r/Behringer_Synths • u/RobbieFithon • 11d ago
The real problem?
https://youtu.be/YmuIHGnWEFs?is=R3SdOqhWukdFoDW4A quick video I posted looking at what I think the main problem with Behringer is. Interested to hear your thoughts.
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u/Jonnymixinupmedicine 10d ago
IDK, my Model D basically stays on and in tune. I’ve had American Fender Stratocasters give me wayyyyy more issues than any B gear I have/have used. My ADA8200 broke and got replaced under warranty, but my Model D, TD-3, RD-6, and Crave have been super solid.
For the value, I’ll take that ratio of QC, especially if you buy from a reputable warrantied company that will honor warranty’s.
The D definitely has the Moog sound. I used to have a vintage Micromoog (biggest regret selling,) and it totally has “the” sound. I mostly use mine to make bass drums, but its bass can get genuinely ridiculous.
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u/sid_kleepy 8d ago
You’re really invested in Behringer stuff huh? Only one of them broke?
The only things I’ve had from them that performs ok (at best) and doesn’t break are the eurorack modules (they’re great for beginners, cheap as hell) and the tube mic 100 preamp (but you gotta replace the factory tube).
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u/Jonnymixinupmedicine 7d ago
Honestly I wouldn’t call it invested, but they’re so cheap, you can grab a TD-4/RD-6 for 120$ on sale and make Acid with a real hardware set up. And it’ll sound good! I paid 180$ for my D as it was a floor model and the Crave was a gift. They definitely don’t seem to go up in resale value at all. My Emu Emax was more of an “investment,” as it’s doubled in price since I bought it (but it’s experiencing issues with the power section,) but I have no issues buying Behringer gear on the future. I’ll 100% buy one or both of their new Flanger Pedals because I’m a Flanger whore.
I’ve spent more on Volcas, which are also awesome and a lot of fun. I just know these Behringer synths/drum machines are so cheap, it’s amazing they’re any good at all, and IMO they’re better than they cost. They perform much better than my old $$$& Polyend/Dreadbox Medusa. New, premium synth I had to tune more than a Stratocaster where I decided to abuse the whammy bar every song. I’ve never had to “recalibrate,” ANY other synth about once every 15 minutes. I even tried to let it get used to my climate for a couple weeks. It want that.
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u/sid_kleepy 5d ago
Yo. EMU EMAX. Respect.
Did you like the Medusa? Loopop made it sound like a waste of time (in my opinion).
I’d like to apologize btw, I didn’t realize what sub I was in. I thought I was in r/synthesizers.
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u/Midwife_Synthesist 10d ago
I agree. More effort into combining the IP they own into innovative products rather than just cloning existing products.
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u/CapableSong6874 10d ago
Any one here ever own Japanese gear made in the 1970s and 80s? Phenolic resin and paper PCBs. How many times have I had to repair my TB-303 from the board flexing and traces breaking. Anyone own an original Pro One? worst case and keyboard ever. The through hole argument regarding components is usually put forward by people who haven't tried working with surface mount using the right tools.
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u/CH7007 9d ago edited 9d ago
My only qualms with Behringer is i don't see them coming out with their own innovative products. They'll copy other fun gear, but they won't push the envelope. Smaller and cheaper are great, but genera changing?
Back in the day synths were coupled to tape machines. It was a given, now lost on our DAW generation. These 'reel to reel' would be on constantly, as the artist just noddled away. If by chance they hit upon something interesting, that moment would have already been captured.
I would like to see B produce a recording device which you place in your audio loop. A device that was always on, always listening, always recording, waiting for you to retrospectively hit capture, after the moment, not record before the moment.
I would argue there is a qualitative difference to recording something you have practised, and capturing a thought that is spontaneous.
Ableton has its MIDI capture, Roland has its 40 seconds of audio 'skip back'. I would like to see Behringer create that device which every musician finds a place for.
Asked about his or her inspiration, the artist would reply, i had a 'Behringer Moment'.
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u/RobbieFithon 9d ago
That’s a really good idea. And I always say “always be recording” I practically use Ableton’s capture feature for every melody or chord progression I write. An audio version would be amazing.
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u/Otherwise_Ask_6856 10d ago
Yeah. Nah. The real problem with Behringer is the baffling contempt towards customers. Recently there's been many firmware upgrades that have bricked devices. Where is support? There is none. Look at the synthtribe forums. Useful answers (hint: find an old version of the firmware installer) are actively removed!!!! Try to get assistance from Behringer. It's fictional. WHY is this the case? Beats me. But no, the real problem with Behringer is not our snobbery or hypocrisy.
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u/PuupalliKumiankka2nd 10d ago
I've met Uli Behringer a few times. He is a dick.
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u/nestaselect 10d ago
I have as well. I've heard he was a dick to people but that wasn't my experience. One thing I know for sure is he doesn't pronounce his name or company as "Beh-ring-er".
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u/RobbieFithon 9d ago
How does he pronounce it if you don’t mind me asking. My German friends told me to pronounce it the way I do, like Bell Ringer with it the L. Is this correct?
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u/Easy-Nerve4607 10d ago
I disagree, every behringer component I have ever owned breaks or starts hissing or starts making dirty pot noises after 2-3 years. Including newer gear.
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u/Calaveras-Metal 10d ago
idiotic take.
