behringer JT-4000 Micro. Too cheap to be any good?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ค. 2024
- In todays episode of Mad Gear, Greg get's to grips with the new
Behringer JT-4000 Micro. A possible take on the ubiquitous trance synth, the JP-8000 from Roland.
How does it sound?
How easy is it to operate without using the manual?
Similarities between this and the new behringer Pro VS Mini
Does it do Supersaw?
Is it 'Too cheap to be any good?'
Lets find out!!!!
Go look at my first impressions video of the new behringer Pro VS Mini and see/hear any differences
• Behringer Pro VS First...
00:00 Introduction
00:41 What is it?
01:32 Unboxing
03:37 Any immediate omissions?
04:23 What's the build quality like?
05:10 Plugging it in
05:53 First Sound impressions
06:40 Oscillator functions
07:22 First look at the Super Saw
07:45 Analog filter controls
08:00 The LFO's
09:13 A in depth look at the Super Saw
10:24 Does it sound like a JP 8000 in my opinion
10:48 The other oscillators
11:27 The JT 4000 User Interface
11:59 Attempting to use the Arp
12:43 Playing patches whilst trying to use the Arp
13:23 Pad sounds
14:12 Filter envelope
14:33 Lfo's in more detail
15:27 Further preset sounds
15:50 Synth Master Setting controls
16:05 Thoughts so far
16:54 How many patch memories
17:15 Preset sounds with Reverb added
18:27 User interface differences between JT4000 & ProVS
20:31 Further examples of its sounds (NO FX Added)
23:57 Final thoughts, ideas for improvement and is it worth it?
#synth #roland #jt4000micro
Jesus this sounds shockingly good for 50 bucks. People dunk on Behringer, but hell, the more people who can discover the joy of music the better, I say.
I truly hate the idea of being 'that guy' but why wouldn't you at least glance at the manual? Kit is only ever as good as your knowledge of it. That goes for cheap all the way to expensive. This thing sounds great. Can't wait to hear more.
to turn on the arpeggiator, press settings button, scroll to page 2, where it says key, turn knob A until it reads ARP
Thanks
I'm totally in favour of these small, inexpensive synths. I got some great noises out of Korg monotron units and this is way more powerful and versatile. It's a toy, sure, but so is any musical instrument. That's why what you do with them is called 'playing'.
My philosophy is: it's only a toy if the user is either 1) a child, or 2) a gear snob who can't do a thing unless they've spent a fortune.
yeah, but making a VA with no knobs is pretty silly.... The whole point of VA's were knobs knobs knobs... You're better of with software and a midi controller if you already have a computer ofcourse...
@@miffebarbezYou are never "better off with" a VST. Even the cheapest, worst hardware synth is better than a bunch of soulless 1s and 0s.
@@April480p yes because the 1 and 0's in the JT4000 have soul. lol
doesn't sound like a toy...
Seriously for less than the price of a silicone case from Apple for your iPhone, this is a lot of fun. It delivers good sound, it's paraphonic and you can play chords. Even if you don't take this seriously, you just need it.. because it exists!
Aye... just ordered one and I´m excited
Came out today. Getting mine
Infact fuck Apple.
I love the fact that the company's trying to make synthesizers affordable for people who don't make very much, like my broke-ass for example. So in case they stumble across this, thank you, guys. :)
companies
@@SpeccyMan company is... haha
The form factor seems to based on the Korg Monotron line of synths ... and compared to any of the monotrons i think it fares really well : polyphony , presets , midi ... i think behringer will sell a ton of them
I have the monotrons and I agree, this kind of blows them away. I plan on leaving this on my nightstand next to my bed
Is there midi? If you want to use with a computer there is.
Or a Digitakt or mpc
@@planetweed Or 1010 Blackbox. They are out there.. I get that part, but I shouldn't need to have something special to run an external piece of hardware with standard midi. It really isn't asking a lot. They just meant for it to be a computer device first I guess.
@@ChaswellQuintmidi usb host box
The timbre sounds fantastic. If you're recording, then this seriously reduces your need to seek out expensive vintage gear.
