Grok Enhanced Notes*
This is the Behringer System 100 297 Dual Portamento/CV Utilities Module, combining portamento and mixer functions. It’s an authentic recreation of the original 1980s “System 100M” circuitry, designed to fit seamlessly into a standard Eurorack case. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly! Integrate the 297 into your current setup or kick off your modular synth adventure with it—either way, endless fun awaits.
Key Features and Specifications
The 297 packs versatile analog utilities into a compact 16HP panel, making it ideal for modulation-heavy patches. Here’s a breakdown:
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Portamento | Dual independent circuits, each with signal input/output (3.5mm TS jacks), adjustable time knob (10ms–3s glide range), and dedicated CV input for voltage-controlled portamento timing. Perfect for smoothing CV transitions, like gliding between notes on an oscillator. |
| CV Mixers | Two 4-channel mixers for control voltages, with individual attenuators per input. Each offers normal and inverted outputs for flexible signal routing—great for creating offsets or inverted modulations. Inputs 3 and 4 default to +10V/-10V fixed voltages (no jack inserted) for easy DC offsets. |
| Power & Build | +12V: 40mA / -12V: 30mA consumption; DC-coupled inputs for audio/CV compatibility. Includes mounting screws and ribbon cable for easy Eurorack installation. Rugged aluminum panel with authentic System 100M styling. |
| Audio Handling | Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz (±0.5dB); signal-to-noise: >80dBu. Handles both CV and audio signals, though optimized for modulation duties. |
What Users Are Saying
Modular enthusiasts praise its value for expanding System 100 rigs, with one Sweetwater reviewer noting: “It matched the rest of the Behringer System 100 modules, and it added two Portamento circuits and secondly it added two 4-channel mixers for CV signals. Each mixer has dual outputs and dual inverted outputs.” On ModularGrid (average 3.46/5 from 24 ratings), users highlight its aesthetics and performance: “Build quality is great, ease of use is good and overall performance is excellent. I have all of the System 100 modules in my setup.” However, some note limitations, like the portamento’s sensitivity to low voltages (optimized for 0–10V, not full bipolar Eurorack range), which can make fine adjustments tricky without offsets—though recent units (as of 2025) reportedly perform “really nicely” after tweaks.
Pro Tips for Your Rig
- Patch Ideas: Use the portamento on VCO pitch CV for classic synth leads, or chain the mixers to blend LFOs/envelopes before feeding a filter cutoff. The inverted outputs shine for phase-flipped modulations.
- Compatibility: Pairs perfectly with other Behringer System 100 modules (e.g., 305 EQ/Mixer or 182 Sequencer) for a full vintage-inspired case. Works in mixed systems too, but pair with a bipolar offset if using deep-mod sources.
- Warranty: Backed by a 3-year warranty if registered within 90 days—check retailers like Sweetwater or Thomann for current deals.
Whether you’re chasing 80s Roland vibes or just need reliable CV tools without the premium price tag, the 297 delivers punchy, hands-on fun that elevates any Eurorack setup.
Video
This is a video by ranzee on YouTube describing the finer nerd points on the Behringer 297.
Resources
Behringer Product Page: https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0720-AAJ
Quick Start Guide (Sucks): https://cdn.mediavalet.com/aunsw/musictribe/K5413OBuQUS0hAYuoailkQ/aFTU4g0dBEuF17M3a5qvnA/Original/QSG_BE_0720-AAJ_297%20DUAL%20PORTAMENTO%20CV%20UTILITIES_WW.pdf
* I post the entire link so people know where they are going. Sometimes they are ugly. KJ
** Grok enhanced version of my notes. It does in 30 seconds what I would do in 2 hours.
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