Behringer 2600

Here are my thoughts on the Behringer 2600 having owned one and used it extensively for the last three months.

[@floyd101954]

This is by far the BEST review of this Synth that I have seen. Honest, accurate and actually making music instead of the typical sound clips. My background… I was a recording engineer in NYC in the 70’s and 80’s. I also built and owned my own recording studios starting when I was just 15 years old (built the first 4 track studio in the basement of my parent’s home). I owned the original ARP 2600 when it first became available, in fact I owned the first one ever sold in NY, I bought it at Manny’s Music. The day I picked it up I had a crowd around me wanting to know and hear what this machine could do. Henry (one of the owner’s of Manny’s) set me up back in the drum section of the store to demo it for everyone. At one point I had 2 of them in my Studio along with a MiniMoog, ARP String Ensemble, and a bunch of Oberheim modules. I have tried many of the Virtual 2600 Synths and they all fall short. I did not get a chance to try the Limited Edition Korg, which in my opinion was way over priced. What I can tell you is that this Behringer rendition is as about as close as you can get to owning the real thing. The layout is slightly different (like the Ring Mod being on the bottom instead of top left) which is expected based upon the overall size but for the most part it VERY close to the original. Oh and BTW, even the 2 ARPs I owned never sounded EXACTLY alike when I worked with them side by side, close but NOT EXACT! I learned to work with the nuances of both of them. I wish KZbin channels had the option of posting photos, I have nice photos of my original 2 ARP setup. Anyway if you want the closest thing to the original ARP 2600 get yourself one of these, especially the versions with the Spring Reverb! Tim, thank you for your excellent video! Well done!!!

[@lescobrandon8045]

That's funny I thought I owned the most unique one. The serial number is 4U2PN. Just kidding heard something at work like that. It is a must have synth IMO.

[@mattheww9656]

That’s very interesting - thank you for sharing your experience.

[@tablameister]

Take your photos and merge them with an audio track to create a video and then post the video - that is how you post photos on youtube

[@synthesizerhome2041]

This is more adverstisement than a review...

[@zoundsic]

@@synthesizerhome2041 Probably why he said it was his opinion not a review at the start as there are loads of reviews already.

[@dimensionalbleedthrough2040]

This video combined with one more beer and I might just pull the trigger on this one tonight. Fantastic video. Subscribed!

[@tshou520]

Having owned an OG 2600 "Grey Meanie" for some years, I can say that you are correct. I now have a Behringer Blue Marvin. As far as the sound goes, the differences are very negligible and I would not say that one was better than the other. I doubt that most people would notice any difference at all. If you're new to modular, or even synthesizers, you would do well to learn on a 2600. Up until I had a 2600, I was basically just twisting knobs and sliding sliders until I got what I wanted. After figuring out the 2600, I could very quickly dial in the sound in my head. It is an amazing learning tool and it just sounds great.

[@Mchannemann]

Love the journey taken Tim, very well pointed out the issue of vintage sound unique per unit 😀

[@JackMyersPhotography]

Your take and your opinion on a synth is the exact reason I check out your reviews. Your attention to detail and your approach is a definite cut above. Making music and sound in use, not just a noises videos, is also an excellent way to show what an instrument can do. It sells the device far better. Thanks for another great review!

[@ConwayBob]

Thank you, Tim, for at least partially demystifying this intriguing synth for those of us who have had it on our wish lists for months but are still hesitating. What lovely sounds you are able to coax from it!

[@MJ-tg6wb]

You said it perfectly.

[@AndyVonal]

Once again, Tim, you do not fail! The best video I have yet seen on this synth! Why? Because it's honest! Great job! Thank you!

[@ultreya6709]

Another fantastic video Tim! What I really love on your channel is that you highlight the musicality of gear you are talking about instead of the boring technical features everyone else does. Really appreciated!

