A Full Behringer Crave Review

Behringer Crave has made its mark in the music production community for several key reasons. A highly flexible and affordable analog synthesizer, it brings together a powerful 3340 analog oscillator with a robust sequencer in a singular and portable design.

• Analog Oscillator

At the heart of the Behringer Crave is the 3340 Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO), providing the ability to generate a variety of tones through the adjustment of frequency spectrum, waveform structure, and modulation sources.

• Sequencer

Included in the synthesizer is a 32-step sequencer that allows for the creation of unique patterns and sequences that can be stored and recalled for future use.

• Flexible Patching

One notable feature of Behringer Crave is its semi-modular design, with 18 inputs and 14 outputs. This offers a vast range of possibilities for creative patching, enabling you to craft completely new sounds.

• Build Quality and Design

The Behringer Crave sports an attractive, solid metal casing in a compact form factor. The knobs have a smooth, durable feel and the backlit buttons provide visibility in low-light conditions.

• MIDI and USB Connectivity

With comprehensive MIDI and USB implementation, the Behringer Crave allows for easy integration with your existing studio setup, or can be used as a standalone device, enhancing your sound creation sessions.

Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the Behringer Crave doesn’t skimp on features or sound quality. It successfully packs a powerful, rich analog sound into an accessible and versatile design, making it a worthwhile addition to any producer’s gear collection. It captures the spirit of classic analog synthesizers while embracing the convenience of modern digital features. With all these points in favor, the Behringer Crave establishes itself as an excellent tool for musicians, regardless of their level of expertise.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Upon first glance, it’s clear that Behringer Crave packs a lot for its price. The box contents include:

• Behringer Crave Analog Synthesizer
• Power supply
• Two 1/8″ TS patch cables

Build
The build of the unit feels solid with its metal casing. This, in tandem with the sturdy knobs and switches, gives the Crave a feeling of durability and high manufacturing quality. The chunky wooden end-cheeks provide a certain vintage appeal, really drawing attention to the brand’s nod towards the classic Moog aesthetic.

Interface
The Crave greets you with its myriad of controls in a neatly labelled, uncluttered format. Upon close observation, it offers a 32-step sequencer, 3340 voltage controlled oscillator, ladder-style filter, and an envelope.

Connections
Upon a scruitiny of the connectivity options it provides MIDI In on 5-pin DIN and USB sockets, plus there’s Sync In and Out on 1/8-inch ports which allow you to seamlessly integrate the Crave with other gear. A rather unique feature is the comprehensive set of 18 minijack patch points towards the top of the unit.

The Unseen
What often goes unnoticed, but certainly appreciated, is the compactness and portability of the unit. This facilitates flexibility for an artist on the move.

In summary, the first impression that the Behringer Crave gives us is of a well-built, feature-packed, compact synthesizer that manages to maintain a vintage aesthetic. The balance between its small footprint and its numerous features and patches is quite finely struck. The synth seems to hold a lot of creative possibilities and looks to be a fun piece of gear to experiment with.

Key Features and Functionality

Behringer Crave boasts a number of impressive features and functionalities that make it a popular choice for any music lover or producer. In this review, we will explore various key features and functions that it offers.

Sequencer: One of the most notable features of the Behringer Crave is its robust on-board sequencer. It provides an 8-steps sequencer and 64 sequence memories. This gives users more musical range and variety, thus enhancing the overall creativity.

Analog Style: It incorporates a classic analog design, making it suitable for those who value authentic and raw sound production. The fully analog signal path is derived from legendary VCO, VCF and VCA designs.

Versatility: It integrates a wide range of waveforms, including triangular, sawtooth and square. The resultant effect is a device that can create a variety of sounds.

Design and Portability: A significant feature of the Behringer Crave is its compact size. It offers a portable solution for music producers, DJ’s and live performing artists.

Modular Functionality: Its semi-modular design allows users to patch a wide range of outputs and inputs. This enhances its usability as it can be connected with other devices.

MIDI and USB Capabilities: The synthesizer is equipped with Metronome with different time signatures and Smartphone apps for sequencing and more. It also supports MIDI input and output, as well as USB connection, which provides more flexibility

Voltage Controlled Oscillators: It comes with a powerful voltage-controlled oscillator that help in sound creation. The implementation of oscillator also develops more resonant, and louder sounds.

