by Robin Vincent | 3,4 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 1 Minute
Behringer Abacus

Behringer Abacus  ·  Source: Behringer

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Behringer’s Abacus Eurorack module takes on Buchla’s legendary 257 Voltage Processor and 281 function generator modules.

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Abacus

Abacus is a not even thinly veiled clone of the Make Noise Maths, which itself is inspired by the function generators of the Buchla modular style. These functions include signal mixing, envelopes, LFOs, gate generation and logical outcomes. It’s an absolutely brilliant source of modular functionality.

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Abacus consists of four inputs with attenuation and voltage generation. On each identical side you have a CV controllable Rise and Fall envelope, which can be logarithmic, linear or exponential with a knob that moves through everything in between. With the Cycle buttons, you can engage LFO mode on either side. For other outputs, you have end-of-cycle and end-of-rise triggers, OR and SUM logic outputs, inversions and unity outputs.

It’s a complicated module to explain because it’s capable of so many possible outcomes. But if there’s something you’re trying to accomplish in modular, then Maths and now Abacus will help you do it.

Behringer Abacus

Behringer Abacus

It is an amazingly featured module. Make Noise brought the best of Buchla into the Eurorack world, and Maths is one of the most popular modules out there. Abacus appropriates that same functionality in a striking module that will undoubtedly be good value for money. We did actually glimpse Behringer working on a Maths clone back in 2019. The Make Noise Maths is £295, the Abacus has a suggested price of $99.

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Behringer Abacus
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Behringer Abacus

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15 responses to “Behringer Abacus: Let’s do the Maths”

    George Napier says:
    9

    At least the front panel is intelligible. I had to replace my MATHS front panel as it made the module more difficult for me to understand.

    Dave says:
    1

    Make Noise should be getting some money out of this, Abacus is an exact copy.

      El Ratón says:
      2

      If all the complaining Behringer hating modular synth hipsters put their money where their mouth is, Maths sales will skyrocket as of today.

    Harry says:
    -10

    Behringer suprises again and again! I already have my befaco, enough for me, no need to change or add, but Behringer for President! 💓💓💓

    DigitalCrickets says:
    6

    Behringer has no shame.

    W.C. Auger says:
    -5

    Don’t suppose they’ll be at Suprtbooth.

    kitchen musician guy says:
    1

    Hey Robin kudos for keeping it professional and positive in your article here. 👍

    grrrz says:
    5

    it’s ugly. If you’re into modular and can’t afford a maths; there are already a lot of alternatives. If you can afford a maths; buy a maths and support a small company that does great stuff. This is a shameless copy.

      Ness says:
      6

      Aren’t Makenoise doing the same by copying to old Buchla and Serge designs?

        Robin Vincent says:
        1

        All electronics is based on someone else’s work, but that’s not the point. No one would mind if Behringer decided to produce an interesting function generator like Befaco did with the Rampage. What annoys people is that it’s a direct copy of a current product right down to the name. It’s a bit cynical and unpleasant in my view but apparently this isn’t about art, music or creativity it’s about business and what you can legally get away with.

    Ian S says:
    9

    I thought Maths was based on the Serge DUSG with a few attenuverters thrown in. Not a fan of Make Noise’s “panel designed by my seven year old” aesthetic so this looks good to me.

    Sam S says:
    3

    Completely shameless attack on a small independent business.
    It’s already hard enough to run an independent electronics company. Why would anyone bother when behringer are going to come along and steal the profits of all the most successful modules?
    There’s a reason these things are expensive. It takes a lot of time, effort an money to design and make them and people are trying to make a living out of it.
    Behringer offer nothing in terms of creativity. Ripping off old synths that are out of production is one thing but ripping off a small company’s leading product is totally unethical.

    Frank Hamill says:
    2

    yayyyyyy. now i can afford a legible maths hot dog

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