Meet the Clones – All Of Behringer’s Exciting & Upcoming Synthesizers
Here you'll find all of the synths in one post!
4,4 / 5,0 | 
The latest on Behringer’s upcoming instruments, including new pic and info on the STX, Behringer’s Elka Synthex clone. And of course, there are some rumours included.
Table of Contents
Behringer Clones
Behringer doesn’t do things the normal way. Most musical instrument companies make formal announcements of new products, which then begin shipping. The company takes a more guerrilla approach, dropping ideas for prototypes into its Facebook group and asking for direct input from customers. This approach can be exciting but it can also become difficult to keep track of what’s actually been announced for production and what is just R&D.
With this in mind, I’ve trawled through the company’s Facebook group timeline and compiled a list of all of the Behringer clone synthesizers that the company has said will be going into production. This doesn’t include drafts or general prototypes (in theory – see the bottom for more on these). It also doesn’t include MIDI controllers, Eurorack modules or effects. I’ve done my best in good faith but I may have missed a few. If you find any, please let me know in the comments.
Ready to meet the Behringer synthesizer (and drum machine!) clones? Here they are in alphabetical order.
AKS Mini
Part of the Mini line, AKS Mini looks to be a Honey, I Shrunk The Synth version of the VCS3 (below). It will have three VCOs, a built-in arpeggiator and a 16-step motion sequencer, plus “the exact same oscillators, filters, etc., and of course the magic VCS sound,” according to a Facebook post from big B. The retail price is targeted at $99 and shipping was scheduled for summer 2023 but it has yet to materialze.
BCR-32
Not a synthesizer in the strictest sense (or in any sense, really), the BCR-32 is a remake of Behringer’s own BCR2000 MIDI controller from 2005. The budget controller was popular for controlling synth parameters and found new life on the used market with the Zaquencer, third-party firmware that turned the BCR2000 into a step sequencer. Behringer has been working on the follow-up, the BCR32, and it will come preloaded with the Zaquencer.
“We have just completed the firmware for the highly anticipated BCR32,” Behringer said on its Facebook page on July 2 2024. “The next and final step is to involve our external beta testers for final approval before moving to mass production.”
BMX
Here’s one we missed. In May of 2023, Behringer announced it was working on an Oberheim DMX-inspired sampling drum machine. A hybrid 8-bit/12-bit instrument, it’ll have the original DMX sounds, allow you to sample and will have an analog filter. The name? BMX, of course.
On August 17 2024, the company shared a new photo on its Facebook page, saying, “This was an amazing week as we achieved another major engineering milestone. We’re getting close.”
No word on if it’ll have a pop a wheelie mode though.
CZ-1 Mini
We’re officially moving this one up from the rumours list. As of January 30, 2024, the CZ-1 Mini is heading off to beta testers and, “upon successful completion, it will enter production,” said Behringer in a Facebook post. What is the CZ-1 Mini? It’s an instrument combining Casio’s 1980s phase distortion synthesis – as heard in the ultra-popular CZ-101 – with an analogue filter. “With its exceptional phase distortion synthesis, the sound the CZ-1 Mini produces is unparalleled,” says Behringer.
Enigma
Uli’s take on West Coast synthesis will arrive with the Eurorack-format Enigma, a Behringer clone of Buchla’s Music Easel/Easel Command.
In early June 2024, Behringer posted new images of Enigma prototypes (below) plus mentioned that it would have full patch memory.
In July 2023, Behringer announced that it had completed assembly of the prototype although it’s “still a long way from shipping the unit” so you’ll have to wait to get your lo pass gate on.
Grind
Grind came out of nowhere. Part of the same tabletop sequencer series as Crave and Spice, Grind is a digital/analog hybrid affair that marries a Ladder filter and 32-step sequencer to the brains of Brains, which is itself based on the open-source code from Mutable Instruments Plaits. Whew! Got that?
It’s available for preorder now.
