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 UA-cam 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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.....!!!
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 ;-) )
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
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 👍
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.
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
I think Frankenstein was my introduction to the 2600 as well, I was born in 72 and I like to think of that one as being song of the year. Tell me I’m wrong 😑
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!
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!!
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!
Nice demo, I am an original owner of a ARP 2600 gray meanie,which I bought new in 1975, it came with the 3620 kybd controller which really gives it many more options. I've thought about picking up the Korg 2600 for it has features that my 2600 doesn't have.
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.
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!
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 🤔
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.
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: ua-cam.com/video/rs10UG-DEzk/v-deo.html
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). :)
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.
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. :)
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!
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.
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!!
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!
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.
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
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.
Wow....great thoughts and demonstration of the 2600...the one hard point you drove home about the the Behringer compared to the Arp is that 50 years passed...and depending on storage, touring abuse the original one had, yes it will not sound as it was in its original state...electronics do wear...some worse than others!
@32:51 re. the unipolar LFO trick, the pulse/square wave (and saw) from the oscillators (and LFO) are actually already unipolar, it is just the triangle and sine that are bipolar! Alternatively, you can use the offset voltage in the voltage processor to offset the sine/triangle from -5V/5V to 0V/10V. You would want to put the triangle into input 1, and adjust the slider so that the two voltages are added together, rather than just attenuated. With the slider around 50% you get the 5V offset that you need. Each of the frequency modulation inputs are scaled differently on the oscillators, so the best one to use for smaller intervals (up to two octaves from the root) is the last input, as you are doing. Love the videos, it helped convince me add a BARP 2600 to my own collection!
Truly excellent video. Exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Thank you. I’ve done my numbers, and I can purchase a 2600 in November. The sound design section of my studio will now have theModel D, Pro 1 and 2600 - all being distilled and fed into a Kong Wavestate for wave sequencing. The ultimate accompaniment for improv on multi-channel guitar synth - SY-300 and SY-1000. Heaven ! I’m glad I lived long enough. I thank yoga and better living thru chemistry. : ) Cheers, Diktat Bob
Just got my own 2600. I was planning on using the ext clock on the sample and hold for filter fx because I've never really had much use for S&H on pitch outside of R2D2 FX, but man, you just blew me away with the detune effect. So excited to keep learning this thing.
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!🍻
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.
Hello Tim just recently found your channel about synths , i am in the fortunate position of having owned an original ARP 26OO ,during the very early 80`s which i traded in for a new fangled Yamaha DX7 mk 1 ,biggest regret of my life :} at the time i could not find a buyer no one wanted it because of MIDI , fast forward to 2020 ,read an article in which a certain Jean m Jarre said Korg were doing a remake of it, i was over the moon when i manged to order it ,had to wait 11 months for delivery ,but i was re united with an old friend :} it was a lot of money but i just had to get it ouch savings :}
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.
Jack is genuinely passionate and I am easily old enough to be his Dad and just purchased a Poly D from Andertons. My first Synth and my pension wouldn't stretch to £5,500 for the real thing so a big thank you to Behringer for making these machines so affordable.
You review anything you feel like reviewing in any way you see fit. It's apparent you have a very good understanding of sound design, music composition and theory, and 'empathy'/'sympathy' for other musicians whether they are new or experienced. You also don't waste time 'virtue-signalling' about this-and-that. That puts you far above the majority of the 'other reviews' out there. I have learned to click your videos first and watch others later because of this.
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.
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!!!
Great stuff, I love your arpeggios! There is a UA-cam of a guy comparing the original to the Behringer, he has both if you're interested. Does it sound like an original? Who cares! Do you like the way it sounds or not, the only people that care are synth heads. If you make music/songs then there are far more important things.
Actually there is one youtube channel where a guy has an original aswell as a Behringer ARP 2600. Ralph Baumgartl is his name and channel. And as always Tim your video is Awesome👍 Oh and I just noticed that I believe it's the first time I've heard real singing on any of your tracks! And it sounds great🤙
Tim your take on Behringer's 2600 is a perfect example why people like their products. They are afordable to most of us. The first track that comes to mind is Frankinstien by the Edgar Winter group on the original 2600.
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.
Wonderful explanation Tim. I saw the Korg one but didn't need the whole suitcase bit they did. This looks wonderful and a great nod to some important origins of this wonderful hobby. Further I see Startech makes a pretty inexpensive 8U stand (not for it specifically just 8U things :)) I must say that blue Korg looks lovely as well. They're a bit hard to find it seems but the PWM Malevolent looks to fill that gap nicely so I may head that route as well.
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, maybe adding things like a hardware sequencer, quantizer, some other filter perhaps? That would be awesome!
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.
