Behringer 2-XM: It’s an Oberheim Two Voice
4,8 / 5,0 | 
Behringer 2-XM · Source: Behringer
Behringer 2-XM · Source: Behringer
Behringer 2-XM · Source: Behringer
Behringer has produced a reproduction of the classic Oberheim Two Voice synthesizer featuring two SEM modules in its Eurorack/Desktop format.
2-XM
After all the fun of the mini-synths, this serious-looking reproduction of the classic Oberheim Two Voice comes along as a bit of a shock. It looks stunning. It’s a little on the small side in order to squash it into the 3U Eurorack height that dictates the size of the Behringer desktop skiff. But there’s nothing brash about this one and the clean colour and simple text sets it off nicely. It looks like a single unit so you can’t separate the SEMs into individual modules. I would have thought having a single SEM as a Eurorack module would be a thing worth doing. Tom Oberheim has been promising one for years.
The two SEMs offer a pair of oscillators each with its own multimode filter, 2 envelopes and an LFO. You get variable wave shapes with adjustable pulse width and oscillator sync. There’s a 2 channel mixer section with level and panning controls, mixing over external inputs and a portamento switch. Over on the right is a patch bay that offers 6 CV outputs and 10 CV inputs for each SEM or “XM” as Behringer are calling them. As the name suggests it has 2 voices of polyphony.
Behringer 2-XM · Source: Behringer
What’s missing (apart from the keyboard) is the sequencer, arpeggiator and Sample & Hold section of the original. The recent Oberheim Two Voice Pro Special Edition greatly expanded the sequencer section and added MIDI throughout as well as adding velocity and aftertouch to the keyboard.
Priced at $299 there’s no way to compare it to the original or current Special Edition but this is a well-loved classic that will find itself on many a desktop once the chips arrive. There’s something about the SEM that somehow resonates on different frequencies to the rest of the synth world. It will be interesting to hear how well Behringer has captured the sound.
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13 responses to “Behringer 2-XM: It’s an Oberheim Two Voice”
Behringer’s 2-XM looks interesting. I’d like to hear it. Wonder what GearNews readers think of these designs ( https://creativetechnerds.jimdo.com/synth-project/ ) Would Gear News readers like to see Behringer pursue any of these?
half of that at half the price would be much more classy and desirable
No.
Totally agree! Separate eurorack SEM module would be amazing.
And sequencer is important. If it’s a clone it should be 100% exact. Otherwise it’s a castrated clone.
Agree.
I’m surprised they left out the sequencer, but I assume that was to keep the cost of it down. That’s fine, frankly, since I assume many buyers will already have at least one sequencer in another machine anyway. This is a spectacular idea to do this, however, I would agree that they should’ve made the oscillators detachable. Can’t complain. Little question that it will sound like the originals, or so close it doesn’t matter. Just a few years ago the notion of this wasn’t in anyone’s minds, that new production techniques and complete manufacture in China (like everyone else for parts, chips & boards!) would make these available to anyone interested with improvements.
You crazy SOB, I’m in!
Easy to criticise, but you don’t have to buy it. For the rest of us, full marks for making available rare equipment that most cannot afford.
2voice without a seqvenser is a cardinal error. An essential part in terms of usability. Not to continue.
Who needs sequencer, i have computer
If you’ve ever used a genuine one, you’ll understand why.
I ‘ am a little disappointed… I which he will make “ an original TVs-1 or even an fvs-1 with keyboard!!!!! I dreaming about it. But I shouldn’t complain 2 much. I owe 1 SEM pro Oberheim , plus a patch panel Oberheim.🙏😉 sir Behringer. Please make an “ original “ OB-1 !!!
I could care less about the sequencer. If this sounds like the real deal, I’m definitely getting one…or two. A TVS for $299 … you’d be crazy to not get get one just because it lacks an onboard sequencer.
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