Behringer SOLINA or VC340 Vocoder? Analogue String Machines Compared!

[@winesynths]

If you are interested in a real new analogue string synthesizer, you have the choice between two Behringers: The Solina String Ensemble and the VC-340 Vocoder, which is a beautiful replica of the Roland Vocoder Plus from the early eighties. This video will help you to make a better choice! Enjoy! In any case, buy your Behringer Synths here (Affiliate-Link): thmn.to/thoprod/567206?partner_id=51772 thmn.to/thoprod/458341?partner_id=51772

[@bonaventura_AKA_ben]

Even if you hate Behringer, you can not honestly deny that they are fans of these instruments, that they are ‘true believers’ in the sense of wanting to maintain the lineage of our shared musical history. Bit flowery perhaps, but without Behringer I would never own a System 55, 50 years after first encountering one on campus in the 70’s.

[@Subtronik]

There’s less and less Behringer haters everyday. Only bitter people waste their life on hate anyway.

[@mikemeengs5720]

Yup. I'm 62, bought my first synth in 1981. Got into sampling and straight into computers. I never did buy the OGs, and Behringer has given me a chance to own those classic designs without selling my organs to pay for them. Model D, 2600, 303, Pro800, Solina and more...I'm in heaven!

[@deauvillevrienden]

I have both and i love them equally. The VC-340 for Vangelis string sounds (Bladerunner...) and the Solina for Jean-Michel Jarre string sounds (Oxygene...)

[@kierenmoore3236]

If you could only have one, though … ?!!

[@chuckpadgettmusic]

I bought the VC340 first and was surprised how similar it sounded to the Solina. Close, but no “Have A Cigar.” When the Solina was finally released, I ordered it immediately and was not disappointed. It truly is a one of a kind sound and Behringer nailed it.

[@hindsighter]

I can´t describe what I feel when I hear those Solina strings 3:18. It's the most heavenly sound in the world.

[@winesynths]

Thank you! 😇😇😇

[@johnvcougar]

I think of Jarré when I hear that phasing on strings.

[@ScoopexUs]

You have demonstrated that both are focused instruments and yours is probably the best review of all! This great video instantly answered all my questions. Top!

[@Clara-c5q7j]

Came for the Solina, went away liking the VC340 better.

[@Tiger.Arcade]

Great video comparison. Thanks for making this. Cheers! ✌️

[@moussybruno2113]

VC340 for Vangelis sound and Solina for tangerine dream, Pink Floyd and JMJ sound. You can buy the two instruments togheter.

[@x10dc90]

I would buy the VC340 first, since it already has the keyboard. I would need a 4 octave keyboard for the Solina. Both sound amazing.

[@sonorabells]

Try using the vc 340 with pingpond delay and then long lush reverb. With strings and voices It is great angelic sound. A lot of people seem to compare these machines. as if they are competitors But they are different animals with some overlap. So you should realy have. One of each. Thanks to Behringer we have them back in a new small form with MIDI. It was not easy recreating these with modern electronics and still fully voiced to every key. WHAT THER BOTH NEED IS A SUSTANE PED FUNCTION !!!

[@winesynths]

I often use old Roland or Lexicon Reverbs and the Matriarch Delay on the VC. 🤖

[@Asmuk]

Thanks, it was quite helpful. Please continue with more educational content like that, showing features, how do they compare, and so on.

[@Timetraveller2208]

I've got a question if anyone could please answer. Can this 'Solina...' be hooked up to another synth for even more creative possibilities?? I have a Korg Wavestate mk2, a Korg PA600 and a DM12. I don't want to waste my money on something that can only use another keyboards 'keys' just to make JMJ sounds, as it would be just a huge waste of money for me as I only work p/t. Thanks in advance for any help lads/lasses 😉🙂

[@winesynths]

It has Midi. So you can play it with every kind of Midi Controller.

[@johnvcougar]

Not sure I understand your question: yes, it has MIDI In and Thru - 5pin DIN and USB, and CV-In, etc. Pretty versatile.

[@synthnerd4539]

I love the sound of the VC340, I find it really good for subtle background layers and often use it with an external chorus. The Solina is very tempting... I do have an old Roland RS-101 fron 1975 but it's broken. Sounds amazing when it does work though, and very different to the VP-330 that the Behringer is based on.

