Behringer MS-1-RD Analog Synthesizer with Griff - Rot (2023)

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Modern incarnation of a classic performance monosynth

In the 80s and 90s, a new wave of musicians slung a simple mono synthesizer over their shoulder and stole the stage from their guitar-wielding bandmates. The Behringer MS-101 is a wonderfully affordable tribute to this legendary synthesizer with all its cool features - and more. Behringer took great care in building the MS-101, staying true to the original analog circuit designs and VCO, VCF and VCA. This meticulous attention to detail gives the MS-101 its ultra-flexible tone-shaping capabilities, letting you quickly create anything from incredibly fat bass and blistering solos to mind-blowing effects. Equipped with a 32-step sequencer, arpeggiator and attachable strap, the MS-101 is a fantastic performing synthesizer. And with its 32 full-size semi-weighted keys, all-analog signal path, and true 3340 oscillator with four simultaneously mixable waveforms, plus ultra-flexible VCF and VCA filters, the Behringer MS-101 could become your favorite synthesizer.

True 3340 VCO, four simultaneous waveforms, FM and more

The Behringer MS-101's analog architecture is based on its true 3340 VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) with four waveforms, all of which can be active simultaneously for very complex tones. Waveforms include sawtooth, triangle, square (with PWM), and an octave-split square sub-oscillator. Additionally, the VCO can be adjusted over a wide 4-octave range. This amazing flexibility gives you the tools you need to be creative without limits. As a bonus, the MS-101 features the "Nova Mod" that many musicians used on their original synthesizers in the 90's and added VCF frequency modulation with six available FM sources. Between its varied waveforms and FM, the MS-101 far exceeds the sonic capabilities of the original.

VCF: Heart of the Beast

The heart of any analog synthesizer is its VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter), which is responsible for the initial modeling of the signal produced by the oscillator. The MS-101's VCF is very flexible, with faders for the cutoff frequency (10 Hz to 20 kHz); resonance (0 to self-oscillation); Envelope curve, modulation depth and keyboard tracking (0-100%) let you quickly define the perfect sound. The MS-101's VCF can be modulated in real time via Envelope, Keyboard Follow and Bender Controller. The Frequency Modulation (FM) Amount knob sets the depth, while the FM Source knob lets you further modify the signal by selecting Sawtooth; sub-oscillator 1 octave down; 2 octaves down; narrower 2 octaves down; or noise.

The Envelope Generator

Another important sound shaper in classical analog synthesis is the envelope generator, which shapes a note over time by creating a voltage envelope driven by a gate signal from your keyboard or other source. The MS-101's envelope generator is of the classic ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) variety, with faders for each, helping you create amazing sounds in realtime. It also features a 3-way switch for Gate, Gate + Trigger and LFO. When applied to the VCA, the ADSR envelope is used to control the level of the played note over time. When applied to the filter, the ADSR envelope controls the cutoff frequency for the duration of each note played. The MS-101 envelope can also be used to affect the pulse width modulation of the VCO.

Modulation and in Go-Go

In addition to the already mentioned solid tone building features, the MS-101 has more in store. The noise generator can also be used as a modulation source to create melt-in-the-mouth distortion effects for tracks that will make metal guitarists walk offstage to reconsider their effects chain. Glide (portamento) lets you seamlessly morph from one note to the next, creating creamy transitions that few instruments can match. The MS-101's bender can also be assigned to the VCO, VCF and Pitch Mod Wheel on the Attachable Grip. You can even modulate the pulse wave manually or via the LFO or the envelope for smooth to wild textures.

Synth blast from the past

The Behringer MS-101 is a blast to play. With him over your shoulder, the stage is yours. After all, why should singers and guitarists get all the credit? If you're ready to be the center of attention, the MS-101 is for you. Simply attach the included guitar strap and grip with the pitch bend wheel and pitch modulation trigger and take your playing to the next level. At Sweetwater, we love the MS-101. Equipped with 57 buttons, sliders and switches, it offers the immediate possibility of practical adjustment in real time. It offers beautiful super fat analog sounds. Add to that its generous USB/MIDI/CV connectivity, versatile arpeggiator, included performance kit, and gloriously low price, and the MS-101 is simply irresistible!

Features of the Behringer MS-101 Analog Synthesizer:

• 32-key monophonic analog synthesizer based on a classic
• Pure analog signal path based on classic VCO, VCF and VCA designs
• Authentic 3340 analog oscillator for incredibly fat sounds
• 4 Wellenformen simultâneos (Saw, Triangle, Square/PWM, Sub Osc Square)
• Resonant VCF with modulation via ADSR, LFO, keytrack or bender controller
• 6 FM NovaMod sources for creative VCF modulation and amazing filter effects
• ADSR envelope generator for creative waveshaping
• 32-step sequencer with 64 memory locations for your own custom sequences
• Includes guitar strap for keytar-style playing
• Attached handle includes pitch bend wheel and pitch modulation trigger
• Bender assignable to VCO, VCF and Pitch Wheel on attachable handle
• The noise generator can be used as a modulation source for distortion effects.
• Portamento function for fantastic sound effects.
• Pulse wave can be modulated by LFO, envelope and manually
• Arpeggiator with a wide range of patterns
• 57 buttons, sliders and switches for manual control
• External audio input lets you process other synths, drum machines, and more
• Full USB/MIDI/CV implementation
• External audio input; phone jack
• Performance kit with strap and attached strap included