The Behringer Neutron has stirred in the synth community a blend of curiosity, excitement, and, inevitably, a bit of skepticism. Its entry to the market meant a potentially game-changing semi-modular synth that could deliver vintage analog sounds at a fraction of the expected price. But does it hold up under scrutiny? Here’s what we found out.

Behringer Neutron Introduction

The synth world perked its collective ears when news of the Behringer Neutron broke out. Behringer, a company already known for churning out affordable gear, had been making serious movements in the analog synth market. Bargain wests, vintage synth clones, and now, a semi-modular synth with a price tag that made avid synth enthusiasts, and especially newcomers, rub their eyes in disbelief.

Drawing in curious crowds from every corner of the synth community, the Neutron is making waves primarily because of its potent trifecta promise: the affordability factor, the much-coveted analog warmth, and the flexibility provided by a semi-modular structure – all housed in a single unit.

A brand new, semi-modular synth at this price point is hardly a common occurrence, even in today’s bustling synth-market. Plus, Behringer being the brains behind the beast only bolstered the initial intrigue in what seemed like a wildly promising prospect.

Affordable doesn’t always mean quality, though. And we all know that not every low-cost synth can deliver that genuine analog ambiance we so crave. So, the question remained: could the Behringer Neutron match up to the massive expectations it had sparked at first sight? There was only one way to find out.

So here we are, peering under the hood of the Neutron, ready to scrutinise and evaluate every knob, every port, every patch, to decode the truth of its potential. Can this promising entry into the synth market deliver on the enormous hype or not? It’s time to find out.

Behringer Neutron First Impressions and Build Quality

Aesthetics

Upon unboxing, the Behringer Neutron is bound to capture your attention given its striking aesthetic. Combining a bold red faceplate with a plethora of knobs, faders, and patch points, the Neutron’s visual appeal is both sleek and imposing. It provides a retro-ish vibe reminiscent of vintage synthesizers.

Build Quality

• The build quality is noteworthy for a synth of this caliber and price range.
• The casing is entirely metallic, lending resistance to wear and tear during jam sessions or transportation.
• The knobs are solid yet coiled, providing a gratifying resistance during rotation.
• The faders glide smoothly, facilitating subtly refined parameter modifications, which is essential for tweaking your sound in real-time.

Layout

The Behringer Neutron is bifurcated into two crucial sections:

• The synth engines
• The patch bay

This separation is intuitive, and each section amply spaced, so it never feels cramped. Trying to navigate around the various knobs and sliders, or even the patch bay, albeit daunting at first glance, becomes much more accessible after spending quality time with it.

Size

The Neutron is on the larger side when contrasted against the other desktop semi-modular synths. Although this could be an issue if your studio space is confined, considering its capabilities, it is justifiable to make room for this powerful piece of equipment.

Behringer Neutron Core Features and Sound Engine

The Behringer Neutron’s signal path starts with a bang, offering dual 3340 voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), each capable of generating five waveforms: sine, saw, triangle, square, and tone mod. The oscillators indeed pack a punch, providing everything from warm basses, screaming leads, to those lovely classic analogue tones we all know and love. Each VCO comes with a width control for some serious pulse-width manipulation, and a Tone Mod that introduces additional harmonic content into your sounds.

The VCOs feed into a multi-mode state variable Voltage-Controlled Filter (VCF) which can operate in low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass modes. The filter boasts a dizzyingly steep 36dB slope, which makes it brilliant for achieving those “squelchy” acid sounds and substantial resonance peaks. It’s impressively self-oscillating, which adds an artistic tool for sculpting and exploiting wild sonic landscapes.

The Behringer Neutron does not stop there with modulation. It comes bundled with dual ADSR envelope generators, an LFO with five available waveforms, an Overdrive circuit, and a BBD delay for layering some depth onto your sounds. There are even unconventional sound design features ultimately atypical in a device at this price point, such as the Sample & Hold, Slew Rate Limiter, and the peculiarly rewarding Paraphonic mode.

The Sample & Hold, for instance, can be used as a random CV source, while the Slew Rate Limiter is useful for smoothening out abrupt modulation transitions. Paraphonic mode lets you split the two VCOs so they can be pitched independently – effectively leading to a quasi-duophonic synth. All of these elements combine to deliver a true chameleon of sound: from punchy percussive hits and roaring bass lines to swirling pads and squealing leads, the Behringer Neutron proves to be remarkably versatile.

