The Behringer MS-1 BK is a clone of the famous Roland SH-101, which shines against the original with a few sophisticated extras. They have remained faithful to the monophonic original from 1983 and have even reissued the well-known Curtis IC CEM3340 to reproduce the distinctive VCO sound exactly. The audio mixer with six inputs including Ext Audio, the massive 24dB lowpass filter with 24dB, the switchable VCA and the snap ADSR with its unmistakable taste; everything is as you know and love it!
36 years later...
The extensions can be found in details that even purists will find inspiring: The tempo for the arpeggiator and sequencer now has its own control and is therefore no longer dependent on the LFO tempo; of course, the two playing aids can also be synchronized to MIDI. The Arpeggiator and Sequencer controls have also been expanded, simplifying operation and giving access to 64 patterns. The filter also benefits from a special extension: six oscillator taps including noise are available for infinitely variable modulation of the cutoff. Of course, the MS-1 BK offers modern interfaces such as MIDI and USB input and output. The CV/Gate inputs and outputs have been retained, so the new retro classic remains open for connection to a modular system.
Fit for the stage
The MS-1 BK is a real live instrument, not only due to the numerous analog controls and the arpeggiator, but also to the shoulder strap with mountable handle; with this combination you can position yourself next to the singer and guitarist in the band or lay down an impressive solo in your keyboard castle.
The Roland SH-101 became a classic because of the simplicity of use and floor rumbling,and booty shaking and bass. Acidic squelch and easy to use step sequencer. The Behringer MS-1 has it all, apart for the sequencer, which has gained more functionality, but ease of use has been sacrificed. There are shift key operations for gate time and ratcheting but at least you have more than on sequence that is stored to none volatile memory, even if they are limited to 32 steps instead of the SH’s 120 steps. Is the 100% analogous to the original? Well I’d say it’s at least ninety-five percent there, and considering what the real deal costs and the fact that the SH-101 was made as cheaply as it could be. I would say that for every day use,touring or in the studio the midi/usb midi make this a no brainier as far as I’m concerned.
I get why completists require the original model of this synth but in terms of function and performance I'd rather have this in my bag on the road. It's almost flawless compared to the original and maybe doesn't have the original styling bu operates as you would expect if you are familiar with it's father.