The wave of new Behringer mini synths continues: Hiro Tribe, a new $99 analog groove Synthesizer from the MS-20 developer Hiroaki Nishijima
After some complained that I only cover B News. Unfortunately I have to tell you that there is another Synthesizer announcement. If you get too negative emotionally excited about this, just keep scrolling/swiping, it’s the easiest thing to do. I have a lot of other interesting news from other developers, also from many indie brands.
Since 2019, Hiroaki Nishijima, one of the developers of the legendary Korg MS-20 Synthesizer has been working in the Behringer team. With the mission to design new instruments. We haven’t heard anything about this collaboration for a long time. Now there is news. They collaborated on a new Synthesizer in mini format and with a Korg-like name.
Behringer Hiro Tribe
The Hiro Tribe is Behringer’s take on the Korg Monotribe. More precisely, Hiroaki Nishijima, the original designer of the Monotribe, always wanted to create an evolved version of it. He probably couldn’t achieve this with Korg, so he is now working with Behringer who agreed with this product proposal.
I devised the panel design, specifications and the first schematic. Various specifications were added or changed during the development process, and each time the project members had a hard time. However, looking at the ‘Hirotribe’ that was completed in this way, the hardships seem to be a nostalgic story. Thank you to all the project members, you did a very good job and I am very happy.
Now that the product is completed, I would be honored if you could all enjoy this ‘Hirotribe’ with my heart.” – Hiroaki Nashijima.
Details
The Hiro Tribe is another Synthesizer announcement from the new Behringer mini series (Soul, Spirit). It’s the deepest in features so far.
Hiro Tibe is a portable analog groove Synthesizer consisting of an entire analog Synthesizer with sequencer and drum machine. The synth features two oscillators (DCO) with saw, triangle, and square waveforms and an additional noise generator for a dirtier sound. Then, you get a filter with cutoff and resonance controls.
Modulation side, it has a single knob ADS envelope generator with continuous parameters and a single LFO with three wave shapes. The latter allows you to modulate the pitch and cutoff frequency.
It’s not just a synth, it’s a groovebox. So it also has a built-in analog drum machine with bass drum, snare, closed hi-hat and open hi-hat. Both sections can be played either with the 27 touch-sensitive keys or with the 16-step sequencer with motion recording and memory slots. The keyboard has also non-scale note function and is also used to operate menu functions. As you know from Korg Volcas or from the small modal synths.
On the connection side, you a sync input and output to synchronize with your other synthesizers or drum machines, a big classic MIDI input and a USB micro input. The latter allows you to power the unit via your smartphone, power bank or computer. Behringer says it comes with a comprehensive MIDI implementation (including NRPN/CC control of all parameters and bulk load/save). A photo of Hiroaki Nishijima at work.
Another interesting little portable synth. I’m curious how the Hiro Tribe will sound and whether it’s a mini MS-20 synth or something completely new. We will see it.
Availability
Behringer Hiro Tribe will be available in the near future (soonish) for a suggested price of $99 USD. As with the other synths, Behringer waits for the semiconductor chips, then production begins. And they plan many more synths under Hiro’s leadership.
More information will follow here: Behringer
I guess it must be a determining factor for the low cost of this series but I have serious doubts about the reliability of attachment that USB-C power supply connection can offer… and the random possible ground-noise issues. I hope I’m wrong because otherwise it seems like a good move by the brand in this super entry level product range. For now, the Moog Taurus clone is my thing.
About the “don’t shoot the messanger” thing: this website is my go-to everything-on-synth newspaper and I really appreciate the reliability and dedication of every article I’ve read.
Hey Tom,
First, thank you for doing this great work of reporting on gear news! You and the guys at gearnews make my mornings really exciting! Cup of coffee (or three! 🤪) and the blogs!
To those who always have to complain about something:
Get over it or just move on. Or.. why don’t you start your own blog with only “high quality” companies?
There is a lot I don’t agree with about Behringer (most everything), his shameless appropriation of looks, designs… However, and that’s a big one, he shows the world that the price of gear can be very different than the established levels. If he were to stick to Being inspired by or moving on with a design like the RD-9/8 and were a little less blunt with the closeness of his designs to the originals, I’d be all up for it. But to go and clone moog or stuff that’s still available from the original maker, aaaagh, very twilighty, not a gentleman’s move. No respect for intellectual property, just greed covered in “let Every kid be able to afford…dadada” perhaps?
Then again Roland HAS the clout to build analog but will just not listen to the fans. TR-909/808 TB-303, SH-101 comme on, only because Mr. Kakehashi said “we always move forward”…?!! Why then bring out the same looks of the gear? Why, e.g., use Juno as a name again? Because they know what it means.
And another big one. Why does the DIY crowd get away with cloning stuff? Absolutely no disrespect for their work here, to the contrary! They often pave the way to appreciation of gear. It’s just that Behringer has somehow become the hate-magnet and all the others just float under your radar. Keep it real people. And read on or leave.
lol
I dont understand- why are none of these little st the battery powered !!!???
Un jour j’ai parlé d’une powerbank on m’a dit : mec tu es hors sujet ici c’est de synthetiseur dont on parle … 3 mois plus tard de quoi on parle ? No comments je l’avais pas digèré …
I’m surprised Korg discontinued this model to begin with. Simplicity of function & operation is paramount for the introduction of new enthusiasts , and holiest.