Affordability: Another notable aspect of the Behringer Crave is its affordability. Compared to other synthesizers within its class, the behringer crave offers high quality features, yet it is budget friendly.

In conclusion, Behringer Crave is a convenient, versatile, and feature-rich synthesizer, ideal for a wide array of musical applications. Its compact and portable design, coupled with its powerful features, make it a reliable device for music production. While it has myriad benefits, this synthesizer is competitively priced making it accessible to a multitude of users.

Sound Quality and Performance

The Behringer Crave houses a powerful sound engine that delivers dynamic and robust audio performance.

• Rich Oscillator-Filter Combo: Crave utilizes a 3340 VCO, which is known for generating rich ranges of waveform shapes. The oscillator’s output accordingly delivers warm and dense tone quality. The low-pass filter effectively shapes and modifies the sound to produce a distinctive output.

• Resilient Sequencer: Behringer Crave boasts a 32 step sequencer, which is known for its high flexibility and strength. It enables delivering complex patterns effortlessly, thereby ensuring consistent sound performance.

• Impressive Modulation Matrix: Promoting creativity, Crave’s 18×14 patch bay provides for impressive modulation possibilities. It allows for routing the sound in multiple ways, ensuring varied and detailed soundscapes.

• Wave Shape Selection: With a flip of a switch, the 3340 VCO can alternate between three waveforms: Saw, Triangle, and Pulse. Each waveform contributes to the overall character and texture of the end sound.

• Frequency and Resonance Controls: Crave allows for broad frequency and resonance controls. The frequency knobs offer a range of 10Hz-20KHz, while the resonance controls enable managing the filter’s character.

• Envelopes and Amplifiers: A high-quality ADSR envelope shapes and tailors the sound output by controlling factors such as Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release. The Voltage Controlled Amplifier can either be driven by the envelope or go full-on, delivering the utmost performance with absolute precision.

• MIDI and USB Connectivity: Behringer Crave comes with full MIDI and USB connectivity that allows seamless integration with DAWs and other MIDI devices.

One should take caution in understanding that while the Behringer Crave offers a range of features, mastering them all might require some time and patience. It does, however, aptly reward the effort with its exceptional sound quality and performance.

Connectivity and Integration

The Behringer Crave provides a range of connectivity and integration options that can easily cater to varying recording and performing needs.

• MIDI Connectivity: It houses 5-pin MIDI and USB-MIDI, allowing you to connect it with other MIDI devices and your computer respectively. This means that you can use it as a MIDI interface or a controller for your software synthesizers.

• CV/Gate: Crave is equipped with 18 CV/Gate patch points that can be used to patch with other analog gear. You can use these to control and be controlled by other CV/Gate equipped devices, opening up possibilities for intricate modular setups.

• USB Connectivity: The USB port not only serves as a USB-MIDI interface, but it’s also used for system updates, making this unit future-proof.

• Audio: The Behringer Crave boasts a highly flexible audio input section. Users can route audio from other instruments or audio sources through Crave’s filter and amplifier. This does not only allow you to tweak and shape sounds and make them unique, but also helps the Crave to easily integrate with other gear.

• Sync In/Out: This feature is designed for live performance, allowing the Crave to either set the tempo for other gear or follow the tempo from an external clock source.

These diverse connectivity options allow Behringer Crave to fit seamlessly into any studio setup, whether it be a small home studio or a professional recording studio. It’s clear that Behringer took the time to ensure that their product is a tool that can be effectively used in various scenarios by music producers and performers alike. You can definitely say that connectivity and integration have been thoroughly considered and implemented in the Behringer Crave.

Pros and Cons

The Behringer Crave provides many opportunities for sonic exploration and creativity, but, like all gear, it’s not without its potential drawbacks. To help you make an informed decision, here are some pros and cons to consider.

Pros

• Affordability: As far as modular synths go, the Behringer Crave is affordable. This makes it a great option for those wanting to dip their toes into the world of analogue synthesis without breaking the bank.

• Extensive Patching Capabilities: With a 16-point patchbay, the Behringer Crave offers comprehensive routing options, allowing you to shape and manipulate sounds in a variety of ways.

• Intuitive Sequencer: The Behringer Crave comes with a built-in 32-step sequencer, complete with 8 memory slots, which is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with other gear.

Cons

• Limited Onboard Sounds: The Behringer Crave is a monosynth, so it’s limited to producing one sound at a time. If you’re looking for polyphony, you may want to explore other options.

