Introduction to Behringer Pro 800
Behringer has always been a name synonymous with innovation in the world of music. Their latest offering, the Pro 800, is no exception. This article delves into the intricacies of this new synthesizer, exploring its features, capabilities, and how it stands in comparison to its predecessors.
The Legacy of Prophet-600
The First MIDI Synthesizer
The Sequential Circuits Prophet-600 holds a special place in the history of synthesizers. It was the first synthesizer that could “speak” MIDI, a feature it shared with Roland’s Jupiter-6. This happened at the Musikmesse in 1983.
Downscaling Version of Prophet-5
The Prophet-600 was essentially a downscaled version of the Prophet-5. It was more affordable, making it a strong contender against Japanese competition. The original had 6 voices instead of Prophet-5’s 5, and the manufacturer slightly reduced its complex, fast modulation department, known as Polymod.
Behringer’s Innovation: Pro-800
Extra Two Voices
Behringer has added two extra voices to the device, providing a much-needed alternative to the DeepMind 6/12. Eight voices are quite powerful, especially for a device of this size.
Similar Structure to Original
The Pro-800 largely resembles the original in terms of structure. However, it does come with some additional features that make it a worthy successor.
Pro-800 in Action
Three Simultaneously Switchable Waveforms
The synthesizer has three simultaneously switchable waveforms in its two oscillators with pulse width control (rectangle) and hard sync.
Poly-Mod Department
There’s the Poly-Mod department, interesting for FM and modulation, albeit with fewer possibilities than the Prophet-5 or Pro-One.
LFO Targets
The Pro-800 offers an LFO with the simultaneous targets of pulse width modulation, filter, and oscillator frequencies of the oscillators.
Special Features of Pro-800
Noise Generator
There’s even a noise generator, which was missing in the original, and the “eighties number pad memory field” with sequencer.
Sequencer with Control Inputs
The sound generator has been given control inputs for filter and tempo sync for the sequencer.
Sync Function
The sync function can be controlled
via a pitch modulation using the second envelope. The tuning is digitally taken over by the device itself. This includes velocity, aftertouch, and a synchronizable MIDI-Clock.
The Digital Aspect of Pro-800
Tuning
The Pro-800 takes care of the tuning digitally, ensuring precision and consistency in the sound produced.
Velocity, Aftertouch, and MIDI-Clock
In addition to tuning, the Pro-800 also offers velocity, aftertouch, and a synchronizable MIDI-Clock. These features add to the versatility and control that musicians have over the sound produced.
The Appeal of Pro-800
Polyphony
Unlike many other analog synthesizer releases at the time, the Pro-800 is polyphonic. This means it can play multiple notes at the same time, a feature that is highly sought after by musicians.
More Voices than Original
The Pro-800 offers more voices than the original Prophet-600. This means it can produce a wider range of sounds, making it a versatile tool for music production.
Competitive Pricing
The price of the Behringer Pro-800 is €389.00, which is significantly cheaper than anticipated. This makes it a highly affordable option for musicians looking for a high-quality analog synthesizer.
Information about Behringer
Behringer is a company known for its high-quality musical instruments and equipment. They have a reputation for innovation and affordability, making them a popular choice among musicians.
Conclusion
The Behringer Pro-800 is a testament to Behringer’s commitment to innovation and quality. With its additional features, polyphony, and competitive pricing, it is set to become a popular choice among musicians. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding musician, the Pro-800 is a synthesizer that promises to deliver.
FAQs
- What is the price of the Behringer Pro-800? The Behringer Pro-800 is priced at €389.00.
- What are the unique features of the Behringer Pro-800? The Behringer Pro-800 has several unique features, including a noise generator, a sequencer with control inputs, and a sync function.
- How many voices does the Behringer Pro-800 have? The Behringer Pro-800 has eight voices, two more than the original Prophet-600.
- Is the Behringer Pro-800 polyphonic? Yes, the Behringer Pro-800 is polyphonic, meaning it can play multiple notes at the same time.
- What is the legacy of the Prophet-600? The Prophet-600 was the first synthesizer that could “speak” MIDI. It was a downscaled version of the Prophet-5, making it more affordable and competitive against Japanese models.
You can find out more on the official Behringer page
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