Behringer UB-Xa - Polyphonic Aftertouch Sound Demo

video upload by The Synth King

"This little piece of music showcases the superb keybed of the UB-Xa. It provides velocity sensivity and polyphonic aftertouch enabling you to play your music with extraordinary expressivity. In this split performance filter frequency, volume, LFO speed and intensity of the upper preset (in unison mode employing only one voice) is controlled by poly aftertouch. Moreover volume, VCF and VCA attack is also controlled by velocity.

The lower pad sound uses OB-8 “second page” functions such as LFO rate delay here controlling panorama position. Furthermore LFO rate is influenced by poly aftertouch as well.

This music genre beggs for delay and reverb. I´ve used two Lexicon PCM 70 connected to my main mixing desk as send effects . Everything is played life and recorded in one take without any edits or further audio processing. Enjoy the music!
Bernd"

Behringer UB-Xa - Synth King Presets

video upload by The Synth King

"I had the honor to be part of the beta tester team for the Behringer UB-Xa. We worked very hard during the last few years to get everything spot on. All members of the team had a vintage OB-Xa and OB-8 for in depth comparison and measurement. This video showcases a few of the custom presets I´ve created for the UB-Xa. The sounds were recorded without any effects, dynamic processing or whatsoever straight into the audio interface. For the performances in split mode I´ve added a slight touch of reverb. The synthesizer in the video is an early preproduction unit with the firmware in development."

World's First Look at the Behringer UB-Xa?

video upload by Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech

Outside of Behringer maybe. There were actually a few demos before this one.

"We’ve been so lucky to get a world exclusive look at one of Behringer's most anticipated synths: The UB-Xa. As soon as it arrived with us, we thought we'd dive straight in and give you a quick listen to how massive it sounds along with discussing some of its incredible specs, features, and... pricing!

Check out Jack’s video where he brings the classic sounds of the 80s back into the 21st century with this powerhouse of a synth!

⏰ Timestamps ⏰
» 0:00 World's First Look at the Behringer UB-Xa
» 0:20 What are the Key Features?
» 1:38 Let's Get Some Synth Pad Sounds
» 3:30 Let's Do Some Bass Sounds
» 4:56 Checking Out Some Lead Sounds
» 6:10 Let's Go Through the Features of the Front Panel
» 12:55 Let's Check Out the Different Vintage Modes!
» 14:50 Taking a Look at the Performance LFO
» 15:50 Some Thoughts on the Keybed
» 16:20 Taking a Look at the Multitimbrality
» 17:22 Jack's Initial Impressions & Some Info on the Price!
» 18:57 The Andertons Staff Reacts to the UB-Xa!
» 21:40 Is the UB-Xa Jack's Favourite Synth? "

Behringer Teases New UB-X for $1199 w/ Involvement from Engineer with Experience with the OB-X

Note Sequential owns the trademark for the OB-X. No mention of who the engineer is:

"We have some exciting news for you. In our constant search to hire passionate and experienced engineers, we found a fantastic analog engineer, who has not only decade-long synth design experience, but also specific knowledge related to the OB-X circuitry.

The OB-X is quite different from other synths, as it uses predominantly discrete circuitry, which makes the design and manufacturing more challenging.

This development will now give us a massive head start and we immediately formed a focused engineering team to start the development of the UB-X.

As we recently shared with you, now that we have fully developed the firmware platform for the UB-Xa, we can reuse up to 80% for the next Poly synths such as the UB-X, which will tremendously speed up the development.

We’re super excited about this project and will hopefully announce the lead engineer in the near future. If you like to join this amazing team and have deep experience with mixed architecture hardware or embedded software design, please send your resume to joinus@musictribe.com.

We target to offer an 8-voice UB-X for US$ 1.199 retail.

What do you think about the features, overall design and price?"

Behringer VST Soft Synths in the Works - (PPG) Wave, Pro16, & UB-XA

Behringer shared the following news this morning:

"So we thought the best way for people to get access to great musical instruments would be through VSTs. With our upcoming free DAW, we will also be including some free VST’s as well as other plug ins where we’ll charge a small amount.

