Behringer Neutron
The Behringer Neutron is a Semi-Modular Paraphonic Analog Synth Module with Dual 3340 VCOs, Multi-Mode VCF, 2 ADSRs, BBD Delay and Overdrive Circuit in a 19" Rack Mountable Format. The filter is a complete new design. Behringer calls it the Moffatt filter, named after design engineer Keith Moffatt at their Manchester Innovation center. Keith has been experimenting for years with new synth and in particular filter designs. The Moffatt filter is a great contribution to, and just one of the many innovative features you will find in the Neutron.
Paraphonic synthesizer with authentic dual 3340 analog oscillators for insanely fat music creationPure analog signal path based on legendary VCO design to recreate classic sound performanceSemi-modular architecture with default routings requires no patching for immediate performanceOscillator waveform control blends seamlessly between 5 shapes (tone mod, pulse, sawtooth, triangle, sine)Individual pulse width / tone mod control provides ultimate soundsParaphonic mode allows both oscillators to be independently controlledSelf-oscillating, multi-mode VCF with dual output (e.g. LP+HP available on jacks)2 analog ADSR generators for modulation of VCF and VCAMultiple stage analog delay based on legendary BBD (Bucket Brigade Delay) technologyFlexible LFO with five waveform shapes, MIDI clock sync and key syncNoise generator dramatically expands waveform generationOverdrive circuit adds rich analog warmth and edge to your sounds36 controls and 7 buttons give you direct and real time access to all parametersUtility functions including attenuators, multiples, slew rate limiter and summers for creative patching flexibility32 in / 24 out jack matrix for an incredible amount of patching optionsPatchable audio-rate sample and hold with glide for added creativityPowerful headphone output with dedicated level controlExternal audio input for processing external sound sourcesComprehensive USB/Midi implementation for connection to keyboard/sequencer3-Year Warranty Program*Designed and engineered in the U.K.
A Brief History of Analog Synthesis:
The modern synthesizer’s evolution began in 1919, when a Russian physicist named Lev Termen (also known as Léon Theremin) invented one of the first electronic musical instruments – the Theremin. It was a simple oscillator that was played by moving the performer’s hand in the vicinity of the instrument’s antenna. An outstanding example of the Theremin’s use can be heard on the Beach Boys iconic smash hit Good Vibrations.
Ondioline:
In the late 1930s, French musician Georges Jenny invented what he called the Ondioline, a monophonic electronic keyboard capable of generating a wide range of sounds. The keyboard even allowed the player to produce natural-sounding vibrato by depressing a key and using side-to-side finger movements. You can hear the Ondioline on Del Shannon’s Runaway.
Storytone Piano:
Designed by famous piano manufacturer Story & Clark in association with RCA, the Storytone piano debuted at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Hailed as the world’s first electric piano, the Storytone is prized by musicians and collectors alike for its realistic piano sound – only 500 or so were ever built.
Mellotron:
Finding a high level of acceptance in the 1960s, Harry Chamberlin’s Mellotron was an electro-mechanical keyboard that generated sounds by playing back pre-recorded tape loops. Although tempermental and prone to pitch and mechanical issues, the Mellotron was used extensively by many U.K. artists. Classic tracks from the Moody Blues Days of Future Passed, the Beatles Strawberry Fields Forever, and the Rolling Stones She’s a Rainbow are prime examples.
Arp 2600:
Manufactured by ARP Instruments, Inc., the Arp 2600 was one of the most successful synthesizers to come out of the 1970s. They were ideal for players new to the synth world, and allowed patches to be changed via switches or 1/8" audio cables. The list of recordings and artists that used the venerable Arp 2600 reads like a veritable Who's Who of rock, pop and jazz, and includes The Who, David Bowie, John Lennon, Depeche Mode, Edgar Winter, Frank Zappa and Herbie Hancock – to name just a few. An Arp 2600 was even used to create the voice of the Star Wars character R2-D2.