Behringer UB-Xa

• Clone of the Oberheim OB-Xa (1980)
• Analog Synthesizer
• Keyboard with 61 keys
• Aftertouch
• 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
• Lever for Pitchbend & modulation

The new UB-Xa

Behringer has taken the opportunity to implement a few new features in the UB-Xa. 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 is a CEM3320, which has a round and rich sound, does not go too steeply into resonance and can be switched between 12dB and 24dB. 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 assigned primarily 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 located next to the levers for Pitch and modulation 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. The polyphonic step sequencer should not be missing; this should provide the perfect accompaniment, especially in jam setups. Hundreds of sounds offer access to a sea of sounds and also provide inspiration for new sounds. Panel mode is available as an option for the stored sounds; when this is activated, the UB-xa 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.