In the realm of synthesizers, Behringer has become a name synonymous with bringing vintage, often hard-to-find sounds to the masses at an affordable price. The Behringer Pro 800, a polyphonic synthesizer that pledges a nod to classic analog sounds with a modern twist, has garnered attention and anticipation from synth enthusiasts and musicians alike. In this review, we take an extensive sweep across the Pro 800’s offerings, from the nuts and bolts of its build and performance to its sound output and compatibility.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Unboxing the Behringer Pro 800, one can’t help but be immediately struck by its aesthetic appeal. The unit comes in a sturdy, well-protected box, a clear indication of Behringer’s attention to detail, even from the packaging stage. The rigidity of the box promises good protection during transit, ensuring the synthesizer arrives in pristine condition.

Once you get past the packaging, the first thing you’ll notice is the Pro 800’s robust build quality. Its metal chassis is sleek and sturdy, adding to the unit’s overall impression of durability. Aesthetically, the Pro 800 harkens back to the analog synths of yore, its design svelte and lean, yet peppered with modern accents. The color scheme, a mix of light and dark grey with occasional splashes of vibrant orange, lends the synth a retro-futuristic vibe, keeping the design exciting without seeming overly flamboyant.

The front panel layout is comprehensive yet easy to navigate – a sign of intuitive design. It features a generous array of knobs and sliders that offer a tactile experience you would expect from a top-tier analog synth. Every knob and slider offer a substantial feel, turning smoothly to allow precise control over your sound.

In terms of connectivity, the Behringer Pro 800 doesn’t disappoint. It promises ample flexibility with a list of mandatory connectivity options such as MIDI in/out, USB, and a headphones output, faithfully honoring the dispositions of the original unit it emulates. It also includes individual voice outputs, which is a nice addition for users who like to isolate individual voices during post-production or live performances.

Overall, the first impressions suggest that the Pro 800 is set to deliver a substantial user experience. It combines a mindful nod to its vintage roots with modern components, promising an amalgamation of timeless sound personality with the conveniences of contemporary times. The stage appears set for an immersive journey into the heart of this promising new synth.

Behringer Pro 800: Features & Functions

The Behringer Pro 800 shines in the world of synthesizers, thanks to its fantastic features and functionality.

1. The Heart of the Synth

Let’s delve into the heart of this classic piece – its features:

• A 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer with 26 knobs and 27 switches.
• Direct and real-time access to all important parameters.
• A blend of vintage and modern controls, offering complete control over music production.

2. Sonic Possibilities

Whether you’re a retro synth enthusiast or a modern musician, the dual VCOs per voice in Pro 800 cater to all needs. Appreciate the rich and warm tones from:

• Two oscillator sections coming with square and sawtooth waveforms per voice.
• A broader spectrum of sonic possibilities, enhancing performance.

3. Filters and Modulation

• A variety of VCF filters such as low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass, with dedicated envelopes for sound shaping.
• Excellent flexibility in creating different tones or reproducing classic synth sounds.
• Comprehensive LFO section and additional pulse width modulation add more expression to your sound.

4. Classic Appeal with Contemporary Flair

The Behringer Pro 800 blends the tradition of legendary anthems with modern features:

• Respect for the classics, as evident in the features inspired by the Sequential Circuits Prophet 600.
• Addition of contemporary touches elevating its usability.
• Balancing the old charm with modern twists.

The Behringer Pro 800 is a mesmerizing blend of traditional and modern, perfect for those nostalgic about retro synth vibes but unwilling to give up on current technological advancements.

Behringer Pro 800 Sound Quality and Performance

When it comes to assessing the sound quality of a synthesizer like the Behringer Pro 800, not even the most clinical and impartial review can ignore the elephant in the room: this is a product that’s all about replicating the legendary tones of a vintage classic. And the good news is that it does a pretty stellar job at it.

From the moment we fired it up and started to navigate through its range of intricate soundscape options, it became abundantly clear that this is a synth designed with a breadth and depth of sound in mind. From the deepest basslines that rumble and shake the floor, to the soaring lead sounds that cut through any mixed ensemble like a hot knife through butter, and all the lush, evocative pads in between, the Pro 800 delivers on its promise of diverse, multi-faceted soundscapes.

Look a little bit closer (or rather, listen a little bit closer), and you’ll notice certain inherent qualities that wouldn’t be out of place on a much more expensive synthesizer. Its oscillators, which include saw, square/pulse, and triangle waveforms, generate raw sounds that are punchy, sharp, and beautifully detailed. The in-built filters also offer a comprehensive palette to shape your sound further, with enough flexibility to cater to a broad range of genre applications.

From a performer’s perspective, the Pro 800 proves to be quite versatile, whether you’re in the studio composing, or tweaking it live on stage. There’s some reasonably intuitive patch building and sound crafting options, letting inexperienced users get some great tones without much hassle, while still offering enough depth for more seasoned synthesizer enthusiasts to dig deep into.