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
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
An original ARP 2600 will have less high definition of sonic clarity in the upper range do to slower op-amp switching and more residual circuit noise because higher temperatures make the noise in circuitry. This makes the B2600 more like a modern upgrade to one with a more crisp dynamic range. I like many of your musical ideas that remind me of my 1980's new age favorites, like Kitaro. Thank you for the inspiration!
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.
I would love to spend a few hours in your music space, checking out all the cool gear you have and maybe chat about music. But since that's most likely not gonna happen, how about a studio tour video? I'm not only curious about what you have in your permanent and rotating setup spaces, but how you're managing power, MIDI and audio routing to suit your workflow. Might be a fun project if nothing else comes up... ;)
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 UA-cam 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!!!
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.
That’s very interesting - thank you for sharing your experience.
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
This is more adverstisement than a review...
@@synthesizerhome2041 Probably why he said it was his opinion not a review at the start as there are loads of reviews already.
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.
This video combined with one more beer and I might just pull the trigger on this one tonight. Fantastic video. Subscribed!
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.
Oh that's a shame. 🤣🤣🤣
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!
I've had my 2600 for 3 weeks and that has been the most informative video I have watched so far - thanks Tim.
Thanks
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!
You said it perfectly.
Love it, definitely the "thinking person's" synth reviewer. Seriously tempted to invest in one of these...
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!
Thanks!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Love the journey taken Tim, very well pointed out the issue of vintage sound unique per unit 😀
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.
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!
Thank you Tim, for your thoughts and the time you took to make this interesting take on the 2600.
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!
Always wanted an ARP, finally getting round to it and who better to listen to than Tim. You always get a calm and considered opinion.
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.
Loving the track around the 12 minute mark. Nice to hear a demo in situ as it were . *Salutes*
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.
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.
That bird song might have been the most impressive thing I've ever seen out of a semi modular, insane stuff Tim!
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.....!!!
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 ;-) )
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.
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.
Thoughtful authentic and inspiring Tim.
Nearly bought the Karp Odyssey desktop but opted for this for £20 less and it is absolutely wonderful.
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.
@@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.
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.
Beautifully done. Thank you! Love the blue Korg MS-20! :)
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 👍
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.
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
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.
I think Frankenstein was my introduction to the 2600 as well, I was born in 72 and I like to think of that one as being song of the year. Tell me I’m wrong 😑
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!
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!!
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!
Nice demo, I am an original owner of a ARP 2600 gray meanie,which I bought new in 1975, it came with the 3620 kybd controller which really gives it many more options. I've thought about picking up the Korg 2600 for it has features that my 2600 doesn't have.
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.
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!
Tim it would be nice to see you use the B2600 with other gear like the 960 sequencer etc. Great vid yet again Sir 👍
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 🤔
The melodic examples are great and proof that the 2600 has never just being a special effects sound machine.
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.
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: ua-cam.com/video/rs10UG-DEzk/v-deo.html
Hey Alex thanks a lot for that S&H tip, really appreciate it, I'll definitely check it out
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). :)
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.
Perhaps the best video on the B2600
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!
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. :)
Very nicely done! Mine will be in my hands by Monday. I cannot wait to play this synth!!
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!
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.
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!!
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!
SSsssshhhhh!!....
Your gunna mess it up for us.:).
Remember whatbit ran,?
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.
Such amazing and well made videos. Love them!
This was a joy to watch! Better than any of the usual reviews. Thanks very much.
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
Amazing review, Tim!!! Also, thanks a lot for your incredible logue oscillators!
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.
Wow....great thoughts and demonstration of the 2600...the one hard point you drove home about the the Behringer compared to the Arp is that 50 years passed...and depending on storage, touring abuse the original one had, yes it will not sound as it was in its original state...electronics do wear...some worse than others!
Tim I just ordered a 2600 and a complete hardware modular newbie. Thank you for this video
@32:51 re. the unipolar LFO trick, the pulse/square wave (and saw) from the oscillators (and LFO) are actually already unipolar, it is just the triangle and sine that are bipolar! Alternatively, you can use the offset voltage in the voltage processor to offset the sine/triangle from -5V/5V to 0V/10V. You would want to put the triangle into input 1, and adjust the slider so that the two voltages are added together, rather than just attenuated. With the slider around 50% you get the 5V offset that you need. Each of the frequency modulation inputs are scaled differently on the oscillators, so the best one to use for smaller intervals (up to two octaves from the root) is the last input, as you are doing. Love the videos, it helped convince me add a BARP 2600 to my own collection!
@25:00 the voltage processing section can definitely be used as an attenuator for CV signals :P
Truly excellent video. Exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Thank you. I’ve done my numbers, and I can purchase a 2600 in November. The sound design section of my studio will now have theModel D, Pro 1 and 2600 - all being distilled and fed into a Kong Wavestate for wave sequencing. The ultimate accompaniment for improv on multi-channel guitar synth - SY-300 and SY-1000. Heaven ! I’m glad I lived long enough. I thank yoga and better living thru chemistry.
