Behringer MS101 Analog Synthesizer
Behringer MS101 Analog Synthesizer is engineered for a classic analog sound, in the modern day. Behringer has been seeing new heights with there synthesizer line, from the first to the rumour mill of what ahead. The first, inspired by Rolands’s Juno 8 the Deepmind12, a killer affordable synth. The Behringer engineers nailed the Minimoog sound into the Model D, another killer affordable synth. The trend is exciting for producers from all walks of life. Affordable, quality, analog synthesis.
The MS101 is based on the infamous SH-101 from Roland, an iconic synth that played a large part in shaping the musical climate of the 80s and ’90s. And, bringing about a new wave of musicians, rockstars slung a simple monosynth over their shoulder and stole centerstage from their guitar-brandishing bandmates. The MS101 is a clone, and its a delightfully affordable homage to an iconic synthesizer, loaded with all of the unique features — and then some. Behringer took great care in engineering the MS-101, staying true to the original analog circuitry and VCO, VCF, and VCA designs. Ensuring the MS-101 would be an authentic clone capable of the classic sound that made the SH-101 such a powerful icon. The attention to detail is outstanding, and yes, the MS-101 is a clone, however, Behringer has engineered it so well, picking the original in a lineup would be near impossible!
This meticulous attention to detail is what gives the MS-101 its ultra-flexible sound-shaping abilities, which let you quickly whip up everything from insanely fat basses and scorching leads to dazzling effects. Equipped with a 32-step sequencer, arpeggiator, and attachable hand grip, the MS-101 is a fantastic performance synth. And with its 32 full-size semi-weighted keys, pure analog signal path, and authentic 3340 oscillators with four simultaneously mixable waveforms plus ultra-flexible VCF and VCA filters, the Behringer MS-101 may well become your favorite synth.
Authentic 3340 VCO, 4 simultaneous waveforms, FM, and more
The analog architecture of the Behringer MS-101 is built upon its authentic 3340 VCO (Voltage-Controlled Oscillator) with four waveforms — all of which can be active simultaneously for seriously complex timbres. Waveforms include sawtooth, triangle, square (with PWM), and an octave-divided square sub oscillator. What’s more, the VCO can be adjusted across a broad 4-octave range. This impressive flexibility gives you the tools you need for unfettered creativity. As a bonus, the MS-101 features the “Nova Mod” that many players made to their original synths in the ’90s, adding VCF frequency modulation with six available FM sources. Between its multiple waveforms and FM, the MS-101 takes you far beyond the sonic capabilities of the original.
VCF: the heart of the beast
The heart of any analog synth is its VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter), which is responsible for initial shaping of the signal generated by the oscillator. The MS-101’s VCF is highly flexible, with faders for cutoff Frequency (10Hz to 20kHz); Resonance (0 to self-oscillation); Envelope, Modulation depth, and Keyboard follow (0 to 100%) that let you dial in the perfect sound fast. The MS-101’s VCF can be modulated in real time via the Envelope, keyboard tracking, and the Bender controller. The Frequency Modulation (FM) Amount knob sets the depth, while the FM Source rotary selector lets you further modify the signal by choosing Sawtooth; Sub Oscillator 1 octave down; 2 octaves down; narrow 2 octaves down; or Noise.
The envelope generator
Another key sound shaper in vintage analog synthesis is the envelope generator, which shapes a note over time by generating a voltage envelope triggered 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 that help you craft incredible sounds on the fly. It also has a 3-position switch for Gate, Gate + Trigger, and LFO. When applied to the VCA, the ADSR envelope is used to control the level of the note being played over time. When applied to the filter, the ADSR envelope controls the cutoff frequency for the duration of each note you play. The MS-101’s envelope can also be used to affect the VCO pulse width modulation.
Modulation a go-go
In addition to the roust sound-sculpting features we’ve already mentioned, the MS-101 has even more in store. The noise generator can also be used as a modulation source to create distortion-like effects for face-melting leads that will make metal guitarists slink off the stage to rethink their FX chain. Glide (portamento) lets you morph seamlessly from one note to the next, creating creamy transitions that few other instruments can pull off. MS-101’s Bender is also assignable to the VCO, VCF, and pitch mod wheel on the attachable hand grip. For textures ranging from mild to wild, you can even modulate the pulse wave manually or via the LFO or envelope.
Modulation a go-go
In addition to the roust sound-sculpting features we’ve already mentioned, the MS-101 has even more in store. The noise generator can also be used as a modulation source to create distortion-like effects for face-melting leads that will make metal guitarists slink off the stage to rethink their FX chain. Glide (portamento) lets you morph seamlessly from one note to the next, creating creamy transitions that few other instruments can pull off. MS-101’s Bender is also assignable to the VCO, VCF, and pitch mod wheel on the attachable hand grip. For textures ranging from mild to wild, you can even modulate the pulse wave manually or via the LFO or envelope.
- Monophonic synthesizer with authentic 3340 analog oscillator for remarkable music creation
- 32 semi-weighted full-size keys for great playability
- Pure analog signal path based on legendary VCO, VCF, and VCA designs to recreate the classic sound performance
- Oscillator with 4 simultaneously mixable waveforms:
- Saw
- Triangle
- Square/PWM
- Octave-divided square sub-oscillator
- Resonant VCF can be modulated with ADSR, LFO, keyboard tracking, and bender controller
- Six FM sources allow for creative VCF modulation and wild filter effects
- ADSR envelope generator for smooth wave shaping
- Easy-to-use 32-step sequencer with 64 sequence locations
- Arpeggiator with a wide selection of patterns for great sound effects
- Attachable handgrip included with pitchbend wheel and pitch-modulation trigger
- Guitar strap included for live jamming on stage
- Bender assignable to VCO, VCF, and pitch mod wheel on attachable handgrip
- Noise generator can be used as modulation source for distortion-like effects
- Portamento function for fantastic sound effects
- Pulse wave can be modulated by LFO, envelope, and manually
- 57 sliders and switches for direct and real-time access to all important parameters
- External audio input for processing external sound sources
- Comprehensive USB/MIDI implementation for connection to keyboard/sequencer
Behringer has toed the line of the modern & the authentic very well with the clone range of synthesizers and the affordability means studios and producers can enter the analog realm without the bite that the classics cost. Behringer may have brought the game-changing factor to our current musical climate, it won’t be a surprise to see the Behringer clones in studios for many years to come.