The Behringer MODEL D is an ultra-affordable, authentic analog recreation of the legendary Minimoog Model D from the 1970s. This semi-modular monophonic/desktop synth delivers the same iconic fat, warm tones with three voltage-controlled oscillators, a classic 24 dB/octave ladder filter (switchable low/high-pass), dual envelopes, LFO, overdrive circuit, noise generator, and extensive patching via 3.5 mm CV/gate jacks. It supports 16-voice poly chaining with multiple units, MIDI/USB connectivity, and full Eurorack conversion (70 HP module)—making it perfect for vintage Moog-style leads, basses, effects, or integration into modular systems without the vintage price tag.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Authentic Analog Monophonic Synthesizer (inspired by Minimoog Model D) |
| Polyphony | Monophonic (16-voice Poly Chain via MIDI linking multiple units) |
| Format | Desktop / Eurorack-convertible (70 HP module width) |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 3.5″ × 14.7″ × 5.4″ (90 mm × 374 mm × 136 mm) |
| Weight | 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs) / Shipping ~2.7 kg (6.0 lbs) |
| Power Supply | External 12 V DC adapter (included, 1000 mA) |
| Power Consumption | 7 W max. |
| Current Draw (Eurorack mode) | +12 V: ~583 mA (varies by source; some report higher—check PSU capacity) |
| Oscillators (3 × VCO) | |
| Frequency Range | 0.1 Hz – 20 kHz (6 overlapping ranges: LO, 32′, 16′, 8′, 4′, 2′) |
| Waveforms (OSC 1 & 2) | Triangle, Triangle/Saw, Saw, Square, Wide Pulse, Narrow Pulse |
| Waveforms (OSC 3) | Triangle, Reverse Saw, Saw, Square, Wide Pulse, Narrow Pulse |
| Controls | Tune (±2 octaves), Frequency (OSC 2 & 3: ±7 semitones), Glide (0–10) |
| Modulation | OSC 3 or filter EG to OSC freq; switchable OSC 3 keyboard tracking |
| Noise Generator | White / Pink (switchable) |
| Mixer Section | Volumes for OSC 1/2/3, Noise, External Input; on/off switches; Overload LED |
| Filter (VCF) | 24 dB/octave ladder filter; switchable Low-Pass / High-Pass |
| Controls | Cutoff Frequency (±4), Emphasis (Resonance: 0–10), Amount of Contour (0–10) |
| Keyboard Tracking | 1/3 or 2/3 (switchable) |
| Modulation | On/off; Filter Decay on/off |
| Envelopes (Filter & Loudness) | |
| Controls | Attack (1 ms – 10 s), Decay (4 ms – >35 s), Sustain (0–10) |
| LFO | |
| Waveforms | Triangle / Square |
| Rate | 0.05 Hz – 200 Hz (up to 300 Hz with external CV) |
| Modulation Section | Mix (OSC 3/Filter EG to Noise/Ext or LFO), Depth (0–10) |
| Overdrive | Analog circuit for added grit and saturation |
| I/O | |
| Audio Outputs | High: 1/4″ TS unbalanced (max 0 dBu, 1.2 kΩ); Low: 1/4″ TS (30 dB below high, 1 kΩ); Headphones: 3.5 mm TRS (max -3.5 dBu, 8 Ω) |
| External Audio Input | 3.5 mm TS (1 MΩ) |
| CV/Gate Inputs (3.5 mm TS) | 1 V/oct OSC 1, LFO (±5 V), Cutoff (0–+5 V), Loudness (0–+5 V), Filter/Loudness Contour Gate (+5 V trigger) |
| Outputs (3.5 mm TS) | LFO Triangle/Square (±2 V), Mixer Out (max 0 dBu), Filter Contour (0–+4 V), Loudness Contour (0–+4.6 V), Main Audio Out (max 0 dBu) |
| MIDI | In / Thru (5-pin DIN, 16 channels); USB Type B (Class Compliant) |
| Additional Features | Semi-modular (no patching needed for basic play); External audio processing; A-440 reference tone; Overdrive; Eurorack installation kit included |
| OS Requirements | Windows XP+, macOS 10.6.8+ (for USB MIDI) |
Key Features & Signal Flow
- Triple VCO architecture — Classic Moog-style stacking for thick, fat sounds; sync, detune, and modulation options for leads, basses, and effects.
- Iconic 24 dB ladder filter — Switchable LP/HP modes with resonance for creamy sweeps or aggressive tones; contour amount and keyboard tracking add expressiveness.
- Dual ADS envelopes — Independent for filter and VCA (loudness); fast attack to long decays for punchy percussion or evolving pads.
- LFO & modulation matrix — Triangle/square waves; route to oscillators or filter; noise/external mod sources for chaos or subtle vibrato.
- Overdrive & noise — Add grit to signals; pink/white noise expands timbres for percussion or atmospheres.
- Semi-modular & patchable — Normalled signal path (VCOs → Mixer → VCF → VCA → Out) for instant play; break normals with 3.5 mm jacks for CV/gate experimentation.
- Modern conveniences — MIDI/USB for DAW/sequencer control; poly chaining up to 16 voices; Eurorack conversion for modular integration.
- Authentic analog path — Matched transistors, precision components capture the vintage Moog warmth and instability—great for everything from classic bass to screaming leads.
Resources
- Official Behringer product page: https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0718-AAC
- Quick Start Guide / Manual (PDF): Available on Behringer downloads or direct links like https://www.behringer.com/downloads.html (search “MODEL D”)
- ModularGrid page: https://modulargrid.net/e/behringer-model-d
- Retailer pages (Sweetwater, Thomann, Perfect Circuit, Vintage King): Specs, user reviews, demo videos, and sound clips
- Demo videos: Search YouTube for “Behringer Model D demo” (official overviews, bass/lead patches, comparisons to vintage Minimoog)
The Behringer MODEL D brings legendary Minimoog tones to a modern, budget-friendly package—perfect for beginners exploring analog synthesis, pros wanting affordable vintage vibes, or modular users adding a powerhouse voice. Highly recommended for any synth enthusiast!
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