Behringer 2-XM: Oberheim SEM Two Voice Clone: 1.2.2 Update with Poly-Chain!
The same look with the legendary two-voice sound
4,6 / 5,0 | 
[01 October 2025] The Behringer 2-XM has been available in stores since this summer and has quickly become a popular homage to the Oberheim Two Voice. With its semi-modular structure, classic analog circuits, and 32-point Eurorack patchbay, the 2-XM appeals to fans of the original and to producers seeking the characteristic Oberheim sound at a lower price for studio or stage use. Behringer has now added a feature that many users have been waiting for with firmware update 1.2.2: Poly Chain mode for even more vocal power!
All About Behringer 2-XM
The 2-XM update introduces Poly-Chain. More Voices, More Possibilities!
With this update, the 2-XM becomes even more flexible. Now, multiple devices can be linked together. Depending on how many devices are connected, you can create configurations with two, four, or even six voices. Setup is done via a common MIDI setup and SynthTribe software to ensure Poly-Chain mode is activated correctly. The only drawback is that there is still no preset storage, so parameters for each sound must be set manually on all units. Nevertheless, this feature opens up new possibilities for anyone who wants the polyphonic Oberheim sound.
The 2-XM update brings several improvements, including a multi-trigger function for repeated notes, a CV calibration bug fix, and a MIDI soft through option that is now enabled by default. Users can install the update via the SynthTribe app now. For those who don’t have the 2-XM, it remains an interesting option for adding classic sounds to your home studio. You can purchase the synthesizer here at Thomann*.
Order Now!
[02 April 2025] After a three-year wait, the announced Behringer 2-XM is now available for order. The visually very close clone of Tom Oberheim’s SEM Two voice synthesizer can now be added to your shopping list.
Behringer 2-XM
As expected, the Behringer 2-XM combines authentic VCO, VCF and VCA circuits with modern modulation capabilities in a semi-modular design. The duophonic analog synthesizer is based on two independent voices, each with two oscillators. These can be operated separately in split mode or combined in unison mode, allowing a total of four oscillators to be used simultaneously. Synchronization of the oscillators provides additional sonic variety, while two multimode filters with low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch modes shape the sound.
The modulation capabilities of the Behringer 2-XM open up enormous creative potential. Two LFOs, four envelope generators and a noise generator offer a wide range of sound shaping possibilities. In addition to the internal modulation sources, external audio sources can be integrated into the signal routing via two inputs. The portamento function also allows for smooth transitions between sounds, which is especially useful for leads and experimental sounds.
Pure Synths Power
The 2-channel mixer with individual level and pan control lets you flexibly position both voices in the stereo field. Very cool! Of particular interest is the 16-voice polychain function, which allows you to link multiple Behringer 2-XM synthesizers together for up to 32 voices (!) of polyphony. And all this at an affordable price. This expandability makes the unit extremely attractive not only to sound designers, but also to live performers.
Thanks to its Eurorack-compatible housing with multiple CV inputs and outputs, the Behringer 2-XM fits seamlessly into modular setups, but can also be controlled independently via a classic MIDI connection or CV/Gate. An exciting blend of vintage sound and modern flexibility at an amazing price. I’m really looking forward to a review with my “real” SEM.
The Behringer 2-XM can finally be pre-ordered here at Thomann* for $342.00 / £299.00 / 349.00€. It is not yet known when the delivery will take place. However, if you are interested, you should not take too much time with your order, because the list of pre-orders for this synthesizer at this price is sure to grow quickly.
It’s an Oberheim Two Voice
[03 March 2022] Behringer has produced a reproduction of the classic Oberheim Two Voice synthesizer featuring two SEM modules in its Eurorack/Desktop format.
After all the fun of the mini-synths, this serious-looking reproduction of the classic Oberheim Two Voice comes along as a bit of a shock. It looks stunning. It’s a little on the small side in order to squash it into the 3U Eurorack height that dictates the size of the Behringer desktop skiff. But there’s nothing brash about this one and the clean colour and simple text sets it off nicely. It looks like a single unit so you can’t separate the SEMs into individual modules. I would have thought having a single SEM as a Eurorack module would be a thing worth doing. Tom Oberheim has been promising one for years.
