NAMM 2020: Behringer 2600 Part 2 – the big reveal
So here it is. It’s slightly unexpected in form but no less interesting for it. Behringer’s 2600 clone of the ARP 2600 is ready for your attention.
2600
It’s a bit strange, it has a rackable front panel, many coloured LEDs and the orange writing. Again we have the amiable Rob Keeble giving us the rundown on what he calls the “second prototype” which is sitting beside him. From the back you can see that it has feet and would have no trouble sitting on a desktop although it looks pretty great on that rack stand. I’m assuming no in-built speakers, no flight case and no accompanying keyboard – that should save us all a few quid!
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Rob says that he used both an original ARP 2600 and his own modules based on the same circuits as the guide and benchmark for getting the sound of the 2600 right. He says that it behaves and performs just like the original but with a clear and precise modern sound. He’s looking for accuracy plus a “few improvements”. Rob also mentions how it was a collaborative effort and how well his team here and in China worked together. There’s also talk about how moving to SMD components has helped with issues such as temperature control and matching transistors.
I think Behringer has taken a really good approach in bringing Rob out to talk intelligently about the development of the synthesizer.
The only features mentioned int he video were that the 2600 comes with both the original 4012 ladder filter and the 4072 one found in the later models which is that bit smoother, similar to the Odyssey.
They say that they hope to have a production model ready for Superbooth in May. No mention of the price at this stage.
I like what they’ve done. In many ways I’m relieved that it’s different from the Korg, it gives it a different spin and a different vibe which is going to help lots of people with their purchasing decisions. The sounds on the video call came from it and sounded pretty good to me. Looking forward to getting a go on one.
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3 responses to “NAMM 2020: Behringer 2600 Part 2 – the big reveal”
Intelligent choices made to reduce size. Looks great. Wonder if patching will be Eurorack compatible or restricted to the device itself.
Happy to see what they created and the compromises they made to cut prices :
* no flightcase
* no keyboard
* dimmable leds (thank you, I just took down the christmas tree)
* no speakers
with a bit of luck it might be 500-800eur !
Such a nice instrument that is already semi patched. I just can’t do full modulars it takes away my musical joy and turns me into an engineer having to read too many manuals etc (vangelis for instance was not a fan of full modulars either, in fact he started avoiding them at some point)
Very curious to see how the sound compares to the real one. doesnt have to be exactly the same thing.
If within price range I’m definitely getting one, although I might wait a couple of months to see what the community feedback is. It’s not a limited run anyway.
I agree 100%