Techno stalwart Peter Van Hoesen puts the new Behringer Model D Analog Synthesizer through its paces for Telekom Electronic Beats TV and Bonedo.de. It’s one of the most talked about synths to arrive in recent months, but can it live up to its reputation as an affordable alternative to the legendary Minimoog synthesizer? Van Hoesen gives us the lowdown.
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The crazy thing is how Behringer is making hardware synths almost as affordable as software synths, and you never need to pay for software updates for them.
When evaluating a purchase, this was the most helpful video I found on this device. Thank you!
I really love this review format on here. Some of the best reviews for hardware period.
Great review! I received mine five days ago and I'm VERY impressed. Not having a firmware updater that will function with a Mac and many versions of Windows is rather bizarre I think. I bought a new Mini Moog Model D in 1977 for right at $2K. It was highly problematic as MANY were but if you wanted that tone and functionality one had to try and find workarounds. My VCO2 drifted out of tune farther and more frequently over time (this was a known issue for the VCO's). I regulated the temperature with a heating pad stuck in the back and that helped tremendously for about three years and then it was done. The mod wheel pot died within the first three years as did the key contacts. They started being problematic within 2 years. Getting repairs that actually worked was nearly impossible and was not acceptable for the mod wheel pot. I used it 4-5 nights a week live for several years so it got plenty of use. Fender Rhodes' keybeds became stiff in a short period so it wasn't only Moog. Crumar T1B's were junk after about a year ('81- '82ish) etc. but Hammonds and Leslies were indestructible. I sold it on the cheap in '83 figuring I'd simply buy another. I didn't know that would be impossible and that Moog would go out of business or I would have kept it. I'm currently on my third Moog Sub37 Tribute as the first two were problematic and not acceptable and I know two others that are on their third as well. My point is when you talk about the quality of Moog, they have had plenty of quality control issues in the past and they continue. That said, this is my first Behringer purchase in 20 years because back then and dating up to IDK when the quality for most all of their gear was not up to professional grade standards. I've been told they've come a long so we'll see. Honestly, I couldn't currently be happier with the overall tone, sound and functionality of the VCO potentiometers and I like them better than the ones on my Moog S37TE. I foresee a B-D polychain in my future. If you play your B-D enough not having presets won't be that big of an issue. I had seconds to change patches between songs live and if you do it enough it becomes 2nd nature. You simply have to become VERY familiar with it. If these units hold up well, Behringer will indeed have created affordable magic for the masses. :-)
Wonderful piece of equipment! Back in the 70's I used the micromoog which got trashed in a flood. Never thought I'd be able to get a minimoog. But I just got this model D and I am completely satisfied! Got my moog back, or at least an affordable clone. Good work Behringer!
This is the best overview and explanation of the Model D I have seen. Thank you 👍
this guys on another level of consciousness lol
He doe’s all the hypno frog stuff ...
What a great and thorough review. I'm new to synthesis, so your demonstration of all the switching options, and how different settings alter and open up the synth, is very useful. Also, I now know what all those little inputs/outputs are for!
I really like how Peter gets digging into this, especially some of the FM tricks.
Great video man,,,i learnt loads from this one video,…your review was so helpful.
Fantastic review, very balanced and honest. We need more of these for sure.
Lovely pace to this review and great to hear someone who obviously has true experience in original model D, really enjoying this video.. this seems to be amzing for the price.. I am really interested
One of the best synth reviews I've seen
Nice honest review , some super tones displayed too
This is how a review is done. great job
I just got the D and Dark Time because of this video. Excellent use of the gear mate. Cheers.
Is it just me or does he have a enigmatic/murderous looking stare? ;)
Many of these videos are pop in out all over but I like this interview a lot
Thanks a lot. I already have this synth, but I really enjoyed your video. Thumbs up!
amazing in depth review! I need this in my arsenal. Was there a ghost behind you at 8:44?
His arms tattoo is amazing! 「諸行無常」 = "Nothing is permanent"
simply, an owesome review, thanks
Peter Van Hoesen, thank you for the very informative review. I have seen/heard several reviews of this machine so far, and none of them sounded like what I remember from the 1970s. Is there an explanation for this? Thanks.
Excellent Review - thank you Peter. Próst
Holly shit! The detuning segment starting at 12-ish developed into some great phasey polyrhythms. Perfect timing for this video! I’ve got one heading my way right now. :-)
super honest review by one of the best electronica artists around
Sounds great - everyone should be able to own classic sounds at a decent price.
Thom Carter thats the primal point of Behringer. Thanks!
Great review, cheers!
Excellent review!
Awesome review
Good review. Guy knows his stuff.
Peter thnx for awesome presentation, the best on youtube for model D.
Indeed
Great demo...I bought the Neutron and Deep Mind 12 and may have to add this little beauty...it sounds chunky!...thanks!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR GREAT DEMO! I love mine :-)
Thanks for this, very helpful. Have a Sub Phatty but looks like I'll get one of these too. Might actually give more of what I had with my old Model D than the SP does.
