Behringer Model D

The Behringer Model D is a modern, analog synthesizer that offers a high-quality recreation of the iconic Minimoog Model D, originally designed by Robert Moog in the 1970s. Behringer, known for its affordable and quality musical equipment, released the Model D in 2016 as part of its effort to bring classic analog sounds to a new generation of musicians, producers, and synthesizer enthusiasts. The Behringer Model D stands out for providing Moog-inspired warmth and fatness in sound at a fraction of the price of original vintage synths.

Description

The Behringer Model D is a monophonic analog synthesizer that closely mirrors the Minimoog Model D, widely regarded as one of the best synthesizers ever made. The instrument offers a three-oscillator setup, a classic filter, and a robust modulation system, giving users the ability to craft deep basses, soaring leads, and other lush sounds typical of the era. While Behringer’s version uses modern, cost-effective components, it still offers the same vintage analog character that made the original Minimoog famous. The controls on the Model D are simple and intuitive, featuring a distinctive panel with knobs for tuning, waveforms, and modulation, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced synthesists.

Type of Instrument

The Behringer Model D is primarily classified as an analog synthesizer. Specifically, it falls under the category of monophonic synthesizers, meaning it can produce only one note at a time. While this restricts polyphony, the monophonic nature of the instrument allows for richer, more focused sounds that are well-suited to lead lines and bass tones. Analog synthesizers, like the Model D, use electrical circuits to generate sound, in contrast to digital synthesizers that use algorithms to produce sound. The warmth and depth that analog synthesizers are known for come from the unique interactions of these electrical components, making them highly prized in the world of music production.

History and Orign

The Behringer Model D was introduced in 2016, but its design is deeply rooted in the legacy of analog synthesis that dates back to the late 20th century. Its immediate inspiration is the Minimoog Model D, which was first produced by Moog Music in 1970, in the United States. The Model D quickly became one of the most influential synthesizers of its time, shaping the sound of genres like rock, electronic, and funk.

Behringer’s attempt to recreate this analog powerhouse came several decades after the original, with the company aiming to make it more accessible to musicians who wanted to experience the sounds of vintage Moog instruments without the high cost and scarcity. Behringer, a company based in Germany, made its mark in the 1980s by creating affordable alternatives to expensive professional equipment. By reimagining the Model D, Behringer bridged the gap between the early synth innovations of the 1970s and the modern music scene.

Construction

The construction of the Behringer Model D is built for durability and ease of use, employing a sturdy metal chassis with high-quality plastic knobs and a well-organized panel layout. It has a classic black finish, which is both sleek and functional. The front panel is equipped with essential knobs and switches that control various aspects of the sound engine, such as tuning, waveforms, and filter cutoff. The build quality is comparable to much more expensive synthesizers, and its compact size makes it easy to integrate into any studio setup or live performance rig. Internally, the Behringer Model D is powered by modern analog circuitry, using discrete components like transistors and capacitors, which are essential for producing the rich analog sound that sets it apart from digital synthesizers. While the circuitry is updated for modern manufacturing processes, the sound generation techniques remain true to the design principles of early analog synths.

Types of Behringer Model D

Although the Behringer Model D itself is a specific model, it has different configurations depending on the user’s needs and preferences. The primary version is a desktop synthesizer, designed for studio use, where it can sit alongside other equipment on a desk or in a rack. There is also a keyboard version of the Model D, which integrates the synthesizer with a built-in keyboard for musicians who prefer an all-in-one instrument. Both versions share the same sound engine, features, and capabilities, but the form factor and user interaction differ.

While the Model D doesn’t come in multiple variations, its simplicity and design allow for customization through external gear such as MIDI controllers, sequencers, and other modular synthesizers. This expandability makes the Model D versatile, allowing it to be incorporated into larger setups that require integration with other analog or digital instruments.

Features

The Behringer Model D synthesizer packs a variety of features that make it a versatile tool for musicians and producers. One of its standout features is its three voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), which allow for rich and layered sounds. The oscillators offer classic waveforms such as sawtooth, square, and triangle, and they can be tuned and modulated to create a vast array of tonal textures. The oscillators are at the heart of the Model D’s sound, giving it the power to produce both smooth, warm tones and aggressive, cutting-edge sounds.

Another key feature is the filter section, which includes a low-pass filter with a resonance control. This filter is responsible for shaping the harmonic content of the sound, allowing for anything from subtle tonality adjustments to dramatic sweeps and resonant peaks. The filter’s sharp cutoff and ability to self-oscillate are integral to the instrument’s ability to create basslines and leads that are both powerful and expressive. The Model D also has a modulation matrix, which provides flexible routing for LFOs (low-frequency oscillators) and other modulation sources. This allows users to apply modulation to various parameters such as pitch, filter cutoff, and pulse width, adding movement and complexity to their sounds.

Sound Production

Sound production in the Behringer Model D is rooted in its three analog oscillators, each of which produces its own waveform. The oscillators can be detuned relative to each other, which creates a rich, thick sound that is a hallmark of analog synthesis. The combination of waveforms from each oscillator can be blended together or routed through the filter section to create various tonal colors. The low-pass filter is one of the most essential components of the Behringer Model D’s sound production. It allows users to remove higher frequencies from the sound, leaving only the deep, resonant tones that analog synthesizers are famous for. The filter’s resonance control lets users boost certain frequencies at the cutoff point, adding a distinctive “squelchy” sound that is especially popular in electronic and bass-heavy music genres.

Playing Methods

The Behringer Model D can be played through several methods, depending on the version used and the preferences of the musician. For the keyboard version, players can simply use the built-in keys to perform melodies, basslines, or lead parts. The keyboard provides standard MIDI control, allowing it to be integrated with other synthesizers, sequencers, or computers for more complex performances. For users who prefer external control, the desktop version of the Model D can be played via MIDI or CV/Gate (control voltage and gate signals), which opens up a world of possibilities for integration with modular synthesizers and other gear. By using an external sequencer or a MIDI controller, users can easily sequence and automate sounds, adding precision to their performances.

Roles in Music

The Behringer Model D, much like its inspiration, plays a crucial role in various genres of music. Its rich, powerful sound is ideal for basslines, leads, and effects, making it an essential tool for both electronic music and live performances. The warm analog tones it produces are particularly suited for genres such as synthwave, techno, house, ambient, and electropop. Musicians and producers have embraced the Model D for its versatility and its ability to create sounds that range from soft and atmospheric to aggressive and bold.

Its role in sound design has also been noteworthy. The flexibility of the Behringer Model D allows for the creation of complex and unique textures, making it a go-to choice for producers looking to experiment with new sounds. It excels in soundscapes, modular patching, and experimental compositions. As an instrument that stays true to the analog ethos, the Behringer Model D serves as a bridge between the past and present, allowing both old-school and modern musicians to explore the sonic possibilities of analog synthesis.

In live performances, the Behringer Model D brings a physical presence to the stage. Its analog warmth and tactile controls make it a favorite for performers who seek to create an authentic, dynamic sound in real-time. Whether as part of a larger synthesizer setup or as a standalone instrument, the Model D provides musicians with the tools to produce dynamic, expressive performances.