Hiro Tribe Soul
Hiro Tribe Soul (written as Hirotribe with one word in Facebook posts) is apparently a Monotribe groovebox recreation made in conjunction with Korg MS-20 engineer, Hiroaki Nishijima. Like the Model D Soul (below) it was reportedly finished in spring 2022 and waiting for semiconductors. Behringer also said it would be working with Nishijima on “many more synths.”
JT-4000 Micro
The first to be released of Uli’s Micro series, the JT-4000 Micro is a four-voice hybrid paraphonic synth with two analogue-modelling oscillators per voice plus an analogue filter. It appears to be based on Roland’s trance-powering JP-8000. I can’t say that I love the design but it does sound good in the demo video. A firmware update as of late January 2024 adds an oscillator balance parameter, which “allows for more nuanced control over the sound, enabling you to blend and shape tones with greater precision,” according to Behringer.
JT-4000M Micro
Update! The JT-4000M is now available to pre-order from Thomann! Check out that MIDI in at the top.
In much the same way that Korg re-released the Poly-61 with MIDI as the Poly-61M, so too is Behringer MIDIfying the JT-4000 Micro. The new version will be the JT-4000M Micro and will have a dedicated MIDI port alongside the USB one, as seen in the photo below in a Facebook post about their upcoming MIDI to USB host device. Note that the MIDI port doesn’t appear to be full DIN but a breakout port.
Jupiter-8 / JT-16
It’s no secret that Behringer is working on a full-size version of the Jupiter-8. Now we have an official announcement about the first prototype and production. He’s even teased the JT-2 Jupiter Voice. Until more information becomes available, we’ll have to content ourselves with these shots of mystery PCBs. Or check the announcement of JT-16 here.
Kobol
Coming soon is the Kobol, a keyboard-attached recreation of the famous French monosynth. Originally made by RSF in the 1970s and offering a monophonic keyboard, two expanders, and polyphonic keyboard versions, Behringer’s Kobol places the synth in its flip-top housing.
Kobol Expander
Now available is the Kobol Expander, a Eurorack-format recreation which slots the circuits from the two different expander units into one instrument. The Kobols are renowned for their lovely sound so I’m excited to hear these in action. Note that Behringer has also teased a keyboard version of the Poly Kobol but there’s no confirmation of production so far.
K-2 MKII
Update! The K-2 MKII is now available. This new version has oscillator sync and frequency modulation, two features not on the original MS-20 but interestingly featured on the MS-20M, the large, flat-panel version made for classrooms. Cool!
During Superbooth24 Behringer announced that the K-2 MKII, an updated version of their K-2 MS-20 clone, was available for preorder. We ran a story with a link to Thomann but then as suddenly as it appeared, it was gone.
As for what the update will comprise of, exactly, we don’t know. “Behringer has yet to reveal the full details about the upgrade”, we said in our original story. “As of now, we don’t know exactly what sets it apart from the first version. When the RD-8 MKII came out, the company said that they’d redesigned the circuitry with upgraded components to get even closer to the sound of the original. We assume that the new Behringer K-2 MKII has received a similar upgrade, but as of now, that’s pure speculation. We’ll keep you updated when we find out more!”
The original is still available of course.
LM Drum
Behringer has been working on a version of the LinnDrum for years now. Called the LM Drum, it will go beyond the original by offering sample import via USB and will have both an analogue filter and wave designer (transient shaper). In June 2024 we got a recent photo that looks very promising indeed, with a distortion parameter clearly visible on the screen.
There’s no release date yet but they did write “almost there” on the post so… soon?
Model D Soul
A miniaturized Minimoog, Behringer announced the Model D Soul back in March 2022 as part of a line of tiny synths. Two Soul-branded instruments, the Pro VS Mini and AKS Mini, are now called Mini so I expect this one will change as well. As of spring 2022 it was “fully completed and ready for production” and just waiting for chips.
Model 15
A Moog Model 15 in Eurorack format or a Behringer clone of the Grandmother? Model 15 will be both, really, as Grandmother is based on circuits from the 15 modular system. The company announced on April 19 2023 that Model 15 was getting ready for production and the target price was $249.
