Review & tutorial: Behringer PRO-1 // 10 Patch ideas // Comparison vs Neutron, Crave and others

[@stephenlennartz3466]

How funny! I was in a new wave band in the early 80s. We used a PRO1 for songs by Ultravox, XTC, and early Duran Duran. It had a pretty cool sound. We created a keyboard 'stand' from threaded galvanized piping. LOL! I still remember our bass player hammering out the bass line to 'All Stood Still' with a lighted cigarette hanging from his mouth and a towel around his neck--he sweated profusely putting his heart & soul into playing that PRO1. Ahhh memories. Today ... that sweaty bass player is still my brother inlaw.

[@Pulse2AM]

I may have been in your band! LOL I had a Pro One with an ash tray double stick taped to the side so I could smoke and play!

[@stephenlennartz3466]

@@Pulse2AM Very cool! What songs did you perform with the PRO 1?

[@georgegeorgio1751]

Like those bands but later Duran still sounds good to me.

[@levkamenev3904]

It would have been really interesting playing in a giging band back in the peak of 80’s New Wave! I’m kind of jealous.

[@stephenlennartz3466]

@@levkamenev3904 Hi Lev. It was pretty awesome! The cool thing is ... since I now play in a cover band we can get away with playing some of those songs and people really dig it. This year one of my bandmates suggested we add 'Pulling Muscles From a Shell' by The Squeeze. I was really skeptical about adding it because it was not necessarily the most popular song. People LOVE it! Of course it's not a synthy tune but a pretty interesting song with 'poetic' lyrics and very danceable. Because the synth technology is coming back and is significantly more affordable I bet we'll see many of those old songs come back ... yes? And now ... YOU can enjoy playing them too! Cool thing is ... I won't have to revisit my 'skunk cut' haircut!!--shaved sides and long top that was 'frosted'! ... or maybe I will!

[@lit2021]

This is not just a tutorial. I feel like I've been to a workshop :D Most synth tutorials I've seen just explain what every part does, and shows you how to create some noise, but it's hard to find a tutorial that will actually teach you how to control everything to get a specific sound. Thank you so much!

[@brasersworld]

Again. Hands down, the best reviewer on music technology. As always.

[@numerus]

Agreed!

[@Sven.Bornemark]

I totally agree!

[@tonyhill8963]

Yarp!

[@ritec]

I see what you did there, hands down. 🙌🏼

[@brasersworld]

Synthesizers 👍🏼 I had to look it up. I use the expression "hands down" some times and know the meaning, but just found out where it comes from. The phrase hands down comes from horse racing, as explained by The Phrase Finder: Jockeys need to keep a tight rein in order to encourage their horse to run. Anyone who is so far ahead that he can afford to slacken off and still win he can drop his hands and loosen the reins - hence winning 'hands down'

[@dangerbird64]

I really appreciate the lengths you go to to explain how each component of sound synthesis works (i.e., envelopes, LFO’s, etc.). I come away from your videos learning SO much. Thank you!

[@Gainn]

I've lost count of how many times I've come back to this vid to figure out some new tricks.

[@frankschafer1505]

Back in the days when behringer didn't make synths i would have kept anything behringer off my signal chain. Now you can put their products at the beginning of the chain. Nice!

[@kolvis6626]

I know right? They turned themselves around, and they're still affordable too.

[@hermask815]

Has there been a specific date when something happened to change their course?

[@SorchaSublime]

@@hermask815 Honestly it was probably an internal change. a good touchstone would be when they entered the synth market I guess, everyone expected their synths to suck and they are quickly rising to the very top

[@muzikman2008]

@@SorchaSublime X32 mixing desk when they bought midas is when they stepped up their game. I have loads of Behringer gear it's never failed me, including my X32.

[@joethompson2910]

@muzikman2008... well, 2 of my 3 behringer products had problems... that bein said, Im glad to hear good things about their synths, my brother has a Deepmind 12 he likes & Im getting ready to pull the switch on a Crave..

[@marcelzoer3655]

Wow, what a Tutorial & Deep Dive at the same time. I just bought this Pro-1 and will redo all I have seen here to get the Pro-1 in my "system".

[@goodboid]

I don't need another synth... I don't need another synth... dammit.

