Behringer CAT
The Behringer CAT gives you a true to the original clone of the original and much-loved Octave Cat synthesizer.
Back in 1975, Octave released an analog, duophonic, three-octave synthesizer boasting similar features to the ARP Odyssey. Now, Behringer brings an ultra-affordable and even more feature-packed homage to the original CAT. Giving you the ability to conjure up virtually any sound imaginable with incredible finesse and ease. Sporting a pure analog signal path that’s based on authentic VCO, VCF and VCA designs in conjunction with 4 variable and simultaneous oscillator shapes with Duophonic/Paraphonic capabilities. Above all, the CAT synth is like having your own personal time machine. With the ability to freely embrace the past, or shape the future.
True to the Original Cat
Behringer has carefully and precisely engineered the CAT clone. Including the true to the original analog circuitry, legendary VCO, VCF, and VCA design; allowing you to recreate classic tones that are evocative of classic electronic music. As a result, the CAT offers the ultimate flexibility and sound-shaping capabilities. It also gives you the ability to cover heaps of amazing tones ranging from super-fat bass, tasty leads, to full-on dreamy ambiance.
Big, Fat Tones
The sounds of the 70s and 80s progressive rock, wave and synth-pop have become classics and are constantly sought after. Thanks to the CAT, you can recreate all those beloved sounds; as well as design some incredible and original sounds that’ll make you a legend in your own right!
Keyboard Control
What’s more, the CAT has the ability to connect with any keyboard controller via MIDI. Then, with the generated signals you can use the Pitch Bend slider to bend your notes up or down an octave. You can even bump it up two octaves by flipping the Octave Shift switch up or down. There’s also a Glide Slider that changes how fast a note transitions to another. Combine that with the LFO Freq slider to control the LFO and ADSR repeat tempo and create some amazing pulsating portamentos.
Two VCOs are Better
Additionally, at the heart of the CAT is its two VCOs. Boasting a duophonic/paraphonic nature, the CAT allows both oscillators to be controlled independently. Keyboard control on the CAT can also be set to either Mono or Poly mode. Poly lets the VC01 generate the highest note played on the keyboard. While the VC02 handles the lowest, allowing two notes to be played simultaneously. Setting the switch to Mono makes VC01 generate the lowest note on the keyboard.
VCF
Not only does the CAT combine two VCOs, but it also features a VCF filter section. Allowing you to get more complex and robust tones by incorporating VC01 into the mix. Even turn the CAT into a funky bass machine or out-of-this-world synth for searing lead tones. Not to mention you can even make your own drum sounds by manipulating the VCOs, VCF, and ADSR.
The Envelope, Please…
Giving the signal even more character; CAT’s transient generator allows you to create a detailed voltage transient. You can adjust the attack, decay, sustain, and release via the matching sliders to shape your signal. You can also set the ADSR to automatically repeat or only when a key is held down. The Sample and Hold switch can be set so the VCO1 setting is sampled or, when set to Noise mode, produce a random output pattern. Slide the LFO Delay control up or down to determine when the LFO will reach its maximum output after a key is depressed.
CAT – The Ins and Outs
The CAT features a whole slew of Inputs and Outputs that expand its capabilities beyond what you can see out of the box. You can route external control voltages to VCO1 or 2, the VCF and even pump in some external line-level audio into the CAT. You can even connect the CAT to other external synthesizers through the Gate, ADSR, AR or Keyboard Outputs. The CAT’s 16-note Poly Chain function lets you combine multiple synthesizers for up to 16-voice polyphony – and it provides vastly improved reliability and stability over its 1970s and ’80s predecessors.