As of May 14, 2024, you can now preorder the Model 15.
MS-1 MKI/MKII
Update! The MS-101 MKII is now available.
The MS-1, Behringer’s SH-101 recreation, is getting a new version, which is “based on the original 662 chips for a vastly improved VCF and VCA performance,” according to the company. It also adds a dual glide function.
MS-5
Another widely anticipated Behringer clone is the MS-5, a recreation of Roland’s SH-5 monosynth from the 1970s. The company’s version will be in its familiar flip-top format. As of March 2023, it was heading out to beta testers and then to manufacturing. So, any day now?
Update! As of April 3, 2024, the MS-5 is now available to purchase.
MonoPoly and PolyEight
Announced back in 2021, PolyEight, the Behringer clone of Korg’s PolySix, is apparently still happening. Until then, content yourself with the company’s version of the Mono/Poly, the MonoPoly.
Neptune-80
The Juno-inspired DeepMind series of synthesizers is well-received but what people really want, it seems, is a Behringer clone of the Roland Juno-6/60. Enter the Neptune-80, an eight-voice remake with an additional analogue matrix, BBD chorus and modern user interface, according to the company.
Interestingly, a new image of synths shows a Juno remake labelled Juno and not Neptune. Hmm.
POLYOsc
Normally I like to keep prototypes out of the main section here and stick them at the bottom but this one feels different. On August 8 2024, Behringer announced it had a new instrument based on the Electronic Dream Plant OSCar in the works. The OSCar was a groundbreaking digital/analog hybrid monosynth from British synth designer Chris Huggett. Behringer’s take on it is the POLYOsc, a polyphonic version that looks very interesting indeed.
What’s unusual about this proposed synth is its form factor. Behringer tends to do synths in a few basic configurations: the Eurorack-ready desktop box and the UB-Xa-style polyphonic keyboard. This one, however, has three octaves of mini keys. You may not like mini keys but it will probably be cheaper than the usual full-size polys – if it makes it to production.
“This modern version builds on the legacy of the OSCar,” says Behringer, “incorporating many additional features while staying true to the original’s spirit. However, whether the POLYOsc will move from prototype to production is still undecided.”
I for one hope that it does make it to production. If the comments on the post are anything to go by, so do many others.
Pro VS Mini
The first of Behringer’s Mini line of pocket-sized and affordable $99 synths to be released, the Pro VS Mini is a reimagining of Sequential Circuit’s groundbreaking hybrid Prophet VS. It has 16 digital oscillators and 128 waveforms plus a vector joystick for morphing between them, as well as a 24dB/octave analogue filter and two LFOs. Advance demos sound really good. It’s sure to sell boatloads.
As of June 2024, there’s a new firmware (Version 1.15) that “improves the operation of MIX envelope loop modes”.
Pro-16/Pro-800
Update! September saw Behringer post to its Facebook page that the Pro-16 had entered beta testing and folks were making presets too. It shouldn’t be long now.
In June 2024, Behringer announced that the Pro-16 would have multimode filters, eight atrophy settings for “extensive modulation and sound-shaping capabilities” plus a poly aftertouch keybed. Things are getting exciting.
Does the world need another Prophet-5 remake? It would appear so, as Behringer is reportedly “getting closer” (as of spring 2023) to the release of its Pro-16. As the name suggests, Uli and team are beefing it up from five to 16 voices. I hope you have a lot of fingers. Now available is the Pro-800, an eight-voice version of the Prophet 5’s younger brother, the Prophet-600.
Proton
Update! The Proton is now available!
Not a Behringer clone but a Behringer original, Proton is a Eurorack-style upgrade of the company’s popular Neutron. It looks like tons of fun and as of June 3, 2023, is “fully approved and ready for production.”
The latest news dropped on May 23, with B’s Facebook team posting images of the finished Proton taken on the factory floor. Wallets at the ready.
