Behringer MonoPoly 4-voice Analog Synthesiser
Features
- Modern reimagining of a legendary ’80s synth
- Mono and 4-voice paraphonic modes
- Variable-angle control panel
- 37 semi-weighted, full-sized keys
- 4 VCOs, each with 4 selectable waveforms
Description
The Behringer MonoPoly 4-voice Analog Synthesiser made its debut in 1981. Equipped with no less than four oscillators (each with multiple waveforms), the MonoPoly was capable of insanely fat sounds and prodigious bass that could blow holes through walls. As good as it was, it was, curiously, only on the market for three years. Today, vintage MonoPolys are quite rare — and rather pricey even if you can find one.
Key Features:
- Modern reimagining of a legendary ’80s synth
- Mono and 4-voice paraphonic modes
- Variable-angle control panel
- 37 semi-weighted, full-sized keys
- 4 VCOs, each with 4 selectable waveforms
- VCF, 2 LFOs, 2 envelopes, sync and cross modulation
- Full-featured arpeggiator
- MIDI in/out/thru (5-pin DIN)
- USB (Type B) MIDI
- Main output: 1/4-inch TS, unbalanced
- Headphones: 1/4-inch TRS, stereo
- External control inputs: Arpeggiator Sync in, Portamento, VCF cutoff freq mod, VCO freq mod, Trigger in, Trigger in
- Internal control outputs: Trigger out, CV out, Switch
Four oscillators for insanely fat sounds
The impossibly rich sound of the Behringer MonoPoly is a function of its four true-to-the-original voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs). While many ’70s synths sported two VCOs, having access to three was considered a luxury. The ability to sync and subtly detune oscillators so that they “rubbed” against each other are cornerstone synthesis techniques; having four VCOs to deploy gives you a formidable sonic arsenal to forge a broad range of unique signature sounds.
Vintage authenticity
The Behringer MonoPoly’s pure analog signal path is based on the authentic MonoPoly circuitry as well as other exceptional VCO, VCF (voltage-controlled filter), and VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) designs from the 1980s. These are the sounds that drove iconic hit records from artists such as Depeche Mode and Vince Clarke. Today, the sounds of the ’80s are alive and well in the Behringer MonoPoly. And they can be yours for a song!
Mono or 4-voice paraphonic
Another singular feature of the Behringer MonoPoly — again, faithful to the original — is its ability to split its four voices. The MonoPoly’s variable architecture allows you to use it in either monophonic or 4-voice “Poly” (paraphonic) mode, in which the four oscillators are allocated to individual notes that are then summed to a shared monophonic signal path. In practice, this gives you a huge amount of musical flexibility. From fat basses and searing leads to jazzy chord voicings, MonoPoly has you covered.
Loaded for bear
But there’s more! In addition to its four VCOs, MonoPoly is also outfitted with a classic VCF, two LFOs (low-frequency oscillators), two envelopes, sync and cross modulation, and an arpeggiator. It’s all wrapped up in a roadworthy, vintage-inspired chassis with a control panel you can angle to taste, satisfying knobularity for real-time, hands-on tweakery, 37 great-feeling keys, exhaustive professional I/O, and prototypical wooden end caps. Get your hands on the Behringer MonoPoly. Trust us: you won’t want to let go!
Specifications
Analog/Digital | Analog |
Number of Keys | 37 |
Type of Keys | Semi-weighted, Full-size, Velocity-sensitive |
Other Controllers | Pitchbend, Mod MG1 wheel |
Polyphony | Monophonic, Up to 4-voice Paraphonic |
Oscillators | 4 x VCO |
Waveforms | Triangle, Reverse Sawtooth, PWM, PW |
LFO | 2 x LFO |
Filter | Lowpass Filter, 24dB/Oct |
Envelope Generator | 1 x ADSR (filter), 1 x ADSR (amp) |
Effects Types | X-Mod, Freq-Mod |
Arpeggiator | Latch, Playback Order, Octave Range |
Audio Outputs | 1 x 1/4" TS (line out) |
Headphones | 1 x 1/4" TRS |
USB | 1 x Type B |
MIDI I/O | In/Out/Thru/USB |
Pedal Inputs | 1 x 1/4" TS (portamento on/off), 1 x 1/4" TS (VCO), 1 x 1/4" TS (VCF) |
Other I/O | Trigger In/Out, CV In/Out, Arpeggio Clock In |
Features | Chord Memory, Unison/Share Mode, Unison Mode, Transpose |
OS Requirements - Mac | OS X 10.8.5 or later |
OS Requirements - PC | Windwos 7 SP1 or later |
Power Source | 12V DC 1000mA power supply (included) |
In The Box
- Behringer MonoPoly 4-voice Analog Synthesiser
Reviews
(based on 1 rating)Give it a quick rating:
Thanks for your rating!
Write a review
-
Alex
Long wait for this one, was out of stock for quite a while. Could have got it elsewhere but $100 cheaper at RubberMonkey. It's a big fat 4xVCO monster of an analogue. More flexible than it looks at first glance - 2 LFO, 2 env and paraphonic too so you can play 4 notes which is a useful bonus. You'll instantly recognise some of the sounds from eg Underworld. Particular strengths: 1. beautiful searing analogue sync and cross-mod which can be doubled- sounds better than most other analogues (digital synths just don't do it very well IMO) - 4 VCOs really make this special. 2. Fatter than most others - find an analogue with 4 VCOs at this price! 3. Unique voice cycling mode in arp mode makes for stunning arps unlike any other analogue - this and the sync/cross mod are why I bought it. It cost a bit more than other Behringer synths but IMO still good value. Sounds close enough to a real one and obvs way cheaper. TBH I doubt you can get an original one in NZ if you tried. Downside - the cheaper than cheap Behringer PSU - mine broke on first use trying to clip it together. Cheap to replace with a decent one though $15-20 at PBTech etc I now have 4 Behringer synths - I might replace all of the PSUs (the other 3 do work but they're crap). The synth however - built like a tank! Solid, very heavy, good knobs. Weighs as much as a Juno106 but half the size. Small enough to be desktop if you want but big enough to feel like a real synth. TBH I think I prefer this one over my 2600! Far more instantly gratifying and so playable.Read more Read less
Details
- Product: Behringer MonoPoly 4-voice Analog Synthesiser
- Manufacturer: Behringer
- Model: MONOPOLY
- SKU: MONOPOLY
- RM Product #: 84106
- Warranty: 3 year manufacturer warranty