Behringer MS-1 MK II 32-key Monophonic Analog Synth – Grey
Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, artists and performers of myriad electronic shades (and beyond) near-exclusively turned to one magical monosynth to sling over their shoulders — an instrument integral to the foundations of house music and, by extension, much of the modern synth-fueled, dance-driven musical landscape. Behringer’s lauded homage to this iconic instrument has been revamped with the Behringer MS-1 MK II 32-key Monophonic Analog Synth – Grey. Much to the delight of our electro ebony-and-ivory specialists, Behringer masterfully built the MS-1 MK II to single out and upgrade what its first-gen predecessor lacked while retaining all the performance tools, sonic power, and modulation magic that cemented the original model and the MK I as a staple of transcendent studio-to-stage synthesis. Armed with a genuine 3340 VCO, four simultaneously blendable waveforms, and extensive modulation capabilities, the all-analog Behringer MS-1 MK II 32-key monophonic analog synthesizer is the only tour-grade monosynth capable of donning the ferocious sonic mantle of its forefather.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”: What’s new with MK II?
As an ode to one of history’s most impactful synthesizers, designing the MS-1 required Behringer to methodically capture the magic of its spiritual predecessor while responsibly expanding the MS-1’s aural arsenal to optimally integrate with the modern musician’s needs, all without sacrificing what made the ‘80s mono-menace such a coveted machine. The MS-1 MK II represents Behringer’s dedication to honoring the original and upgrading the shortcomings of the first-gen MS-1. In service of maximizing the power and panache of its pure-analog signal path, both the VCF and VCA have been overhauled via revamped designs that create greater control and dynamic range, enriching the character and harmonic makeup of its oh-so-smooth resonant VCF. Furthermore, the MS-1 MK II adds to its versatile I/O a dedicated Sync input, immensely expanding your palette of interoperative possibilities and creative configurations. To that end, the MS-1 MK II features two different Glide modes over the original’s singular, manually adjusted portamento. This new Auto mode unlocks multitudes of expressive capabilities, whether you’re playing straight off the MS-1 MK II or using it in conjunction with any number of hardware or software synths and instruments.
Oscillate wildly: authentic 3340 VCO, 4-way wave mixing, FM, and more
The analog architecture of the Behringer MS-1 MK II is built upon its authentic 3340 VCO (voltage-controlled oscillator) with four waveforms — all of which can be active simultaneously for seriously complex timbral sculpting. Waveforms include a sawtooth, triangle, square (with PWM), and an octave-divided square sub oscillator. What’s more, the VCO can be adjusted across a massive 4-octave range, further expanding your sonic sandbox. As a bonus, the MS-1 MK II features the “Nova Mod” that many players made to their original synths in the ’90s, adding VCF frequency modulation with six available FM sources. Between its multiple waveforms and FM, the MS-1 MK II lets you summit the synthesis peaks that the original only dreamed of approaching.
Powerful flexibility
The heart of any analog synth is its VCF (Voltage-controlled Filter), which is responsible for the initial shaping of the signal generated by the oscillator. The MS-1 MK II’s VCF is ferociously flexible, with faders supplying a satisfying tactility, as you get hands-on with detailed control over the synth’s cutoff Frequency (10Hz to 20kHz); Resonance (0 to self-oscillation); Envelope, Modulation depth, and Keyboard follow (0 to 100%) that let you dial in the perfect sound fast. What’s more, the MS-1 MK II’s VCF can be modulated in real time via the Envelope, keyboard tracking, and the Bender controller. Adding to its menagerie of modulation, the Frequency Modulation (FM) Amount knob sets the depth, while the FM Source rotary selector lets you further modify the signal by choosing Sawtooth; Sub Oscillator 1 octave down; 2 octaves down; narrow 2 octaves down; or Noise.
Dynamic, multi-functional envelope generation
Another key sound shaper in vintage analog synthesis is the envelope generator, which shapes a note over time by generating a voltage envelope triggered by a gate signal from your keyboard or other source. The MS-1 MK II’s Envelope generator deploys the classic ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) variety, with faders for each that make easy work of on-the-fly sound shaping that’s as evocative as it is instantly adjustable. Augmenting this, the MS-1 MK II is endowed with a 3-position switch for Gate, Gate + Trigger, and LFO. When applied to the VCA, the ADSR envelope is used to control the level of the note being played over time. When applied to the filter, the ADSR envelope controls the cutoff frequency for the duration of each note you play. In fact, the MS-1 MK II’s envelope can be used to affect the VCO pulse width modulation.
Modulation magic: sonic hues from subtle to searing to scorching
Adding to its robust sound-sculpting features, the MS-1 MK II has even more in store. Its onboard noise generator pulls double duty as a modulation source that creates searing, distortion-like textures, screaming into the stratospheric space of face-melting leads that will have metal guitarists rethinking their FX chain. Glide (portamento) lets you morph seamlessly from one note to the next, creating creamy transitions that few other instruments can pull off, with the MS-1 MK II taking this further via the inventive Auto mode. For all things multidimensional expression, the grip-mounted Bender is also assignable to the VCO, VCF, and pitch mod wheel on the detachable hand grip. For textures ranging from mild to wild, you can even modulate the pulse wave manually or via the LFO or envelope.
Teeming with ’80s panache
Like its foundational forefather, Behringer’s MS-1 MK II is a blast to play — any way you play. With it slung over your shoulder, you own the stage. After all, why should vocalists and guitarists get all the glory? When you’re ready to commandeer the spotlight, the MS-1 MK II becomes your sonic scepter. Just attach the included guitar strap and hand grip with pitch bend wheel and pitch modulation trigger, and take your performance to the next level. An immense 57 knobs, sliders, and switches sprawl its streamlined surface, giving you the immediacy of real-time, hands-on control. With its generous USB/MIDI/CV connectivity, versatile arpeggiator, and included performance kit, and the MS-1 MK II dares you to push it to its limits.
Behringer MS-1 MK II Features:
- 32-key monophonic analog synthesizer reimagines an iconic synth for the modern landscape
- Pure analog signal path based on classic VCO, VCF, and VCA designs has been revamped from the MK I, bringing you to the seminal sound of its predecessor
- Authentic 3340 analog oscillator delivers insanely fat sounds
- 4 simultaneous waveforms (saw, triangle, square/PWM, square sub osc) can be freely mixed in real time for unruly and innovative sonic sculpting
- Resonant VCF with modulation via ADSR, LFO, key track, or bender controller
- 6 FM NovaMod sources for creative VCF modulation and amazing filter effects
- ADSR envelope generator for creative wave shaping
- 32-step sequencer with 64 memory slots for your custom sequences
- Guitar strap included for keytar-style performance
- Attachable hand grip included with pitch bend wheel and pitch modulation trigger
- Bender assignable to VCO, VCF, and pitch mod wheel on attachable hand grip means dynamic expression and customizable control
- Noise generator may be used as modulation source for distortion-type effects
- Portamento function includes two Glide modes, augmenting your palette of expressive tools
- Pulse wave can be modulated by LFO, envelope, and manually, for multitudes of modulation configurations
- Arpeggiator features a wide range of patterns for evocative, synchronized sonics
- 57 knobs, sliders, and switches give you direct, hands-on control, with a streamlined and intuitive interface
- Comprehensive USB/MIDI/CV implementation is joined by Sync In, granting access to extensive interoperative possibilities, from soft synth to hardware
- External audio input offers dynamic use of onboard sound tools with virtually any external source
- Performance kit with strap and attachable hand grip included
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