Undeniably, the Neutron’s raw sound character lies in the realm of vintage analogue with a modern flare, delivering a satisfyingly fat and dirty tone. It certainly doesn’t shy away from pushing into experimental territory, making it a stimulating choice for those in search of a semi-modular synth with a strong voice and plenty of sonic possibilities at hand. Determining where it all fits into the sonic galaxy is part of the fun; the Neutron’s extensive feature set offers a platform for endless exploration and sound-shaping potential.

The Semi-Modular Experience

Venturing into the fascinating realm of modular synthesis with the Behringer Neutron is as enthralling as it is educational. The Neutron’s patch bay is a wonderland for analogue enthusiasts and newcomers alike: a semi-modular architecture that promises a sea of sound-shaping capabilities.

The patch bay offers a total of 32 in/out points, providing a myriad of opportunities for creating complex sounds. As a semi-modular, all main elements are already hardwired, meaning you can start producing sounds immediately. However, with patch cables, you can make your own connections, sculpting peculiarities and idiosyncrasies of sounds that’d be tough to make on a regular synthesizer.

Patching isn’t an exclusive path; you can use the oscilloscope, the filter, or the overdrive as separate components in another setup. For instance, running drums through the filter and overdrive is pretty neat, as they can add a beautiful nastiness to a clean drum machine.

The flexibility goes beyond the synthesizer’s surface controls, by a long shot. With thoughtful patching, you can come up with a variety of weird sci-fi effects, intensify modulation paths for aggressive leads, or subtly tweak connections for deep and warm pads.

While patching does usher in a learning curve for beginners, it’s incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it. This is the Neutron’s secret weapon: beneath its straightforward interface lies an intricate network of paths leading to uncharted sonic territories.

Wading through the neutron’s semi-modular experience helps to fully appreciate the level of depth and flexibility this synth has to offer. It not only expands your sonic perspective, but it also provides a hands-on, in-depth primer on signal flow and sound design.

Behringer Neutron Connectivity and Integration

To fully dissect the connectivity and integration capabilities of the Behringer Neutron, we’ll start with its comprehensive rear panel. Here you’ll find a USB Type B connector, MIDI in and thru ports, and a generous trio of 1/8″ jacks for audio in, out, and headphones. Alongside these, you’ll find the semi-modular nature of the Neutron, bearing Eurorack compatibility – this means integrating the Neutron into a larger modular setup is just as simple as plugging it in.

Making a pit stop at the front panel, one can’t ignore the spacious 56-point patch bay. This comes in handy whether you’re running independently or alongside other modular gears. The comprehensive patch bay allows for external signal routing, injecting even more flexibility to your music creation process.

On the MIDI side of things, MIDI-CC implementation is satisfyingly complete, providing easy integration with DAWs or MIDI controllers. The USB port provides for MIDI-over-USB functionality, allowing for seamless interaction with your computer without sacrificing your traditional MIDI ports. Moreover, the Neutron is also compatible with the Behringer Synth Tool, a free downloadable software that offers extra control options and global settings control.

In a standalone exploration scenario, Neutron fares well too. The possibilities for routing and patching are almost limitless, even without connecting it to other modular gears. This makes it a versatile tool to have, whether you’re a newbie making your way through the basics or a seasoned pro looking to whip up complex sonic landscapes.

Between the MIDI connectivity, Eurorack compatibility, and the expansive 56-point patch bay, Neutron sets itself up as a flexible machine primed for integration into a variety of music setups, with an ease that ensures a smooth transition from standalone to blended use.

Behringer Neutron Performance and Playability

First and foremost, the Behringer Neutron is a veritable performer’s instrument. Synthesis novices and virtuoso sound designers alike will find the Neutron’s responsive knob layout and hands-on playability highly satisfying. With tightly-knit and robust rotary encoders, fine-tuning your sound generation and modulation is delightfully tactile, adding to the overall pleasure of the play experience.