[@EdEditz]

I have both and I love them both. The Solina is a one trick pony and that's what I love about it. It does one thing and does it very well. You get all the different instrument settings to sculpt the sound just like you want it. It does the David Bowie sounds very well. The VC340 only has one particular string sound which also sounds great and you have the vocoder with it and that's just awesome to have. Of course if you play the Solina with the VC340 MIDI then you can mix both sounds together and create a really phat string sound because the Solina has a bass section that really goes low and can make the room shake with the right speakers :)

[@winesynths]

You are a man of taste! 🥂🤖

[@aangtonio5570]

Although an "one-trick-pony", the Solina is an amazing string machine, and well-known across many genres. That said, I've found the VC-340 to be warmer, less strident than the Solina, which makes me sense why the greek master chose the VP-330 as his main string machine for such pieces of art like the soundtracks for "Chariots of Fire" and "Blade Runner".

[@kierenmoore3236]

^ This ❤

[@OfficialRainsynth]

I'd buy both of these string ensembles, they sound equally good and would work together as a perfect pair.

[@johnvcougar]

100%. And I did!

[@oblitafier]

There is no better instrument. Both have their own flavours. I intend to buy both

[@winesynths]

Good Choice! 👍

[@Gainn]

Ideally both - with a Streichfett to add some more ethereal overtones.

[@marcbrasse747]

For high disco strings the Solina. In every other aspect the VC. Remember Vangelis!

[@MJanovicable]

You make a good case for both keyboards, but I watched your earlier video on the VC-340 and it sold me on it. However, this sells me on the Solina as well, so, thank you again! They both have their fine points that are unique to each. Cannot wait to get my hands on the Solina with its haunting and also shimmering voices.

[@glenesis]

Tony Banks layered 3 string machines, and the sound was HUGE.

[@FuzzWoof]

I think the only correct answer is to buy both!

[@DavidJKellett]

I have the VC340 already and my Solina arrives tomorrow! An excellent video (as always!) I’m interested in the possibilities of using the two together. I shall have to have a think about how to wire that up in my studio. More cables! Thanks for making the video.

[@winesynths]

There is a ton of possibilities to connect them! The VC is made for that kind of crazy stuff! Make sure to have some 3,5 to 6,3mm adapters ready if you want to use the Solina Phaser on the vocoder! 😉

[@DavidJKellett]

I have lots of cables!! I’m often patching things to and from my eurorack so plenty of mini to normal jack.

[@pawnotdaw4559]

Instant Kraftwerk with the VC340

[@MacXpert74]

Yeah, I was kind of hoping he would throw in the "Autobaaaaaahn" 😂

[@inperfectsequence7840]

As for sounds, I like the Roland VP-330 better. And in this video I think I like the Behringer better as a product with keys, I like the sound of the VC-340 better because it's so close. The Solina sounds more modern, its sound isn't so vintage to me. The only thing I don't like about the Behringer version is that it only has 37 keys, I think what I like the most is that it's very compact and easy to carry around and that's a great point. In the end I like the VC340 better for its sounds, but also for being a vocoder with a lot of possibilities. 🙂👍

[@dotline4759]

Good video, thanks! I own the Solina (string synthesizer) since early 80's and recently bough the Behringer one; hands down i will reccomend it not only for the sound but also for the size factor.(Back then was kinda a nightmare have them around in the flat,move for gigs and rec studios.) Expecially if you aim to do whats now called post punk et similia. Ceers.

[@RainerMuenz]

I would be interested in a comparison between the Solina and the Waldorf Streichfett. What's the better choice for the money?

[@Gainn]

The Waldorf's onboard reverb is delicious and the range of tones make it a bit more of a sound design tool. The Solina is a far better buy if you want that authentic stringer sound.

[@RainerMuenz]

@@Gainn Thank you, this is very helpful.

[@josephwright5921]

@@RainerMuenzThe Waldorf sounds a little scratchy in the high end to me. The B. Solina is as smooth as honey tea.

[@RainerMuenz]

@@josephwright5921 Thank you, good to know. I wasn't sure about that when watching YT videos only.

[@LabRatWarfare]

💥 An awesome comparison man, love your style! I already have a VC340 but I have still been thinking about getting a SOLINA, glad I watched.. they both sound magical to me!! So yeah, I may just grab a SOLINA now!!! haha 😁🐀

[@neilloughran4437]

I own a VC340 and owned an original Solina when I was into my jazz funk phase in 1990s. Nothing really beats a Solina on top of a Rhodes for that kind of vibe. However, time moves on and I'm not sure I have a use for it today yet the Rhodes is still with me... does sound great nontheless. The VC340 should have a 4 octave keyboard however...

[@smitlag]

I am going to make kind of a super keyboard with this. I own the Solina module and a new Mellotron M4000D rack. So by adding the VC340 along with a small effects processor into one cabinet, I'll have really a cool vintage string and the added plus of the vocoder and Mellotron. I even have an old Oberheim XK laying around. I'd put it to use as the midi controller for these.

