Behringer 2-XM is a replica/clone of the legendary Oberheim Two-Voice analog poly Synthesizer with a 32-point patch bay for Eurorack.
Last weekend, I reported on an SEM clone from France with through-hole components. I mentioned that Behringer also has an SEM clone in the works, but they’re offering two in one in a rack unit for those on budget. After two years of almost silence, there is now a significant update.
Behringer has released the 2-XM Synthesizer, a clone/replica of the Oberheim Two-Voice analog Synthesizer. It’s shipping now, and it’s ready for pre-order from Thomann.
Contenido
Feature Recap
The Behringer 2-XM features two authentic Oberheim SEM clones/replicas plus a patch matrix in one Eurorack module.
- pure analog signal path based on authentic VCO, VCF and VCA designs
- two independent voices for polyphonic, split, or four-oscillator unison sounds
- 2 variable oscillator shapes with adjustable pulse width for inspiring sounds
- oscillator sync
- two state-variable multi-mode filters with low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch modes
- two dedicated and fully analog LFOs with sine waveform
- four analog envelope generators for extensive control of filters and amplifiers
- noise generator dramatically expands waveform generation
- extensive modulation capabilities, including internal and external sources
- 2-channel mixer section featuring level and pan controls for intense stereo sounds
- portamento function applicable to both voices for great pitch gliding effects
- 2 external audio inputs for processing external sound sources
- dedicated audio outputs plus a combined stereo output for maximum flexibility
- patch matrix
- 16-voice Poly Chain allows combining multiple synthesizers for up to 32 voice polyphony
- complete Eurorack solution – main module can be transferred to a standard Eurorack case
- 67 controls to give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
- MIDI and USB implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection
Yes, you can also polychain it and create an Oberheim 8Voice (4 x 2-XM) or 16Voice (8x 2-XM clone out of it. Thanks to the option to pan the voices, it’s also a stereo analog synth with dedicated stereo outputs.
Behringer 2-XM is ready for pre-order for 279€/$319 (Global) and $399 (US). Availability at retailers is TBA.
Available for pre-order at my partner
Thomann
Update From July 8, 2023
The replica of the Oberheim 2-Voice analog synthesizer was already finished last year. But then hit the chip shortage the schedule and everything was delayed.
More than a year later, Behringer has today announced that the 2-XM for Eurorack is now ready for production. But again in an unusual way
Behringer FB Post
Everyone has left and I’m still here as the guys have locked the office. So I walked over to the testing center and found this beauty on a desk with a note “ready for p”. Does anyone have a clue what that means?
Article March 3th, 2022
Last year in October I reported on a PCB photo of a new Behringer Synthesizer. It wasn’t official then, but there were many points in favor of an Oberheim Two-Voice replica in Eurorack. This is now confirmed.
Behringer announced the 2-XM today, a clone/replica of the Oberheim Two-Voice analog Synthesizer in Eurorack format.
Behringer 2-XM
According to the Behringer FB post is the 2-XM an authentic reproduction of the SEM 2-Voice circuitry from the ‘70s. One speaks here of an analogue polyphonic Synthesizer because one has two equally equipped SEM voices. They give you a pure analog signal path with in total 4 VCOs, 2 multi-mode VCFs, 2 LFOs, 4 envelopes, and more. There are different play modes available: poly with two voices, a split mode with one voice on each side or with 4 oscillators in unison mode.
The 2-XM is based on two Oberheim SEM module replicas that have all the features known from the original. Each voice has two oscillators with sawtooth or variable pulse waveforms and a sync option for sharp lead sounds and complex effects. Plus, it hosts a noise generator. Then, you have a recreation of the legendary Oberheim SEM filter with morphable lowpass, high-pass, band-pass and notch modes.
Modulation side, you get two ADS envelopes (VCA/VCF) and an LFO for adding life and movement to your sound. Always keep in mind, you get all this twice as you have two identical SEM module replicas.
Patch It
With its 2-XM, Behringer takes the semi-modular route and makes it fully Eurorack compatible. So next to the 2-channel mixer with level and pan controls for stereo sounds, you get a patch matrix with 16 inputs and 16 outputs. This gives you a maximum flexibility and allows you to integrate the SEM sound in you Eurorack synth.
There are also two external inputs for processing external sound sources. It also comes with a portamento function that is applicable to both voices making pitch gliding effects possible.
Backside
The backside is different from the other Eurorack synths. Here you can find a stereo output on two 6.3mm sockets giving you a true stereo signal. Further, it has a MIDI thru socket with a MIDI matrix, a USB port, and a power supply input with a on/off switch. Behringer says it comes with a MIDI and USB implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection. The MIDI input port is on the front panel as usual.
If you want more voices, no problem. You can poly chain up to 16 devices giving you up to 32 voice of polyphony. If you take the targeted price into account, you would have to pay $4784 for 16 units , so not that cheap anymore.
Availability
They say the product is fully developed and once they will receive the semiconductor chips, the will start the production and sent it asap to the retailers. Very interesting at first sight. One of the clones/replicas I’ve been waiting for. I can’t afford an original one, so there’s a good chance I’ll put one in the studio. And thanks to the modular factor, it is much more versatile than just a simple keyboard version.
Behringer 2-XM will be available soon for a suggested price of $299 USD.
More information will follow here: Behringer
