Behringer K-2 MKII, Korg MS-20 synth clone with new features is available now

Behringer K-2 MKII is the second generation of its Korg MS-20 semi-modular Synthesizer clone with new features; it is available now.

After the first batch of the K-2 MKII was delivered in August, Behringer officially released the synth today with a video.

Users also report a hardware issue, as with the Model 15. According to early adopters of the first batch, the revision 1 filter loses all resonance within an hour of turning on.

The problem is being reported on social media and forums. Behringer has now confirmed it: “We are aware of it, and we have a fix. If your unit is affected, please return it to the retailer and we will get it serviced.”

Price update: now it’s 199€ also at Thomann.

In 2019, Behringer released the K-2, a clone/replica of the original Korg MS-20 from 1983. However, it’s not the original size but in Eurorack with extended features, including two filter versions.

This is already old again. Information about an MKII version appeared back in May. The new K-2 MKII is now available without any official B-announcement. Is Behringer on summer vacation?

Behringer K-2 MKII: New Features

The K-2 MKII (80HP) remains an authentic analog clone/replica of the Korg MS-20 semi-modular Synthesizer from 1983. Compared to the MKI, it has some great new features and a new design that puts it closer to the original look.

What immediately stands out is the new color layout, which is now very MS-20. Instead of yellow on black, there is now a white-on-black faceplate, which looks more likable to me.

Like the initial K-2 MKI, the MKII features two VCOs capable of producing triangle, reverse-sawtooth, square, narrow pulse, pulse, and ring mod wave shapes independently or simultaneously.

Each has a 4-octave range, and you get six octaves in total (from 32’ – 2’). There is also a VCO mixer with individual-level adjustments.

However, the K-2 MKII also has significant new features. It comes with oscillator sync for OSC 1 to OSC 2 and frequency modulation (OSC1 – OSC2) view new switches, extending its sonic range. These are two familiar features of the flat, limited edition KORG MS-20M.

One could now say that it is more of an MS-20M clone than an MS-20. Then, it features recreations of the two iconic, characterful JFET-based Sallen/Key filters (highpass/lowpass). Two analog envelope generators (filter/amp) and a single multi-wave LFO are also onboard.

Expanded Patch Bay

Much of the original MS-20’s fun comes from the built-in patch bay, which allows you to control the normalized signal path. This one also includes the Behringer K-2 MKII, which has been expanded.

First, they added a CV input for pulse width modulation on oscillator 1. Secondly, the missing 1v/oct (VCO 1+2) on the MKI is also now available in the patch bay, as well as a new envelope 2 CV out, a trigger input, and a keyboard CV output socket. Everything else remains the same, giving you 32 CV/signal patch points.

Further, it offers an external audio input, classic USB/MIDI implementation with voice priority, and a 16-voice poly chain option. On the back, you can find an audio output (mono), MIDI thru, a USB port, an ON/OFF switch, and a DC input. Like the MK1, it can be mounted as an 80HP voice in a Eurorck case.

First Impression

There is no sound demo yet. Since the device is in stock, it won’t be long before the first videos pop up. It looks like a solid update for its MS-20 clone. The fact that it now has a 1v/oct input is a nice addition.

The additional sound options (FM, sync, and PWM) now set it apart from the original MS-20, which is also good because Korg only did this on the MS-20M in 2015.