Behringer UB-Xa 16-Voice Multi-Timbral Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer

How long have you been waiting?

Every Synth enthusiast, music, and film lover is well acquainted with the unique sounds and textures of the 1981 Bi-timbral classic. Despite the massive impact on pop culture, the groundbreaking Polysynth’s high costs made it out of reach to most. At over $17,000 (adjusted for inflation) dollars at introduction– and pushing 10K-15K in today’s used marketthe OB remains one of the most highly desired but elusive synths ever made.

Great news came in 2018 when Uli Behringer announced plans to recreate the storied analog classic. Brimming with the detail and quality weve come to expect from Behringer synthsand true to Uli Behringers stance that no synthesizer should ever cost more than $1,500–The wait is finally over.

Behringer has faithfully recreated the analog Icon behind soundtracks like The Terminator and hits by a diverse range of artistsincluding The Thompson Twins, New Order, Madonna, and Princeplus rockers like Queen, Rush, and even VanHalen. After 6 years in development (and, for some, over 4 decades of wanting), the UB-Xa has arrived at Alto Music at a price that is within everyone’s reach.

The Behringer UB-Xa

Rigorously and faithfully re-born, right down to the 3340 and 3320 style microprocessor-driven VCOs and VCFs, the UB-Xa delivers the lush textures, powerful bass lines, and punching brass youve been waiting for. Like the original, the UB-Xa features Bi-Timbral architecture that allows you to spit the keyboard or double up two distinct patches on one key for massive sonic possibilities. The UB-Xa even comes loaded with the entire bank of 106 original pre-set sounds from 1981, plus sound-signature variations of the OB-Xa, OB-X, OB-8, and more.

Modern Necessities and an Analog Heart.

Despite the meticulous attention to detail that went into developing the sounds, capabilities, and even the e quirks of the quintessential 80s synth, Behringer doesnt leave you stranded in the 80swith 80s limitations. Starting with 16 voices of polyphony, the UB-Xa has double the capability of its 1981 8-voice counterpoint, and thats just the start. The UB-Xa can store 512 user program memories above and beyond the original 106 preset sounds. Plus, you can keep your favorite go-to patches right at your command using the additional preset buttons to recall up to 15 memories.

Despite all the vintage-style Analog warmth and punch, luxurious bi-timbral layers, and creative potential at command–youd have an impossibly hard time making the most of such a sophisticated synth without modern connectivity. Naturally, Behringers got you covered. The UB-Xa features full MIDI implementation over class-compliant USB (TYPE-B), a 16-channel 5-pin in-out and through portsplus footswitch jacks for vibrato, filter, sustain, program advance, and hold.

Perhaps the most exciting and highly anticipated modern advantage featured on the UB-Xa is the expressive advantage of Behringers new 61 full-sized key bed. Dedicated keyboard players will especially enjoy the semi-weighted piano-like action. Everyone will appreciate the added personal expressiveness of the (on/off switchable) velocity-sensitive keys with polyphonic aftertouch, spring-loaded pitch, and modulation paddles. The UB-8a also features an additional LFO with 7 waveform shapes, Stereo VCA per voice, an 8-channel modulation matrix, a Dual-layer arpeggiator, and sequencers.