The Behringer 172 is a faithful analog recreation of the Roland System 100M 172 module from the early 1980s. This versatile 16 HP multitool combines a 6-stage phase shifter, bucket-brigade device (BBD) analog delay, a dedicated LFO with triangle/inverted outputs, and a gate delay section for pulse shaping—all in one compact package. Internal routing lets the LFO modulate both the phase shifter and delay for instant swirling, chorus-y, or echoing effects, while extensive patching unlocks creative flams, glitches, ensemble sounds, and more. Perfect for adding movement, space, and vintage modulation to any Eurorack system.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Legendary Analog Phase Shifter/Delay/LFO/Gate Delay Eurorack Module |
| Eurorack Width | 16 HP |
| Depth | 44 mm (1.73″) |
| Weight | Approx. 0.19 kg (0.42 lbs) |
| Power Requirements | Eurorack bus (10-pin or 16-pin connector) |
| Current Draw | +12 V: 60 mA, –12 V: 60 mA, +5 V: 0 mA |
| Phase Shifter | |
| Stages | 6-stage analog phase shifter |
| Controls | MOD INTENSITY (internal LFO or CV), SHIFT FREQUENCY (200 Hz – 8 kHz), RESONANCE |
| Effect Switch | Off / On |
| Audio Input | 1 × 3.5 mm TS, AC coupled, ~70 kΩ unbalanced, max +16 dBu |
| CV Input | 1 × 3.5 mm TS, DC coupled, >50 kΩ unbalanced |
| Output | 1 × 3.5 mm TS (phase shifted signal) |
| Audio Delay (BBD) | |
| Type | Analog bucket-brigade delay |
| Controls | MOD INTENSITY (internal LFO or CV), DELAY TIME (1 ms – 7 ms short range for chorus/flange; some sources note effective short echoes), RESONANCE |
| Audio Input | 1 × 3.5 mm TS (shared or dedicated; often normalled from phase out) |
| CV Input | 1 × 3.5 mm TS for modulation |
| Output | 1 × 3.5 mm TS (delayed signal), typical 10 V p-p max |
| LFO | |
| Waveforms | Triangle, Inverted Triangle |
| Frequency Range | 0.02 Hz – 10 Hz |
| Controls | FREQUENCY |
| Outputs | 2 × 3.5 mm TS (normal and inverted), DC coupled, 1 kΩ, selectable levels |
| Internal Routing | Modulates phase shifter and delay intensity (switchable or always active) |
| Gate Delay | |
| Controls | THRESHOLD (0.3 V – 5 V), DELAY TIME (0.3 ms – 6 s), GATE TIME (0.3 ms – 6 s) |
| Input | 1 × 3.5 mm TS gate/trigger in |
| Output | 1 × 3.5 mm TS delayed gate out |
| Additional I/O | |
| Total Inputs | Phase shifter audio/CV, delay audio/CV (often shared), gate in |
| Total Outputs | Phase out, delay out, 2 × LFO out, gate out |
| Patch Points | Extensive for external modulation, chaining, or feedback loops |
| LEDs | None (classic 100M style—no indicators) |
Key Features & Signal Flow
- 6-stage phase shifter – Sweeping, resonant notches with internal LFO modulation for classic whooshy psychedelic effects; CV input for external control.
- Analog BBD delay – Short delays for thick chorus, flange, or slapback echoes; resonance adds metallic bite; modulated by the same internal LFO for evolving textures.
- LFO with dual outputs – Triangle and inverted triangle waves for complementary modulation (e.g., stereo panning or opposing filter sweeps); wide slow-to-medium range.
- Gate delay section – Adjustable threshold, delay, and length for creating flams, echoes on triggers, ping-pong rhythms, or glitchy gate patterns—great for percussion or sequencing tricks.
- Internal LFO routing – Default modulation to phase and delay sections for instant animated sounds; patch externally to break or expand.
- Classic System 100M character — Warm analog processing with that vintage Roland vibe—ideal for psychedelic leads, dreamy pads, spatial effects, or creative timing manipulation.
- Fully patchable — No hard normalisation beyond LFO; route audio through phase → delay, use gate delay on envelopes, or mult LFO for multiple destinations.
Resources
- Official Behringer product page: https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0720-AAK
- Quick Start Guide (PDF): Available on Behringer downloads or direct link like https://notebook.zoeblade.com/Downloads/Documentation/Behringer/172_Phase_Shifter_Delay_LFO_quick_start_guide.pdf
- ModularGrid page: https://modulargrid.net/e/behringer-system-100-172-phase-shifter-audio-delay-gate-delay-lfo
- Retailer pages (Sweetwater, Thomann, Perfect Circuit, B&H Photo): Detailed specs, user reviews, demo videos, and sound clips
- Demo videos: Search YouTube for “Behringer 172 Phase Shifter Delay LFO” (patch examples, phase sweeps, delay chorusing, gate tricks)
The Behringer 172 is a compact, affordable effects and modulation powerhouse—capturing authentic 80s Roland processing with phase swirl, analog echo, triangle LFO vibes, and gate creativity in minimal space. A fantastic utility for experimental patches or enhancing any voice with movement and space. Highly recommended!
Leave a Reply