Behringer 2600 Blue Marvin

33

Semi-Modular Analogue Synthesiser

  • Special edition with blue front plate and selected components
  • Monophonic
  • 3 VCOs with adjustable pulse width
  • Oscillator 1 with outputs for sawtooth and pulse
  • Oscillators 2 and 3 with switchable oscillator synchronisation and outputs for triangle, sawtooth, sine, and pulse
  • Low pass filter with resonance and 2 switchable filter characteristics
  • Noise generator
  • Ring modulator
  • Sample & hold step
  • Preamp and Envelope follower for external signals
  • Voltage processor
  • ADSR envelopes
  • AR envelopes
  • Stereo VCA with adjustable panorama
  • Mixable mechanical spring reverb
  • Extensive modulation options are possible for oscillators and filters via predefined signal path and free wiring of all sections via patch cables (3.5 mm jack)
  • Stereo line output: 2x 6.3 mm jack
  • Stereo headphone output: 3.5 mm jack
  • Footswitch input for interval latch and portamento : 6.3 mm jack
  • MIDI In/Thru
  • USB-B port (MIDI)
  • Format: 19" / 8 U
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 482 x 356 x 108 mm
  • Weight: 5.1 kg
  • Colour: Blue
  • Includes external power supply (12 V DC, 2000 mA)
Available since March 2021
Item number 513579
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Design 19"
Polyphony 1
Sound Generation Analogue
MIDI interface 1x In, 1x Thru
Storage Medium None
USB-port Yes
Effects Yes
Arpeggiator No
Number of Analog Outputs 2
Digital Output No
Display No
Optional Expansions None
Special Features Semi Modular, Mechanical Spring Reverb
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1.879 AED 473,95 €
Plus 277 AED shipping
The price in AED is a guideline price only
Since we ship from Germany, additional costs through taxes and customs may be incurred
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A modernised version of the semi-modular classic

The original on which Behringer’s 2600 is based was an extremely popular synthesizer when it hit the market in the 1970s and is today considered a true classic. With its semi-modular structure, duophonic mode, separate keyboard and of course its wealth of sonic possibilities, this legendary synth was ground-breaking for its time and inspired the likes of Herbie Hancock, Vince Clark, and Joe Zawinul to explore completely new possibilities of musical expression, many of which ended up in classic recordings. The Behringer 2600, a new, modernised, and compact version of the original classic, here available in a special edition with selected components and real spring reverb, was developed in collaboration with British analogue guru AMSynths and retains all the sonic capabilities of its illustrious predecessor. Each original circuit has been painstakingly recreated to contemporary standards, and its format has been reduced from the original to fit in a 19" rack. The Behringer 2600 retains all the features of the original and has added functionalities of its own, such as MIDI and dimmable LED faders. And like the original, the Behringer 2600 can be directly connected to other modular synthesizers and analogue sequencers, and thus become an integral part of a much larger and more powerful system.

Duophonic analogue synthesizer

The 2600 is a powerful analogue synthesizer with three oscillators and two switchable LFOs which can be assigned to a VCO or even used independently. The Behringer 2600 includes differential VCA inputs, an ADSR envelope section with scaling options, and other functions such as noise generators, S&H (Sample and Hold), and an assignable low-pass filter as well as an inverter option on the voltage processor. The LFO and portamento sections, which in the case of the original were located on a separate keyboard, are also integrated into the main chassis. The main signal path and the assignments of each modulation are conveniently controlled via faders, which can also be visualised via LED colour indicators. For greater flexibility, the signal flow can be modified via patch connections and expanded with external devices. Another feature of the 2600 is its Duo Voice Mode, which uses a second oscillator to play two notes simultaneously whereas the original model was exclusively monophonic. In contrast to the regular model of the Behringer 2600, the Blue Marvin and Gray Meanie models feature a real spring reverb.

An affordable replica

For most people, owning the illustrious original seemed like an unobtainable dream – until now, that is. The original units are very rarely available anymore, and when they are, they are prohibitively expensive. DIY projects do exist and crop up from time to time, but they require a lot of time and expertise to build – and also come with a high-end price tag. The Behringer 2600 offers an affordable version of the classic synth for the first time, and it can be easily acquired by small studios or taken on tour without hesitation. This versatile synthesizer will appeal mainly to musicians who are familiar with the semi-modular concept, with a view to integrating it into a larger, more complex environment. The original can be heard in many famous production recordings that span Prog Rock, Fusion, and Electronic. This modern version will also naturally suit all of those styles, and it is also a noteworthy figure in the field of sound design and SFX – the “voice” of Star Wars’ robot hero, R2-D2, being a prime example.

About Behringer

The company, which was founded in Germany by Uli Behringer and now manufactures its products in China, has been known for affordable and great-value equipment since its very first product, the Studio Exciter F. An array of mixing consoles (such as the Eurodesk MX8000), signal processors, and later sound amplification and monitoring equipment, has made it possible for countless musicians to fit out their home studios, practice rooms, and mobile PAs within budget limits that were previously unthinkable. The acquisition of other companies, including Midas, Klark Teknik, and TC Electronic, meant that new product groups were added - and also resulted in the technical expertise of these companies being incorporated into product development.