The ARP selection is in settings- Mod A with the Sel/enter toggle. Then select ARP with the A/ Cutoff toggle. I haven't been able to find if you can latch it. The manual isn't much help! Neither is the Pro VS one either. Took me an age to find the sequencer and ARP settings on that. No real tutorials yet either. Suppose it's a case of user discovery and sharing 😄 Ta for the vid.
It's in the manual:
SETTINGS - pressing this button accesses the settings menu.
• OCT A: Set (sets the octave of the internal keyboard)
OCT B: ------ (there is no option B)
• MOD A: Set (select between keyboard or arpeggiator)
Yes I did find it but not in the ARP section where you would assume it would be! 😀@@FrederikAlkema
Thank-you 😊
Thank you so much for this. The manual was about as useful as a chocolate teapot 🫖
Exactly the same as when I unboxed mine, it took me ages to figure out how to use the arpeggiator! You have to change the mod source from keyboard to arp in the settings options.
I bought one and have put it up for resale already because the apreggiator does not work as expected (to put it politely - I could only get mine to play about 3 notes then it stopped) and there is latency between pressing a key and it making a sound. The sounds are good though and it's fairly good value.
In order to turn the arpeggiator on - you need to go into "SETTINGS" and look for "MOD" then change it from "KEY" to "ARP".
Lack of midi kills it for me. When the creative itch hits i switch on my Circuit and a synth and have some fun. I spend all day working at a computer screen at home and dont want to spend my spare time doing the same.
Seems perfect for me. I love music and making music but I’m not really a musician so I couldn’t justify spending 300+ on a monologue.
I hooked my JT-4000 to MPC One+ for the midi side & sequencing which worked out great. :)
Yep, works with 1010Music Blackbox too. Build a sequence on the Blackbox, set it to send out to MIDI and off you go. But I concur its an expensive solution, as is the MPC One...;-)
@@treeface5000 Haha,sure it maybe expensive but in the long run a good go to solution. :=)
thanks for the review🎉
The second you played the first note i was reminded of that Talk Talk song, its my life? I think i have to buy one.
The Korg NTS-1 is the smallest synth I've ever seen or maybe the Korg Montron Delay/Duotron. Is it smaller than those?
Just popped my NTS-1 on top of my JT-4000 and they're about the same size
The little keyboard is actually playable, though. It's quite an amazing little thing.
would be nice if the could make a digital version/plugin of the synth just like arturia did with the mini and micro freak . having a full screen preset manager or full screen settings is game changer
lack of midi was a major oversight; i'll get a ground loop if i plug it into my computer
Not if you connect the audio output to a di box and use the ground lift switch. Always useful to have a di box in your audio tool box.
That's adding another stage on the signal path to compensate for the ground loop; I don't want it there in the first place. Cost for trs midi-in would have been $1 worth of parts; a maybe passable DI box, since transformer performance tends to be an issue, is at least half the cost of the synth itself.
@@qbqbqdbq yeah but they're a useful studio item regardless. Being able to use a balanced xlr lead to my interface or mixer is a much better option than relying on an unbalanced trs. I use the same method when connecting my uno drum and korg nts 1. I get that a di box would be nearly half the price of the synth but it would be a worthwhile purchase, helpful for many things and studio situations.
Nice review. The lack of 5 pin midi is a deal breaker for me, but really dope.
i would accept 3.5 but even that didn't happen.
Fiddly little thing, you really need an app or vst to control it, I feel. But it does sound great, albeit not particularly like a JP 8000. Also it misses an important feature the JP 8000 had: the feedback osc. I guess that's a bit difficult to replicate accurately.
At that point, it's just better to use a VST altogether. What is even the point of making little turds like these lol. Yeah, it sounds good, but sounding good is table stakes with gear. Gear should allow excellent, convenient control at your fingertips. If a piece of kit doesn't do this all by itself, then it falls short of what gear should do.
The arp on/off is in settings under Mod...(mode) - Change 'A' from key to arp.