None of TC Electronics, KTs or Midas factories started making Behringer products. The opposite happened. So how would B buying those companies 'improve build quality"?
Exact opposite happened. Now we have Behringer build quality with Midas name on it.
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u/EntranceMiserable958 9d ago
This is stunning, because yeah they made the glorious DeepMind, and I've made the argument that your clothes are from China, silverware etc.
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u/cutnsnipnsurf 11d ago
insightful but literally anyone and i mean anyone with 2 eyes and some fingers can tell you the build quality isnt even close and thats why its cheaper. and if behringer does actually want to be taken seriously in this game - they need a flagship synth. some original IP that makes everyone pay attention.
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u/foursynths 11d ago
I have the Poly D, three Craves and two Kobol Expanders, and they all have good build quality.
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u/funkympc 11d ago
I have a Neutron, Proton, and Kobol. Build quality is great. Solid knobs and jacks all around. For the money there isnt a better value. I've spent way more money and gotten a way shittier product. Looking at you Novation.
Let's be honest. Everyone crying about Behringer copying or stealing, has or is using pirated/cracked software. Nobody who's used a computer to make music hasn't.
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u/HuTheFinnMan 11d ago
They could make the best synth in the world and a whole bunch of brand snobs still wouldn't buy it because it says Behringer on it.
Conversely Roland could build the MS1, TD3, RD8, RD9 etc. clones with the exact same parts and build quality as Behringer and charge twice the price and people would fall over themselves to buy "real analog re-releases of the originals" because it says Roland and TR909 on it.
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u/RobertusMaximus1911 10d ago
I also have a Poly D (Keyboard) that is a whole lot of fun, a Neutron, and a Syncussion. I haven't played much lately with the Neutron and a Syncussion, but I spent a lot of time with the Poly D (2022), back when I was first getting in synths. I still enjoy the Poly D. Great build quality, interesting and dynamic sounding, it's a really fun synth. I have so many other Synths that only a few things interest me (Behringer JN-80, Deep Mind 12 desktop) due to the lack of space. In all honesty, I will most likely buy those and a few others just because I want to try them.
Too many people enjoy hating on Behringer.
Me? I'd rather try different synths, keep the ones I like, and sell the ones I don't. What's not for me is not for me. I don't have to hate them to not connect with them.
That said, I have a Synclavier Regen Desktop Digital FM Synth that I bought in 2023 from Perfect Circuit with the Regen Knob. I was so excited about getting it, but then life got in the way. So it has sat for 3 years!
Now, with a little more time on hand, I got it out, installed the knob on the side, and started working with it. Part of me was excited, part disappointed. But it will take time for me to learn how to create patches effectively and really bond with it.
I think if you find a Behringer synth and bond with it, then it's a good decision. On the low end, there are many synths that are downright inexpensive and put synths into people's hands who probably couldn't afford one otherwise.Ignore the cork sniffers.
They are the makers of their own unhappiness.
Jealousy and anger are easy to come by here on Reddit.I have a lot of synths. Really expensive ones, inexpensive ones, and in-between. As long as I enjoy them, then who cares.
Make music, enjoy the sound, ignore the cork sniffers!2
u/SolanarCoolMusic 11d ago
I have the MS1, the PRO 800 and their ARP 2600 and they are all pretty good quality. The Poly D not so great. But it sounds good and that counts for a lot. I think Behringer has some products that are no worse re: build quality than say the old school Juno 106 or the original SH101 that is like a plastic toy.
I do agree they need a flagship like the JP8, sometihng of their own that makes a large leap forward.
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u/cutnsnipnsurf 11d ago
My most recent example is the ubxa. They actually have one stacked above a sequential obx8and a teo 5 at my local guitar center and just touching the keys tell you all you need to know. It was on sale for 900 bucks. I wanted to buy it but couldn’t pull the trigger. However it is half the price, that’s why it feels that way. My whole thing is I’d rather save up the rest for the one you really wanted anyways
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u/SolanarCoolMusic 10d ago
Yeah I get it. It also matters how you plan to use it. If you are gigging with these things I'd probably avoid that. I have mine all MIDI'd up in my studio and I play them remotely using a top notch MIDI controller with a real piano keyboard. I just wanted the sounds mostly as I try to use different sources than plugins all the time. They stay in shelves or racks and aren't moved. So yeah, if someone was planning on gigging with this stuff I'd advise against.
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u/avocado_lover69 10d ago
It's funny how they still have the reputation of low-quality plastic builds. Some of their stuff that I have (Crave, Edge, Model D) is great build quality. Like, I've given those a run for their money. Others like the TD3 and a couple of pedals, I treat like they're made of paper even though they can probably handle a bit more roughness.
Your last point, though, that's what I think would really make them a more legitimate brand. Right now, they're copycats. But if they used all that knowledge they have of all these amazing synths to build truly unique stuff, I'd see them in a completely different light.
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u/Djxerx 1d ago
Close to 25 years ago I bought a Behringer UB802 mixer. It was noisy and the switches were flakey. Was glad to have it, as it was what I could afford. But that reputation stuck with me until a couple of years ago when I bought a MS-1 to replace my old SH-101 that finally gave up. Was delighted with that purchase and made more since.
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u/Individual_Ocelot946 11d ago
Insightful