My 2 Cents on the Behringer Proton The Behringer Proton offers plenty of possibilities for semi-modular experiments, featuring 2 VCOs, 2 LFOs, 2 sub-oscillators, 2 multimode filters, a wave folder, duo-mode and snappy envelopes. It ticks a lot of boxes to be a sound design powerhouse, delivering a gnarly sound character that's ideal for experimental music, harder styles of Techno, or Electro. However, here's the downside: My unit seemed to suffer from (subtle but yet present) a strange fuzz-like overdrive when increasing the resonance, even at relatively low resonance settings. This issue primarily occurred during the release phase, which I found particularly odd. It’s not the typical filter saturation you might expect, but something else entirely. Being semi-modular, there is a workaround. You can lower the oscillator volumes by using the attenuator in the mod matrix. However, this raises a question: Have I overlooked something (which I hope), or is there truly no way to individually lower the volume of the VCOs? This strange filter fuzz, combined with the inability to adjust oscillator volumes, has become a significant issue for me, unlike the S&H not working on the Model 15. It’s a dealbreaker, as the ability to set the oscillator volume (or completely remove it from the signal chain) is essential for me in almost any synth. Therefore, I find it hard to believe that Behringer overlooked this feature, and I still hope that I’ve missed something. As for the wave folder, it’s okay, but I found it more aggressive and versatile on other units, such as the Cascadia or Moog Mavis. That's not a good or bad thing, just my personal prefence. On the positive side, I really liked the LFOs and the number of useful, albeit hidden, features, such as selecting different sub-oscillator waveforms, having the LFO rate controlled by notes, seamless blending of waveforms, etc. TL;DR: The Proton had the potential to be a great synth for me, but the lack of oscillator volume dials and the sublte but strange fuzz on the filter have made it almost unusable (at least for me). Disclaimer: I might have had a faulty unit, or I may have overlooked something. Despite my experience with synths and sound design, these things happen. I’m more than happy to learn in public, as they say. If you don't mind or don't notice that fuzzy overdrive and like the overall concept, check it out. If you like the synth but find that particular part annoying, try using the attenuator to lower the volume. It might not be the ideal solution, but at least it's a compromise. ▶ Purchase Link Behringer BehringerProton * (EU / Thomann): www.thomann.de/intl/behringer_proton.htm?offid=1&affid=397 ▶ ▶ Purchase Link Behringer Behringer Proton*: (Sweetwater / USA): sweetwater.sjv.io/GmeBj2 ▶ Purchase Link Intellijel Sealegs Delay* (Thomann / EU): www.thomann.de/intl/intellijel_designs_sealegs.htm?offid=1&affid=397 ▶ Purchase Link Intellijel Sealegs * (Sweetwater / USA): sweetwater.sjv.io/zNEXve
This unit should have way more attenuvertors , as it stands it is hard to level balance it's potential , no real advantage over the neutron except for the retrig en options and second lfo
You might be right - the Neutron is a bit the same - you cant fade oscillators (without re-routing), only mix them. They seem to hit the filter at very hot levels and you can hear that, for better or worse.
neutron behaves the same - you need to attenuate the osc levels to have a clean signal out of it, BUT once you do it, it becomes bland and boring. the proton sounds very very similar to neutron in this demo. the same uninspiring sound. no thanks.
Something I've been confused about concerning the Proton's LFOs -- I have now seen a few cases where people patch LFO to ATT, then ATT to something else. But I also know the LFOs have their own "depth" knob. Is that somehow different from an attenuator? In other words, what does patching from LFO to ATT do that the depth knob didn't already accomplish? (I'm referring to the LFO depth knob, not the envelope depth knob in the filter area)
I don't have much hardware (mainly VST's) and was wondering about getting the Proton to compliment the 2600 I've just ordered. These comments are the nearest I've found to an independent review so far. The filter fuzz is concerning - does the soft button not reduce this? Otherwise can you patch the filters in series and filter out the fuzz with the second filter? As to independent oscillator volumes there are two attenuators so this can be patched as you say but doesn't the oscillator mix button do the same thing by raising one and decreasing the other - I looked at a couple of my emulators of old 2 op synths and the S.E.M. doesn't have this control and the Oscar uses the mix idea. Does moving the mix completely to one side reduce the other operator to 0 ? Again the oscillators have separate outs so patching would seem possible to use just one or the other. I think I'll delay my purchase until I see a few full reviews appearing on TH-cam.