I do not own a Moog, but considering this as an economy substitute just to get that sound. Great review, appreciate your opinion.
Mine arrived yesterday and it is amazing!
lucky. north america?
Blacklily Orchard Yeah, Musicians Friend and Guitar Center got a batch. With MF, got 12% off and no tax/free shipping. I preordered in mid-January. But they all sold out, next batch supposedly in April.
ya was hoping to see canada get some anytime soon. pre ordered mine but I wait patiently. I know when neutron comes out im not bothering with pre order.
Blacklily Orchard Yeah, sadly the Chinese New Year is slowing things up a little bit as their factory is in China and they take off for it. So production gets put on a hold until later in the month. I imagine the Neutron won't be readily available until summer if we're lucky.
Yeah, the child labor factories are on a break. Really sucks.
Very good review, thanks for doing it! BTW what's the big eurorack case there in the background?
T. Alfred Dahlen Also curious about this.
I could be wrong but it looks like a MDLR www.mdlrcase.com/product/12104hp-portable-eurorack-modular-case-performer-series/
It's a makenoise shared system
Genc Elezaj Oh yeah! Dang. Didn't realise you could get a floor stand for it.
How would you compare this to the new Behringer neutron?
What made me get the Behringer D was handling it in a music store and it's quite heavy and just feels like it has substance. I've played with actual minimoogs and they're just bigger and definitely have better controls. If I had the money and room I'd get the actual moog but this machine is great... again for the price you can't beat it if you want that sound.
Excellent video. The fine tune in you to compliment the clone yet respect the original. Difficult job but very well done. 👍 For the price it’s amazing Close ur eyes and may not be able to tell the original. But as a true Moog follower and I love the clone, I still feel apprehensive buying it for my greatest respect to a gentleman and genius Dr. Robert Moog. If Moog gives me permission to experiment with the clone I’m getting it.
Hello Peter, thanks a lot for this informative review! Could you please say a bit regarding oscillator tuning stability. As you probably know there are some sources on the web, where unintended (de)tuning of the Model D oscillators is mentioned. Did you make the same experience?
yeah you CONSTANTLY have to retune it. Like even after minutes. I mean it's no surprise when you build electronics with such cheap components. It won't last long either.
Do you even OWN one?
rubish ive got one and most often once its warmed up i dont even have to retune it up again to where it was when i left it at previos use, oscerlaters are very stable, at least they are on mine, and the componats are very modern as the manuel says the resisters used are 0.1 % tolarance, / and very cood material construction of the electronic componants, most non audio tolarances can be as much as 10% tolarence.
How are you making the tempo go faster?
@thumb-downers: which don't you like, the model d oder the video?
How are you getting 4 notes with 16 Gate trigs per note on a dark time? Are there 2 sequencers being used?
Great demo ! Is the lfo synchronizable in MIDI with a daw like cubase ? Thanks
No, unfortunately.
Excellent review, ty for avoiding the BS, and reviewing an instrument rather than a lifestyle choice.
good job! thank you
the highpass cuts bass only if you keep the resonance low! at zero resonance its a perfect highpass, at full resonance its a notch filter. its has to do with the ladder filter and is explained here: www.gearslutz.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/1164623-behringer-model-d-136.html
Would love to see this guy with the behringer td-3. I think he would tickle the best out of it... Would that be possible?
TECHNOON FOR LIFE
Thank you Jean-Michel Jarre for this review.
Like how do you make the rhythms on synths (I am very new to synthesizers)
Not exactly sure of your question, but there is something plugged into the Model D's MIDI port so the synth is receiving notes through that port. If you search "reverb intro to synthesis" there is a video series from Reverb.com that walks through the basis of synthesis. I'm fairly new too and found it extremely helpful.
the "something" is called sequencer i suppose?
sequencer or controller?
@@k4l4sh77 both hands are on the synth ... so ...
Doepfer Dark Time midi sequencer is what sends the notes to the synth. You can see it at at 6:39, the box with wooden side panels. You can also use a computer sequencer.
This is one of the best overviews of the Model D. Question about output: can I play it by connecting it to a speaker (or amp)? Does it need to go through a computer or keyboard?
You need to trigger the sound using midi or CV & connect the output to an active speaker /Amp /soundcard input, to hear the result
Can connect to headphones too
Excellent demonstration and well balanced assessment. The Model D does sound good and affordable but I'm not sure it's worth it to me now that I have the Neutron, which is very good.
worth it. we have both and the D is awesome
totally different thing. Different oscilators and fx.
Neutron is way more better
Just bought a Model D -- just to clarify -- does this have a balanced TRS output?
All outputs are TRS - 3.5mm main on front panel and both high and low level 1/4" outputs on rear panel are TRS - he said, gleefully poring over his new owner's manual...
