The Behringer FOUR PLAY is a high-performance, ultra-low-noise quad voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) and mixer module inspired by popular designs like the Intellijel Quad VCA. This 12 HP analog module features four independent VCAs based on the Coolaudio V2164A chip, each with manual level control, switchable linear/exponential response, +6 dB input boost, dedicated CV attenuator with bi-color LED (indicating activity and polarity), and cascading mixing—where outputs normal to the next input for summed mixes. DC-coupled throughout, it handles both audio and CV signals flawlessly, making it ideal for amplitude control, stereo/quad panning, crossfading, morphing mixes, CV processing, or building compact voices in any Eurorack system.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Quad Voltage-Controlled Amplifier / Mixer Eurorack Module (analog, DC-coupled) |
| Eurorack Width | 12 HP |
| Depth | 41.3 mm (1.63″) |
| Weight | Approx. 0.14–0.5 kg (0.31–1.1 lbs, varies by source) |
| Power Requirements | Eurorack bus (10-pin or 16-pin connector) |
| Current Draw | +12 V: 100 mA, –12 V: 100 mA, +5 V: 0 mA |
| VCAs (4 identical channels) | |
| Response Curve | Switchable: Linear / Exponential per channel |
| Controls per Channel | LEVEL (manual initial gain), CV ATTEN (attenuator for CV input), BOOST switch (+6 dB gain for low-level inputs) |
| Audio/CV Inputs | 1 × 3.5 mm TS per channel (audio or CV; DC coupled), normalled to previous channel’s output for mixing |
| CV Inputs | 1 × 3.5 mm TS per channel (summed with attenuator; 0 V to +10 V typical), bi-color LED (green/red for positive/negative activity) |
| Audio/CV Outputs | 1 × 3.5 mm TS per channel (individual out), DC coupled, max ~10 V p-p typical |
| Mixer Functionality | Cascading: Channel 1 out normalled to Ch. 2 in, Ch. 2 to Ch. 3, Ch. 3 to Ch. 4; Ch. 4 out acts as summed mix output when chained |
| Additional Features | |
| Total Patch Points | 4 audio/CV ins, 4 CV ins, 4 outs (plus normalisation for mixing) |
| LEDs | 4 × bi-color (CV activity/polarity per channel) |
| Chip | Coolaudio V2164A quad VCA (high-performance, low-noise) |
Key Features & Signal Flow
- Four independent VCAs — Each processes audio or CV with switchable linear (clean, accurate for percussion/CV) or exponential (musical swells/decays) curves.
- +6 dB boost switch per channel — Compensates for low-level signals (e.g., from passive modules or weak sources) without extra gain stages.
- CV attenuators with visual feedback — Bi-color LEDs show modulation strength and direction (positive green, negative red)—easy to dial in subtle or aggressive control.
- Cascading mixer — Normalled chain allows easy 2/3/4-channel mixing; use individual outs for separate processing or Ch. 4 as master sum for unified voices/stereo pairs.
- DC-coupled design — Perfect for audio amplitude, CV processing (e.g., slewing envelopes, mixing mod sources), or hybrid patches.
- Ultra-low noise — Clean, transparent performance suitable for high-fidelity mixing or as utility in small racks.
- No extra normalisation beyond chaining — Patch freely: crossfade signals, morph waveforms with multiple sources, create quadraphonic panning, or use as CV mixer/attenuverter combo.
- Versatile applications — Build full voices (VCO → VCF → FOUR PLAY → out), handle stereo/quad effects, mix LFOs/envelopes, or enable dynamic crossfading/morphing when paired with modulation modules.
Resources
- Official Behringer product page: https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0720-ACI
- Quick Start Guide / Manual (PDF): Available on Behringer downloads (search “FOUR PLAY”) or retailer mirrors
- ModularGrid page: https://modulargrid.net/e/behringer-four-play (user ratings, discussions, and comparisons)
- Retailer pages (Sweetwater, Thomann, Perfect Circuit, B&H Photo, Vintage King): Detailed specs, user reviews, demo videos, and sound clips
- Demo videos: Search YouTube for “Behringer Four Play Quad VCA” (patch examples, linear vs expo demos, mixing/crossfading ideas)
The Behringer FOUR PLAY delivers Intellijel Quad VCA-style functionality with modern conveniences like LEDs and boost switches at an unbeatable price—making it a go-to for compact, versatile amplitude and mixing duties. Whether expanding voices, handling modulation, or decluttering your rack, it’s a reliable, feature-packed utility. Highly recommended for any Eurorack setup!
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