RD-78
In late January 2024, Behringer teased photos of the RD-78, its version of Roland’s famous CR-78 analogue drum machine. They said that they were in the final stages of pre-production and that units had gone out to beta testers, although there was no mention of release date or price. “And for those who love the technical details, we have incorporated the exact same circuitry into the design, including the original coils and LC filters,” they added. The look, however, is very different from the original and more in line with its other, Roland-like drum machines.
Saturn Soul
Another spring 2022 tiny synth announcement, Saturn Soul (probably Saturn Mini when it comes out) is inspired by the Jupiter-8 but with three VCOs and a multimode filter, and can be played monophonically or paraphonically. “The product development is completed and once we receive the necessary chips, we’ll ship this marvel,” Behringer said.
Spice
Update! Spice is now available! The subharmonic Spice must flow.
You’ve got the Crave and the Edge, so now it’s time to add some Spice to your life. A remake of Moog’s Subharmonicon, Spice is reportedly currently in final beta testing and is expected to sell for $249.
STX
Update! On November 1, Behringer posted on Facebook that, “we’re excited to announce that the Synthex is currently in its prototype phase. While the core technology is in place, there will be numerous cosmetic updates that will enhance its visual appeal. We look forward to unveiling the final product and are confident that it will exceed expectations.” New pic below.
Behringer’s upcoming Elka Synthex clone has moved up from rumor to happening. The famous Italian synthesizer from the early 1980s is getting the Behringer remake treatment and it looks like it will come in the company’s standard polysynth format.
Tantalizingly, the synth is being developed in Italy and will feature DCOs (like the original) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). The latter indicates that much of the synthesizer will be digital. But then again, most “analog” synths are these days aside from the oscillators and filters.
“Our goal is to make the classic sound of the Elka Synthex available to today’s musicians, combining its vintage appeal with modern technology,” they said on a Facebook post on July 12 2024. “This passion project aims to respect the legacy of the Synthex while providing the enhancements needed for contemporary use.”
No price or release date yet, with the company indicating that it will take “lots of time” but that it will be worth the wait.
Syncussion SY-1
A Eurorack-format clone of the famous Pearl percussion synth, Syncussion SY-1 will have two voice sections for triggering disco toms and synthetic snares.
Update! It’s available and it sounds great!
TD-3-MO-BK
The black version of the TD-3-MO is still on its way, according to an announcement made by Behringer on July 27 of this year. TD-3-MO-BK adds a new black livery to the line of “modded out” acid boxes, which takes inspiration from the famous Devil Fish TB-303 mod.
UB-X
A clone of Oberheim’s 1979 OB-X poly, UB-X will be an analogue recreation with two oscillators, ostensibly creamy filter and hopefully massive unison. As of June 1, 2023, the company was assembling the first prototype.
UB-Xa
Not to be confused with the grey UB-X (above), UB-Xa is a remake of Oberheim’s OB-Xa, the pinstripe follow-up to the OB-X. This one was a long time coming but is now out.
UB-Xa D
Update! On July 1 2024, Behringer posted a photo of boxes of UB-Xa D desktop synths ready to ship from the factory floor. Is it really finally happening? Update! It is. The UB-Xa D is now available to order from Thomann* for £725 / €849 / $777.
The UB-Xa D is a keyless desktop version of the UB-Xa (above). As of May 2, 2022 it was ready for testing so hopefully we’ll hear more on this soon.
UB-Xa Mini
Want a UB-Xa but don’t need all that real estate (or all those voices)? The new UB-Xa Mini is the one for you. A three-voice Oberheim-style poly in a tiny package, this one is slated to sell for $99. Currently in beta testing as of late January 2024 and shipping “soon.”
UB-1 Micro
Now called the UB-1 Micro, this one reimagines Oberheim’s Matrix-6/1000 analogue synths in a very tiny package. “Don’t be fooled by the size,” the company’s social media person said. “This is a monster synth in a small package.”
Update! On May 31, Behringer posted a new image (below) and said, “Here is the little brother of the UB-Xa. Same iconic sound and with full MIDI. We’re targeting 49 USD“. So does that mean it’s not a Matrix-6/1000 version but a single-voice UB-Xa? Your guess is as good as ours.
