Behringer MS-101 is officially released and check out our sound demo

24 Jan 2019 by Robin Vincent | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes

Behringer MS-101-RD · Source: Behringer

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Behringer’s reimagining of the Roland SH-101 is now officially part of Behringers synthesizer product line and we have all the details of the MS-101.

MS-101

It’s funny, we’ve been talking about it for so long that you imagine we already know everything about it. In fact, up until now we’re known very little. The MS-101 is a monophonic analogue synthesizer based upon the 3340 VCO with 4 simultaneous waveforms, VCF, ADSR envelope, 32 step sequencer, arpeggiator and a mod grip kit for live performance. It has 32 full sized semi-weighted keys and a hard plastic case.

The oscillator waveforms are triangle, saw, square with pulse width modulation and an octave divided square wave sub oscillator. They can all be present at once mixed on the front panel. The filter can be modulated via ADSR, LFO, keyboard tracking or pitch bend wheel on the mod grip. There are 6 FM sources for creative filter modulation. You can save up to 64 sequences and there is full MIDI implementation available over USB or MIDI.

But more importantly, what does it sound like? Well, we had a bit of a demo at the Behringer live stream event but now here’s a “no-talking” sound demo video of just the MS-101 in action.

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Here’s the detail:

Amazing monophonic synthesizer with authentic 3340 analog oscillator for insanely fat 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 and octave-divided square sub-oscillator
Resonant VCF can be modulated with ADSR, LFO, keyboard tracking and bender controller
6 FM sources allow for creative VCF modulation and unheard of filter effects
ADSR envelope generator for incredible wave shaping
Easy-to-use 32-step sequencer with 64 sequence locations
Arpeggiator with wide patterns for great sound effects
Attachable handgrip included with pitch bend 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
Incredible portamento function for fantastic sound effects
Pulse wave can be modulated by LFO, envelope and manually
57 sliders and switches to give you 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
3-Year Warranty Program*
Designed and engineered in the U.K.

By all accounts the MS-101 has turned out great! Although I’m sure we were promised a range of colours. Currently they are calling it the MS-101-RD which presumably means “Red”. I wonder if other options will become available. At $299 it’s going to fly off the shelf when it arrives in march – and it should. This should be everyone’s first synthesizer.