The Solina String Ensemble Reborn: The Behringer Solina Review and Demo

The Solina String Ensemble is the classic string machine of the 1970s. It was used by Pink Floyd (Shine on You Crazy Diamond and on the Animals album), Elton John, OMD, Tangerine Dream, Japan and many more. The original 70s machines are heavy and getting increasingly rare, but there is something special about their odd string sound.
Behringer have brought back the Solina with a reproduction of the original in a smaller desktop form factor. Still using the analogue circuit, it is 49 polyphonic (using the original divide-down technology) and has the original Cello, Contra-Bass, Viola, Violin, Trumpet and Horn sounds, of which you can combine any combination of them.
It also has the classic modulation effect which gives the Solina its character. Also built in is a brilliant sounding phaser which really adds to the classic 70s sound. There are only a few sound editing parameters: bass volume, crescendo and sustain length but that is exactly what the orignal had.
You can also use the mod in / out and phaser in / out to process external signals with the unit’s effects. I tried pushing my Yamaha TX7 through the phaser and it sounds amazing. There are also 9 pin MIDI In/Through, USB Midi and Eurorack connections.
As soon as you start playing the Solina, you get the classic 70s and 80s string machine sounds and I was transported back to a world of Pink Floyd and Tangerine Dream. In this video, I unbox and review the Behringer Solina String Ensemble. I also demonstrate running other synths and drum machines through its modulation and phaser effects.
My music:
Spotify open.spotify.com/artist/6LrM8... Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/music/player... Apple: / ian-s-dixon
Sections:
0:00 Introduction
0:37 Unboxing • The Solina String Ense...
2:07 Firmware update • The Solina String Ense...
3:08 Sound demos • The Solina String Ense...
8:27 processing external sounds through the Solina • The Solina String Ense...
11:32 Conclusion • The Solina String Ense...
UPDATE: I have new video on how to use the Solina as an effects unit
• How to Use the Behring...

[@Heavy_Distortion]

Sweet. Thank you for dry sound without external effects. Reveals true character.

[@IanDixonTDL]

Thanks, having spent some more time with it I am loving the sound even without the modulation

[@HazeAnderson]

With this synth, the true character IS its internal effects, namely the chorus/ensemble that is labeled "Modulation."

[@rtrik73]

Great review! 😎

[@ashfaq1999]

Great video 🎶

[@floydkeys]

This video sold it for me...ordered and waiting in anticipation!

[@IanDixonTDL]

You are going to love it!

[@IanDixonTDL]

If you have a Modwave I have a Pink Floyd sound set out soon

[@EdEditz]

I just got mine 3 days ago. Love it, it sounds so good and the bass is really heavy.

[@IanDixonTDL]

yes, its great!

[@SR-ih1be]

This is the finest synth module ever

[@IanDixonTDL]

And now I use it on every track!

[@shadowhenge7118]

Hope they make a stereo unit someday. I feel like having the option would be a nice upgrade.

[@IanDixonTDL]

i have started using it in Cubase with midi and then record it twice and pan one left and one right. The way the modulation works it is never twice the same when you record so you get really good stereo.

[@Analog32]

Great review, reminds me of 70s horror & science fiction movies.

[@IanDixonTDL]

yes, it takes me right back!

[@johnnydiamondsmusic1673]

Got to wait till Xmas to open mine. Back in the day when I had the original I just used to bang everything on with max sustain with a Sequential Pro 1 on top. I also have the Behringer pro 1.

[@IanDixonTDL]

You are going to love it

[@fjfrancois]

Good video, thanks 👍🏻

[@IanDixonTDL]

Glad you liked it!

[@sonorabells]

Hey Ian. From he USA. These are hard to get. A workaround i found for sustane is to use a midi note hold feature found on some controlers like my vintage oberheim xk. Also try using 2 solinas to make stereo by slightly out of tune diff phaser and env settings. Of course effects are it's best friend

[@IanDixonTDL]

That is a good tip about the midi controller. I could double track the Solina and postion them left and rigth in the stereo field

[@Gjallarhorn84]

You just sold me this impressive replica from the 70s, unfortunately it's sold out everywhere, crazy how it is wanted by everyone but also not surprising when we hear what it can do for a decent price

[@IanDixonTDL]

The price is great, initially I put strings on every track but I have calmed down a bit now! :)

[@richardanderson8696]

Andertons have stock, and a low price.

[@Gjallarhorn84]

@@IanDixonTDL haha from now every synth player will sound the same

[@Gjallarhorn84]

@@richardanderson8696 thanks, I bought it from Thomann two weeks ago and received it few days later, it's an incredible piece of history that joined my arsenal

[@IanDixonTDL]

the world will be a better place with more Solina!

[@spielor0815]

Hi, what is the drum machine you are using here? Thank you!

[@IanDixonTDL]

The kick, snare and hats are from a Korg Modwave and the other parts from a Uno Drum

[@michaelpierce3264]

lucky you I’m still waiting!

[@IanDixonTDL]

It's worth the wait

[@fjfrancois]

Me too waiting and waiting for my order. 😢

[@Gjallarhorn84]

Since when did you guys order it and from which website?

[@IanDixonTDL]

I got mine from Thorman.de but they have 7-9 week pre-order

[@Gjallarhorn84]

@@IanDixonTDL that's also what it mentions, thanks

[@videosuperhighway7655]

Funny thing is for a small module still feels a bit on the heavy side.

[@vansweej]

which is the song in the beginning ?

[@IanDixonTDL]

it's my original composition, it will be available on Spotify and other platforms soon!

[@vansweej]

@@IanDixonTDL can give me a link to your music ?

[@IanDixonTDL]

Spotify open.spotify.com/artist/6LrM8FZnUgxxDJli5PT9jT Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/music/player/artists/B0BJKDHMBQ/ian-s-dixon Apple: music.apple.com/us/artist/ian-s-dixon/1650328727

[@IanDixonTDL]

The song is now available open.spotify.com/track/7aVdIVkTWhDjfM3MkKfBLO?si=c71a8f57603f48e1

[@vansweej]

nice song, can I contact you privately ?

[@videosuperhighway7655]

behringer the only company crazy enough to issue a proper String ensemble machine, Waldorf released a digital clone but not real analog.

[@smoothoscillator1]

Scarface…don’t mess with Tony Montana’s lil sis…