: )
Cheers,
Diktat Bob
Don’t you just love autocorrect ? Intimations of our AI future ?
Cheers,
Doctorate Kong
Love your song at the end. Just wonderful Tim. The combination of synth and vocals is epic. Thanks again.
Like the part where the 2. seq. starts. As always good job, like your videos Tim, thanks for sharing.
Super review (anyway). And thanks for the elephant in the room. The song at the end is wonderful.
Such a great channel! Learned a lot again and totally enjoyed this video. Quality and.character, like and ARP oscillator/filter combo!
Great review! Waiting here for an in depth patching review of that blue semi modular on top of the Waldorf keyboard !!!
Just got my own 2600. I was planning on using the ext clock on the sample and hold for filter fx because I've never really had much use for S&H on pitch outside of R2D2 FX, but man, you just blew me away with the detune effect. So excited to keep learning this thing.
Hi, stupid question, how many voives has it, if there are 3 oscillators?
2600 has three internal oscillators but can only play monophonically or duophonically.
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!🍻
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.
Hello Tim just recently found your channel about synths , i am in the fortunate position of having owned an original ARP 26OO ,during the very early 80`s which i traded in for a new fangled Yamaha DX7 mk 1 ,biggest regret of my life :} at the time i could not find a buyer no one wanted it because of MIDI , fast forward to 2020 ,read an article in which a certain Jean m Jarre said Korg were doing a remake of it, i was over the moon when i manged to order it ,had to wait 11 months for delivery ,but i was re united with an old friend :} it was a lot of money but i just had to get it ouch savings :}
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.
Jack is genuinely passionate and I am easily old enough to be his Dad and just purchased a Poly D from Andertons.
My first Synth and my pension wouldn't stretch to £5,500 for the real thing so a big thank you to Behringer for making these machines so affordable.
You review anything you feel like reviewing in any way you see fit. It's apparent you have a very good understanding of sound design, music composition and theory, and 'empathy'/'sympathy' for other musicians whether they are new or experienced. You also don't waste time 'virtue-signalling' about this-and-that. That puts you far above the majority of the 'other reviews' out there. I have learned to click your videos first and watch others later because of this.
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.
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!!!
Great stuff, I love your arpeggios! There is a UA-cam of a guy comparing the original to the Behringer, he has both if you're interested. Does it sound like an original? Who cares! Do you like the way it sounds or not, the only people that care are synth heads. If you make music/songs then there are far more important things.
Ha‼️ new tricky camera work🎥
Always appreciate your honesty 💯
Actually there is one youtube channel where a guy has an original aswell as a Behringer ARP 2600. Ralph Baumgartl is his name and channel. And as always Tim your video is Awesome👍 Oh and I just noticed that I believe it's the first time I've heard real singing on any of your tracks! And it sounds great🤙
I've told myself to stop buying audio gear, but this one is fascinating and tempting.
Tim your take on Behringer's 2600 is a perfect example why people like their products. They are afordable to most of us. The first track that comes to mind is Frankinstien by the Edgar Winter group on the original 2600.
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.
Fantastic review Tim, very much appreciated! Subscribed 👍
I just bought one … thanks to you Tim and one of the comments from the gent who purchased the first original in NYC … 🎉
Amazing video, where did you get the case for it?
Wonderful explanation Tim. I saw the Korg one but didn't need the whole suitcase bit they did. This looks wonderful and a great nod to some important origins of this wonderful hobby. Further I see Startech makes a pretty inexpensive 8U stand (not for it specifically just 8U things :))
I must say that blue Korg looks lovely as well. They're a bit hard to find it seems but the PWM Malevolent looks to fill that gap nicely so I may head that route as well.
@10:17 this jam is epicly epic!
Such a good video, presentation, thoughts, etc
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, maybe adding things like a hardware sequencer, quantizer, some other filter perhaps? That would be awesome!
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.
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
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
An original ARP 2600 will have less high definition of sonic clarity in the upper range do to slower op-amp switching and more residual circuit noise because higher temperatures make the noise in circuitry. This makes the B2600 more like a modern upgrade to one with a more crisp dynamic range.
I like many of your musical ideas that remind me of my 1980's new age favorites, like Kitaro.
Thank you for the inspiration!
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.
OK I need that synth and a full hour version of that jam. Thanks Tim.
Like the birds at 27:53. I'd buy this for the lights. The ladder filter bass sounds fat.
what a great video!!! I also like the relaxed way how its made.
I would love to spend a few hours in your music space, checking out all the cool gear you have and maybe chat about music.
But since that's most likely not gonna happen, how about a studio tour video? I'm not only curious about what you have in your permanent and rotating setup spaces, but how you're managing power, MIDI and audio routing to suit your workflow. Might be a fun project if nothing else comes up... ;)