[@urzathehappy72]

Stop watching reviews for gear u know u shouldnt buy ;p

[@mackmccord3743]

But you do. You really do. We all do!

[@jasonmcgary]

I was saying the same thing until sweetwater called and said its available

[@memeu]

so have you bought pro 1 or neutron?

[@Peat030]

You probably dont need another synth but you want one

[@rustystrat50]

I just got a Pro 1 a few days ago. It's my first hardware synth. I am having a great time learning how to use it and about how synths work. The hours just fly by. I also have the same Keystep keyboard. Thanks loopop for the informative video.

[@rolandechosmith5526]

Some said this synth sounds kind of cold, is that true?

[@matthewcates38]

I don't write a lot of reviews but I have to say this guy's stuff is extremely good. Clear, concise and comprehensive reviews.

[@muzikman2008]

Bought a Pro-1 based on this and other videos, always wanted one, now I have "ONE" :-) thankyou...

[@frunkfrankly]

That is a lovely sequence you've got going there at the start, when the detuning starts

[@zazz63]

...its actually the opening chords from babe im gonna leave you by led zeppelin.... let the court case begin.

[@vincentjanse]

Damn Behringer has been killin it.

[@andrewverran3498]

I get the feeling that you actually read all the comments, that must take up a lot of time and is a testament to this brilliant channel.

[@loopop]

Thanks yes I try, the system doesn't always show me all of them

[@georgeray3492]

Some great tips and ideas for patching! And I have used a Pro-1 since 1984... You taught at least one old dog some new tricks.

[@Buildingempires101]

11:00 mins is the best explanation of how envelopes work that I have ever seen

[@billmcnelis5999]

Loopop videos are the best executed synth videos I've seen, including those made by the synth manufacturers. Very professional. Concise, comprehensive, and no "HEY FAM BLAH BLAH HYPE HYPE." And each video is a general synthesis tutorial. Best resource on KZbin.

[@wedream2]

I have owned 2 Pro Ones, 2 Prophet 5s, a Prophet 600, and a T-8. I sold all but the 2 Pro Ones, which sound the best of all these Prophets. One of the Pro Ones had a membrane keyboard, that didn't trigger well, so I converted it to a module over 15 years ago, and put the pitch bend and mod wheels on the back. I'm glad to see Behringer making modules and clones of the classics. Great video. Love the tips and tricks.

[@j0bey1]

Clear, methodical, informative, and most importantly, without bias. Love your videos man. You're my go-to for synth knowledge.

[@venmita]

Dude that intro song was sweet

[@Jbohan46835]

You can use the SEQ 1 and 2 as custom arps. After entering in the notes, you can transpose it. With all the external sequencers in studios now I find this to be the best use of those features in this killer synth.

[@jasmeerlabeer4591]

Dude! Best overview and tutorial video i've seen yet for a synth. Especially since this one only comes with a quick start guide. Well done.

[@innerspacerace9196]

This is the one I have been waiting for

[@BFBeast666]

Thanks for going into so much detail regarding the envelopes. By watching this video, I learned how to use the cycling envelope on my Microfreak for something useful!

[@russellthompson8186]

Beatiful work my man!

[@synthanatomy]

Loopop is on fire, crazy amount of reviews in the past days/week :)

[@themadkraken1912]

I loved how you used the sequencer and the oscillator controls to play the intro. 10/10!

[@Jimbo386000]

First of all thanks for making this! I really wanna dive into the pro-1 and you do my favorite reviews of anything music technology related hands down. Second of all I’m still waiting on that K2 review. ;) hahaha I will be watching this multiple times until I get my hands on a pro 1.

[@nalaeel219]

Hey loop, i just wanted to thank you for all the informative videos you do. Just got a pro 1 today and have watched your video twice and im off and running. They do help so much. Thanks again man 👍 Just got you on patreon. Its well worth it.

[@loopop]

Thanks very much!

[@r.mattcoker4184]

Thank you for never using pedals with the synths you showcase. It's really irritating when people do that.

[@BarbieChaite]

I agree. They used to put 600$ reverb so we can't judge...

[@6884]

20 seconds in the video and I am in love

[@6884]

ah shiet I managed to forget about this synth until now, but I guess it was destiny I ended up here again...