I love Behringer synths drum machines been so on point for few years now
Awesome! Now I'm wondering what's possible with poly-chaining these 😮
That would be cool!
I know they have demos of this thing with their 'Swing' USB midi controller. So for me the real question is: can I plug my Yamaha keyboard p45 USB into it as a midi controller?
The Swing and JT-4000 are both powered by usb, meaning they both need to be plugged into a computer or MIDI host device to work together, they can't simply connect to each-other. It would be the same situation with your P45 (except it's powered by an AC adapter not USB), you would still need some kind of computer/host device between them.
@@thegregzone9862 yeah but you can get a powered USB cable & adapter combo. It will send power separate from the data source (midi controller).
Are you saying there's another component in the demos with this mini synth and the swing?
@@barisaxo Yes, there is another off-screen component in the demo with the Swing, a computer or MIDI host device. Neither the Swing or JT-4000 are capable of acting as a MIDI host, so even if you had a powered USB cable it wouldn't work.
EDIT: It would be the same with your P45, as it can't act as a MIDI host either
I'm finding the knobs need to be turned quite a bit before they start adjusting values anyone else?
Sounds great, especially for £45. I think there’s a decent chance of a bigger one at some point. Is it really needed tho?
More control, polyphony and synthesis controls with the core of this in a 1u rack, sign me up.
Accessing the ARP. Go into settings and where it says KEY turn the A knob to ARP! The arp setting only set the speed and the direction of the arp!
Excellent quality audio 👌.
It's a wonderful sound, isn't it? However, the absence of MIDI doesn't quite motivate me to make the purchase. I did notice in the video that there was a cable underneath the main unit, and it seemed shaky. I was wondering when they would fix it, but it remained that way until the end. For me, the instability and shakiness of the main unit are a major concern.
That was me trying to hide the cable. The unit on a flat surface is perfectly stable. Regarding the midi, behringer are working on a product solution and i am going to try out an idea.
No USB Class compliant MIDI ?
@@TheB1gdukit is, but to connect a keyboard to it you need to connect it to a USB host, so either you need to connect it to a PC and also connect a keyboard to the PC or you need to buy a USB MIDI host device.
Yeah not good for a DAWLESS setup. Behringer should release a Host Header device with routing for USB Midi cheaply @@AlkisT
@@TheB1gduk yep, they’ve announced they’re working on one, looking at around 20 quid for a single port one. I suspect that the reason for this is that the microcontroller on this just doesn’t have a UART.
Great sounds, thanks for doing video...
Great Video!
What about the sound quality? 12 bit DAC? Isn't it something to worry about?
The 12bit DAC has been marketed as a selling point. To be fair “lo fi” is more desirable at the moment than hi fi due to it’s “character”. Most new samplers at the moment are touting 12bit recording not 16 or 24bit as we want character, apparently 😀
It's a little gritty, but that's not that much of a problem, although I don't know why they used it as apparently the JP8000 has an 18 bit DAC.
It will be noisy and it will distort more, and it's not actually a feature you would want..unless you love audio artifacts. And no, the distortion is not of the warm and fuzzy analog kind. The only character you'll get is that of a sub par audio output. I think Behringer found a ton of these lying around in some warehouse and now is trying to sell them with a digital synth attached.
It's £49 quid.
JT stands for Just Trance?
Have they cut back on one too many things...how do we power it and play it live with an external MIDI keyboard ?
Remember it is a synth that costs £45. I am working on an idea to run this with midi via an external controller so watch this space. It does sound good though. I'm sure you will love using it when you get one 😉
Cheap USB hub and a usb->midi adapter, or, if your controller supports usb out over midi, you need for the adapter
Its a toy. Dont expect anything serious
@@rcs2003 it sounds good so does that make it still a toy? What does it need to offer for you not to think it a toy? The Monotron kickstarted this revival of cheap analog synths back in 2010. That may have been considered a toy but look where that inspiration has led us.