The Neutron’s layout design boasts a straightforward signal flow that’s mapped out visually, making it a breeze to navigate across its semi-modular architecture. Many users appreciate how intuitive the arrangement is, especially for modular neophytes looking to learn the ropes without being overwhelmed. It is fairly simple to grasp how each part of the synth interacts to create the final sound.

Interactivity is a pivotal facet of the Neutron. Its capacity to deliver rapid, real-time alteration of almost all parameters, lethal basses, screaming leads or whatever sonic inspiration seizes you is quite impressive. With a well thought out design, achieving desired sounds is generally a quick and gratifying process.

One cannot talk about the Neutron’s performance without mentioning its suitability for both live settings and studio production. For gigging musicians, the Neutron’s robust design and stable tuning can withstand the rigors of the stage while delivering electrifying analog tones night after night. Meanwhile, in the studio, the Neutron’s extensive patching capabilities and Eurorack-compatibility open up a vast array of sonic possibilities, making it an excellent tool for crafting unique sounds.

However, despite the Neutron’s user-friendly design and streamlined workflow, it is worth noting its learning curve. As with any semi-modular synth, getting the most out of the Neutron requires a good understanding of signal flow and a readiness to dive into the nitty-gritty of analog synthesis, especially in terms of patching.

The Behringer Neutron caters to both the passionate performer who thrives on the physicality of sonic manipulation and the serious sound-design craftsman who wants standalone accessibility at an attractive price-point. Whether you intend to add it to your live rig or your studio setup, the Neutron’s versality and playability make it a worthy addition.

Behringer Neutron Pros and Cons

Synthesizer enthusiasts know that no single instrument can meet all expectations, so let’s delve into the pros and cons of the Behringer Neutron semi-modular analog synthesizer.

On the upside, the Neutron is undeniably affordable. Offering a fully analog signal path, this synthesizer enters the market sharply undercutting many of its semi-modular counterparts. This price point makes it highly accessible even to newcomers seeking their first adventure into the analog synth universe.

The sound quality is another feather in its cap. The Neutron houses robust oscillators that deliver a thick, broad range of tones, capable of classic subtractive synthesis sounds and more experimental output. Its semi-modular architecture is another strength. It gives you the ability to learn and experiment with patching signals. You’re not just getting a ready-made synth; you’re getting an educational tool that expands with your evolving understanding and novel exploration.

However, pros and cons go hand in hand, and the Behringer Neutron does have certain limitations. For one, its semi-modular nature can impose a steep initial learning curve, especially for newcomers to synthesis who might find its labyrinthine patch bay overwhelming. While the affordability does rock, it could also indicate a compromise on build quality. The synth’s knobs and switches can feel a tad flimsy, unlike the heavier, smoother counterparts found in professional high-end synths.

Its sonic capabilities, though expansive, might also fail to match up fully to higher-end modular synths. Some users have found the Neutron’s filter and overdrive sections to lack the creaminess and texture of more expensive models. Furthermore, the absence of onboard effects means you’ll likely need to integrate external effects units for further sound moulding.

In summary, the Behringer Neutron’s appeal lies in the balance it strikes between affordability, sound quality, and semi-modular flexibility. It’s an attractive entry point for those curious about analog synthesis and semi-modularity, while more seasoned musicians might find its shortcomings too noticeable when compared to its higher-priced counterparts. However, at its price, the Behringer Neutron offers an undeniably compelling package that’s hard to beat.

Behringer Neutron Sound Exploration and Patch Examples

Delving into sound design with the Neutron, we may easily conclude that it is an absolute delight. Braiding a colourful cross-pollination of low, throbbing basses, biting leads, and space-age sounds that seem to bloom from some hitherto unknown corner of aural oblivion.

Talking straight about its ground abilities, it virtually shines recreating classic analogue tones. It’s powerfully potent in delivering the much sought-after vintage resonance, paying a rather audacious homage to legendary sounds. From squelching basses and punchy leads, to seamless recreations of venerable, old-school synth grooves, the Neutron does not merely copy, it absolutely reinvents.

However, where the Neutron shakes the ground is in its ability to traverse paths less trodden. The heart of any good modular synth system is the frantic unpredictability. A wild beast that steadfastly refuses to be tamed, the Neutron twists and evolves under your fingers, peeling back layers to explore unchartered sonic territories.

