Behringer 2600 Gray Meanie B-Stock
Semi-Modular Analogue Synthesiser
- Special edition with gray front plate and selected components
- Monophonic
- 3 VCOs with adjustable pulse width
- Oscillator 1 with outputs for sawtooth and pulse
- Oscillators 2 and 3 with switchable oscillator synchronisation and outputs for triangle, sawtooth, sine, and pulse
- Low pass filter with resonance and 2 switchable filter characteristics
- Noise generator
- Ring modulator
- Sample & hold step
- Preamp and Envelope follower for external signals
- Voltage processor
- ADSR envelopes
- AR envelopes
- Stereo VCA with adjustable panorama
- Mixable mechanical spring reverb
- Extensive modulation options are possible for oscillators and filters via predefined signal path and free wiring of all sections via patch cables (3.5 mm jack)
- Stereo line output: 2x 6.3 mm jack
- Stereo headphone output: 3.5 mm jack
- Footswitch input for interval latch and portamento : 6.3 mm jack
- MIDI In/Thru
- USB-B port (MIDI)
- Format: 19" / 8 U
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 482 x 356 x 108 mm
- Weight: 5.1 kg
- Colour: Grey
- Includes external power supply (12 V DC, 2000 mA)
A modernised version of the semi-modular classic
The original on which Behringer’s 2600 is based was an extremely popular synthesizer when it hit the market in the 1970s and is today considered a true classic. With its semi-modular structure, duophonic mode, separate keyboard and of course its wealth of sonic possibilities, this legendary synth was ground-breaking for its time and inspired the likes of Herbie Hancock, Vince Clark, and Joe Zawinul to explore completely new possibilities of musical expression, many of which ended up in classic recordings. The Behringer 2600, a new, modernised, and compact version of the original classic, here available in a special edition with selected components and real spring reverb, was developed in collaboration with British analogue guru AMSynths and retains all the sonic capabilities of its illustrious predecessor. Each original circuit has been painstakingly recreated to contemporary standards, and its format has been reduced from the original to fit in a 19" rack. The Behringer 2600 retains all the features of the original and has added functionalities of its own, such as MIDI and dimmable LED faders. And like the original, the Behringer 2600 can be directly connected to other modular synthesizers and analogue sequencers, and thus become an integral part of a much larger and more powerful system.
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Duophonic analogue synthesizer
The 2600 is a powerful analogue synthesizer with three oscillators and two switchable LFOs which can be assigned to a VCO or even used independently. The Behringer 2600 includes differential VCA inputs, an ADSR envelope section with scaling options, and other functions such as noise generators, S&H (Sample and Hold), and an assignable low-pass filter as well as an inverter option on the voltage processor. The LFO and portamento sections, which in the case of the original were located on a separate keyboard, are also integrated into the main chassis. The main signal path and the assignments of each modulation are conveniently controlled via faders, which can also be visualised via LED colour indicators. For greater flexibility, the signal flow can be modified via patch connections and expanded with external devices. Another feature of the 2600 is its Duo Voice Mode, which uses a second oscillator to play two notes simultaneously whereas the original model was exclusively monophonic. In contrast to the regular model of the Behringer 2600, the Blue Marvin and Gray Meanie models feature a real spring reverb.
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An affordable replica
For most people, owning the illustrious original seemed like an unobtainable dream – until now, that is. The original units are very rarely available anymore, and when they are, they are prohibitively expensive. DIY projects do exist and crop up from time to time, but they require a lot of time and expertise to build – and also come with a high-end price tag. The Behringer 2600 offers an affordable version of the classic synth for the first time, and it can be easily acquired by small studios or taken on tour without hesitation. This versatile synthesizer will appeal mainly to musicians who are familiar with the semi-modular concept, with a view to integrating it into a larger, more complex environment. The original can be heard in many famous production recordings that span Prog Rock, Fusion, and Electronic. This modern version will also naturally suit all of those styles, and it is also a noteworthy figure in the field of sound design and SFX – the “voice” of Star Wars’ robot hero, R2-D2, being a prime example.
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About Behringer
The company, which was founded in Germany by Uli Behringer and now manufactures its products in China, has been known for affordable and great-value equipment since its very first product, the Studio Exciter F. An array of mixing consoles (such as the Eurodesk MX8000), signal processors, and later sound amplification and monitoring equipment, has made it possible for countless musicians to fit out their home studios, practice rooms, and mobile PAs within budget limits that were previously unthinkable. The acquisition of other companies, including Midas, Klark Teknik, and TC Electronic, meant that new product groups were added - and also resulted in the technical expertise of these companies being incorporated into product development.
Compact rack synth
As a semi-modular synthesizer, the 2600 can play to its strengths in a modular setup by expanding on them. In the studio, it will link up perfectly with a multitrack analogue sequencer to rhythmically control not only the oscillators but also an array of other functions. The Behringer 2600 can also interact with other modular systems, thereby expanding its capabilities via additional sound and control modules. The original, though “portable”, was housed in a rather bulky and heavy “suitcase” for transport. The Behringer 2600, on the other hand, can be built into a conventional 19" transport case and easily taken to live gigs. The Behringer 2600 is also an extremely capable and expressive standalone instrument, even outside a modular context. Its flexible and clear structure allows sound and modulation patterns to be quickly and intuitively created, either directly on the main chassis or via external performance-oriented devices.
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