@@madgear303 Its intended for kids, beginners etc. Lets be honest, almost any free vst sounds way better than this synth. Dont misunderstand, I will buy the JT-4000 as well (when it will be available in the EU....). Just handle things in their place. Its a cheap dsp closed in a box with some knobs. Nothing glorious. Dont expect any serious feature for 50 USD. Ands it doesnt sound like the jp-8000. My friend has a JP-8000 and this little thing has nothing to do with it. :) Totally different. The only similar thing is the paint job. Nothing else
Hi.. sysex compatible with JP-8000 ????
Probably not, it doesn't have all the JP8000 functionality like cross-mod
Sounds better than a microkorg, can you connect midi?
It seems that the arpegiator is not really working or need an extra signal from keyboard outsider!?
In order to turn the arpeggiator on - you need to go into "SETTINGS" and look for "MOD" then change it from "KEY" to "ARP".
@@johnsmith-nd9yo yes thanks actually I found it it searching in the menu modes. What a nice little keyboard
My VS Keyboard isn't as responsive as the JT-4000 either so, I don't think you you have a dodgy VS however, I still have the protective cover on mine so it may be that making is less responsive. Overall thought I think they are great for the money. Even one of my sons has taken an interest in the JT-4000.
why is my audio interface not able to get a proper signal input .. I have a saffire pro 40.. my headphones plugged in get a good signal and when intry a differnt audio interface like my presonus go box it works fine.. the saffire pro 40 gets audio signal no problems from other devices and works
Probably due to you using a stereo lead from the JT 4000 in to a mono input. Try using a stereo 3.5mm to a 1/4” L R mono lead. Use 1 input if recording/monitoring in mono and 2 inputs if wanting stereo.
What a cool gadget!! But could a midi keyboard be connected to control the behringer? If the keyboard uses batteries, would it work?
Only if your midi keyboard provides power over usb. Good luck. Most don’t. Huge missed opportunity for this.
@@ChaswellQuint ufff... what a shame, considering how cool the synthesizer is and how useless it is. But thank you very much for the response. Better service than the brand itself! Haha
Just plug both into a computer. Turn the screen off if you really don't want it.
Just ordered one. Can’t wait to make pro music for release with it :)
It never occurred to you to try "click and turn" with the encoder knob?
settings look for key then turn on/off to turn on ARP
I have an original JP-8000, but I am still interested in this.
Sounds great, but will have to pass, because of the lack of 3pin midi.
Thanks for sharing.
Would agree, major oversight
@@xntricity6446 How is it an oversight when there is clearly not enough room for a 3-pin connector with this form factor
@@Boofski with some rearrangement of the layout would have accommodated it for sure.
@@xntricity6446 I think you are forgetting that what's inside the synth matters too, might look like there is room for a connector on the front panel but there probably isn't any inside of the synth
I think Behringer is looking at putting out little usb-(actual)midi converter boxes for those who need them. Not free, but prob cheap.
What this is, IS appropriate for it's market intention. For kids and novices to 'try out' the idea of synthesis. See if they like it with minimal investment, but get some real sounds too.
If I were a dad, I might buy this for a 11 year old, and if they prove to actually use it, consider something a tad more robust.
Discovered how to get the Arp Working.
Press SETTINGS, turn the SEL knob to MOD A: SET.
Then turn the CUTOFF knob to ARP and the Arpeggiator will then function.
Obviously press ARP to change the ARP settings.
Bit of a daft way of doing things, be better to enable the Arp within the ARP menu.
Looking forward to your video comparing it to the Sunrizer app
In order to turn the arpeggiator on - you need to go into "SETTINGS" and look for "MOD" then change it from "KEY" to "ARP".
Maybe some kind of USB Splitter cable to connect power supply and MIDI keyboard??? 😅
Why? I connected mine to my Mac via usb, it powers it fine and shows up as an instrument in core audio/midi.
Point of using hardware is get away from computer.
Not everyone wants to be Dawless @@HatredPrime
I want to play It on stage with a MIDI keyboard 🎹
@@raulgamaI believe you need a USB C to Midi Host box to get away from using a computer.
