Behringer releases the UB-Xa, an authentic replica of the Oberheim-Xa poly analog Synthesizer with 16 voices and poly aftertouch.
Behringer promised a surprise with the UB-Xa release. This is now known. They lowered the price of the synth from $1499 to $1199/£899/1298€. They also share the reason for this price drop.
The entire Behringer team has decided to donate their earnings and even more to the charity “Playing for Change” as they share the vision to empower less fortunate people.
We are offering the UB-Xa for a price way below the actual value. If you can, please consider donating the balance or any amount in between to the foundation, and we will double your donation up to an additional $1,000,000.We believe there’s a musician in every human being. Our mission is to empower those who have not and cannot.
Available for pre-order at my partner
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Article From November 21, 2023
Some no longer believed in a release. But yesterday they were proven wrong. After 6 years in development, Behringer released the UB-Xa, an authentic replica of the Oberheim OB-Xa from 1981. The biggest project for Behringer in the Synthesizer category so far.
The sentence “Behringer releases UB-Xa” means that the synth is in production and will be shipped to dealers worldwide. It doesn’t mean (current status) that you can buy it in the shop today or tomorrow. You have to be patient a little longer.
Behringer releases UB-Xa
There it is, the UB-Xa. Behringer’s analog clone/replica of the legendary Oberheim Oberheim OB-Xa. A closer look at the official feature list shows that the UB-Xa is more than just a 1-to-1 replica.
Unlike the original, it features a 16-voice analog polyphonic engine with bi-timbral playability, allowing you to split and layer two different sounds. A significant voice boost compared to the OB-Xa.
Unchanged are the number of VCOs. It has two VCOs per voice with oscillator sync and PWM. Besides the classic saw and pulse wave of the original, the UB-Xa offers a triangle wave as a bonus. Both oscillators are based on CEM3340 chip reproductions from Cool Audio (V3340).
Then, it has the same selectable dual-slope 12/24dB analog lowpass filter per voice with adjustable resonance based on the V3320 chip (CEM3320 replica).
On the modulation side, you can work with 2 dedicated LFOs (one more) with 7 waveform shapes for modulation of pulse width, oscillator pitch, and filter cutoff frequency. These are joined by two ADSR envelopes per voice for control of the VCF and VCA. All this is programmable with a flexible 8-channel modulation matrix
Per voice, it has a stereo VCA that enables full control over each voice and unlocks the panning of the layers in the stereo field.
Plus, it features a new vintage mode with eight distinct Synthesizer signatures, including the OB-Xa, OB-8, and more. Something like Oberheim did in the OB-X8.
Modern Replica
In addition to the expanded voice structure, the UB-Xa can be played more expressively than the original thanks to various new features.
It starts with a new dual-layer arpeggiator and sequencer with a real-time sequence transpose option. So you can have an arpeggiator running on one side and jam on it with the second sound. There are no more details about the built-in sequencer.
A highlight of the UB-Xa is its keyboard. It premieres Behringer’s first 61 semi-weighted full-size polyphonic aftertouch keybed with velocity. This allows you to play sounds very expressively. Next to this is a spring-loaded pitch and assignable modulation paddle taken over from the original Oberheim.
The UB-Xa can be controlled with 26 hardware rotary controls, giving you real-time access to all important parameters. The design as well as the arrangement of the parameters is very close to the original. Even the colors almost match.
Further, it has an LCD display that gives you visual feedback on the parameter settings. This is also used for the menu and patch management. The latter offers 512 user program memory slots with a “compare and match” feature to quickly match all analog controls to stored program values.
There are also assignable preset recall switches for immediate program selection. According to Behringer, it also includes the original factory patches from the Oberheim OB-Xa.
Connectivity
The backside is fully equipped with I/O. Plus point for the built-in power supply so you only need a simple power cable. So no extra power supply brick for your box.
Next to this is a USB port for data, a full MIDI interface (in/out/thru), CV/pedal input for expression pedals and footswitches, and three full servo-balanced outputs. You get a stereo output (left/right), a mono output, and a phone socket.
Lastly, Behringer promises a comprehensive MIDI implementation with NRPN/CC control of all parameters and bulk load/save function.
First Impression
The sounds you can hear in the new video are very good. Very fat, juicy, and creamy. I have instant Oberheim vibes. The comparison must show how close it is to the original Oberheim OB-Xa. The new features make a lot of sense. 16 voices are a solid upgrade and certainly great fun to play in conjunction with the new polyphonic aftertouch keybed.
With a list price of $1499, the UB-Xa is no bargain. It’s Behringer’s first Synthesizer to go well over $1000. So a new segment. I’m curious to see how this will be accepted by the synth community and ultimately sell. It’s not another $100 or $200 fun synth that you can buy to satisfy your GAS. It’s definitely good to see the final product.
Behringer UB-Xa is shipping now and has a list price of $1499. The new list price is $1199. The first batch will arrive before Christmas.
More information here: Behringer