For this purpose, we assembled some of the world’s best VST developers and together with our highly experienced Danish TC Electronic team, they’re now developing truly outstanding VST’s. Best of all, they’ll seamlessly integrate with our hardware synthesizers.

Once our DAW is ready, we’ll roll out the whole package. Offering these tools for free, is our contribution to empowering musicians around the world and especially getting kids into the world of music synthesis. We’d like to invite all VST developers around the world to join us build the most amazing free DAW and get your plug-ins integrated."

Behringer Introduces the Model D Soul - a Mini Minimoog for $99

A new mini mini. Also see the new Model 15, Hirotribe, 2-XM, UB-1, Toro, Proton, Saturn Soul, JP-4000 Spirit, ProVS and upcoming UB-Xa D.

Details on the Model D Soul:

"Product Announcement 10. The 'Model D Soul' synthesizer is based on the authentic 'MiniMoog' circuitry. Now you can enjoy the famous sound, but in a portable and affordable package.
The 'Model D Soul' is fully completed and ready for production. Once we’ll receive the chips, this synth will be on the way to you.

Price is US$ 99

What’s under the hood?

Portable Legendary Analog Synthesizer with 3 VCOs, Classic VCF, 1 LFO, 2 Envelopes and Motion Sequencer

- Based on the classic MiniMoog from the 1970s

- VCO with 5 selectable wave forms, including saw, triangle, shark, square and pulse

- Vintage-sounding low-pass filter with resonance for those classic sounds

- LFO with 4 different waveforms for amazing vibrato and filter effects

- VCA with a dedicated envelope control

- Variable envelope amount for filter cut-off control

- White and pink noise with i dependent volume control for dramatically expanded waveform generation

- 16-step motion sequencer with 8 memory slots and recording of knob movements
- 27 touch keys for instant playing on the go
- 18 controls for direct access to all major functions

- USB Micro connector allows powering via smartphone, power bank or computer

- Comprehensive MIDI implementation (including NRPN/CC control of all parameters and bulk load/save)"

Behringer Introduce Model 15 Semi-modular Synthesizer Based on Moog Model 15/35/55

Details:

"Announcement number 8🙂. [I actually count 9 with the Model 15, Hirotribe, 2-XM, UB-1, Toro, Proton, Saturn Soul, JP-4000 Spirit, ProVS. 10 if you count the UB-Xa D]. The Model 15 semi-modular synthesizer is based on the legacy “Model 15/35/55” circuitry but with some added features.

The product is fully completed and ready for production. Once we’ll receive the chips, this synth will be on the way to you.

Price is US$ 299.

What’s under the hood?
Analog Semi-Modular Synthesizer with Dual VCOs, VCF, Sequencer and Arpeggiator in Eurorack Format
- Analog synthesizer with dual VCO design allows for insanely fat music creation
- Authentic recreation of circuits from the legendary “Model 15/35/55” modular synthesizer
- Semi-modular design requires no patching for immediate performance
- Pure analog signal path based on authentic VCO, VCF and VCA designs
- Dual oscillators with 4 waveforms, oscillator sync, pulse width modulation and sub-oscillator
- Classic 24 dB ladder filter with resonance for legendary sound performance
- Advanced step sequencer with 3 separate 256-step memory slots, key transpose and multiple playback modes
- Arpeggiator featuring hold function and multiple playback modes for recording and playing back your melodies and riffs
- Fully analog LFO with 4 waveforms and dedicated controls for pitch, filter and pulse width modulation
- Spring reverb emulation for inspiring sound effects
- 48 patch points for advanced modular connection and integration with external equipment
- 37 controls give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
- Complete Eurorack solution – main module can be transferred to a standard Eurorack case
- 16-voice Poly Chain allows combining multiple synthesizers for up to 16 voice polyphony
- Comprehensive MIDI implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection"

