With the Pro-1, Behringer has resurrected a range of classic analogue sounds straight out of the 80s. Equipped with two oscillators, two ADSR envelopes, an LFO, and a sequencer, it allows you to recreate the vintage sounds that helped shape the hits of artists such as Depeche Mode, the Pet Shop Boys, and Vince Clark. The monophonic Pro-1 is semi-modular and thus has multiple inputs and outputs for patching on the upper part of the control surface, where external modulation sources can be connected. The Behringer Pro-1 uses its own replica of the Curtis CEM-3340 chips featured in vintage classics such as the Prophet-5, Memory Moog, and Oberheim OB-Xa.
The two oscillators can create "sawtooth" and "pulse width" waveforms, while oscillator B is also able to implement a triangular waveform. In addition, the Behringer Pro-1 also has an onboard noise generator. On the left is a separate section for modulation settings, where modulation sources and their destinations can be set in a clear manner. For example, the pulse width of oscillator A can be set to be modulated by oscillator B, by the LFO, or by the filter envelope. Should these options still not be sufficient, a patch cord can also be used to control the cut-off frequency of the filter.
Nostalgic synth fans can recreate the sounds from their favourite 80's music productions thanks to the Behringer Pro-1. Using the poly chain function, the Behringer Pro-1 can be easily integrated into performances as a Eurorack unit, allowing up to 16 external devices to be linked. The DIP switch on the back of the device can be used to select which of the four channels is to receive MIDI data. In addition, the Behringer Pro-1 has a USB port that allows it to be accessed by modern DAWs. Synth newcomers can also use it as a point of entry to the world of analogue synthesizers with classic sounds, guaranteeing hours of fun experimentation.
The company, which was founded in Germany by Uli Behringer and now manufactures its products in China, has been known for affordable and great-value equipment since its very first product, the Studio Exciter F. An array of mixing consoles (such as the Eurodesk MX8000), signal processors, and later sound amplification and monitoring equipment, has made it possible for countless musicians to fit out their home studios, practice rooms, and mobile PAs within budget limits that were previously unthinkable. The acquisition of other companies, including Midas, Klark Teknik, and TC Electronic, meant that new product groups were added - and also resulted in the technical expertise of these companies being incorporated into product development.
Basic FM synthesis is also possible with the Behringer Pro-1 by using oscillator B as a modulation source for the frequency of oscillator A. The Drone control is ideal for keeping the VCA open and allowing the sounds to pass through without an envelope. This function can be used to create sound effects by combining the noise generator and the filter, for example. And with the sequencer, complex melodies can be composed using the Pro-1's memory capacity of up to 64 notes.