Behringer MS-1 MKII: New Firmware Ups SH-101 Authenticity
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[28 September 2024] Firmware updates for the Behringer MS-1 MKII and original MKI add a number of enhancements and bug fixes to bring behavior closer to the Roland original.
Behringer MS-1 MKII: New Firmware
Behringer took to its Facebook page today to announce new firmware for the MS-1 MKII monosynth, its Roland SH-101 remake. Numbered version 1.0.7, it adds the following improvements, according to the company:
- Added ‘Note Priority’ settings in Synthtribe App. MS1 mode follows the original implementation for authentic behavior.
- If using a key to transpose the currently playing sequence, the transpose value won’t apply to the next sequence when recalled.
Behringer MS-1 MKI: New Firmware
Behringer hasn’t forgotten the original MKI, today also dropping firmware version 1.1.14. It includes a number of bug fixes related to the arpeggiator, sequencer, portamento and other parameters. Many of these fixes were addressed on the MKII unit in firmware version 1.0.6.
You can access the new firmware updates via the Synthtribe app on the Behringer home page.
Behringer MS-1 MKII: Return of the SH-101 Clone – now available!
[5 September 2024] The Behringer MS-1 MKII is available now. Many were eagerly awaiting the return of Behringer’s SH-101 clone. That day has now arrived!
Behringer MS-1 MKII
The Behringer MS-1 is back! After the manufacturer had quietly discontinued the first edition of the SH-101 clone, many were waiting for its return. The MS-1 even became the first Behringer synth to fetch higher-than-new prices on the used market. Well, it’s finally back – and it’s available now.
The bright red MS-1 MKII looks just like its predecessor. The monophonic analog synth is a close replica of the SH-101, from the classic oscillator and filter circuits to the step sequencer to the unique modulation handle.
The oscillator delivers pulse, sawtooth and triangle waves, all of which can be used simultaneously. There’s also PWM, as well as a sub-oscillator that sounds one or two octaves below. In addition to this, the MS-1 MKII offers noise as another sound and modulation source.
The filter can be frequency modulated by the VCO for a wide variety of gritty sounds. For modulation, there’s an ADSR envelope and an LFO with triangle, square and random waves, as well as noise. The bender can control the VCO, VCF, and LFO depth.
The sequencer was one of the most beloved features of the original. In addition to a programmable step sequencer, the MS-1 MKII also has an arpeggiator.
Thanks to the included shoulder strap and modulation handle, the MS-1 MKII makes for a perfect accessory for 80s revival bands! But of course it’s also a studio tool – it can even talk to modular systems through CV/gate inputs and outputs.
Price and availability
The Behringer MS-1 MKII is available now* for $259 /£239 / €279.
More information
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2 responses to “Behringer MS-1 MKII: New Firmware Ups SH-101 Authenticity”
I never owned a SH-101 but I bought the Behringer MS-1 and I love it! As expected with most Behringer gear, at least the stuff I’ve had experience with (mics, amps, Deepmind) the build quality is a little suspect. It’s shell is all plastic. The faders are plastic, it’s just all made from plastic and I totally understand. For $200 what should one expect.? I get it but that’s where the complaints end. The thing has many input and outputs for a variety of different things which I love! The sounds that comes out of it are absolutely fantastic. There’s a nice low end to it that I really didn’t expect and have spent the last 2 days since I’ve got it jist moving faders and turning knobs to see what kinda sounds I can get. Wad “double fisting” that with my Moog MG-1 and it was a match made in Heaven (which is another plastic shelled synth). I love this synth and for the price point, it’s almost unbeatable in my eyes !. If on a five point scale, 0 being the worst and five being the best, I’d give it a 4-4.5/5. Behringer has there issues. We all know Uli Behringer is….to put it lightly, a strange cat, to say the least. But the people he has working in R&D over there have a really good idea on what they’re doing, what they want to do and really appreciate this idea of cloning old synths and making them affordable for public consumption! I’ve been a beneficiary of this idea and am happy with the product I purchased and have to give Behringer their flowers for these gifts they making so broke people like me can buy a classic, iconic synth (for the most part) for a fraction of what it would cost. I don’t like to give Behringer praise for much but I gotta swallow my pride and definitely say they did a fantastic job here and really appreciate the product they manufactured!!
As someone who owned an SH101 back in the day I‘m very interested in this and commend Behringer for making it available for those on a budget on not just the rich kids.