Importantly, this synth doesn’t sacrifice quality for versatility. In fact, during our extensive hands-on testing, across a wide spectrum of musical styles and genres, the Pro 800 reliably delivered complex textures and sounds that were nothing short of pleasing to the ears.

Ultimately, the test of any good synthesizer is whether or not it inspires creativity, and the Behringer Pro 800 passed this most critical assessment with flying colors. It offers a range of possibilities that pulls you in and encourages experimentation in a way that’s enjoyable and, perhaps most importantly, musical. Expect to lose plenty of time tweaking knobs and sliders to find exciting new tones and timbres for your tracks when you start to play around with this baby!

Behringer Pro 800 Connectivity and Integration

The Behringer Pro 800 makes its mark with a generous range of connectivity options, demonstrating a strong understanding of its market and the varying setup needs of today’s synthesizer enthusiasts.

The rear panel is a testament to its adaptability, housing a variety of interfaces that include MIDI In, Out, and Thru, ensuring seamless interaction with other MIDI equipped devices. The Pro 800 also boasts USB connectivity, making it a cinch to integrate into your digital setup. This flexibility means it can slot into almost any studio or stage setup with ease, providing a hassle-free experience whether you’re jamming live or laying down tracks in your home studio.

The patch points located on the top panel represent an inviting playground for those who dabble in the more experimental side of synthesis. The Pro 800’s semi-modular architecture is sure to pique the interest of modular synth lovers, with ample capability to patch into a Eurorack system. These inputs and outputs offer a path not just for complex routing within the Pro 800 itself, but for interaction with a world of external gear.

In terms of software interaction, the Pro 800 plays well with others. Most Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), external synths, and effects units will find a welcoming partner in the Pro 800 thanks to its straightforward application of MIDI and USB connections. What’s more, its comprehensive MIDI CC implementation makes it a breeze to record knob movements or automate parameters from your DAW. This thoughtful integration transforms the Pro 800 into a compelling centerpiece for the modern studio, offering a profound level of interactivity that’s sure to appeal to both novice and seasoned musicians.

In conclusion, the Behringer Pro 800 excels in terms of connectivity and integration, presenting a versatile partner for various setups and devices. Its approachable design and inherent compatibility with both hardware and software platforms make it stand out in a crowded synth market, showcasing its potential to be a worthy addition to any musical arsenal.

Behringer Pro 800 Pros and Cons

In our journey with the Behringer Pro 800, there are quite a few strengths that can be pointedly noted, as well as some weaknesses that deserve mention. Let’s break it down:

Pros

• Nostalgic Sound : There’s plenty to admire about the Pro 800 if you’re a fan of vintage analog sounds. It does an excellent job of emulating its inspiration, delivering warm and thick tones that are remarkably close to the original.

• Versatility : If you’re after a broad palette of sounds, the Pro 800 impresses with its depth and range. From deep, resonant basses to ethereal, fluttering leads, and rich, textural pads, it’s a sound designer’s delight.

• Intuitive Interface : The Pro 800 scores high in usability. The control knobs and sliders are thoughtfully laid out making tweaking sounds an intuitive and rewarding process, a boon for both novices and seasoned synth wizards.

• Sturdy Build : The build quality of the Pro 800 is commendable. It feels solid and reliable, exuding a reassuring robustness that implies it can handle regular use without a hitch.

• Price Point : As with many of Behringer’s offerings, the Pro 800 delivers strong value for money. It punches above its weight class, offering a high-quality analog synth experience for a comparatively lower cost.

Cons

• Limited Polyphony : The Pro 800, despite its greatness in many areas, is restricted by limited polyphony. You get only 8 voices, which can be a constraint when crafting complex soundscapes.

• No Effects Section : The absence of an onboard effects section is a missed opportunity. Users will likely need to rely on additional external effects units for further sound shaping.

• No Aftertouch : The lack of aftertouch is another shortcoming. This can limit expressivity, especially for performers who like to get hands-on with their playing.

• Patch Memory : The Pro 800 skimps somewhat on preset storage capacity. A larger patch memory bank would be a welcome addition for those users who want to hold onto their created sounds for longer.

By striking a fine balance between price, sound, and usability, the Behringer Pro 800 indeed cuts an impressive figure, though it’s not without its fair share of shortcomings. As with any instrument, the choice will heavily depend on the user’s specific needs and preferences. However, for those looking to merge the worlds of vintage nostalgia and modern functionality at a reasonable price – this might just be your synth.

Comparisons with Other Synthesizers

One of the most important aspects of a synthesizer review involves putting it in context: How does the Behringer Pro 800 measure up to its counterparts?

First and foremost, the Pro 800 promises to be a reincarnation of a classic— the Sequential Circuits Pro-One. Contrasting the new against the old, the Pro 800 hits the marks well; it encapsulates the same gritty, punchy sounds and adds a new dimension – polyphony.