The two SEMs offer a pair of oscillators each with its own multimode filter, 2 envelopes and an LFO. You get variable wave shapes with adjustable pulse width and oscillator sync. There’s a 2 channel mixer section with level and panning controls, mixing over external inputs and a portamento switch. Over on the right is a patch bay that offers 6 CV outputs and 10 CV inputs for each SEM or “XM” as Behringer are calling them. As the name suggests it has 2 voices of polyphony.
What’s missing (apart from the keyboard) is the sequencer, arpeggiator and Sample & Hold section of the original. The recent Oberheim Two Voice Pro Special Edition greatly expanded the sequencer section and added MIDI throughout as well as adding velocity and aftertouch to the keyboard.
Priced at $342.00 / £299.00 / 349.00€ there’s no way to compare it to the original or current Special Edition but this is a well-loved classic that will find itself on many a desktop once the chips arrive. There’s something about the SEM that somehow resonates on different frequencies to the rest of the synth world. It will be interesting to hear how well Behringer has captured the sound.
More Information
- Behringer’s website
- More from Behringer
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16 responses to “Behringer 2-XM: Oberheim SEM Two Voice Clone: 1.2.2 Update with Poly-Chain!”
Behringer’s 2-XM looks interesting. I’d like to hear it. Wonder what GearNews readers think of these designs ( https://creativetechnerds.jimdo.com/synth-project/ ) Would Gear News readers like to see Behringer pursue any of these?
half of that at half the price would be much more classy and desirable
No.
Totally agree! Separate eurorack SEM module would be amazing.
And sequencer is important. If it’s a clone it should be 100% exact. Otherwise it’s a castrated clone.
Agree.
I’m surprised they left out the sequencer, but I assume that was to keep the cost of it down. That’s fine, frankly, since I assume many buyers will already have at least one sequencer in another machine anyway. This is a spectacular idea to do this, however, I would agree that they should’ve made the oscillators detachable. Can’t complain. Little question that it will sound like the originals, or so close it doesn’t matter. Just a few years ago the notion of this wasn’t in anyone’s minds, that new production techniques and complete manufacture in China (like everyone else for parts, chips & boards!) would make these available to anyone interested with improvements.
You crazy SOB, I’m in!
Easy to criticise, but you don’t have to buy it. For the rest of us, full marks for making available rare equipment that most cannot afford.
2voice without a seqvenser is a cardinal error. An essential part in terms of usability. Not to continue.
Who needs sequencer, i have computer
If you’ve ever used a genuine one, you’ll understand why.
I ‘ am a little disappointed… I which he will make “ an original TVs-1 or even an fvs-1 with keyboard!!!!! I dreaming about it. But I shouldn’t complain 2 much. I owe 1 SEM pro Oberheim , plus a patch panel Oberheim.🙏😉 sir Behringer. Please make an “ original “ OB-1 !!!
I could care less about the sequencer. If this sounds like the real deal, I’m definitely getting one…or two. A TVS for $299 … you’d be crazy to not get get one just because it lacks an onboard sequencer.
Same riddle as always, order now: “Available in several months”
Behringer’s sequencer design is not the best, so I fail to see why it’s an issue that they excluded it.
So that’s £600 for 2 polychained units, a four voice Oberheim? That’s pretty good, I suppose. But I think as a live instrument, it’s a no-go, unless you’re only using it for the odd song, as you’ll have to set all the knobs and switches on both units. A bit tricky for live performance, although Wakeman used to do that with a Minimoog! But as a home/studio synth, spot on! For live, you might be better multisampling/multivelocity, and playing it back on a workstation. For a lot of these great replica synths like the 2600, Odyssey, Minimoog, Taurus, SH-5, SH-101 etc, sampling them is probably the best way to use the sounds live. These are good times for synthesists.
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