[@winesynths]

That should be a lot of fun!

[@vjrei]

I love the Solina, but the VST. Is the sound of OMD, A Clockwork Orange, Kraftwerk. But I actually love it because of OMD. I like the Solina and the Mellotron sounds a lot!. I could live with those two and an 808 with an Atari ST computer running Masterstracks Pro and a midi timepiece, that is it. That is like heroin to me.

[@sadhedonism7125]

Thank you for the helpful comparison

[@Lance_Arn]

A 4 octave keyboard is ready, the Solina is paid for and on its way... If I ever get the space for another stand-alone synth, the VC-340 will certainly be a front runner.

[@erikavery1105]

I would buy both and integrate them into my current setup.

[@johnvcougar]

Do it! Now! 😊

[@texacomann]

Already have both, great for music they are so different

[@winesynths]

What style of music do you make?

[@gainofdysfunction4135]

They made the Solina because it's plenty different sounding from the VC-340. I had to sell the original due to space problems and the vocoder was truly amazing.

[@Cesarsound1]

Wonderful Solina sounds, well recriated.

[@LysetteLeePopTilUDrop]

Solina with phaser sounds like Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran - his chords on Girls on Film. I saw another video on VC340 where the player made it sound like the solo synth part on the Psychadelic Furs song Love My Way. Just the string comparison video I needed. Thank you!

[@pittan86]

Vocoder is really nice. Man I want both now!

[@CourtWatchAu]

great review and comparison

[@joe_fizz]

Thank you!

[@alistairfletcher6187]

Thanks man! Cheers!

[@luisbarrera5740]

The GEO synths VC340 demo is also amazing

[@winesynths]

absolutely! Nice guy!

[@chriswareham]

The voice sounds on the VC340 can get close to the Optigan sound used on Kraftwerk's "Radio-Aktivität", one of my favourite instrument sounds ever. I prefer the string sound of the Solina to the one on the VC340 though.

[@glenesis]

Wow, that's cool. I own an Optigan with the whole library since 1978. It sounds like they sampled the VC340 for that Optigan record.

[@XanderEwald]

@@glenesisThe VP-330 came out in 1979, so it’s unlikely.

[@tomhall7523]

Great comparison but a shame to only compare the strings with the tone on the VC340 turned right down.

[@jaggass]

I prefer the Solina

[@torbenanschau6641]

Very good video as I probably was one of those who've asked for it. Interesting result, as a string machine the Solina beats the VC hands down. But the choir is interesting and then the vocoder on top of it. I'm suprised how much the strings differed to each other. If I could I would also like to own both of them, Solina for the strings and the VC for the Vocoder.

[@reidhauke3389]

Idea for a short: VC340, PCM70 and some dimension-d like chorusing. Let's hear that blade runner sound

[@BF-up5xw]

What's the build quality and calibration quality like? I've had trouble with both aspects in the past (not with Behringer) and so I was curious on how reliable Behringer is for initial calibration and durability. Of course, in this case, Behringer stands alone when it comes to hardware analog string machines, so it isn't as if there are other options!

[@winesynths]

To me, Build quality is always great on Behringer Synths. Until now there where no calibration with calibration. And should it become necessary thy can be trimmed just like originals. The new UB-Xa even offers a menu to decalibrate it in order to simulate old components.

[@johnvcougar]

​@@winesynthsthe UBXa is amazing. I play mine every day, a mini universe to explore.

[@TheSemtexCow]

So what you saying is I need both 😂😂😂😂 👍

[@winesynths]

Yes! Hurry up while they are available and use the affiliate links! It's worth a try if you are in this realm of sounds! 😁

[@TheSemtexCow]

@@winesynths you’ve just done the perfect video for me. The Solina and Vocoder feature in most of the songs from my 70s childhood. You need a video now on how to sound like Burnard Edwards bass and Giorgio Moroder keys and I’m done. Thank you for all your great content and humour 👍.

[@patriciaoudart1508]

For long I'm interested in the VC340, for it's dual use, and amount of creation a microphone enter offers. Solina is different, One sound, But what a sound! I can regret the VC340 not being yet in expander version. That Would be interesting having it in our Eurorack.

[@infindebula]

I have a VC340 and I really like it, but I wish Behringer had either made it with a proper 4-octave keyboard, or as a module with no keys. I will likely also buy a Solina, just because it has a beautiful sound of its own.