• No MIDI Over USB: While the Behringer Crave includes MIDI In and Thru connectors, it lacks MIDI-over-USB. This could restrict its utility in a digital setup.

• Required Assembly: The Behringer Crave doesn’t come assembled. This might not be a problem if you enjoy DIY projects, but if ‘some assembly required’ isn’t your thing, the Crave could pose some frustrations.

In summary, the Behringer Crave synthesizer offers an impressive range of features for its price point, but potential buyers should weigh these against its limitations before making a decision.

Comparisons with Other Synthesizers

When compared to other synthesizers in its price range, Behringer Crave stands out with its features and performance.

• Functionality: Many synth enthusiasts note that Behringer Crave offers impressive functionality. It combines both the classic synthesis concepts with modern sound design. It also comes with 3340 voltage-controlled oscillator for incredible sounds.

• Semi-Modular Nature: Its semi-modular nature sets it apart from many of its competitors. This allows users to play it straight out of the box without the need for patching. At the same time, users are also given the freedom to explore advanced applications by using the provided 18×14 I/O matrix.

• Build Quality: Another factor where Behringer Crave gains points is its build quality. It’s built with long-lasting, high-quality components. This makes it sturdy and reliable for long-term use.

• Price Point: When it comes to the price point, the Behringer Crave is praised for its great value. It comes with functionalities and features which can exceed those from synthesizers at an equivalent price range.

• Sequencer: Unlike some other synths in its class, Behringer Crave includes a 32-step sequencer, making it stand out among similar options.

However, it’s worth noting that every synthesizer will have its unique characteristics. It all boils down to the musician’s preference and specific needs in a synthesizer. Nonetheless, for its price point, Behringer Crave offers a combination of functionality, build quality, and inclusive features that make it a strong contender in its category.

Price Point and Value for Money

The Behringer Crave strides into the market with a highly competitive price point that doesn’t compromise on performance.

• Affordability: Emphasizing affordability, the Behringer Crave is priced streamline yet doesn’t skimp on the features that matter. The price tag is a striking aspect, making it a prime choice for those looking for value-for-money.

• Features: Despite the moderate price, the Crave sports a generous collection of features. It banks on a strong semi-modular architecture bolstered by a 3340 VCO, a classic ladder filter, and integral step sequencer. These high-quality, in-built elements contribute heavily to its overall value.

• Ease of Use: The Behringer Crave also scores high in terms of usability. Its user-friendly design and intuitive interface facilitate easy navigation, making it suitable for both novices and seasoned musicians. This adds to the overall value proposition of the synthesizer considering its price range.

• Build Quality: Crafted with a sturdy metal case, the Behringer Crave guarantees longevity, thus offering an impressive return on investment.

• Inclusions: Accessories such as Eurorack mounting brackets and patch cables included within the purchase also enhances its value for money quotient.

In conclusion, the Behringer Crave synthesizer is a compelling choice in terms of both price point and value-for-money. It manages to strike a balance between affordability and feature-rich utility, thus standing as an excellent option, especially for those on a budget.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

When it comes to the Behringer Crave, several aspects of the semi-modular synthesizer stand out:

• The device offers a lot of features that both beginners and professionals will find useful, which include:
• A rich, analog sound with a versatile oscillator and filter section.
• A variety of connections and patch points that allow integration within a larger setup.

• The 32-step sequencer that provides a platform for creativity and experimentation.

• With a durable, metal body, the Behringer Crave is built to withstand a considerable amount of usage.

• Compared to other synthesizers within the same price range, the Behringer Crave gives considerable value due to its features and functionality.

• While the synthesizer has a compact form factor, it may not be ideal for artists who want a portable synthesizer due to its lack of battery power option.

• For new users, it may take some time to understand and explore the full range of the synthesizer’s capabilities. However, once acquainted, the Behringer Crave is capable of producing interesting soundscapes.

• It is also worth noting that the Behringer Crave lacks a display. While this does not inhibit the functionality of the device, it might make the workflow less intuitive for some users.

Based on these points, the Behringer Crave is a solid option for those looking for a semi-modular synthesizer with deep customizing options and are willing to experiment with its extensive features. It provides value for both beginners and more experienced users, offering a good platform for understanding and exploring sound synthesis. Lastly, its affordability makes it a worthy consideration for those who are looking to add a versatile semi-modular synthesizer to their music setup.