Compact rack synth

As a semi-modular synthesizer, the 2600 can play to its strengths in a modular setup by expanding on them. In the studio, it will link up perfectly with a multitrack analogue sequencer to rhythmically control not only the oscillators but also an array of other functions. The Behringer 2600 can also interact with other modular systems, thereby expanding its capabilities via additional sound and control modules. The original, though “portable”, was housed in a rather bulky and heavy “suitcase” for transport. The Behringer 2600, on the other hand, can be built into a conventional 19" transport case and easily taken to live gigs. The Behringer 2600 is also an extremely capable and expressive standalone instrument, even outside a modular context. Its flexible and clear structure allows sound and modulation patterns to be quickly and intuitively created, either directly on the main chassis or via external performance-oriented devices.

33 Customer ratings

5 / 5

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25 Reviews

NB
Amazing..
Nino B 24.03.2021
I've never played an original 2600, but dreamed of owning one since I started playing synthesizers 20 years ago. All I can say is that this is a VERY beautiful instrument. Sounds incredible, very solid build, and playing it is pure joy. Of course, these things are subjective, but something about the format of the 2600 in particular is very special. For me it is an ideal mix of an open and closed system. If you have more modular, you will have a very good time. If you don't, you'll still have a very good time. And if you're looking to get into modular synthesizers, this is arguably the best place to start.

I'm not sure how to even do pros/cons. It is a (seemingly) faithful clone of an incredible and difficult to find synth, for a very good price.

Oh, and the spring reverb sounds great!
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7
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R
Blue Marvin 2600: A Sonic Journey
Rav735 27.08.2023
From the moment I laid my hands and eyes on the Blue Marvin 2600, I was drawn into a sonic journey that transcended time.
Its authentic analog sound generation, coupled with a plethora of modern features that simplify and give accessibility on a truly legendary instrument , drives for an unparalleled creative and ever learning experience, and allows the user to experiment and patch between the unit and other gear like modular units, workstations ecc.
The synth's build quality is remarkable, reminiscent of the original's robust design. The heavyness of the product and the remarkable size transmit a quality build sensation, and the yellow leds (dimmable) are a warm addition to my late night jams.
The inclusion of USB and MIDI connectivity adds a convenient layer of integration with today's digital workflows (i ended up using a traditional 5pin midi and works fine)
A piece of vintage history and synth culture thanks to the recent mood in decent budgeted recreations by Behringer, the color blue is very brilliant and looks cool in my music dedicated corner.
I added a "Millennium Box" Steel case 8U and fits like a sock.
Additional screws and washers are listed in the case page details. (item number 441220).
Whether you're a seasoned synth enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore new sonic horizons, this synth, backed by Thomann's outstanding service, is a choice that won't disappoint.
Kudos to both Behringer for a remarkable replica of a legendary instrument and Thomann for their exceptional customer-focused approach.
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KZ
Great sound and interface!
Kay ZP 01.06.2022
This is an excellent clone that offers the classic sounds with hardware tweaks for easier integration into modern studios.

Highly recommend bundling this item with a patch cable kit. I purchased "the sssnake DD1060" alongside this synthesizer.
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M
GET A CHROMATIC TUNER!
MightyJoe 04.10.2023
This thing is awesome for old school ambient.
It's like an all-in-one modular system with everything you need to make awesome modular sound.
Great and very fun for sound design but quite involved for musical uses.

It's a clone of an ARP 2600, but I actually like it more than the official one.
I can't say if it has a 100% accurate reproduction of the original ARP 2600 oscillator sounds, but I honestly don't care.

Some videos show the Behringer sounding identical to the ARP, others sound clearly different. I think that it may come to each individual unit in the end (of both the ARP and the Behringer), and you can calibrate the Behringer yourself using a multi-meter and an oscilloscope if you are in search of absolute accuracy, since there are screws for that accessible from the front (no disassembly required) and the software guides you through the process.

I can however attest that the "feel" of the generated sounds is the same though.
You get that unmistakably very old school synth sound I personally love.
Compared to other modern clones, the Behringer has the advantage of having an added LFO and portamento feature built-in (which on the original was an add-on in the keyboard and is missing in the official modern ARP release!) and time multipliers for the ADSR envelopes.

That being said, you will need a chromatic tuner or another synth to tune it to by ear, because, out of the box, these ARP clones lack any way to visually know if they are in tune or not with other gear. It's like a classical instrument in that regard. And since temperature will make its pitch change, you will need to tune it each time you want to play it. So, yeah, get a chromatic tuner, you will need it. Korg makes very cheap ones. (a guitar tuner can work, if you already have one, but with a chromatic one you can tune each oscillator to a different note and makes chords)

The Blue Marvin and Grey Meany editions have better quality condensers for the filters (I don't really hear much of a difference but it's nice to have) and a real spring reverb instead of an emulated one on the black and orange edition.
Also, the LEDs in the front face are single color versus the black and orange edition's multicolored "Christmas tree" LEDs.

The spring reverb sounds very nice, although the emulated reverb on the black and orange sounds nice too, but they do sound different.
The real spring reverb sounds brighter and very reminiscent of the old days. (but keep in mind that back in the day, professional musicians didn't use the built-in ARP 2600 spring reverb for recordings, using instead much more expensive and big studio grade reverbs)
The real spring reverb is much noisier than the digital emulation though, so keep that in mind.

I opted for the Blue Marvin over the others because of the better quality components, the real spring reverb (since I already have digital reverbs anyway) and because I like the blue and orange color scheme.

Is it worth the price difference against the Behringer 2600 black and orange?
Since it's not a big price difference, for me it is. But I don't think you are really missing much if you get the black and orange version instead, unless you really want the spring reverb over an emulation.
Against the Grey Meany though, the difference is only the color scheme.
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