Essential Information About the Behringer UB-Xa Synthesizer
- 16-voice polyphonic analog bi-timbral with 2 VCOs per voice, oscillator sync, and 3320-inspired low-pass filtering for the OB signature.
- 61-key full-size semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and polyphonic aftertouch, compatible with MPE for per-note expressiveness.
- 8-channel modulation matrix, 2 LFOs, 2 ADSR envelopes, and stereo VCA per voice for wide and lively placement in the mix.
- Vintage Mode (8 signatures), 512 memories, arpeggiator and dual-layer sequencer, plus full MIDI and servo-balanced outputs.
A Modern Tribute to the OB-Xa Legend
The Behringer UB-Xa continues the sonic philosophy of the OB-Xa by adding contemporary features designed for stage and studio. Bi-timbral, equipped with dedicated controls and an immediate workflow, it captures the DNA of legendary brass and pads while offering modern stability and flexibility (split/layer, sequencer, MPE).
Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?
Ideal for seasoned keyboardists as well as producers seeking an ambitious first analog polyphonic synth, the UB-Xa excels in synthwave, new wave, pop, disco/funk, techno, ambient, and film scoring. In the studio, its stereo per voice and bi-timbrality enrich arrangements; live, its expressive keyboard and front-panel controls encourage improvisation and quick editing.
Features and Innovations
Each voice houses two 3340 VCOs (saw, triangle, square with variable pulse width) with Sync mode, feeding into a 12/24 dB low-pass VCF per voice based on the 3320 with resonance. A stereo VCA per voice allows precise panning of layers and voices. Modulation is central to sound shaping: 2 LFOs with 7 waveforms, 2 ADSR envelopes, and an 8-channel matrix to route velocity, aftertouch, LFO, and more. No onboard effects alter signal purity; width and movement come from PWM, filtering, and stereo per voice. The arpeggiator and dual-layer sequencer (with real-time transposition) speed up composition. The
Vintage Mode offers 8 signatures including iconic OBs, while the "compare and match" function and
512 memories streamline preset management. For integration, MPE and full MIDI (NRPN/CC, bulk save/load) ensure precise control; fully servo-balanced outputs and CV/pedal inputs secure hardware chaining.
Technical Specifications
Keyboard
- 61 semi-weighted keys, full size
- Velocity sensitivity
- Polyphonic aftertouch
- Assignable pitch and modulation wheels, spring-loaded
Synthesis and Voices
- 16-voice polyphonic analog bi-timbral synthesizer
- 2 VCOs per voice based on 3340 reproductions (saw, triangle, square with PWM, Sync mode)
- Analog VCF based on 3320: 12/24 dB dual-slope low-pass per voice, adjustable resonance
- Stereo VCA per voice for panning voices/layers
- Multitimbrality allowing split or layer of two sounds
Modulation and Envelopes
- Flexible 8-channel modulation matrix
- 2 dedicated LFOs with 7 waveforms (PWM modulation, VCO pitch, VCF cutoff)
- 2 ADSR generators per voice (VCF and VCA)
Sequencer, Arpeggiator, and Performance
- Arpeggiator and dual-layer sequencer with real-time transposition
- Assignable velocity and aftertouch for expressive performances
Controls and Interface
- 26 rotary controls for direct access to key parameters
- High-quality LCD screen with encoder for quick editing
- Assignable preset recall switches
Memory and Modes
- 512 user memories with "compare and match" function
- Vintage Mode with 8 signatures (including OB-Xa, OB-8)
- Authentic reproduction of the classic OB-Xa, including original factory patches
Connectivity and Protocols
- Fully servo-balanced outputs for maximum signal integrity
- CV/pedal inputs for expression pedals and footswitches
- MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE)
- Full MIDI (NRPN/CC control of all parameters, bulk load/save)