Behringer MS-1 32-Key Analog Synthesizer Blue

The 1980s and ’90s spawned a new “wave” of synth performers including Devo, The Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, The Crystal Method and a host of others, all empowered by the sound of a simple strap-on instrument that let keyboardists steal the spotlight away from their guitar-wielding bandmates. The MS-101 is an ultra-affordable homage to that iconic synthesizer with all the features of the original and then some, such as a 32-step sequencer, arpeggiator and live performance kit. The MS-101 lets you conjure up virtually any sound with incredible finesse and ease.

With its 32 semi-weighted full-size keys, pure analog signal path, authentic 3340 VCO with 4 simultaneously mixable waveforms, plus extremely flexible VCF and VCA filters, the MS-101 is sure to become your favorite keyboard. True to the Original Great care has been taken in engineering the MS-101, including analog circuitry that's true to the original, legendary VCO, VCF and VCA designs, all of which combine to make it easy to recreate the classic sound performance. This highly-focused attention to detail is what gives the MS-101 its ultra-flexible sound shaping capability, which covers everything from super-fat bass and lead tones to stunning effects and otherworldly sounds.

The inspired synthesizer tracks laid down in the 1980s and ’90s are etched in the annals of progressive rock, wave, EDM and synth-pop music forever, making them truly classic in every sense of the word. The MS-101 lets you recreate all of that magic—or design incredibly fat and original sounds that will make you a legend in your own right. Versatile Synth ControlMS-101’s authentic 3340 Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) provides an incredible range of 4 simultaneously-mixable waveforms for sculpting the perfect sound. Options include saw, triangle, square/PWM and octave-divided square sub-oscillator.

Additionally, the VCO can be adjusted across a wide, 4-octave range. This amazing flexibility gives you the tools needed to be your creative best. The very heart of MS-101’s sound is its highly-flexible Voltage Control Filter (VCF), which includes faders for cutoff Frequency (10 Hz to 20 kHz); Resonance (0 to self-oscillation); Envelope and Modulation depth, and Keyboard follow (0 to 100%) to dial in the perfect sound. MS-101’s VCF can be modulated via the ADSR, keyboard tracking and Bender controller. The Frequency Modulation (FM) Amount knob sets the depth, while the FM Source selector lets you further modify the signal by choosing from pulse; sawtooth; sub oscillator 1 octave down; 2 octaves down; narrow 2 octaves down, and Noise.

Onboard Sequencer and ArpeggiatorMS-101’s sequencer allows you to program up to 32 steps of notes and rests and save them as a pattern. You can record, save and recall up to 64 patterns, all of which can be stored in the 8 banks, each holding up to 8 patterns. Your sequences can be played either in Keyboard mode, where you create and store the pattern, or Step mode, which allows you to interact while composing a pattern. The onboard Arpeggiator features 8 patterns (you can use just by playing a chord, which the arpeggiator then sequences through your selected pattern.

Both the sequencer and arpeggiator in the MS-101 are fun, mesmerizing and totally addictive. Stage or StudioWhen you’re ready to strut your stuff and get a little centerstage time, the MS-101 has that covered too. Just attach the included guitar strap and handgrip (with a pitch bend wheel and a pitch modulation trigger), and take your performance to the next level. For those who want the numbers, MS-101 has 57 knobs, faders and switches, all laid out in a highly-intuitive format that puts the joy back into your music creation. Input and output connections include MIDI I/O and Thru over USB/MIDI DIN; Velocity Out; CV; Gate; External Clock In; VCF CV In; Hold; External Audio; Phones; and main Output.

When it comes to not just pushing envelopes but creating them, MS-101 gives your imagination its voice—and it’s