[@unclemick-synths]

These would be interesting for adding a touch of retro in a modern piece. Unfortunately I only have space in my studio for the Solina.

[@eti313]

German accent not included, unfortunately

[@deauvillevrienden]

That's a kind of Streichfett accent :-))

[@marksangster6690]

I have the V-340. It sounds great, but it is now ‘bricked’/stuck in DFU mode and I cant update or reset the firmware! Help!

[@winesynths]

what is DFU mode?

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@winesynths. Don’t F#€k Up? (which it seems, he did …)

[@grobinson4805]

The VC vocal sounds reminds me of rugrats! Mark Mothersbaugh

[@miller4th502nd]

Ooops ... had a Flashback to Man Parrish - Six Simple Synthesizers

[@DJEsperan]

Bitte mach mehr Techno mit der VC340

[@devastator909]

you have to choose only one otherwise the earth explodes, which one would it be??

[@winesynths]

Vocoder! 🤖

[@kierenmoore3236]

Vangelicoder! 🗡🏃🏻‍♂️

[@benjaminlliclenin3381]

Boah Solina ist ja sowas von jean michel jarre!!! GEIL!!!

[@XanderEwald]

Batschkapp & Synths :)

[@bernhardvolkwein5677]

Cool Monsieur Piper:)

[@winesynths]

Du hier? 😁

[@jeffreyclement2726]

The SLM string machine was closer to the ARP verson and could modulate it through both a phase shifter and a flanger box.Plus a digital delay.

[@Sycokay]

Sold the VC340. Just bought the Solina. Excited. Thanks!

[@turquoisecapricorn]

I hear the sound of that Solina clone and it sounds different from a true Solina string-ensemble which I have here in my studio. I own an Eminent Solina string-ensemble. So I will buy it in the future cause it will be a nice addition to my Eminent Solina!

[@chriswareham]

Which version of the Eminent made String Ensemble so you have? Mine is the early version without the chorus on/off button, and the Behringer clone sounds exactly like it. I understand that the later version made by Eminent that has stereo outputs is entirely different internally and also sounds very different.

[@Triplechorus2]

I have two old Solinas: One from 1976 (mono) and one from 1983 (stereo). The older one sounds exactly as the Behringer version. The 1983 version has a few problems with static phasing in the contrabass/cello registers, balance of the three chorus channels (the center channel is a little bit louder than the left and right channel) and a slight lack of brightness (frequency response) if the ensemble chorus is activated.

[@maval4537]

I agree with @chriswareham; my Eminent Solina String Ensemble is the MkII (1974) which is soundwise equal to the MkI, except that the modulation can be either switched on or off... I don't own the Behringer one yet, but what I hear on YT videos sounds amazingly spot on!

[@loktar00]

I just want them to make an RS-505 and I'll be happy forever.

[@ianalen1687]

As a Frenchman you probably know the album Souvenirs 1975 by Demis Roussos. Do you think that in song Action Lady they used Solina Strings or rather they used live strings?

[@winesynths]

live strings for sure! It‘s a big band! Nice track by the way! 🤖

[@bernyboss]

Great review, thanks! The only question is about the pitch wheel on the vocoder… is it a replica of the original one? YES. Is it only going up? YES. Is it driving me nuts? YES 🤬🤬🤬

[@winesynths]

Because it‘s not exactly a pitch wheel! It‘s just a fader. I show in the video that it works more like a pitch envelope. I also had to figure it out first! 😀

[@bernyboss]

Do you think that there can be a way/mod to have a pitch bender? Have you tried with an ext midi keyboard/control? 🙏🙏🙏

[@winesynths]

I am not 100 % sure. But I think that it is not really possible to do with this kind of analogue circuitry.

[@bernyboss]

@@winesynthsi’ll keep using it in a limited way 😭

[@mwarsell]

Solina, VC340 or Yamaha SK20?

[@atommachine]

Moog Opus 3 for me 🎉

[@mkdoddart]

Disappointed that on the vc340 behringer didnt update it and allow you to hold a chord via a footpedal with the string sound. The original was like this too and you have to use weights on the keys. The vp03 boutique does allow you but compromise is the sound of it.

[@eancurtis9333]

Both are different depends on the song you are writing

[@electroniccaveman3493]

To my taste, the Orbiter and Phase (stereo!) plugins from 112dB sound better than the effects in the Solina. Sawtooth through, some filter, adsr, eq and .... sounds immediately like jarre. Ok, itˋs not hardware….

[@ekummel]

With that Solina, you can pretend you're Jean Michel Jarre!

[@deauvillevrienden]

indeed and with the VC-340 you can pretend you are Vangelis