Such explorations could whisk you into a wormhole of hissing white noises and spacey pads, growling bass drones or bleeping, zapping renditions that would make R2-D2 proud. It breaks the traditional shackles of synthesis and revels in wandering into the dark abyss, eliciting sounds that gyrate from the hauntingly beautiful to the ripped raw edge of chaos.

Is the sound exploration intense? Absolutely! Is it complex? No doubt! However, it is this wild dance on the edge of reason, paired with its undenied ability to belt out classic, robust vintage tones that makes the Behringer Neutron a synth to be reckoned with. It is a testament to both an all-embracing sound design and a courageous travesty that bridges the gap between the old and the new.

Behringer Neutron Comparison with Other Synthesizers

In the crowded field of synthesizers, both vintage classics and contemporary contenders, it’s up to each contender to carve out a niche for itself. Frequently, the Behringer Neutron inevitably finds itself compared to legends like the Moog Mother-32 or the more recently released Arturia MiniBrute 2. And though it may be sacrilege to some, Neutron holds its own surprisingly well against these heavyweights.

Central to this comparison is value proposition. The Behringer Neutron delivers impressive sound and flexibility while staying in a price range that defines the words ‘affordable’ in the synthesizer market. Though lacking the heritage of a company like Moog, some may find that the Neutron’s semi-modular design even edges out the non-modular architecture of the Mother-32, offering users a deeper dive into sound-design capabilities.

However, these cost savings do come with some compromises. It is important to acknowledge that the Neutron, while fully analog, does not entirely manage to recreate the tonal richness that is the hallmark of Moog synths. But it’s also true that in blind sound tests, many listeners would be hard-pressed to identify the more expensive unit.

Comparing the Neutron to the Arturia MiniBrute 2, a synth within a similar price bracket, the competition is tighter. Both share a robust semi-modular architecture and are equipped with a rowdy, aggressive sound engine. Where they diverge is in their design philosophy—the MiniBrute 2 possesses a more subtractive, intuitive layout for beginners, whereas the Neutron’s patch bay thrusts you into the deep end of sound shaping right from the get-go. This may feel daunting for some, but others may appreciate this direct confrontation with established norms.

In the realm of modular synths, the Neutron may also find competition in the likes of the Doepfer Dark Energy III; a similar single voice, semi-modular synthesizer. However, the Dark Energy’s higher price point and fewer patch points place it at a distinct disadvantage with respect to affordability and versatility.

In conclusion, the Behringer Neutron presents a surprising blend of affordability, modularity and sonic capability that outpaces many of its competitors in the same price range. It falls short of replicating the tonal warmth of vintage classics, but offers unmatched value and flexibility, especially for those eager to dive into the world of modular synthesis without blowing out their budgets.

Final Verdict

After rigorous testing of the Behringer Neutron, its offerings are notably impressive, particularly considering its affordability.

Market Standing

Despite a competitive market, Behringer Neutron garners its unique presence with a remarkable blend of value and functionality. Their goal of affordability is seen clearly, however, that doesn’t limit their feature offerings. An impressive amount of analog warmth and flexibility is crammed into this package, setting a benchmark in semi-modular synthesis.

For The Newbies and The Seasoned

From the layout that is intuitive to its powerful sound engine, the Neutron is set to introduce newcomers to the vast ocean of semi-modular synthesis while providing the seasoned enthusiasts with a potent tool for sonic exploration.

Not Just Limited To Enthusiasts

A charm for the broader spectrum of users, the Neutron’s ability to blend smoothly into various setups, paired with the proficiency of producing an array of sounds – from classic analog tones to experimental timbres, making it a compelling addition to any studio producer’s toolkit. The robust build adds to its appeal in both live and studio scenarios.

Behringer ‘s Vision

Following a path that envisions an accessible future for analog synthesis without compromising on performance, Behringer’s Neutron doesn’t just cater to a particular niche but opens an intersecting avenue for beginners and professionals alike. Their message is clear, one needn’t spend a fortune to enjoy the richness and warmth of analog synthesis, and this echoes in the broader synth landscape.

Behringer’s Neutron is indeed a brilliant example of the company’s ethos: high-quality music gear that suits everyone’s pocket. A bold foot set in the realm of modular synthesis, promising a fertile landscape for the industry.