You can set the balance of the VCOs as you have described but it (the remaining VCO) would still enter the filter stage too hot. The fuzz is almost always there, unless you use attenuators or reroute it through an external mixer module. But for me, all these solutions would be too much hassle, to be honest. Creating a workaround for a super basic (and for me essential) function isn't what I am searching for, so I'd rather passed on that one. But then again, what I find annoying doesn't need to bother you, equally. So you might want to check it out and get an idea. Maybe you even enjoy that sound character.
@@limbicbits Thanks for your quick response. Your video was very useful it has made me stop buying one for now. I also felt the wavefolder didn't seem as effective as I had expected. Hope its not just that you have a faulty unit for the filter but I will wait until the reviews come out and see what other people think. I think possibly I need to wait until I've played with my 2600 for a while when it arrives before getting anything else.
Yes i hear it too, this fuzzy drive, it should be possible to control the osc levels, its very important. Seems every synth from Behringer have a problem, like S&H on the model 15.... Hmm.... 🤔🤨
The K2 MKII (demo following soon) at least works well and Behringer seem to offer an upgrade for the S&H issue. I guess that the fuzz is meant to be a feature here, though.
It's behringer did u expect moog?nah China stuff is good useful but is hit and miss.Had the Neutron never gets correctly in tune..Its 21 st century out of tune synth common.But we better have this option nobody in his right mind will pay thousands for sound
I've had the K2 MKII here already and its filters still sound the same. The extra functions by themselves would justify a purchase, though. But if you already have the MKI, there's no need to upgrade. A demo will follow, soon. MS-1 MKII: as far as I have seen, they still haven't fixed the Autoglide which is a big bummer for a lot of the users. I like(d) the MS-1 and think, it's a good synth - if you don't want the exact 101-Sound. If that's the case, SH-01a and Roland S-1 are better alternatives.
@@limbicbits Thanks for your reply. Oh, I see - so, you don’t think hey’ve changed the sound of the K2, at all? Just added those switches, that are like presets/patch shortcuts? That’s a bit disappointing. … … … Yes, 101-seekers still don’t seem altogether happy with the Mk2 MS-1 … … … Gotta save something for the Mk3 etc versions, I guess, lol …
The dominator patch is my fav see this u can't get in the box just doesn't have this grid.I sold the Neutron with this synth in mind waiting them to reduce the price.Sounds a bit more useful for tracks then the Neutron also more fatter
Preset, patch, both the same thing. A preset is not only associated to something that can be recalled from digital memory. The same way a patch is not only associated to something that is physically patched with a cable like on a modular synth. You have synths with no patching capability, yet people still use the term patch. The same way you can have a preset that is not recalled from digital memory. Hence they are interchangeable.
it is even worse: as I want people to find that video, I choose the title that works best. „Presets“ are searched more often than „patches“, sometimes it is that simple. And if you hit pause and recreate it, what else is it than a pre-set configuration? The digital memory here would be the image taken in the moment. And is a patch that doesn’t use patching still a patch? And If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
@@reecedeyoung6595exactly what the guy was saying... it can be stored in memory other than digital formats. for instance, it can be written down, photographed, or memorized in your head...
@@reecedeyoung6595 You’re right - in common parlance, this is not a preset … Don’t let them gaslight you, just to justify TH-camrs doing whatever gives them the most views …
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▶ Purchase Link Behringer Behringer Proton*: (Sweetwater / USA):
sweetwater.sjv.io/GmeBj2
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sweetwater.sjv.io/zNEXve
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My 2 Cents on the Behringer Proton
The Behringer Proton offers plenty of possibilities for semi-modular experiments, featuring 2 VCOs, 2 LFOs, 2 sub-oscillators, 2 multimode filters, a wave folder, duo-mode and snappy envelopes. It ticks a lot of boxes to be a sound design powerhouse, delivering a gnarly sound character that's ideal for experimental music, harder styles of Techno, or Electro.
However, here's the downside: My unit seemed to suffer from (subtle but yet present) a strange fuzz-like overdrive when increasing the resonance, even at relatively low resonance settings. This issue primarily occurred during the release phase, which I found particularly odd. It’s not the typical filter saturation you might expect, but something else entirely.
Being semi-modular, there is a workaround. You can lower the oscillator volumes by using the attenuator in the mod matrix. However, this raises a question: Have I overlooked something (which I hope), or is there truly no way to individually lower the volume of the VCOs? This strange filter fuzz, combined with the inability to adjust oscillator volumes, has become a significant issue for me, unlike the S&H not working on the Model 15. It’s a dealbreaker, as the ability to set the oscillator volume (or completely remove it from the signal chain) is essential for me in almost any synth. Therefore, I find it hard to believe that Behringer overlooked this feature, and I still hope that I’ve missed something.