Actually the manual is saying that the high and low 1/4 outputs on the back are TS unballanced, beside the headphone jack everything is unbalanced
thanks
think the hi pass was probably implimented for poly chaining
reminds me of daft punk in their live sets, they had 4 moog voyager desktop models. I imagine you could run 4 of these in a similar fasion if thats what your going for its good to know clear straight foward intention is hard to find in electronic instrument world lol
Thank you for the review. Cheers 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😎
verry educational
Jealous, mine’s still on pre-order from Sweetwater. Nice review sir!
Whoa! the eyes are so telling.
OMG! it sounds awesome!
welp, I'm sold
8:42 someone was shooting at you 😂
Probably a -6db High Pass Filter if you still have more low end than your wanting....... You know filters come -6, -12, -18, -24 and so on. Just a thought....
Buy it Now = yes
so nice... and I have to wait till april :(
I got mine two days ago, from Andertons, and it was worth the wait. Hang in there!
Cool. 14.20 Possible new tune for a Terminator movie... Regards from Denmark :-)
Nice gear! 😃
lapsus at 1:50 : 5 volt/octave - One can do that but your instrument's note range goes well below and above human ears
;-) I noticed too. I think it's hard to do talking narration like this . . the couple times I did it I had to do take after take to sound reasonably focused and not make too many mistakes. Even on videos where I just put up text and can edit and correct at my leisure, years later I occasionally notice typos and mistakes! lol
It sounds better than the Moog Voyager, incredible!
Do the Robot more. love how he talks with his robot arms.
Kraft werk lives on and on******
Where can I buy a similar stand for the Behringer Model D?
Samuel Gagnon ebay
13:04 Nice :D
groovy
'Hello world'?! That's funny...
The model d much better size as the roland boutiques they regretfully look like toys, like it. Good video, just subscribed. I am curious which modular modules and case you have. I am thinking about modular in the near future, and than especially for things you can’t do with normal synths. Greetz 👍✌️
lol, looks like the "toy" has proper MIDI implementation and this doesn't
this will be a vintage synth until Behringer release this one to stores
It‘s out. We got it via Musicstore Cologne.
well that is good news
all the fun that the kids won't even notice with money left over for plug ins!!
I would call the model D the P-Bass of synths.lol
Nice review. Thanks. Super value for the price. Even if the Model D from Behringer gives you the sound of the Moog, psychologically the human brain will remind you it’s not a Moog. 😜😜 Enjoy the machine and you will hear the Moog.
Jo Azaredo I tryed the "real" Moog Model D remake at Superbooth 2017 in Berlin and was unable to grasp why people love this old overpriced piece of transistors, condesors and resistors so much. It's big, clumsy and of low production quality. The keybed was awfully cheap for the price, the mod wheel destroys your thumb, because it has no rubber coating and is also to small. The sound without an effects unit was lacking. An excellent musician is able to do wonders with the machine, but it's definitly not the machine that does the wonders. My Ultranova has much more power, comfort and sound for the buck. An Oberheim OB X or 6 would be a much better investment.
Unable to grasp? Can't help you there, bro. Just accept it.
He nailed the Jeff Bezos stare
Sold!
And it can morph his look ! Sometimes it has wooden side panels and sometimes not !
Oh no I made a mistake. Tho wood thing is the sequencer
walt modul fake news!
#Snappy
Does this have user memories?
No
It creates memories in the user's brain
😂
Wow, right now my favourite part starts at 13:03 . See, if I just turn up the volume of chanel 2, the beating between the oscillators matches the sequence´s rhythm perfectly. But wait, I only have to turn this one knob, and it sounds like shit instantaneously. So cool!
is this sponsored by t mobile ?
Electronic Beats is a music platform by Deutsche Telekom
Telekom Electronic Beats can the Behringer Model D do repeated 16th notes on the same page without a release stage in the Amp envelope? I found that when I tried to midi sequence the Model D clone, it could play consecutive 16th notes within a scale but not on the same pitch. When trying to sequence a repetition of 16th notes on the same pitch, all that happens is a sustained long tone. Have you tried this to see if this is case? Didn’t happen on my other synths so I’m not convinced it’s my sequencer. I’m thinking it could be due to not having relapse stage of Amp envelope.
Shawn Saul it seems to have a fairly long “catch time” for playing notes legato - reduce the gate length on your sequencer enough and those 16ths will appear
Hello...... World !! 😁
I haven't heard that thing give that much low end!
Good demo, sounds super fat!
i like his socks!
more sounds, less words!
As a relative newcomer to synths, I appreciated his commentary.
Stupid comment.
@@tomgoodson345 Reality shows that the practice of use is much more important than words. Real sound is the key.
@@Biogroup Without the included technical commentary, this video would be completely useless to someone new to synthesis.
Ben Ufo?
Peter van Hoesen
martin freeman with a longer nose
Put a DONK on it
Not required
eeeh, eeeeh, eeeeehh....