[@JobimSynthMusic]

I like how you're making vintage 70s style sounds with it, this is helping with my decision about getting one. And I think it sounds like the 70s, because 70s electronic music was my musical formation. beyond that it's processing and mixing with other synths. nice job!

[@davidryonjennings]

Really nice review. Thank you. I’ve had mine for about 6 months, but struggle with the patches and sounds. I like that you approached this from a musicians POV, rather than a tech/gear-head POV. Love your music as well. You pulled some very modern sounds out of it. Well done.

[@rrocktoo]

This is an excellent review. You’ve taught me enough to tackle my ARP 2600 soft synth and put this version on my Christmas shopping list. Much appreciated.

[@bitFetcher]

I REALLY appreciate you taking the time to give this tour! I remember sitting in my local music shop while an ARP sales rep gave a “clinic” demonstrating the 2600 to a bunch of us, completely wrapt by its “majestic” appearance and sound! The rework of “Birdsong” was brilliant!

[@timfubar5439]

Love it, definitely the "thinking person's" synth reviewer. Seriously tempted to invest in one of these...

[@georgeray3492]

Great tips on the electronic switch and lag processor. I hadn't seen those elsewhere. The case is a work of art. Thanks for the time you put into this.

[@mark35mi]

Tim.... always appreciate your 'thoughts '. Your depth of knowledge shows when discussing a particular synth, and I appreciate your take, and delivery style. Especially talking about... then playing examples. Brilliant as always. Thank you. Really enjoyed this showcase... and your thoughts.

[@dinosauria55]

As a relative newcomer to the world of synth and patching I love your videos. They're great even for a beginner to follow and they're full of practical advice and things I can apply to my use of these synths and I actually understand what I'm doing.

[@Midi-olo-gist6758]

As I've said before. Shoebridge you are the best when it come to great analyzing and your grooves are awesome. Keep up the great work, and stay blessed.

[@Kevinfordsynthesizers]

The best demonstration and ‘lecture’ on this synth and useage that I’ve seen to date, to the effect that I’ve ordered one today. Many thanks sir.

[@LightViews]

I've had my 2600 for 3 weeks and that has been the most informative video I have watched so far - thanks Tim.

[@wedream2]

I had the Korg 2600 FS, but it had a defective oscillator from day one. It took 8 months to get it fixed, requiring replacement of PCBs. I was so turned off that I sold it and bought 2 fully suspended mountain bikes and the Behringer 2600. And I love the extra features of the B2600.

[@amonster8mymother]

Oh that's a shame. 🤣🤣🤣

[@kiickinballistics]

Love your song at the end. Just wonderful Tim. The combination of synth and vocals is epic. Thanks again.

[@JaseLovesDub]

Loving the track around the 12 minute mark. Nice to hear a demo in situ as it were . *Salutes*

[@rickhopkinson]

I really like the way you direct and edit your videos in a cinematic way, even down to the subtle and hard to explain ways that you use camera angles and zooms along with certain sonic messages that fit the visuals... very clever. I also enjoy listening to your information as it’s melodic, to the point and interesting 🤔

[@modgrip805]

I got a great deal on an original Tonus 2600 when I lived in New England. The former head tech from ARP lived down the road and I took a Matrix 12 in for a service and saw a bunch of 2600s in pieces. I asked if he had a working one and he said he’d put one together for me. Had it for 5 years before selling to move back to Europe. Really interested to pick this up and compare 👍

[@whiteflares1]

Thank you SO much for this beautifully produced super clear, informative and inspiring explanation how to approach the 2600. Acquired this marvel piece recently and literally watched your video like 3 times and feel not-overwhelmed anymore, to me it really is a crazy beautiful synth with amazing possibilities. I am exactly that person who is interested in Modular but won't, and got this and wanting to explore the idea to combine with the neutron I already had for additional osc / voices / cross-patching. Anyways thanks!!

[@wajobu]

Nice overview, Tim! Can't get one in the US at the moment, on preorder in perpetuity. My intro to the 2600 was Edgar Winter's Frankenstein.

