Semi-modular Duophonic analogue synthesizer
- Replica of the Kobol Expander of the 70s
- Semi-modular design allows access to all sound generation components via 31 sockets (3.5 mm jack)
- Analogue signal path: VCO-VCF-VCA
- 2 Oscillators with 7 waveforms, oscillator synchronisation and pulse width modulation
- Low-pass filter with resonance (24dB/oct.)
- LFO with 2 selectable waveforms (triangle, square) and several modulation destinations
- 2 Envelopes, each with controls for attack, decay and sustain
- Noise generator
- Poly-chain function for connecting up to 16 devices
- External audio input for connecting external sound sources
- Volume control
- Can be used as a complete Eurorack synthesiser voice (width: 80 HP)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 424 x 136 x 97 mm
- Weight. 1.5 kg
- Incl. power supply unit (12V DC2, 1.0A)
Connections:
- 1 Audio output: 6.3 mm jack
- 1 Audio output: 3.5 mm jack
- 1 Headphone output: 3.5 mm jack
- 1 MIDI Thru: 5-pin DIN
- USB MIDI
- 1 USB port: type B
Unconventional and rare
With its Kobol Expander, Behringer has revived the analogue synthesizer circuitry of the same name from French manufacturer RSF. The fact that only a small quantity of around 800 units of the original RSF Kobol Expander in 19" rack format was produced in the 1970s resulted in the mono synth leading a mere niche existence and becoming an extremely rare collectible that fetches horrendously high prices on today's second-hand market. Thanks to its unique features, the RSF Kobol Expander offered users far greater versatility than most other analogue synths of the time and soon became renowned for combining excellent sound with an incredibly high level of flexibility. Its semi-modular design, which comprises control inputs for virtually every function and allows the main unit to be easily removed from the chassis and fitted into a Eurorack frame, makes the Expander eminently suitable for combination with other analogue synths, sequencers, or modular systems.
Beyond the standard
The Behringer Kobol Expander may resemble a conventional dual-VCO synth on the outside, but it is packed with unique features inside: Its specially designed oscillators allow particularly smooth morphing between seven different waveforms, which can be swept through without octave switching over the entire frequency range (10Hz to 10kHz) using just a single controller to create particularly impressive effect sounds. The Behringer Kobol Expander also includes an oscillator sync function, independent pulse width modulation for each VCO using a designated VCA, a voltage-controlled low-pass filter with a steep 24dB slope that allows parameters from several different sources to be modulated simultaneously, and a voltage processor that provides enhanced shaping options for both audio and control signals. Alongside CV inputs for parameter controlling, Behringer's Kobol Expander also features numerous audio inputs and outputs that allow effects units to be integrated into the signal chain, e.g. between a VCO and the VCF, or external audio sources to be included into the setup to expand the sonic palette even further.
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For all those who want more
A semi-modular synthesizer like the Behringer Kobol Expander offers way more than just bass and lead sounds. Its true creative potential can be harnessed by exploring the incredibly versatile patching options, which allow users not only to expand the scope of functions by integrating further modulation sources but also to include additional audio signals in various positions in the signal chain for even more creative sonic textures. Thanks to its extensive range of features and excellent sound quality, the Behringer Kobol Expander is the ideal solution for all those who are looking for a mono synth that can reliably take on an extremely wide variety of tasks, particularly when combined with suitable periphery.
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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.
A highly versatile tool
The Behringer Kobol Expander synth offers a wide range of sonic possibilities for transforming its rich basic tones into unique soundscapes with additional grit and character as well as plenty of presence. For example, users can also use the voltage processor as a mixer with a slight overdrive effect for the oscillators, integrate a simple FM patch between the VCOs via a few patch points and select whether the dual oscillator signal or just the carrier signal is subsequently sent to the filter, or modulate the amplitude within a wide range of frequencies from tremolo to audio using the separate VCAs. And the Behringer Kobol Expander's oscillator sync and filter FM functions allow the sounds to be further enhanced after patching to create virtually unlimited variations. It is recommended that the user record the individual tones they have created as percussion or effect elements in order to be able to add them to a track using a DAW or a sampler later on.
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