[@Hmmarv]

wow, this video is great. the way everything was explained was very informative. also learned a lot of stuff, as someone who's been fairly new to synthesis and trying to find out what each knob does. you got yourself a new sub!

[@powermix24]

The new firmware makes this machine identical to the Pro one, snappier envelopes so now the attack is faster.

[@deauvillevrienden]

Received my Pro-1 today... no idea what firmware is on it.

[@spaceman-pe5je]

@@deauvillevrienden well just update it

[@voreshbo7031]

​@@spaceman-pe5je i had no idea one could update it, how?

[@kronossonork6994]

This presenter is too bloody cool. If we were down the pub, I'd buy you a pint.

[@valdiskrebs566]

Intro & Outro music really show off the great sound of this synth!

[@loopop]

Thanks!

[@lorenmorgan1931]

So I am totally buying one of these, as having the hardware inspires things in a way a soft synth will never do. With that being said, I am using Repro using your settings right along with the video and the sound is pretty much identical. I am not sure who to give the bigger applause to, U-HE for finally making a softsynth that is indistinguishable from the hardware, or Behringer for making an incredible cheap desktop model of something most could never have afforded to own before. I will say the patch bays that Behringer offers on everything totally give the modulation edge to the hardware as even U-HE didn't include this.

[@TimBeat55]

do check, if you haven't done so the U-He Tweaks layer, it does add a few extra facilities, but there would obviously be an issue with doing the software equivalent of external patching in the VST AU. BUT!!! remember you can use DAW automation to control parameters within the plugin. On my Logic set-up there are 23 automatable Repro1 parameters available, some with multiple options, so that might be worth investigating. You sort of get mod controls for free!

[@lorenmorgan1931]

@sbmphr It is software, but its brilliant software that sounds as good as the real thing in a mix. It is totally missing that hands on. But this is like the Creamware, it's software based hardware and people are paying fortunes for it it because its so spot on.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

@sbmphr Its a great place for someone to break into and learn synths, but I agree, even though I still use them from time to time. I do think every needs to be forced to use a patchless synth to learn from. As for software, things like OP-X Pro II, I can't afford an OB-Xa and that software sounds, drifts, and feels like the real deal. When Uli finally saves the day with the UB-Xa i will still continue to use both.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

@sbmphr I get it, but I still use Reaper for a DAW. Maybe this "WINU" thing behringer is making will migrate me off PC.

[@Pulse2AM]

Having owned a dozen analogue synths and dozens of VST synths over the years I can hear the difference between hardware and software. Right now I use hardware for the main sounds and once in a while software for filler sounds. Hardware sounds more complex and weightier to my ears.

[@oehmmm7030]

this is (probably) my first comment on youtube after so many years being a user, coz i felt like i had to write something. amazing tutorial, like a 30mins asmr. the melody in the outro gave me goosebumps!!

[@loopop]

Thanks for taking the time to write!

[@oehmmm7030]

@@loopop no thank you for doing this. This very video actually made me buy it the same day. Dunno, I think, as a guitar player, I've been mostly focused on how to play a series of notes (with all the colors and tones through the pedals and amps), rather than how to build/define a sound. and it opened my eyes in a very different and intriguing way.

[@jimgravesus]

Thank you for taking the time out to do these. Very informative. I check out sound only videos to see if I like the basic tone. If something piques my interest I come to your channel to get a deeper look.

[@Hakucho64]

The comparison of the various Behringer monosynths is super valuable, thanks!

[@lundsweden]

Ah, the old patch the output back into the input, thats an old Minimoog trick! I used to use that on my Micromoog, but the Pro1 sounds much phatter! Great review and some really good synth patch tips!

[@eternalself]

This synth is amazing, you opened up new possibilities. I don't think I can make any tracks without it now

[@storehausholdingllc406]

The sequence in the intro sold me.. Like take my money @ 0:48

[@NickHowesAstro]

Had both a real Pro 1 and Pro V in the 90s and this video has single handedly convinced me to get this product

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

Did you get it? Any calibration issues?

[@NickHowesAstro]

@@TwinCitiesOxygen I got it and in the 5 months so far, none at all... it's a beauty

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

@@NickHowesAstro mine are out of tune when they are dialed all the way back to -5. But play fine at 0 and up and down the keyboard

[@demonicsweaters]

You make some of the best, and most in depth synth demos on KZbin. Great stuff!

