Introduction - Behringer MODEL D User Manual

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MODEL D User Manual

1. Introduction

An ultra-affordable homage to an iconic synthesizer, with all the features of the
original and then some, the BEHRINGER MODEL D lets you conjure up virtually any
monophonic sound imaginable with incredible finesse and ease.
The pure analog signal path is based on authentic VCO, VCF, VCA and ladder filter
designs in conjunction with a dedicated and fully analog triangle/ square wave
LFO. And when it comes to protection and convenience, the MODEL D can even be
mounted in a standard Eurorack, making it ideal for the studio and/or the road.
Owning a MODEL D is like having your own personal time machine, enabling you
to freely embrace the past – or shape the future!
Please read the manual carefully and keep it for future reference.
1.1 Before you get started
1.1.1 Shipment
The MODEL D was carefully packed in the factory to guarantee safe transport.
Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine the packaging and
its contents for any signs of physical damage, which may have occurred during
transit.
If the unit is damaged, please do NOT return it to us, but notify
your dealer and the shipping company im mediately, otherwise
claims for damage or replacement may not be granted.
1.1.2 Initial operation
Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling purposes and,
to avoid over-heating, please do not place the MODEL D on high-temperature
devices such as radiators or power amps.
WARNING: The MODEL D is supplied with a AC power adapter.
It meets the required safety standards. Do not use any other
power adapter.
WARNING: Please make sure that all units have a proper ground
connection. For your own safety, never remove or disable the
ground conductor from any units or AC power cords in your
system.
1.2 The product manual
This product manual is designed to give you both an overview of the MODEL D
analog synthesizer, as well as detailed information on each of the controls and
parameters. You will find an overview of the physical control elements in the
next chapter.
1.3 Preparation
CAUTION: Remember to turn your monitors / loudspeakers on
last when powering up your system, and turn your monitors /
loudspeakers off first when powering down your system.
2. Features
True to the Original
Great care has been taken in designing the MODEL D including the true to the
original "D Type" circuitry with its matched transistors and JFETs, ultra-high
precision 0.1% thin film resistors and polyphenylene sulphide capacitors. This
highly-focused attention to detail is what gives the MODEL D its ultra-flexible
sound shaping capability, which covers everything from super-fat bass and lead
tones, stunning effects, progressive organ sounds – and all the way out to the
otherworldly sounds of your imagination.
Big, Fat Tones
The inspired synthesizer tracks laid down in the 1970s and '80s are etched in the
annals of progressive rock, wave and synth-pop music forever, making them
truly classic in every sense of the word. MODEL D's pure analog signal path with
legendary VCO, VCF and VCA circuits, lets you recreate all of that magic – or
design incredibly fat and original sounds that will make you a legend in your own
right!
VCO Triple Play
MODEL D's 3 highly-flexible Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) provide an
incredible range of 5 waveforms for sculpting the perfect sound. Oscillators 1 and
2 options include: triangular; triangular/saw; saw; square; wide pulse; and narrow
pulse, while OSC 3 features: triangular; reverse saw; saw; square; wide pulse; and
narrow pulse. Additionally, all 3 VCOs can be adjusted across an extremely-wide,
6-octave range (LO, 32', 16', 8', 4', and 2'). This amazing flexibility gives you all the
tools you need to be your creative best.
24 dB Ladder Filter and VCA
The very heart of MODEL D's sound is its highly-flexible 24 dB Ladder Filter, which
lets you freely experiment with the Cutoff Frequency, Emphasis, and Contour to
dial in the perfect sound.
MODEL D's Filter Mode switch can be set to either Lo- or Hi-pass for selecting the
range of your choice. You can also adjust the Attack, Decay, and Sustain controls
to affect the cutoff frequency with time. The VCA Decay switch lets you set the
length of time the note lingers after the key has been released. Additionally,
support for filter-keytracking allows you to select how much filtering is applied
based on the note being played. And if you want to add modulation, just set the
Filter Modulation switch to the On position and use the Controllers Mod Mix knob
to make it so. The VCA can even be overloaded via MODEL D's feedback circuit to
add insane spice and edge to your sounds – without saying "goodbye" to your
precious low-end content.
Making Waves
You are always in complete control of MODEL D's onboard modulators, which
feature: adjustable Tune; Mod Depth; LFO Rate; Glide (portamento); and Mod Mix
knobs. A range of switches is provided for selecting between: triangle or square
wave oscillation; modulation On or Off; OSC 3 or Filter EG (Filter Envelope); and
Noise (Mod SRC) or LFO. The Tune knob is used to adjust the frequency of OSC 1,
2 and 3 (as long as the OSC 3 switch is turned off). The internal Noise generator,
which is switchable between either Pink or White noise for dramatically
expanded waveform generation, is the default modulation source, unless an
external Mod Source is connected at the 3.5 mm input jack. The BEHRINGER
MODEL D is the ultimate mono, all-analog synthesizer in its class – especially
when it comes to sound quality, versatility and affordability.