Behringer previews the Vocoder VC16, a new 16-band multi-voice vocoder module for Eurorack with XLR input, two carrier banks, and more.
In 2023, Behringer announced the Vocoder VC16, a new 16-band vocoder module. As I wrote back then, a vocoder is a very niche product, especially for the Eurorack market.
Now, one year and almost six months later, the module is ready for shipping.
Behringer Vocoder VC16
The Vocoder VC16 is a new 16HP 16-band vocoder module for Eurorack. Something is obvious: The module’s color has changed during the development process. Where the prototype was red (see below), the finished Behringer Vocoder VC16 is black and fits in with the company’s other Eurorack modules. It looks better.
At the core are six digital oscillator engines, including virtual analog, noise, FM, and vox, which are selectable with two buttons (carrier banks 1 and 2). Alternatively, you can bypass the oscillator engine and route in other signals via the carrier in.
There are three big knobs for controlling the engine: carrier shape, formant, and envelope sensibility. Plus, you have four more knobs for other parameters, including resonance, frequency, modulator & carrier level, and FM.
On the connectivity side, you get an external carrier input with adjustable level control, a line/mic modulator input with level control, a USB-C port for firmware updates, and various CV inputs (FM, gate, and CV input).
First Impression
At first glance, this is an intriguing module from Behringer. Certainly a niche topic, but it’s cool that there will now be an affordable module that does this. It looks like it’s an original module and not a clone.
Behringer Vocoder VC16 is ready for shipping from the factory and will cost $99/99€. Its availability at retailers is TBA.
Available for pre-order at my partners
Article From August 14, 2023
In May 2023, Behringer introduced the Perfect Pitch PP1, an audio-to-CV pitch converter module with an all-red front panel. The first batch was already delivered in July. Unlike the previous B modules, this module covers a very niche, special field mainly because there aren’t that many modules that can do that.
Also, there are just as few modules that can be a vocoder. Behringer probably thought so, too, and has now announced a vocoder module.
Facebook Post
We’d like to share an exciting new project. We designed the first iteration of our powerful 16-band Vocoder for Eurorack.This is a prototype only but we can hopefully deliver this product within the year.For all who believe we can only do clones – this is not one of them:-) Fully developed in-house by our marvelous and passionate engineers. What’s your level of interest?
Behringer Vocoder VC16 availability and price TBA. They try to deliver this product within the year.
Also the new Nonlinearcircuits MUN vocoder module – not many in the wild yet.
no mention of digital vs analog. probably digital.
Sounds promising! Nice to see something remotely novel from them. If it sounds good maybe I’ll pick one up, but not from them.
No 48V 🙁