[@nigelh2]

Thank you Tim for another excellent video and your informative & personalised presentation here. I particularly like how you show respect for the people who have made great decisions and efforts to bring this affordable masterpiece to many more musicians so that we can reap the benefits of this iconic synthesiser.

[@andrewgenner2613]

What an excellent demo! I don't have a 2600, but there were still several neat tips that I can try out in my modular set-up. Thanks very much for posting this.

[@cortical1]

Super thoughtful, complete review--thanks, Tim! And really pleasing little demo tunes too, as always. Cheers from Carlsbad, California.

[@ThomasBotte]

Thanks Tim, a really good video again. Great sounds in the song. I love especially your thoughts , the giving me a great step nearer to the synth and if it a thing for me or not. So thanks again. Rock on

[@PawelMusic]

Many thanks for this video Tim, It's always pleasure to watch your productions. Well, I couldn't agree more about what you said about the comparison B2600/ARP2600. The idea of Behringer to revive iconic analog synths was just great (also playing on the sentiments of the people like me - remembering those times of 70/80 ;-) )

[@SoundmanCH]

Such a great channel! Learned a lot again and totally enjoyed this video. Quality and.character, like and ARP oscillator/filter combo!

[@jamesdefrancesco7765]

Just got mine (in the States) this week. Thank you for this video. It was perfect timing as it has been frustrating trying to get my brain around it. I will be patient.

[@Guitarisalways]

Ha‼️ new tricky camera work🎥 Always appreciate your honesty 💯

[@TwitterAR3]

Very nicely done! Mine will be in my hands by Monday. I cannot wait to play this synth!!

[@MarcusPadrini]

Waiting for mine to arrive next week and there would be no better video to watch! Amazing content with beautiful musical examples. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the 2600, Tim!

[@eastvantony]

your videos are unique that is why we sub , just because others make videos on a synth doesnt mean we would rather watch theirs we watch yours because we like you.

[@garyturner5204]

Beautifully done. Thank you! Love the blue Korg MS-20! :)

[@Midi-olo-gist6758]

Wow the birdsong patch is freaking amazing. I've got to have one. Oh and thank you so much for addressing the elephant in the room. I'm pretty she that it is just as good if not better. I love me some Behringer and you too Tim. You're the best!!

[@jurriaanbalhuizen]

This was a joy to watch! Better than any of the usual reviews. Thanks very much.

[@edwinkeys]

Thank you very much for all of this INfo..!!!.. I just got my 1st Behringer ARP 2600 the other Day and this Video was so helpfull in getting started ...This is a great synth.....!!!

[@LesterH25]

Thoughtful authentic and inspiring Tim. Nearly bought the Karp Odyssey desktop but opted for this for £20 less and it is absolutely wonderful.

[@SuperChaoticus]

Ordered mine in December, and they're saying maybe I'll get it sometime mid June. In the meantime, i stumbled across a used Behringer Odyssey to play with for now, and it will be interesting to see how the Odyssey and the 2600 get along together.

[@LesterH25]

@@SuperChaoticus the odyssey is amazing and I’ll be getting one too. Both have that authentic analogue sound. I’ve got an Access Virus which I love but it can’t sound like an ARP.

[@binshort]

Thanks for that great review. Absolutely the best review of the Behringer 2600. I have a grey meanie version, still in the box, waiting to setup my future studio (need to move first). After seeing your video, i can't wait to explore the sounds of the 2600. Thanks, you inspired me.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Such amazing and well made videos. Love them!

[@unclemick-synths]

Good video as ever Tim. 👍 Ralph Baumgartl has some comparison videos. There is another one (can't remember who by) with a three-way where the Behringer was a closer match to an original than the Korg! Personally, if an A/B blind test is required, the difference is too small to worry about.