[@12copablo]

Great review! Your content is always great!! That filter sounds yummy!!

[@akabomb]

Thought I heard the music from the intro (and outro) in another video recently - decided to come back to this one and there it was. Love it

[@TTSetters]

Behringer been slaying with the synths lately. $250-$350 a pop. Going to make us all go broke.

[@seanvanrock]

Was debating the recent range of Beringer releases and this great run through has made my mind up! Thanks 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii]

Love it and your reviews as always are top billing

[@richardfarabaugh7604]

Fantastic reviews my friend. I love the detail and how on the left is the times for each section. Great tutorial/review/examples all wrapped up into one without getting long winded. Between you and Sonicstate I’m set for info and ideas. Thank you for all your hard work. Subbed. 🤗

[@__korvin__6713]

This melody is RIDICULOUSLY addictive!

[@GNeuman]

Simply an awesome review...thank you...mine comes TOMORROW!

[@GNeuman]

It's come and it sounds absolutely AWESOME!!! Build quality appears very sturdy, much better feel to the knobs than the original, though obviously a tad smaller.

[@jrodohio]

Another fantastic overview, Ziv! I've been excited for this synth since they announced it. I'm sure I'll be re-watching this when my Bro One arrives.

[@onceanquagh]

Best explanation I have found about this gear. Great details about the sequencer, I was looking for how to record notes and insert rests.

[@gokhan9395]

You don't have to go to the sonology classes..this loopguy is enough! awesome reviews you deserve more likes and more views. thank you!

[@johntalbot1331]

Thank you - just had mine delivered and your tutorial got me started.

[@JoeyLindsay]

Here's a patch idea: connect the LFO out into the mod wheel CV input which sets the pitch of oscillator 2 that modulates oscillator 1 for a pseudo 3-operator FM type sound.

[@JoeyLindsay]

@Astro Telomeres good to know

[@NonPhysicalPhenomena]

Stranger things sound at 17:18 is so cool!!

[@TwitterAR3]

Stranger THINGS....

[@nalaeel219]

Love the sound. I actually have one ordered and the crave. Thank you for the great review and all the work you put into creating these videos for us. We all appreciate it 💖

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Sounds amazing. That feeling that if Behringer glued 5 more of these and made it into a 6 Voice Poly we'd have a clone that rivals the Prophet 6 for probably 1/3 the price.... Fingers crossed!

[@derekbaker3279]

True, although the Prophet-6 has memory for manufacturer & user presets, a well-stocked effects section, and a top-notch keybed. After adding those would add substantially to the cost. 🤔 ☺

[@santibanks]

They could make a prophet 10 if they just glued 9 more engines and facilitate some midi routing (for layer, two separate, alternate, unison voice modes).

[@johndurrant9262]

Thank you for all the effort you put into these videos, so informative.

[@complice_de_satan]

Great tutorial! the filter explanation with the graph was exelennttt

[@wrmusic8736]

Now Behringer should stack 5 of these together and it's a start

[@dayvidiot]

i hope they clone a prophet 5

[@josephwright5921]

They will probably do a version of it eventually

[@analogsynthtim8823]

Really great review. Thanx for that. This unit sounds fantastic. What a sound for this price

[@Pulse2AM]

My first synth was a Pro One, I was such a noob I had to put colored dots all over it when I stumbled on a sound I liked. I haven't progressed much beyond that as a programmer yet! LOL I love how you know how to get so many sounds as a programmer.

[@sokoleski]

youre reviews are nothing short of amazing..... very greateful!

[@mathumphreys]

Great review. Your comparison at the beginning was really well done and really helpful.

[@BarbieChaite]

Thanks for the review. K-2 has the same price but is more versatile and rich.

[@RUMImusic]

Awesome review. Thank you for that. You explained everything very nice!

[@MrMarcLaflamme]

9:30 - OhhhHHHHHHH!!!! That's why Keyboard Tracking exists!! I never thought of that.

[@xBattsey]

Huge revelation to me too.

