Behringer UB-XA

The Essentials to Know About the Behringer UB-Xa Synthesizer

• 16-voice bi-timbral analog sound: splits and layers to overlay two sounds or play two independent parts.
• Faithful reproduction of the legendary OB-Xa: vintage character embraced, with original factory patches included.
• Vintage Mode with 8 signatures: selection of behaviors inspired by iconic synths (including OB-Xa and OB-8).
• Modern workflow: 8-channel modulation matrix, arpeggiator and dual-layer sequencer, 512 user memories, and MPE compatibility.

A Modern Tribute to the OB Grain, in Desktop Format

The Behringer UB-Xa is designed as a respectful reinterpretation of a classic in analog synthesis: the OB-Xa. It captures its sonic spirit and "one knob per function" approach while adding current features for stage and studio use. Its desktop format facilitates integration into a compact setup, and it can also be rack-mounted thanks to the included brackets.

Who Is It For, and What Uses?

The UB-Xa targets experienced musicians as well as synth enthusiasts seeking a truly expressive polyphonic analog synth, capable of wide pads, synth brass, cutting leads, and solid basses. It excels particularly in synthwave, pop, electro, techno, ambient, and sound design. In the studio, it shines with its versatility and preset memory; live, its dedicated controls and bi-timbrality allow quick transitions and immediate layering.

Features and Innovations

The Behringer UB-Xa is based on analog subtractive synthesis with a 16-voice polyphony and a rich architecture: 2 VCOs per voice with oscillator sync, and adjustable waveforms (sawtooth, triangle, square) with variable pulse width. The VCOs and VCF rely on reproductions of the 3340 and 3320 semiconductor designs to achieve vintage-typical behavior and character.

Regarding filtering, each voice features an analog low-pass filter with selectable slope of 12 dB or 24 dB, with adjustable resonance, complemented by 2 ADSR envelopes per voice dedicated to the VCF and VCA. For modulation, there are 2 LFOs with 7 waveforms and an 8-channel modulation matrix to expand routings. Expressive playing is enhanced via optional velocity and aftertouch, plus MPE compatibility to control multiple parameters per note with multidimensional controllers.

Performance is central: arpeggiator and dual-layer sequencer with real-time transposition, 26 rotary controls for direct access, LCD screen with encoder for quick editing, and assignable recall buttons. The 512 user programs include a "compare and match" function to instantly restore control positions relative to the preset. Finally, servo-balanced outputs ensure excellent signal integrity in studio environments.

Technical Specifications

Sound Engine and Synthesis

• Classic desktop polyphonic analog synthesizer with 16 voices and multi-timbrality featuring 8 Vintage modes and dual VCF
• Polyphonic analog synthesizer and authentic reproduction of the classic OB-Xa, including original factory patches
• Vintage mode allows selection among 8 synth signatures, including OB-Xa, OB-8, and others
• 16 voices with 2 VCOs per voice and oscillator sync mode
• Multitimbral capability allows splitting or layering two different sounds
• VCO and VCF based on reproductions of the original 3340 and 3320 semiconductor designs
• Both VCOs generate sawtooth, triangle, or square waveforms with variable pulse width

Filter, Modulation, and Envelopes

• Analog low-pass filter with selectable dual slope 12/24 dB per voice and adjustable resonance
• Flexible 8-channel modulation matrix for spectacular expansion of sound possibilities
• 2 dedicated LFOs with 7 waveforms for modulating pulse width, oscillator pitch, and filter cutoff frequency
• 2 ADSR generators per voice for controlling VCF and VCA
• Stereo VCA per voice to control voice/layer panning

Performance, Interface, and Memory

• Arpeggiator and dual-layer sequencer with real-time sequence transposition
• Velocity and aftertouch optionally usable for more expressive performance
• 26 rotary controls provide direct, real-time access to all important parameters
• High-quality LCD screen with encoder for quick parameter editing
• Assignable preset recall buttons for immediate program selection
• 512 user program memories with "compare and match" function to quickly align all analog controls to stored program values

Connections, Format, and Integration

• Desktop version for stage or rack mounting with included rack mounting brackets
• Fully servo-balanced outputs for maximum signal integrity
• CV/pedal inputs for connecting expression pedals and footswitches
• MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) support to enable multidimensional controllers and multiple parameters per note
• Full MIDI implementation (including NRPN/CC control of all parameters and bulk load/save)