, whether you’re plugging in your MIDI keyboard, computer, or any other MIDI-compatible hardware, the Model D got you covered.
One of the key strengths of the Behringer Model D is its 3.5mm patch bay with a total of 16 patch points. It’s a semi-modular synthesizer, meaning that while you don’t need it to patch it to produce sound, the patch bay significantly extends its capabilities. These ins and outs allow you to reroute the signal flowing through the synthesizer, adding a higher level of customization that can result in unique sounds that you can’t get with another monosynth.
The Model D also includes a 1/4″ audio output that can be connected to an amplifier, mixer, or audio interface, and a 1/4″ headphones output with dedicated volume control. For such a compact device, these audio connectivity options with high-quality sound output are very welcome.
Finally, with the Eurorack format, the Model D can be easily integrated into a larger modular system. Its slim size takes little rack space, allowing for flexibility in integrating with other music gear.
In summary, the integration and connectivity of the Behringer Model D demonstrate an incredible range of usability that makes it a true contender in the world of synthesizers.
Pros and Cons
When it comes to the Behringer Model D, there are several aspects that users may find advantageous or disadvantageous.
Pros
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Authentic Analog Sound: Modeled after the renowned Minimoog Model D synthesizer, the Behringer Model D excels at producing rich, warm, and authentic analog sounds that are ideal for a variety of music genres.
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Affordability: Comparatively priced, the Behringer Model D offers an affordable alternative to more costly synthesizers without compromising on functionality or sound quality.
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User-Friendly: Suitable for both beginners and seasoned professionals, the synthesizer’s layout is user-friendly, enabling easy tweaking and fine-tuning of sounds.
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Compact Size: The compact and sleek design of the Model D takes up little space, ideal for small home studios or traveling musicians.
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Eurorack Compatible: The Model D can be used in a Eurorack setup, expanding its versatility and use in different music setups.
Cons
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No Preset Patches: Unlike some other synthesizers, the Behringer Model D does not have any preset patches. This makes it a little bit challenging for beginners who might need some starting point to experiment with.
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No Keyboard: While the module design contributes to the compactness, some musicians may miss having a keyboard. However, it does have MIDI capability, so it can be triggered via an external keyboard or sequencer.
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No Built-In Effects: Another drawback of the Behringer Model D is that it doesn’t offer any built-in effects. This may not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but some users may want additional onboard sound-shaping tools.
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Mono Sound: The Behringer Model D is a monophonic synthesizer. While this is typical amongst analog synths, users looking for a wider array of sounds or polyphony might see it as a limitation.
In conclusion, each musician’s needs will determine if the pros outweigh the cons. The Behringer Model D is a versatile, affordable piece of equipment that captures the spirit of classic, analog synthesis.
Comparisons with Other Synthesizers
When stacked against competitors, the Behringer Model D holds its own and then some. Key aspects of the comparison come down to build quality, sound quality, and the synthesizer’s features.
Compared to the Moog Model D, for instance, which is seen as industry standard, the Behringer Model D is quite impressive. It brings the classic vibe of the legendary Moog Model D but at a fraction of the cost. The sound is remarkably close to the original, displaying powerful oscillators, rich filters, and many of the features that made Moog a household name amongst professionals and enthusiasts alike. It can’t completely replicate the Moog’s sound, but the Behringer Model D gets closer than many would expect at this price.
Next, there’s the comparison with the Korg MS-20. It’s known for its semi-modular design and dual filters, which are unique in their sound coloration. While the Behringer Model D isn’t semi-modular, it does offer Eurorack compatibility, which can eclipse the Korg in some modular environments. The sonic difference pits the creamy, classic Moog sound and aesthetic of Behringer’s product against the more aggressive, gritty Korg.
The Arturia MiniBrute 2, another popular analog synth, is recognized for its vast modulation capabilities and unique features. If extended modulation is on your checklist, the MiniBrute 2 might attract you more. However, when it comes to reproducing that iconic Moog sound, the Behringer Model D again has a definite edge.
Ultimately, the Behringer Model D stands firmly even in a market saturated with quality synthesizers. It achieves its goal of offering a budget-friendly path to the sought-after Moog Model D sound. While it might not have all the features of more modern or more expensive synthesizers, the Behringer Model D delivers in build, sound quality, and iconic character.
Price Point and Value for Money
The Behringer Model D offers a remarkable value-for-money proposition in the world of analog synthesizers. Despite its relatively modest price, it does not compromise on quality or performance. As a clone of the legendary Minimoog Model D, it offers an authentic analog sound in a compact, easily transportable module.
When it comes to price point, the Behringer Model D stands in a league of its own. Priced significantly lower than most other synthesizers offering comparable features and capabilities, it makes the rich, powerful sound of a real analog synthesizer more accessible than ever before. It’s an affordable option, especially when compared to the original Minimoog Model D or other similar-level synthesizers available in the market.
How Behringer was able to achieve this lower price point involves a combination of factors. Firstly, this Eurorack-sized device is significantly smaller than the original Minimoog, resulting in lower material costs. Secondly, modern manufacturing techniques have allowed Behringer to produce these units on a larger scale, further reducing costs.
Despite its lower price, the Behringer Model D is packed with top-notch features. It has three voltage-controlled oscillators, a classic Moog ladder filter, and a 32-step sequencer. It also includes a noise generator, a dedicated LFO for modulating pitch and filters, and both MIDI and CV connectivity.
In essence, the Behringer Model D synthesizer delivers an excellent bang for the buck considering what you’d need to shell out for an original Minimoog Model D. The impressive functionality, combined with its reasonable pricing, ensures a high value for money for aspiring musicians and experienced synth enthusiasts. It’s evident that you get more than what you pay for with this synthesizer. Whether you’re a beginner looking to dip your toes in the world of synthesizers, or a seasoned pro wanting to expand your gear collection, the Behringer Model D offers unparalleled value.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Behringer Model D has proven itself to be an impressive synthesizer that combines the best of historic craftsmanship with modern requirements. Providing that traditional analog, monophonic sound that vintage fans love, it also caters for the needs of the current generation of music producers with the robustness and convenience of integrated contemporary technologies.
One significant advantage is that it captures an authentic Minimoog sound at a notably low price compared to the original Moog synthesizer itself. That alone makes it worth considering for anyone interested in adding that Moog sound to their studio without breaking the bank.
Its semi-modular design gives both beginners and professional users a vast range of sonic possibilities. It also provides an excellent first step into the modular world without an overwhelming amount of complexity. Portable and sturdy, it is no surprise that the Model D has become a favorite choice for live performances.
The Behringer Model D isn’t perfect though. The lack of a keyboard may be a drawback for some users and may require additional investment if this is a necessity. Moreover, the pitch and modulation wheels are on the smaller side, and some may find them slightly awkward to use.
Considering all aspects, we’d highly recommend the Behringer Model D for those who are on the lookout for an affordable, compact, and high-quality analog synthesizer. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into the waters of synthesis, an experienced producer seeking that rich Moog sound, or a live performer needing a reliable and portable hardware synth, the Model D could very well be a valuable addition to your musical arsenal.