VCS3
Update! On May 22, a new image of the VCS3 (BCS3?) appeared on Behringer’s ever-entertaining Facebook page. The only text was “Caption this…” but the image did show the VCS3 in the Behringer factory(?) – along with a Juno-60 clone (although not the Neptune-80 that we saw before), Polysix remake Polyeight, the JT-16 and Wave along with a MonoPoly.
Development of the VCS3 continues apace, with Behringer updating improvements on the patch bay as well as “extensive lifecycle testing.” The VCS3 is of course a clone of the famous EMS VCS3 from 1969, one of the world’s first portable synthesizers. There’s no word on a street date but it does seem to be getting closer.
VS-80
Formerly called the DS-80, Uli has renamed his Yamaha CS-80 clone VS-80 in honour of the late Vangelis. As of December last year, the development team was trying to decide between the original user interface or a “very cool mod matrix.”
Wave
Update! As of late October, Wave is packed up in boxes and ready to ship out. The waiting is the hardest part…
Looks like development of the Wave is taking longer than we hoped. As of July 2024, Behringer is aiming to ship the Wave “in a few months.”
“We have just completed the latest revision, which will now be sent to our beta testers for final approval,” the company stated on its Facebook page. “Replicating the unique architecture of the original unit made the firmware development extremely complex.”
The Behringer clone of the PPG Wave, Wave should hopefully be hitting stores any day now. The wavetable remake was touted as being in its final stages in May 2022.
2-XM
Another Eurorack-format Behringer clone, 2-XM will be a recreation of the Oberheim Two Voice, which famously combined two SEM modules into one powerhouse. This one appears to be really close to release now that worldwide chip shortages are finally getting settled.
Such A Tease: Behringer Clone Unofficial Posts
I’ve tried to stick to instruments that have production announcements for this story. However, there have been plenty of tantalizing Facebook posts that don’t fit that criteria. Here they are in alphabetical order:
- ARP Avatar
- ARP Quadra
- Behremin
- BX-700
- CS Mini
- JT-2 Jupiter Voice
- Korg Mini-Pops 7
- Polivoks
- Poly Kobol
- PolySource
- Simmons SDS-3
More Information:
- More on Behringer
- More on synthesizers
- Behringer website
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32 responses to “Meet the Clones – All Of Behringer’s Exciting & Upcoming Synthesizers”
pretty excited about a lot of them, especially the vs-80 and the prophet 16 voice
how about an original poly concept?
with all these clones they could pick and match all the best components and come up with their own design. the “cool new matrix” (strongly inspired by arturia) is a step in the right direction
you forgot linn drum from behringer
and Behringer BMX (Oberheim DMX)
Stormtroopers aren’t clones. L thumbnail
VS-80 interests me very much. Cannot wait for it to happen!
Behringer is doing good things. If it takes some time to put it togethet, I can wait. Their remakes are incredible to explore. Their designers are coming up with original ideas to soon implement.
I HAVE NO MONEY! WHAT I’M I SUPPOSED TO DO? ROB A BANK OR KLAUS SCHWAB?
All good news. How about a clone of Crumar’s early 80’s “Stratus” or Octave-Plateau’s “Kitten” synth?
i had both of these in the 90s, fun boards.
Sorry I have no interest in a company that rips off products from other companies still in business, no matter how cheap they are. Sad that folk are so blinded by the need to consume that they ignore the dodgy ethics.
Who are you saying sorry to? Me? If you buy Behirnger, you’re fine by me. I dont need to signal my virtue and ethical standards. Best standard to have is to each their own and to each, own what you can afford. BUT! After seeing this complete list, I mean dam, its pretty ruthless. I’m maybe half on your side now. BUT, I will be grabbing all three of those semi-modulars once Spice is out. Bought and sold my moog trio for about $2000, will be getting this for what, $600 bucks. Kind of hard to argue against money in your pocket unless you already have a bunch of it.
