"Wow, we’re getting close with this beauty.
Here’s our final pre-production model which will now go to our beta testers for final sign-off.
This synth took a particularly long time, as the mechanical construction of the matrix plus the recreation of analog circuitry was very complex and needed several iterations.
Our UK analog expert John Price, spent over two years to meticulously recreate the sound of the original unit, while also adding many additional functions as you can see from the front panel.
While we don’t have a final shipping date yet, we wanted to share this news with you so you know we haven’t forgotten this synth jewel.
We hope you love this synth as much as we do."

Behringer confirms, there's a real spring reverb​

 

We hear ya. Micro version is coming.

 

The most important how does it sound ?

VCS3 clone test

 

I would have preferred a synthiA clone for portability ... but hey..

 

"Just to manage expectations, this is not a low cost synth. Just the solid wood alone is quite expensive plus the extensive material used. But be assured we’ll make it as affordable as possible in line with our philosophy. Thanks" - Behringer


​

@BEAT16 that's what I'm waiting on. That's the most important thing imo.

 

"We thought we’d give you some feedback related to the highly requested VCS3.
While the unit is basically ready from an electronics perspective, we’re still making improvements on the patch bay together with extensive lifecycle testing.
This part has been rather challenging as it’s a complex electro-mechanical component requiring very special spring steel material and gold plating. We’re currently on revision 12 but will likely need several more. At some point our engineers thought giving up, but that’s just not our style. How long will it take, we honestly don’t know.
Our objective is to only release a product when it has met all our quality criteria and life-cycle testing.
Every of our products come with an industry-leading limited 3-year warranty.
We understand how badly you want the VCS3, but we won’t release anything unless it’s perfect.
Thank you for your patience and bearing with us." - Behringer via FB

​

 

Have they mentioned a price yet?

 

Not that I know of but they did say this once: "We at Behringer believe in synthesizers for everyone to empower every musician on this planet. Even the most complex polyphonic synthesizers on the market should not cost more than USD 1,500."

So it guess it won't be more than $1,500.

 

I think they are being careful about committing to prices on these things, because of inflation they do not know how much currency will be worth in the year they begin producing any of them. That Erica clone of Synthi looks really nice and you can actually buy and get one of them. It's closer in external design and will last a nice long time.

@"We won't release anything until it's perfect". Really? How about all those models with MK6 and MK8 on them? We're still on the subject of Behringer, right?

 

"we won’t release anything unless it’s perfect."

- Elon Musk....er, umn....Uli Behringer.....LMFAO!!

 

"We’d like to give you some exciting update about our VCS3. In our previous update we shared our mechanical challenges with the pin matrix, which have now been resolved. We’re very pleased to report that it has passed a stringent 100,000 lifecycle test. We’re now shipping units to our beta testers for final testing and comparison with the original synthesizer. Once passed, we will start manufacturing.

We know this synth has taken much longer than we thought, but we’re sure the wait is worth it. Thanks for all your patience and support" - Behringer via FB


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I may live to see this beast yet.
Sure, I would have preferred to have the Synthi-AKS I had back in the 70's but this is the best thing next to a time machine.

 

Don't the ones pictured, and then the video appear different? Analog meter in bottom right corner is different shape, color. model # not printed. other details. Did they just buy one of these and copy the kit parts? https://macprovideo.com/article/aud...3-analog-synthesizer-clone-without-paying-10k

 

the good part of the story for Uli is that no one owns the original unit, so it will be impossible for users to define how faithful the clone is

 

It's the same as all the other clones and emulations of expensive stuff. You tell people they are getting a $13,000 compressor for $200 in plugin form, and people will buy it because they are getting a deal. Especially when it goes "on sale" for $20. But when you take your little file to the music store and try to sell it; all you will get for it are some dirty looks. Most of Behringer gear will be the same thing in physical form. They will age like in "dog years", where an 8 year old B may as well be 80.

Can't make this stuff up.

"THE SOUND OF Q.632
q.632 is a modestly updated repackage of Magpha EQ, an obscure and defunct plugin whose unusual phase-modeled filters earned it a reputation for smoothness and fidelity that rival what comes out of $9,000 analog mastering EQ’s. "

https://thehouseofkush.com/products/q632

 

Last edited: Nov 1, 2023