The original Pro-One was a monosynth, but Behringer has expanded the design to eight-voice polyphony, offering a depth and variety of sound production that the original couldn’t touch. Meanwhile, the nods to its inspiration are loud and clear, from the overall design to the type of knobs and sliders used, the Pro 800 holds the hands of nostalgia, leading the way to a modern era.

Now, comparing it to other modern behemoths – such as the Korg Minilogue or the Arturia MicroFreak – the real differences emerge. While the Minilogue is often praised for its clean, digital oscillators, and the MicroFreak for its vast modulation options, the Pro 800 carves its niche with its raw, powerful analog sounds.

In terms of features, it’s a mixed bag. Pro 800 hosts a decent amount of sound-shaping controls on board that might beat the Arturia MicroFreak but falls slightly short of what the Minilogue provides, particularly in terms of sequencing capabilities. However, when it comes to its authentic, beefy analog tones, the Pro 800 holds a very unique spot.

Lastly, when it comes to sound quality, the Pro 800 holds its own. As one might expect from a tribute to a vintage synth, the Pro 800’s tones are rugged and characterful, marked by a warm and gritty texture. It provides an authentic analog experience that makes it a stand-out choice among its peers.

In conclusion, it appears the Pro 800 doesn’t just mirror its vintage predecessor; it amplifies and expands upon it. As compared to its modern siblings, it might not find the best fit for those seeking a pristine digital sound or absolute control over sound design. But for those who desire a true-blooded analog experience with a touch of vintage, or for those seeking to add a different flavor to their sonic palette, the Pro 800 just might be an excellent solution.

Price Point and Value for Money

The Behringer Pro 800 holds its own remarkable spot in the synthesizer market when it comes to pricing. It retails at a pocket-friendly price that is hard to ignore, given the array of features and the quality of sound it presents. As such, the Pro 800 is a choice investment for different users, from beginners making their first venture into the diverse world of synthesis, seasonal synth enthusiasts looking to add an adaptable and reliable tool to their collection, to professionals in need of a straightforward, yet powerful, sound machine.

When gazing over at its competition, the Pro 800 certainly stands its ground. It hovers in a price segment where it confronts a number of formidable rivals, both new and old. But considering what it packs under its sleek cover, it is fair to say that the Pro 800 offers excellent value for the money. From its robust build, user-friendly interface to its ability to render an impressive assortment of deep, luscious tones, the Pro 800 doesn’t disappoint.

Indeed. Behringer’s pricing strategy is known for being aggressive, and it is safe to say that they’ve hit the mark once again with the Pro 800. The brand, loyal to its promise, proves that you don’t have to break the bank to own an instrument that offers quality sound, versatility, and a good degree of analog authenticity.

In the broader context of the synth market, and more specifically in the territory Behringer aims to dominate by recreating vintage classics in a modern, budget-friendly fashion, the Pro 800’s value proposition stands as a statement that affordability and quality can exist in harmony. At its price point, few could deny that the Pro 800 brings superior value to the table.

Taking all of this into account, the Behringer Pro 800 is not just a budget-friendly purchase, but a significant value for money investment that grants access to an iconic analog sound in a modern, user-friendly package. Its price tag and robust features coalesce beautifully to grant it a competitive spot in today’s vibrant synth market – a quintessential Behringer move. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, the Pro 800’s affordability and impressive performance make it a synth that’s hard to pass up.

Our journey with the Behringer Pro 800 comes to a conclusive checkpoint as we sum up what this particular synthesizer brings to the current musical landscape. The Pro 800 holds true to Behringer’s unique proposition of providing access to vintage, difficult-to-come-by sounds while not completely abandoning the necessities of the modern ages. This balance of past and present brings something inherently special to the table for musicians and simply won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.

The diversity of sound the Pro 800 offers, alongside a decent set of connectivity options makes it a versatile choice both for seasoned musicians keen on experimenting with a wide range of tonal possibilities, as well as for beginners who are looking for their first fully-analog polyphonic synthesizer. It indeed is a musical instrument that proves affordable doesn’t necessarily mean compromise.

However, it’s essential to bear in mind that the Pro 800 is not a jack-of-all-trades. Its unique features, notably its commitment to vintage, classic sounds, might not cater to all musicians’ tastes. If you’re someone more interested in contemporary, digital tones, this synthesizer might not be your first go-to. But for anyone with a yearning for classic, analog synth sounds and a craving for creativity, the Pro 800 could indeed be an exciting addition to your setup.

In conclusion, with the Pro 800, Behringer continues its mission of democratizing access to classic synthesizer sounds, making them more readily available to a wider demographic. If they continue on this trajectory, Behringer has the potential to redefine what affordability in the synthesizer market means, bringing a new dawn to the world of synthesizers. We’re excited to see what they’re up to next.