[@mattiass9929]

Great video! Loved hearing your thoughts on the synth and the tips you had. That unipolar LFO-trick is great! Going to try to reproduce your birdsong-patch on my behringer 2600. Thanks, you have a new subscriber! I would love to see more patching ideas from you. :)

[@NielsBohr107]

Awesome video! So glad I came across your channel.

[@mikemeengs5720]

Mine arrives tomorrow, and I've watched this great video three times. I've wanted THAT sound for a very long time, and now it shall be mine! Stoked!

[@dustop3r]

I really appreciate your videos. I have a BARP 2600 myself and it's a lovely piece of machinery. You showed some good patches and illustrated how do arrangements with them, nice! I agree that one of the best things with this synth is its patchability (but I do love the the sound as well). For those people having this synth, and thinking about getting into modular, it would be nice to see a video on if/how you could build a modular rig with the 2600 as a starting point, and add some interesting modules, perhaps hardware sequencer, some other type of filter etc. That would be awesome!

[@AmbientMusicStudio]

I've been thinking of doing a video of the B 2600 with my small modular system, but I need to get up to speed with the 2600 first. I have been sequencing it with Mutable Instruments Marbles and Ornaments & Crime. I've had some fun and inspiring jams with the combination.

[@joeyd.8270]

Thank you Tim! I absolutely love the song at the end of the video! It makes me feel so happy! I happen to own a Behringer 2600. I also own other various Behringer synths. Love them all. Once again, thank you Tim!

[@obwanz1921]

Fantastic review Tim, very much appreciated! Subscribed 👍

[@tiagojnrm]

Amazing review, Tim!!! Also, thanks a lot for your incredible logue oscillators!

[@snarklar]

What a wonderful video. Looking forward to more!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Very thorough Tim. I think you covered it all. I've been lucky to play a few originals and speak to guys who designed it back in the day. I'm sure you've heard the story of Dave Friend getting thrown out of a music store when he asked if they'd sell it for them? Ha. Btw - when you mentioned there is limited use for a sample and hold, there's one trick you might not know (forgive me if you do). Take a self oscillating filter as the clock for a sample and hold circuit and you can get a fast rate (up to something like 30khz). If you then run an audio signal through the circuit as the signal that it's sampling and bring the filter down slowly you'll get audio rate downsampling, exactly like you do with digital audio. You can then add crunch and aliasing to any sound you want. Run formants through that and it's absolutely mad. I did it at about 4:04 in this video if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKSUYYh9Yql4sM0

[@TimShoebridge]

Hey Alex thanks a lot for that S&H tip, really appreciate it, I'll definitely check it out

[@ChurchOfTheHolyMho]

I'd watched that trick in your initial video, but it took me reading this comment for it to sink in. The higher the sample frequency, the closer the output is to the original wave... Of course it is... Analog sampling (sample and hold) is just like digital sampling. Duh! (the lightbulb over my head is finally illuminated)... Great tip. Thanks for sharing (again). :)

[@dustop3r]

Alex, I tried to use the Behringer 121 as an self-oscillating filter in my system 100M, but couldn't make it work. There is one video from Learning Modular which shows to to set it up like you described, I think, but I couldn't get results even close to that (Roland 500 system was used there). Will try this with the BARP 2600 instead.

[@TheAnalogsamurai]

Outstanding demo of the jam-ability of this machine. I just bought one and I'm trying to truly dive into the capabilities. Sounds like there's alot under the hood. I felt like I wouldn't be able to get past the bleep boop beep boop demos I see saturating youtube. Thankyou.

[@IzopticMusic]

Perfectly showcases this other-worldly quality anything coming from a 2600 almost automatically seems to have. Finally ordered a Gray Meanie today. Thanks for this brilliant review and demo!

[@6human6larvae6]

great video. Received mine yesterday, and just love it

[@martinlubitz3171]

Like the part where the 2. seq. starts. As always good job, like your videos Tim, thanks for sharing.