[@toitoitoy]

there are no Cons only ProOnes

[@fjfrancois]

LOL

[@GNeuman]

toitoitoy and we have a comments winner!😂😂😂

[@marcosantacruz9086]

Was totally waiting for this!!! Thank you!!!

[@TheDazlermac]

An Excellent overview \ review. Thanks for taking the time

[@NickHowesAstro]

Thomann are currently (Cyber week) doing the Pro 1 for £166... an utter steal for a brand new, 3 year warrantied product

[@montageproductions]

Another very polished review!

[@geralthoster6286]

loopop is so good he synthesized oscilloscope holograms outta the pro 1. something to do with the mod wheel it looks like

[@jeffevansmusic]

Good review. You covered the mod matrix very well too. I got this actually and really like it. It does sound very good indeed.

[@nathanjmansfield9969]

Loopop creates the most thorough reviews that educate and inspire. When are we gonna hear the music you make Loopop? The tasters you share are brilliant. wishing you all the very best.

[@loopop]

Thanks! Two albums are already out :)

[@LFOVCF]

Hell's teeth loopop, I've only just bought the Behringer 2600, and your video 'popped' up again, and now i gotta get me one of these. I had a toss up about this and the Model D and got the D, then the GAS hit me hard with the 2600, now you've ignited my love of the sound of this again. One good thing, is that they are much cheaper now. Superb video Grrr!😂

[@nik_elektrik]

Bought mine two years ago after watching this great video. And the many useful tricks keep me coming back from time to time. Also this feels like the video version of a good Sequential or old ARP manual. Are you listening, Uli? Get someone to make a transcript of this and have one of the best manuals on the market.

[@loopop]

Thanks! Transcripts not allowed though without permission... no cloning of my videos please, but Uli can feel free to link to them :)

[@kyleverse168]

Really great review and understanding of analog synthesis! Thank you!

[@MaurizioDiBerardino]

Ok, you got me at 12" with the filter snapping so hot! I'm in, I'll get one! :D

[@blakecasimir]

Yeah this has some serious acid chops, just like the original...

[@asteen75]

Good review.- I learned something. Nice demo in the end.

[@AndyVonal]

Thanks for another really useful and informative review. I have owned an original Pro-One since 1987 and I thought I knew it like the back of my hand but you have shown me some new tricks! Although I own an original it's still a bit of a "no-brainer" for me to get one of these when funds allow. All the sounds you have made are "familiar" and the review model sounds just like my own Pro-One. Can't wait to get my hands on this little beauty!

[@loopop]

Thanks for the comment!

[@GNeuman]

It's really, really refreshing that original synth owners like your goodself are not bitching about these reissues, or being corksniffers! Hats off to you!

[@AndyVonal]

@@GNeuman Indeed! No bitching from me - at least not about "clones" or "re-issues". I just happen to own the original in this case...I bought it for almost nothing years ago. At this point I could never afford to pay for an original of any of the synths which Behringer have "cloned" so I'll have to make do with what's on offer and it appears that these machines offer an awful lot for not very much. Gets a big thumbs up from me!

[@GNeuman]

Andrew Brooks I actually had quite a heated argument on youtube with a guy on his channel who runs his own vintage synth repair business in LA. He is actually totally anti-Behringer, his main arguments being tied up with Behringer being unethical in copying vintage instruments and also that infamous lawsuit that Uli brought against Dave Smith Instruments regarding disparaging comments made about Behringer products on a Gearslutz thread.....There's definitely two camps in the analogue synth world...1) those that believe Behringer are "democratising" the vintage analogue synth market 2) the vintage synth snobs/corksniffers who sneer at and despise Behringer. It's going to be interesting to see how the market unfolds. The value of my original Odyssey Mk. III has tanked and I paid absolute top dollar for it as well as significant repair bills to bring it up to scratch but I love this synth dearly and had the pleasure of it some years before the KARPs came out...And, I didn't buy it as an investment or something to boast about either...I've wanted an Odyssey since the early 90s and was only able to afford one relatively recently. My financial fortunes have again changed, sadly for the worse, so I can tell you I am very happy about what Behringer are doing. If the vintage synth market is going to be hit, then I hope it is those unscrupulous Ebay shysters who sell sub-par vintage equipment at outrageous prices; hopefully, their market will dry up and seeing Minimoogs with the description, "I think it is in good working order, but not plugged it in to test so can't guarantee it is 100%", for thousands of dollars, will become a thing of the past. As good as it sounds, I had GForce's Odyssey plug in as well but I generally dislike VSTs which of course is another story.