Is this really you Jeff? Or just someone ripping off Jeff’s image?
feels like I have been waiting for the Hiro Tribe forever.
Been waiting for Proton and VCS3 for years now. How much longer? Covid is over and there’s no more excuses.
Forgot the CS-Mini, the single voice of a CS-80.
Behringer are not stupid though. They’ll be able to sell most of this stuff for years and years, because it’s based on retro kit, rather than being a Jupiter XM, for example, that’ll have a shelf lifecycle. If they drop production on the Deepmind, it’ll rocket in value 2nd hand, as will most of the clones they’re making. They’re still selling and making the Model D module, and probably will for a long time to come. But got to be honest here, most of the stuff we use day to day is not Behringer, but Korg and Roland. However the Behringer stuff, with the exception of the Deepmind, which is used very often, is used as a complimentary thing more than as hub instruments for daily use. But as clones go (Deepmind not applicable) they’re very good value, no denying it. They’ve largely created a market that Korg, Roland and Moog etc didn’t really want.
I’d like to see some original poly synths like a poly neutron/proton. Throw in a bunch of oscillators and envelopes for voices.
will create a mini neve mixer console and idea
Seriously the worst gear ever made. Playschool plastic synths for the “special” kids.
You did not have much gear in you life then? Honestly I had all makes, (Roland, Korg, Yamaha, Akai, Arturia, Motu, Alesis, NI, …) and the current Behringer’s stuff is similar quality. Maybe in the past they have made some bad stuff but I have a Crave and used to have a Poly D and they are very well made…
Excellent research. Wry comments. All this gear keeps the inspiration alive.
Absolutely disgusting imo, so there’s no need to @ me. What a bunch of ripoffs, truly sad
These are products for losers. True creators respect original work. Apart from that the designs are looking horrible. Just made to be cheap…
Behringer Synths loses already 40% worth when you bought it and you want to sell it second hand. And that BS about the age of the components. Check Polyphonic Size (Space) with their brand new MS-20 in 1979.for example.
Well, like ’em or not, at least you have the option. The only one I thought was a bit ‘plasicky’ was the MonoPoly, but it wasn’t too bad. The others all seemed decent build quality. The Odyssey weighs a ton and would survive a nuclear war (though you might fry if you were playing it at the time). If you don’t like ’em, nobody’s forcing you to buy ’em. And we still Roland gear more than anything else, but that’s a preference due to the tasks required. I’ll buy at least a couple of the Behringer ones, the RSF Kobol, a full CZ101 if they make it, distinct sounding stuff that’s hard to find in good condition…
A couple of inaccuracies to clear up:
“MS-20M, the large, flat-panel version made for classrooms…”
You’re thinking of the ‘blackboard’ teaching MS-20 version that was custom made by Korg back in the day. This is quite different from the modern limited MS-20M desktop which the K2 is actually inspired by.
Also, why does the article keep insisting that picture of many synths in the factory has a Juno badged Neptune-80? You can clearly see it still has ‘Neptune’ on it if you enlarge the picture.
Instead of making up things for clickbait why not comment on things you can ACTUALLY see in the pictures:
Like how the Wave changed branding from ‘BBG Wave’ to Behringer Wave’ and the top panel is appreciably different (manual mode switch/indicator is different and a knob near the display is moved).
Got my Proton yesterday. That completed my 3 tier Behringer Modular Rack along with the Proton and Kobol. 3 full modular systems with stand for under a grand U.S.
Any chance of getting a small recap of what is updated when you do updates on this megapost? If not in post then in the comments please
That’s a good idea. It is getting a little unwieldy. I’ll think about that.
This list has been rolling now for almost a year and a sizable part of the synths presented are still not available.
BMX, AKS Mini, CZ-1 Mini… where ?
C’mon Ueli hurry up Christmas is nearing !
Is anyone of you guys actually producing/recording whole songs with hardware synths? Even better – with other instruments, even vocals? Or are you using them just to jam and tweak?
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