Sound quality is ok. But most would use it with a computer and program it with editing software. I guess. It's competition is vsts which sound far better.
"I'm not going to look at the manual" ... "what does this do?" #Priceless!
How did you get your Paws on that?
I'm based in the UK and @andertons have them in stock. Don't want to brag but I've currently got 2 in my possession. Going to attempt to poly chain them.
@@madgear303 Thanks, I'm in the US and have been waiting for a few months. I think it's worth $50. Thanks for taking the time to show it off.
Still can't get them in Australia too
Probably will buy one just to use in my Live-setup. I mean, this thing is so cheap and small, and I'm a Supersaw freak anyway, so it kinda makes sense for me to buy one. But there are good points in the end of the video, not denying that. Thanks for the review.
For $350.00 USD you could have a Pro VS Mini, one of these and an Aira of your choice. Geeze, that is amazing if you ask me since I'm used to paying 1K or more per synth. They sound quite as good but slap on some reverb and delay maybe a chorus and they'll get you passable.
Isn't the Korg NTS-1 smaller ?
Good point, I forgot about that one. I think they are definitely similar in size.
it does sound nicer than the micro freak super saw but s a non computer user I would have to pass
My MPC can power it and provide the USB midi i imagine. For $50 I'm sure i could use the auto sample to get a good chunk of banks.
Can't wait for the mellotron and Oberheim ones.
There's a hidden reverb in there that they have not given access to yet. Definitely. It's not my cup of tea. Avoid menu diving synths. Lack of std midi means extra cost for a hardware set up or for computer boot up and wait for that to be running.
Vsts are cheaper and easier to work with and are way more powerful and better sounding. This is not like the volca principle at all.
I had the original synth....the glue issue with the keys caused me to sell it, so obviously I ordered one of these. I am a cheapskate, I did not want to pay to ship it from Europe, so I am wating for a few months for an American market one.
As a Sunrizer (iPad app) owner, I'd say this sounds way better. This definitely reminds me of my JP8000, which I owned between 2005-2013. The filter actually sounds better.
If they'd made this in Minifreak size with 8 voices, full-size MIDI and a proper set of controls it'd be something I'd consider paying up to 600 euros for, but it is way too limited in the current form factor. It could have been a real monster if it came in a 3U or 4U rack case. I'd even accept a neutron/k2/pro-800 sized device if it would be more like the hands-on experience I got from the JP-8080 way back.
Itd already be less limited if Volca Price
Wow, good sound. The detuning goes wild
Looks and sounds good unfortunately it is missing important minimums like Proper MIDI running from a Keyboard and not just a computer where a plugin is easier and more versatile. Not expensive but a gimmick if you can manage to run it properly. I wonder if it can make any music, nobody seems to be able to play a tune with this box...
Love this! I'm still waiting for them to be released. Tired of waiting 😢
i couldn't watch the video because you left the plastic tabs on. I would like to know how that keyboard feels, it looks similar to the micro freak keyboard with metal contacts.
Yeah a rack version would be insane .. which behringer done rack synths
is this behringer first digital synth?
That's a very good point. I believe it is.
Joint first, as the Pro VS Mini (also well worth a look) came out at the same time, I believe.
👍🙏🧡💚😎rack version Eight poly, total controls on board, same sound, more memory. 😭This is Clear Dear Behringer!
(But I think this is already in the design office!)☺️👌
Yes indeed! Let’s hope so.
arp go to settings and you will find Keyboard/Arp turn it on and there you go
Eu why always thinking on the supersaw with the jp8000 . The Jp8000 is not only super saw 😂 .
Hm. I thought Korg Monotron was the smallest synth...
You beat Florian at Bad Gear on this one! Ohh this one is ‘nano Bad’ so small it’s like a flea buzzing
What's your point.... have you HEARD it..... that's the point
@@davew6097 As long as it can give me a good buzzing sounds like a flea I’d be impressed.