[@AndyVonal]

@@GNeuman Your story is much like mine, I suppose. I do have a couple of "ethical" worries about Behringer (but these are not strong enough to stop me buying one!) - and these are that Moog, Dave Smith (Sequential Circuits) and Roland are all still producing synths and that makes the Behringer synths direct competitors and I am sure that they will hurt the "original" manufacturers - and that saddens me. But I'm not wealthy enough to be snobby (or "corksniffy" - what a great word!) about it. These are musical instruments and I'm a (not very good) musician and the machines were designed for music production. If I win the lottery I might invest in a reissue Minimoog or a Sequential Prophet 6, but that's unlikely to happen. Looks like I'm stuck with Behringer! And for that I am grateful. Enjoy your Odyssey and cherish it, but don't overlook the Behringer!

[@Flying_Karsten]

your channel is very nice, i like your work!

[@THEREALDATALORD]

Very thorough demo. Thank you for the quality work.

[@michaelmoore1697]

Well you won't have to wait long m for the Polyphonic version. The Behringer crew just dropped a glimpse of their Prophet 5 project.

[@waveshape]

melody and your performance in the end is very beautiful, you are great musician

[@loopop]

Thank you so much. Album with an extended version coming soon....

[@fuzylogik]

such a fantastic and detailed review, I use to owe the original back in the day. If only youtube was around then I'd probably not sold it

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Somebody stole mine and the insurance company replaced it with a DX21 ... grrrrrrrr

[@RegebroRepairs]

I loved the Pro-1, which we used mostly for big fat oscillator sync bases. This is definitely on my wish-list. Although my friends Pro-1 you had to always start a sequence recording with the last note, or it would be one note out of sync. No clue why...

[@Zogqen]

Dig that baseline slide feature! Very cool 👍

[@MysteronLunaris]

Your videos are so good man, great job. I've been trying to figure out what to get as a "my first synth" and they've been helping out. Pretty sure I've decided on this one. I really like that it has sequencing, and I think it has a nice sound too.

[@flstudiotutorials9467]

Have you sampled that "Hi" at the beginning lol. Great review.

[@limbicbits]

excellent overview and review!

[@FrankLinnemann]

Excellent! Many thanks 🙏

[@TamarinPamarin]

Really cool review also good tutorial about synthesis 👍🏻

[@RAFI205]

I finaly understand how filter envelopes work, thanks ;)

[@leonaRt7470]

If only Behringer would release something like the Eventides H8500 or similar. Need RackFx

[@TurkmanSouljah]

Loopop thank you! 🙏🏽

[@milanof8841]

great video by the way, learned a lot!

[@MarshalArnold]

Nice to see this is out in the wild, and a great demo/overview as always Mr Loopop! As I don't know much about the original I'm curious how this stacks up to an OG S.C. Pro-One sound wise. I know that's not the point of this vid, but perhaps some folks here in comment land can clue me in...

[@timbeaton5045]

I have my old SC Pro-one which I bought far too many years ago to be comfortable with that number! Recently took mine apart to replace all the plastic key mechanism "stops" as they were pretty much all rotten! And after a thorough application of the cotton buds and Isopropyl alcohol, it is still working fine. And looking at the money I could get by selling it, I am very tempted. Still have my original manual, too, if a bit dog-eared! And listening to this, I can confirm that if these were in a track, you would never be able to tell the difference, and "out in the open", I suspect that the only audible difference would be due to component tolerance variations in the original model. It's damn close, for what it's worth. If I were looking to replace/add to my SC model, I would buy this on a heartbeat. Also, you should check out the U-He RePro-1softsynth, as well. It also pretty much nails this sound, and of course is programmable, with some nice extra tweaks, as well as soft effects built in. Note that this is actually a bundle with their Repro5, a damn good Prophet 5 simulation. That also sounds great, and seems to have also captured the SC Prophet vibe. Hope that helps.

[@MarshalArnold]

@@timbeaton5045 very cool, thanks Tom!!