Behringer Introduces the UB-1 Spirit for $49

Another mini synth from Behringer. Curious what makes one a Spirit vs. Soul. So far they have introduced the ProVS Soul, the JP-4000 Spirit, the Saturn Soul, and now the UB-1 Spirit. I thought this one was based on the OB-Xa/upcoming UB-Xa, but per below it uses the Matrix-6/1000 CEM 3396/3397. via Wikipiea: "CEM3396 Microprocessor Controllable: Wave-Shaper x2, VCF, VCA. CEM3397 same core design as CEM3396 but with separate external signal (noise/sub/wavetable) input and VCA to mix stage and additional Pan VCA and L/R output stage. Originally labelled MS1215 and designed for Marion Systems MSR-2. Relabeled as PA397 for DSI."

I'm guessing no matrix modulation on the UB-1. It's not a mini Matrix-6/M1000. It just uses the chip.

Details:

"Introducing the UB-1, a Portable Analog Synthesizer with 2 Analog Oscillators, Classic VCF and Arpeggiator.

Uli passionately believes in empowering everyone by providing access to great sounding musical instruments, especially for kids, so they can start a lifelong love affair with electronic music and sound synthesis.

The UB-1 synthesizer is fully developed and once we receive the chips, we’ll be shipping this marvel your way. Don’t be fooled by the size - this is a monster synth in a small package. Best of all the estimated price is only US$ 49.

What’s under the tiny hood?

- Programmable synthesizer with 2 DCOs and classic 4-pole filter

- Legendary 3396/3397 analog chip design, found in the Oberheim Matrix 6/1000*

- 16 touch
-sensitive keys for great playability

- 32 memory presets, expandable via SynthTribe app

- Arpeggiator with 3 patterns and hold function

- Individual envelopes for VCF and VCA for creative sound shaping

- 2 powerful LFOs to control filter and oscillator tuning

- 6 functions buttons and OLED display for easy and immediate parameter editing

- USB Micro connector allows powering via smartphone, power bank or computer

- Comprehensive USB/MIDI implementation (including NRPN/CC control of all parameters and bulk load/save)"

Behringer UB-Xa D (Desktop) Prototype Complete

Behringer's UB-Xa (Oberheim OB-Xa) in prototype desktop form. Renders previously posted here.

"While we’re all waiting for chips to finally produce and ship the UB-Xa, our engineers haven’t been sitting still and in the meantime finished the prototype of the desktop version. Like with all our other desktop modules, this one will be rack mountable, too."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Behringer UB-Xa - Beta Testing Concluded

video upload by Behringer

"After 3 long years of intense development, we have now finally completed the design of the UB-Xa.

What started as a mere recreation of the original OB-Xa, has grown into a monster synthesizer with many more features and sound palettes.

We have now started the manufacturing planning, which will still take some time due to the global component shortages.

We like to take the opportunity to thank all our 20 fabulous beta testers who tremendously helped us to fine tune and meticulously compare our UB-Xa with the sound and performance of the original OB-Xa. The beta testing process has taken more than one year.

We know you have been waiting for a long time but we promise that this synth will blow you away and exceed all your expectations."

Behringer's Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd Loses Oberheim Trademark to Tom Oberheim

It looks like Tom Oberheim will indeed get the Oberheim name back. The chain of events are a bit randomn, like a "sample n hold" actually...

I beleive Music Tribe filed for the Oberheim logo and trademarks back in December of 2016 after they expired. Gibson previously owned them, buy then turned them over to Wells Fargo prior to this, according to details in this previous post. What's odd is Gibson then "returned" the name back to Tom Oberheim in 2019 AFTER Music Tribe filed for it. Shortly after Behringer won the trademark back. Two years later it now goes back to Tom.
(pic above via Amazona.de) via the USPTO: "Registration is refused because the applied-for mark consists of or includes matter that may falsely suggest a connection with Tom Oberheim. Trademark Act Section 2(a), 15 U.S.C. §1052(a). Although the person is not connected with the goods provided by applicant under the applied-for mark, Tom Oberheim is so well-known that consumers would presume a connection."

