With the Model D, DeepMind and Neutron now out Behringer have been planning to conqueor the synth world with a Pro One clone, OB-Xa clone, and potential Jupiter-8 and TR-909 clones too.
Here's some "real renders" of possible Behringer eurorack modules as posted by Marian Ciungu:
As if that wasn't enough to keep us interested Uli Behringer has announced his company are now about to jump into the the world of eurorack modules by popular demand. And in the style we've become accustmed to he opened up the discussion to everyone on Gearslutz :
Hello everyone,
As you are aware, many of our synthesizers such as Model D, Neutron, Pro-1 etc. have been designed to be used as standalone instruments but also to fit the hugely popular Eurorack format.
Many of you have now requested for us to build individual Eurorack modules, powered Eurorack cases and especially bring back some of the legacy modular systems.
At the same time we also thought about inviting all designers and engineers among you to participate in this initiative.
The goal would be to build a wide range of modules and - as usual - at very affordable prices (target prices US$ 49-99) which would allow us to open this market and get as many people as possible into synths and making music.
Our synth teams are very excited about this potential direction and would love to hear your opinion.
Thank you :-)
Uli
If you already have a semi-modular synthesizer like the Model D or the soon to be released Neutron (a steal of a synth for just $299 btw), then you're already half way in the world of eurorack synthesizers thanks to the patch bay in both these synths.
We imagine Behringer will enter the eurorack synth world with a wide array of modules covering all bases, perhaps including some of their tasty filters from the Model D and Neutron. The modules will be in the very affordable $49-$99 range, which we suspect will be cheaper than similar modules by smaller companies.
Until we know more it's difficult to say what impact this might have on the industry as a whole. But we generally think building an accessible bridge between the computer musician and the world of hardware synths and now eurorack synthesizers can only increase the numbers wanting to explore it. Ultimately that should bring more interest and customers to large and small eurorack module manufacturers.
Of course, some smaller eurorack makers might be squeezed out if their more expnsive range of modules compete directly with a cheaper variety. However, the world of modular synths has niche products where price isn't neccessarily the deciding factor for customers. The quality, design and creative potential carry just as much, if not more, weight.
In short, we hope there's room for everyone, from the smaller eurorack makers to the established brands like Mutable, Make Noise, Bastl, to the bigger companies like Roland and Behringer.
So what kinds of modules would you like to see from Behringer? Oscillators, modulators, drum modules, MIDI/CV convertors, individual effect modules (reverb, distortion, delay, etc), sample players, mixers, clones of original 808 drum machine, sequencers, cases with power supply... the possibilities are endless!
Tell Uli what eurorack modules you'd like Behringer to make here: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/1211389-behringer-eurorack-modular.html
Learn more about Behringer Neutron in our 1st-look video: https://ask.audio/articles/prereview-behringer-neutron-analog-synth-walkthrough-sounds-demo
Learn more about eurorack and synthesis here: https://ask.audio/academy?nleloc=category/audio/topic/eurorackmodular
Discussion
But, if the Behringer kit is any good at all, you'll see a lot of noobs starting out with them. That's not a bad thing, as long as they progress to more interesting stuff as they grow in the hobby.
Some similar existing makers will feel the competitive heat, and will have to innovate to keep their market share. That's likely not a bad thing either.
Factor not factir
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