This synth creates a problem immediately coz you prolly need some splitters for powering the device and using midi keyboard... still racking my brains trying to figure it out.
You need a computer or a usb midi host
A DoReMidi USB host might solve it.
Yup. It’s absurd. Power and midi over the same port and that’s the only port. Oof. Plug into usb midi host. So much for 45 bucks.
Is there an editor app yet? Would be cool.
They *really* messed up with no midi OR sync in. I could just about live without midi if only they'd included CV sync input :(
How many patch memories ?
Im happy i got one. For the cash its amazing 👏
What about an EMS. Sythn no keyboard.
It's like a super-saw string machine? I can't find a single demo of it that makes any sounds that is NOT a super-saw string sound. 😀
Oi oi! Great review bro. When I finish this comment, I’m going to click subscribe and I’m hitting the bell. Cheers 😊
Did it.. thanks mate.. I’ll check out the Pro V video now.
Sunriser is not very good, just use butter synth if your on ios.
For jp8k sounds the plug-in Diva is as good as it gets , it emulates every kind of synth , but it’s digital setting is the best sounding jp8000 I’ve seen and heard.
It is actually Korg monotrons are smaller synths with keyboard
For those without phones, tablets or computers
I think this is a great idea! For $50, if I wanted to get into analog synthesis or beat production, for a very low entry cost, this is the way to go.
The oscillator section is powerful but the filter is a let down. You cannot make ‘plucky’ sounds 😵💫 even with the attack set to zero in the filter envelope it doesn’t sound plucky there’s too much attack. Ruins the synth for me
Yes, totally agree. I'm going to sell it I think....
20:48 "Maybe I am going to have to read the Manual."
You sir, have just been booted out of the Man society. ''Read the Manual !" What were you thinking ?
🤣
Yeah but I did first tackle it not having a clue to how to use it. That’s manly enough isn’t it? 😀
@@madgear303 . . well, ok. But consider this your warning.
We in the "Man: club take this seriously 🙃
@@Lance_Arn message understood 😂
@@madgear303 .. 🤣
i dont think it has vibe jp8k had. kinda similar at best sound.
Growing up it was always a bummer for me not to be able to affoard a Casio SA "toy" keyboard. Nowadays, ever since The Monotrons were released, it´s still a bummer not to be able to buy these cool Mini Wonders from my country without the "usual" hurdles...but I´m way happy that Behringer et al are giving the people what they want 🙂 So, not too cheap, and definitely too good!
I'd bet that a MIDI USB Host would solve the MIDI limitation.
I have a dore midi host controller that I got for my instrument 1 that should work. Mind it cost about the same price as the Behringer. USB c to usb A into the host controller usb B to usb A for power then 5 on midi in to the keyboard.
You have to go into Settings to turn the Arp on and off - a bit weird
Bizarre isn’t it. Getting it to latch is strange too.
Does sound like a JP8000 to me
How does un intuitive menu diving make this suited and designed for children?
In fairness, the Volca line are also all plastic -- at thrice the price. This is increasingly becoming a non-issue, especially as OP points out, when building to a budget price point.
Just Bla blA but no playing and sounds. Why dont you connect a midi keyboard and play nice stuff!
it sounds good but to small to enjoy the controlling. 😢
It sounds great but it’s waaay too small and finicky. Granted it’s cheap but I wouldn’t buy anything just because it’s price point. But then again, I might change my mind but first impressions seem to last ;).
And it’s Behringer… as a company they have some quirks as well. 😉
Sounds 1000 times better then volca’s
I'm not convinced. I think it has been compromised too much for its price point. I agree all the Volcas are not equal but I really like my modular, drum and FM volca.
Sounds absolutely nothing like my JP8 thou 😂
Sometimes it seems like it gets close with certain sounds. But mostly it does sound more like some 80s analog synth, prophet or something. Guess if one needs some extra sounds from another synth, why not, just as a backup 😀
And that's precisely fine.. Stupid rave hype.. Wasn't easy to survive that @@AnalogFlava
Too good to be any cheap.