Back to navigation


A Modern Ode to Iconic Analog





This article was


Written By





Our Product Research Team





Get to know them!





As the analog synthesis renaissance continues to surge, the search for new and old synths has resulted in an unprecedented comeback for some of the most vaunted styles. Behringer’s latest offering is a testament to analog’s unrivaled sonic character: the Pro-800. Armed with 16 oscillators, this 8-voice polyphonic powerhouse was designed with all-analog circuitry that faithfully emulates the sound and feel of that innovative 1982 synth. In addition to its vintage panache, the Pro-800 sees a slew of contemporary complements that take its iconic sonics into new realms, all without sacrificing its classic character, much to the delight of Sweetwater’s synthesists. From rumbling basses to scorching leads, the Pro-800 more than earns its stripes to sit in any studio or performance rig.





Related Videos: Pro-800 8-voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer





NOW PLAYING:


Total Stereo Immersion: Dual Behringer Pro-800 Synths for 3D Analog Soundscapes





Introducing Behringer PRO-800





Behringer PRO-800 - How Does It Sound?





Why Buy Your Keyboard From Sweetwater? | Daniel Fisher


Powerful polyphonic panache





Each voice of the Pro-800 is given two VCOs, each controlled independently. As one might expect, this means dense, detuned, rich synth tones, but the Pro-800’s interface gives you heaps of control over the two primary oscillators. Waveform options include saw, triangle, and pulse, each with an independently adjustable PWM. Moreover, waveshapes are toggled individually, allowing you to have up to six waveforms active simultaneously. Combine this with any interplay of PWM, sync, fine-tuning, and Unison functions to sculpt and shape the basses and leads that will rip and tear through any mix. Want to take things a step further? The Pro-800 is outfitted with a distinctive Poly-Mod function that lets you modulate Oscillator A’s frequency and filter-cutoff values with Oscillator B and its filter envelope, resulting in reactive, dynamic textures that supplement any sound with more life.





Precision tone crafting





Among the many sought-after features of the Pro-800’s spiritual predecessor, one texturizing tool stands out: the noise generator. Synthesizer scholars might be less surprised, but this unique addition was only found in the extremely rare Japanese variant. Of course, Behringer’s dedication to meticulous emulation doesn’t stop there. The 4-pole lowpass filter features a 24dB/octave slope capable of self-resonance, leading to flexible, powerful sound-shaping and modulation. Speaking of which, the dedicated LFO is outfitted with six waveforms that can be used to craft undulating, moving tones and textures via PWM, pitch, and filter cutoff frequencies. Moreover, the Pro-800 is designed with a true polyphonic glide, opening the door for some serious accentuating action when mono portamento isn’t enough.





Vintage character with contemporary control





The Pro-800 brings its own take to the MIDI front, just like its predecessor, endowed with 16-channel 5-pin DIN MIDI connectors ? one for input and one pulling double-duty on output and thru control ? to make full use of the extensive NRPN and/or CC control of every parameter. You’ve also access 400 user-program slots to quickly and easily save and recall your best sonic sculptures. For the movement-motivated, a 2-track sequencer is accompanied by a flexible arpeggiator alongside 3.5-millimeter TS inputs for sync and filter CV control, making the Pro-800 a formidable part of any synthesist’s arsenal. You can also access two ADSR envelope generators, perfect for modulating the VCF, VCA, and Oscillator A Frequency.





Behringer Pro-800 8-voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer Features:


Faithful emulation of the classic 1982 synth means iconic, all-analog sonics that blends vintage panache with modern control


16-channel 5-pin DIN MIDI means deep control of virtually every facet of the synth, including NRPN and MIDI CC


16-oscillator structure with 8-voice architecture means serious sound-shaping across the spectrum


Unison mode lets you pack all 16 oscillators into one patch for unrivaled mono power


3 waveforms per VCO can be individually toggled, meaning up to 6 simultaneous waveshapes for precision tone-crafting


Unique noise generator ensures robust opportunities for texturizing your sound


Pulse width can be controlled manually or via LFO for flexible square-wave shaping


4-pole lowpass filter features a 24dB/oct slope to achieve smooth, dynamic sound design


Poly-Mod function allows you to modulate OSC A from OSC B for uniquely reactive tones


Dedicated LFO is outfitted with 6 waveforms, giving you plenty of modulation possibilities that can be further refined


Polyphonic 2-track sequencer and key-assignable arpeggiator provide versatile rhythmic control


400 user program slots are available for painless patch storage and recall


Polyphonic glide means anything from light portamento to evocative pitch shifts are always available


Onboard chord memory lets you quickly and easily transpose chords across your connected controller or device


Eurorack ready, 80HP