Behringer Model D - thoughts?

[Examigan]

Besides a new MIDI controller, I am considering getting the Model D from Behringer. I was just watching the older Starsky Carr video, which is really great by the way.

I was wondering: If you own it, what issues have you run into (if any), or is it just as great as it seems? I am thinking there isn't much to complain about, at least at its current price.
Also, I haven't used any hardware modular-type synths, so which cables would be best for it? I am guessing since it's so small that the smaller cables for sale on some sites would work just fine.

[egbert101]

It comes with a few cables included for patching anyway. I guess there's very little difference in terms of sound between it and a Moog, but it's not a Moog, it's a Boog, as if it matters. Also, just like the original, there are no presets, you have to know where to put the knobs, you have to make sure it's in tune, you have to use your ear to move the various oscillator tunings etc.
As for issues, I had a filter that didn't self-oscillate for a long time, which seemed to have fixed itself, possibly with a firmware update? I don't know. Maybe my own error as I hardly use it (because it's a pain without presets).
Even though it's of course based a vintage classic (but it's not a moog it's a boog), it's still a very basic synth, which is monophonic, and good for basic bass and basic leads, but that's about it.
But if you absolutely must have a real analog synth rather than virtual analog such as Diva, then fair enough, it does the job.

[CoolColJ]

If you get a good one, then it's good.
But the quality can vary from unit to unit.
If your unlucky you may need to calibrate the unit itself

The tuning will fluctuate just like the original.
If your unlucky you may need to fiddle with trimpots a lot...

[SLiC]

I have the Boog and the Neutron. I would recommend the latter, the Boog (like the original) is pretty limited, has little CV patching and needs good FX to make it shine. Neutron is a proper semi modular and offers a lot more for about the same

[stoopicus]

I don't have the Boog but I did just get a Kobol Expander and I have a Pro-1 on order too. The Kobol Expander is a really nice synth for the price, sounds great and is super solidly built - something I never thought I would say about Behringer gear. All the knobs feel fantastic and i looks exactly like the original. Sounds great, no noticeable noise either. I am very pleasantly surprised.

I am with you on the limitations of the Moog. I have this unpopular opinion that Moog are really only good at bass, and are average otherwise.

[Examigan]

Thanks guys.
I started checking out some of those others you mentioned.
I'm not sure about the Neutron, but the Kobol and Pro-1 look interesting.
The Kobol Expander has a great price but doesn't have sequencing, arp, and drone mode that the Pro-1 has.

[egbert101]

May as well include the Crave and Odyssey and the K2. The Crave is one oscillator only but still sounds good with plenty of options for a low price. The Odyssey actually has a Moog ladder filter as an option, and a huge range of options as well as a solid build and keyboard, but won't thump in terms of bass like the Model D. The K2 is an MS-20 clone, but with a slightly more aggressive filter (not sure if I like it).
So many options! If you really want a thumping moog bass, go with the Model D. If you want to much more, then yeah, check out all the many other options.

[stoopicus]

I go back and forth on the K2. On the one hand, it's a MS-20. On the other hand, it's a MS-20

[Vectorman]

Had mine for over 5 years and no complaints, really. I use the odd Moog lead here and there (and very occasionally bass), but not often enough to justify buying a Mini, so it's a perfect practical solution. I've also patched it and the Neutron into one another a time or three, usually just to get an extra LFO or envelope to make a more complex sound on one or the other.