They also apologize for the sample n hold loop: "The trademark examining attorney apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the delay in raising this issue(s)."

What's interesting, unless I'm reading it wrong, is the trademark appeared to have been for BEHRINGER OBERHEIM rather than just OBERHEIM?

Note this just means Behringer can't take over the Oberheim brand name. He can still come out with the Behringer UB-Xa branded OB-Xa.

What's up with Behringer's UB-Xa?

BEHRINGER

"Here's a little update from our engineers..."

First audio - R&D - UB-Xa Prototype

Published on May 8, 2019 BEHRINGER

"We promised to share progress and here it is!

Here in Manchester we've just got audio passing with the UB-Xa, obviously it's very early and we have a lot of work ahead of us - but we're very happy so far!"

New Behringer UB-Xa Pics

Follow-up to this post.

CLICK FOR MORE »

First Behringer UB-Xa (OB-Xa clone) Case Pics

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

"UB-Xa is coming alive!

Today we've started to build the very first prototype - what an amazing moment. Over the next few days we will assemble the complete unit and of course share pics with you.

Isn't it a beautiful synth?

Uli"

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Behringer UB-Xa Design is Complete

An update via Uli Behringer spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

"Here's another exciting update.

We have now completed the entire hardware design, which includes all PCB's and mechanical aspects.

The next step is to build our first working prototype and we hope to show a physical sample in around a month time.

Please bear in mind that we're now starting the most time consuming part, which is the firmware development, which will take considerable amount of time.

While we'll be able to reuse some of the DeepMind firmware, most will be new as we're moving to a high-performance ARM processor platform. This is especially useful as it allows for us to design upcoming synths in a very efficient manner.

Happy New Year everyone.

Uli"

The UB-Xa of course is Behringer's "clone" of the Oberheim OB-Xa.

Catch up on previous UB-Xa posts here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

An Update on the Behringer UB-Xa - OB-Xa

And update from Uli Behringer on UB-Xa development, spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

"Hello everyone,

I like to give you an update on the UB-Xa development.

When I announced the project some time ago, I mentioned that it would take at least a year as it is a "labor of love" and our Midas engineer would do this as a side project since their main priorities are with digital mixing consoles.

Because of their high workload, the development of the UB-Xa had unfortunately stalled for quite some time.

Good news is that the team is working on it again and we have just finished all schematics and the mechanical design while the team is now focusing on the board layout and firmware.
This is a major job and don't expect anything soon, however we are confident that we will deliver this project as promised and hopefully at a price which will make everyone happy.

In order to maintain the integrity of the original sound design, we've been using 3340 and 3320 VCO's and VCF's but replaced the outdated digital section with very powerful Arm Processors.

Thanks for your patience.

Uli"

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Behringer UB-Xa Desktop Render & an Update

Note the differences from the previous desktop render here.

The image above with the following note from Uli Behringer was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

"I like to provide you with an update.

Please find attached a new front panel layout, which includes many of your suggestions. However we decided not to integrate effects in order to retain the authenticity of the original instrument. When it comes to effects, we might be able to surprise you with a very cool solution in the near future :-)

While the team is now working on the schematics and software architecture of the synth, we have not yet locked down the design and feature set, so there is still room for change.

Please let us know your thoughts.

Thanks!

Uli"

You can find previous posts featuring the Behringer clone of the Oberheim OB-Xa here.

New Behringer UB-Xa Update & Renders

And update from Uli Behringer on Gearslutz:

"Allow me to provide you with a quick update.

Aside from the earlier desktop version, many of you requested for a keyboard version of the UB-Xa synth and hence we thought we'd share some designs with you. We have asked our engineers to render a 5-octave keyboard version and use this opportunity to show you some of the insights how such a product is developed.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Behringer: Inside R&D Episode 1 w/ the UBXa

Published on Jan 19, 2018 BEHRINGER

"Inside Midas R&D UBXa development"

Follow-up to Behringer Announces the UB-Xa - Oberheim OB-Xa Desktop Clone

Update:

CLICK FOR MORE »