[@ericMT]

I have one of these and I really haven’t used it as much as I expected to. It’s very different from other synths and has a much steeper learning curve. But it makes some really great sounds. This video has inspired me to get back into it and really use it properly because the 2600 is so legendary and as a Vince Clarke fan, all the sounds it makes remind me of a lot of his songs. ALSO: If you are in the US, the price for the normal one is just $500 (£402). Ridiculous price for what you get. It does take up a lot of space. I have mine in a 19” rack and that works fine.

[@leftovernoise]

I was out of desk space so I ended up getting a wall mount 19in rack that's only 6in deep and mounted it on the wall behind my desk. Works great! I can still easily reach everything on it yet doesn't take up any desk space

[@InFamousProductions]

I gotta tell you Tim, that track you made at the end, could be the opening for a 80's daytime talk show with the host has a sweater around her neck and everyone is smiling.

[@DestroyER82]

Thank you for this review, amazing again and making me really want one. :) To be honest, you dont really need to hold back and think about your "scripts" from any angles due to other reviewers. At least for me, you are the main reviewer for these pieces of gear and I dont really watch others much anymore.

[@noeqplease]

Brilliant overview, great sounds. Thanks!

[@hakonberg8003]

The sounds you are able to conjure from this device are truly beautiful.... I have never been an ARP fan, I always found them sounding "hollow", "flat"..... but the sounds u create have changed my mind

[@tiagojnrm]

Your review made me buy this little monster :) And what a machine! I guess it'll keep me busy for the next couple of years finding out just what I can do with it. Like for instance your sweet bird sound patches. Thanks again :) Um abraço

[@astrodug]

I couldn't afford an Arp 2600 when they came out. I was 12 years old. Now I can buy an amazing replica of it for $600.

[@hardcorehouse]

Ni one will enjoy it more Doug

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Same for me. I love mine. I'm finally living a dream, that started so many years ago, in my local music store. Sounds can be as simple, or complex, as you like.

[@Gabriel.A.L.]

what a great video!!! I also like the relaxed way how its made.

[@pthomas36]

Wonderful insight into this amazing remake. It's on my list for sure, perhaps the gray meanie... The outro track sounds really really good. You had me groovin! :-)

[@RedCloudServices]

Tim I just ordered a 2600 and a complete hardware modular newbie. Thank you for this video

[@roland4507]

The biggest difference to a lot of other channels is that you always make the synth sound so good. The music in this video is really nice to listen to.

[@tubeMonger]

I'm really glad I watched your video. Together with Alex Ball's documentary "Electromotive - The Story of ARP Instruments" it all kind of comes together. Thanks for sharing.

[@mauriciomandara5946]

Great review! Waiting here for an in depth patching review of that blue semi modular on top of the Waldorf keyboard !!!

[@fatkev1983]

I think I have 3 big but attainable synths on my "to buy" list now. The Behringer 2600 joins the Roland System-8 and the Arturia MatrixBrute! This video is immense and one of the better reviews I have seen. I have some other Behringer gear and they have all exceeded my expectations, hence I bought not one but two Craves.

[@RobotalismGames]

Perhaps the best video on the B2600

[@ampulsetonstudio1410]

Thanks for the effort put in your review,really helped here! 😊🙏🏼🙂👌🏼

[@ktreier]

The melodic examples are great and proof that the 2600 has never just being a special effects sound machine.

[@brianglock3099]

Very nice presentation, thank you. Looking forward to when mine arrives and incorporating it with the other synths. 🙂 Of course a lot of time will be just playing it at first.

[@TheNimasan]

man this is a synth i never owned, too. i own bunch of synths, back in the 90's, but i saw the arp just in my nice dreams. i really can't believe that there is a possibiliy to get one ( real close to the original ) for under 600 bucks. that is just insane!!!

[@zuludj]

I just bought one … thanks to you Tim and one of the comments from the gent who purchased the first original in NYC … 🎉

[@warp2600]

Thanks for this educational and very entertaining demo.

