Analogue String Ensemble Synthesiser
- Authentic reproduction of the original ARP/Eminent Solina SE-II
- Multi-orchestral string machine with violin, viola, trumpet + horn (only playable simultaneously), cello and double bass
- Cello and double bass monophonic
- Violin, viola, trumpet and horn parts fully polyphonic (octave division)
- BBD chorus for ensemble effects
- Vintage-style small stone phase shifter
- Phase shifter can also be used as an effect for external sounds
- Colour switch and rate control for fine-tuning effect speed and sound
- Can be used as a complete Eurorack synthesiser voice (width: 70 HP)
- Dimensions: 87 x 374 x 136 mm
Connectors:
- 3.5 mm jack gate output
- Trig output
- Mod input
- Mod output
- Phaser input
- Phaser output
- VCA CV input and stereo audio output
- MIDI In/Thru and USB-MIDI
- 6.3 mm jack output
A modern string synthesizer
The Solina String Ensemble from Behringer brings back the legendary sound of the ARP Solina SE-II string synthesizer, produced by Eminent in the 1970s, in a compact, modern Eurorack format. This analogue synth achieves its iconic multi-orchestral sounds by virtue of a 49-voice polyphony, which includes violin, viola, trumpet, horn, cello and contrabass tones, and the modulation section includes both a bucket-brigade (BBD) chorus effect and a phaser based on the Electro Harmonix Small Stone, which was particularly popular in combination with string synths in the 1970s. Behringer has also added some extra inputs and outputs to its version of the Solina, making it versatile enough to be integrated into any setup.
:format(jpeg))
Six voices with chorus and phaser
Once the user has connected their keyboard to the Behringer Solina String Ensemble's five-pin MIDI port, the next step is to set the exact pitch via the "TUNE" control on the user interface. The six buttons to the right of this control allow the user to select from six voices, though it should be noted that cello and contrabass are only playable in the lower register. The user interface features a bank of four faders at the bottom, which perform the following functions: VOLUME BASS regulates the volume of the cello and contrabass voices, CRESCENDO adjusts the speed at which the notes reach full volume, and SUSTAIN LENGTH adjusts the time it takes for notes to fade after the keys are released, while VOLUME governs the overall output level. The controls for the chorus and phaser effects are found on the far right and comprise a rate control for the phaser and an additional switch that gives the effect a brighter or darker colour.
:format(jpeg))
Bringing the 70s to modern productions
The Behringer Solina String Ensemble puts the coveted sounds of hits by artists like Richard Wright, Herbie Hancock, and Elton John at the fingertips of modern users, who can use the onboard chorus and phaser effects to customise the sound as extensively as they wish. Users also have an equally extensive range of control options at their disposal: In addition to the five-pin MIDI input connection on the front side, there is also a USB port for connection to a computer as well as a set of four miniature DIP switches for configuring the MIDI channels. The synth's audio signal can also be sent directly to an external mixing desk or speaker via the audio output on the rear of the unit if desired.
:format(jpeg))
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.
Up-front connectivity
To provide maximum ease of operation, Behringer has placed the majority of the Solina String Ensemble's connections on the front panel. These include trigger and gate outputs to send the "note on"/"note off" commands to an external synth module from which the Solina can then be controlled, and the same can be achieved with the phaser effect using the dedicated 3.5mm phaser input and output. Similarly, the "MOD" input and output allow an external signal to be routed through the modulation section, and all of this means that the Solina String Ensemble can be used purely as an effects unit if desired. The VCA CV input in turn allows the user to adjust the volume of the internal envelope curve via an external CV source, and to make sure that the Solina String Ensemble is always up to date, the latest firmware updates can easily be installed via the USB port.
