Behringer UB-Xa D

• Clone of the Oberheim OB-Xa (1980)
• Analog Synthesizer
• Desktop case respectively 19" 5U
  
• Aftertouch & Velocity
  
• 16 voices
• 2-Part multitimbral (Upper & Lower Part)
• 2 oscillators
• Hardsync
• Noise generator
• 12/24 dB Lowpass filter (Curtis CEM3320)
• 2 ADSR envelopes
• 2 LFOs (modulation & performance)
• Manual Mode
• Split / Dual / Unisono Mode
• Chord Mode
• Step Sequencer
• Arpeggiator

The new UB-Xa

Behringer has taken the opportunity to implement a few new features in the UB-Xa D. In addition to the significantly expanded sound memory, both LFOs have a larger waveform selection and the oscillators have each been expanded to include a triangle waveform. The noise generator is now infinitely variable and the modulation section has been expanded to include a few destinations. Thanks to the new shift function, many parameters can benefit from an extended range of functions. Also new are Arpeggiator and a step sequencer. Any four presets can be assigned to four keys, so you always have direct access to your favourite sounds. All the new features are supported by a display.

The sound generation

The two assertive oscillators with a radiant yet velvety smooth sound each have sawtooth, triangle and square waveforms (including adjustable pulse width); oscillator 1 can also be synchronized to oscillator 2. The volume ratios for the oscillators can only be switched on/off for oscillator 1 and off/half/full for oscillator 2. A noise generator can be added to the tone generators. The filter module of the UB-Xa D is a CEM3320, which has a round and rich sound, does not go too steeply into resonance and can be switched between 12 dB and 24 dB. It has already been used in classics such as Crumar Trilogy, Elka Synthex, Linndrum, PPG Wave 2, Sequential Pro-One and, of course, the Prohet-5.

Modulation

The modulations are set on the left-hand side of the control panel. The main LFO (Modulation) has seven waveforms and is assigned to Oscillator Pitch 1/2 and Cutoff, as well as PWM 1/2 and Volume with different intensities. The second LFO (Performance) is controlled with the modulation wheel on the master keyboard or via MIDI controller and is mainly intended as a vibrato LFO. Other modulations can be selected and assigned via Display. The two ADSR envelopes with the softer punch typical of "Oberheim Polys" are permanently assigned to the filter and VCA; the filter envelope can also modulate the second oscillator. When hardsync is activated, this produces the most beautiful solo synth sounds that you've always wanted and for which Oberheim is generally known and loved. It gets really fat when Unisono is switched on: a total of 32 oscillators sound at the same time! Anyone who loves expressive synthesizer sounds will find their happiness here.

Playing aids & memory

As a classic playing aid, the extensively editable arpeggiator is of course a must. In addition, Behringer has given the UB-Xa D a polyphonic step sequencer, which provides the perfect accompaniment, especially in jam setups. Over 400 sounds provide access to a sea of sounds and are also inspiration for new sounds. Panel mode is available as an option for the stored sounds; when this is activated, the UB-xa D sounds as it is set at the time. Thanks to keysplit, a second sound can be played in the lower keyboard range within the 16-voice polyphony. As an alternative to split mode, double mode can be activated, in which case two sounds can be played simultaneously, i.e. layered. Lower and Upper are the indication of double multi-timbrality, so you can, for example, have the Bassline played by the DAW while you play the impressive solo yourself.