[@ChrissV234]

I saw that case on eBay and was a bit skeptical but I must say it looks super. I’m going to have to get one. Great video as always Tim. I feel like I should be paying you for these!

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

SSsssshhhhh!!.... Your gunna mess it up for us.:).

[@validcore]

Remember whatbit ran,?

[@dillipphunbar7924]

Had my eye on one of these for quite a while. I ended up taking the plunge into eurorack instead, to compliment my neutron. I did however get the behringer 2600 vco which is the 2nd or 3rd on your system. Currently running 3 waveforms through the Eudemonia, and the Sine goes through a Doepfer A-137-1 wave multiplier. Very rich sounds. Your demos sounded wonderful, BTW.

[@pacoestelles-narwhalsound75]

Fantastic video Tim. Really nice compositions you did. In spite I am a bit scared with modulars (I am a composer, not a programer), I am going to get one. I see huge posibilities. You made my mind. Thank you once again!

[@edgarbrocke1807]

Awesome track at the end! Thanks for your reviews!

[@ingolf7411]

Great thoughts & video on a great synth.

[@voidburner8271]

You're a real MVP. I returned my B-odyssey and ordered one! Gasing for it hehe

[@micheldejesus3319]

OK I need that synth and a full hour version of that jam. Thanks Tim.

[@MelloCello7]

That bird song might have been the most impressive thing I've ever seen out of a semi modular, insane stuff Tim!

[@IanWaugh]

Hi Tim - I love your videos and watch them because of your opinion. That's what differentiates you from other channels. I lusted after an original 2600 back in the day. Was very excited when this was announced - well over a year ago - but my enthusiasm has cooled a bit. Got into modular and wondering if this would bring much to the party. And then Behringer brings out Blue and Grey versions. Oh dear... Ralph Baumgartl has an original ARP and has done comparisons but, as you say, it's more about what you can do with the synth than the accuracy of its sound.

[@silverqumera]

Just the fact that this is Tim giving his thoughts on a synth is enough to make a video on it and for me to watch it lol

[@TheInterGalacticFederation]

enjoying your opinions on this Tim. great music too, thanks

[@powermix24]

Just ordered one, Excellent video!

[@TheMachinesWon]

Tim I got a case like that coming for my B2600-too, both preordered currently. Great video, it looks and sounds great!

[@musicaldev5644]

I had this though in my head today about checking your channel for new amazing videos and instantly got notification for new video. So excited to see it

[@JulesFox]

Outstanding presentation. So well presented and paced. I'm a new subscriber.

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

Tim it would be nice to see you use the B2600 with other gear like the 960 sequencer etc. Great vid yet again Sir 👍

[@synthplayer1563]

Super review (anyway). And thanks for the elephant in the room. The song at the end is wonderful.

[@massimilianolongo4912]

I had an original one, so I can say this clone is very very nice, for some option maybe better. The real difference is that when you have the original 2600 you feel the object, his smell, his size, his history. The Behringer is a great deal, more useful than the original at fraction of cost, believe me. Nice review.

[@alwaysandy_]

Wow thanks for this! So many great tips and pointers you’ve given us. So I just got (2) original 2600s. You’re so right that it’s about far more than the sound. Your synth sounds well similar to mine. My two sound slightly different. I’m going through the original Patch Book on my channel now if you’d like to see how yours compare to my two. It’s so fun learning on this synth and you seem to have it dialed. I’m gotta admit tho I’m a little jealous of how your faders aren’t scratchy and everything works perfectly. 😂 Thanks dude you rock too!! Amazing!🍻

[@FlippingTheBits]

Thanks for this objective and realistic overview. It stands out.

[@kostradamus5739]

Very well review. I bought my B2600 secondhand and i went for the Blue Marvin because of the build-in springreverb. Now i am playing around with the Behringer Solina String Ensemble. Also a very good remake comparing with my big 'Eminent 310 Unique Theatre'