NAMM 2024 starts today in far-away Anaheim (LA). At least for me. An event that many music tech manufacturers are looking forward to. As in previous years, Behringer will not have a booth there but uses the opportunity to show something new.
As early as 2022, Behringer showed the first sketches for an authentic clone/replica of the legendary Roland Jupiter-8. Now two years later, they published the first photos of the first prototype called Behringer JT-16.
Behringer JT-16
The pictures show it very clearly. This will be a Jupiter-8 clone/replica. Since Behringer has developed a platform for poly synths with the UB-Xa, the JT-16 will also probably be based on this. So you can assume that the development will process faster than with the UB-Xa.
The prototype shows the usual features of a Jupiter-8: LFO, VCO modulator, VCO-1, VCO-2, mixer, HPF, VCF, VCA, and two envelopes. The colorful buttons are also a must on the JT-16. It’s different but very close to the original. There is also a display in the middle.
The exact features of the upcoming Jupiter-8 clone/replica from Behringer have not yet been determined or are not known. But the name already tells us that it will have twice as many voices as the original, i.e. 16-voice polyphony.
I assume that it will get a polyphonic aftertouch keybed like the UB-Xa. It would just make sense.
Behringer also posted a photo of the back of the JT-16. But in inferior quality. But you can see that it has full MIDI, USB port and individual outputs.
Behringer FB statement
After many years, we have finally created the first prototype of our upcoming JT-16, a 16-voice polyphonic synth. Our product engineer, Gilles, who is also a synth enthusiast, couldn’t stop playing with it, but we managed to pry it away from him for a moment to capture it on camera. Sorry Gilles:-)
Currently, the synth is in its very early stages, and we are now focusing on debugging and implementing the necessary software. We kindly ask for your patience, but we assure you that this beauty will come to fruition. What do you think?
First Impression
What do you think, Behringer asks in his Facebook post. Well, I find the project interesting. I don’t know if I really need a Jupiter-8 but it’s good to see that they are replicating a Jupiter.
After Roland clearly decided against an analog remake (“never chase a ghost”), the path is clear for other developers like Black Corporation (ISE-NIN) or Behringer.
Behringer JT-16 availability and price TBA.
More information will follow here: Behringer