As for the wave folder, it’s okay, but I found it more aggressive and versatile on other units, such as the Cascadia or Moog Mavis. That's not a good or bad thing, just my personal prefence. On the positive side, I really liked the LFOs and the number of useful, albeit hidden, features, such as selecting different sub-oscillator waveforms, having the LFO rate controlled by notes, seamless blending of waveforms, etc.
TL;DR:
The Proton had the potential to be a great synth for me, but the lack of oscillator volume dials and the sublte but strange fuzz on the filter have made it almost unusable (at least for me).
Disclaimer: I might have had a faulty unit, or I may have overlooked something. Despite my experience with synths and sound design, these things happen. I’m more than happy to learn in public, as they say. If you don't mind or don't notice that fuzzy overdrive and like the overall concept, check it out. If you like the synth but find that particular part annoying, try using the attenuator to lower the volume. It might not be the ideal solution, but at least it's a compromise.
▶ Purchase Link Behringer BehringerProton * (EU / Thomann): www.thomann.de/intl/behringer_proton.htm?offid=1&affid=397
▶ ▶ Purchase Link Behringer Behringer Proton*: (Sweetwater / USA):
sweetwater.sjv.io/GmeBj2
▶ Purchase Link Intellijel Sealegs Delay* (Thomann / EU): www.thomann.de/intl/intellijel_designs_sealegs.htm?offid=1&affid=397
▶ Purchase Link Intellijel Sealegs * (Sweetwater / USA):
sweetwater.sjv.io/zNEXve
This unit should have way more attenuvertors , as it stands it is hard to level balance it's potential , no real advantage over the neutron except for the retrig en options and second lfo
You might be right - the Neutron is a bit the same - you cant fade oscillators (without re-routing), only mix them. They seem to hit the filter at very hot levels and you can hear that, for better or worse.
neutron behaves the same - you need to attenuate the osc levels to have a clean signal out of it, BUT once you do it, it becomes bland and boring. the proton sounds very very similar to neutron in this demo. the same uninspiring sound. no thanks.
Great demo again! I have the proton on my list, too but you almost sold me the Taiga semi modular synth.
Can readable patch notes be for sale?
Something I've been confused about concerning the Proton's LFOs -- I have now seen a few cases where people patch LFO to ATT, then ATT to something else. But I also know the LFOs have their own "depth" knob. Is that somehow different from an attenuator? In other words, what does patching from LFO to ATT do that the depth knob didn't already accomplish? (I'm referring to the LFO depth knob, not the envelope depth knob in the filter area)
Just out of memory: Maybe they'd like to have a different LFO depth on a second or third parameter being modulated by the same LFO?
I don't have much hardware (mainly VST's) and was wondering about getting the Proton to compliment the 2600 I've just ordered. These comments are the nearest I've found to an independent review so far. The filter fuzz is concerning - does the soft button not reduce this? Otherwise can you patch the filters in series and filter out the fuzz with the second filter? As to independent oscillator volumes there are two attenuators so this can be patched as you say but doesn't the oscillator mix button do the same thing by raising one and decreasing the other - I looked at a couple of my emulators of old 2 op synths and the S.E.M. doesn't have this control and the Oscar uses the mix idea. Does moving the mix completely to one side reduce the other operator to 0 ? Again the oscillators have separate outs so patching would seem possible to use just one or the other. I think I'll delay my purchase until I see a few full reviews appearing on TH-cam.
You can set the balance of the VCOs as you have described but it (the remaining VCO) would still enter the filter stage too hot. The fuzz is almost always there, unless you use attenuators or reroute it through an external mixer module. But for me, all these solutions would be too much hassle, to be honest. Creating a workaround for a super basic (and for me essential) function isn't what I am searching for, so I'd rather passed on that one.
But then again, what I find annoying doesn't need to bother you, equally. So you might want to check it out and get an idea. Maybe you even enjoy that sound character.
@@limbicbits Thanks for your quick response. Your video was very useful it has made me stop buying one for now. I also felt the wavefolder didn't seem as effective as I had expected. Hope its not just that you have a faulty unit for the filter but I will wait until the reviews come out and see what other people think. I think possibly I need to wait until I've played with my 2600 for a while when it arrives before getting anything else.
Yes i hear it too, this fuzzy drive, it should be possible to control the osc levels, its very important. Seems every synth from Behringer have a problem, like S&H on the model 15.... Hmm.... 🤔🤨
The K2 MKII (demo following soon) at least works well and Behringer seem to offer an upgrade for the S&H issue. I guess that the fuzz is meant to be a feature here, though.
@@limbicbits Yes i read on the model-15, people have to solder a diode
It's behringer did u expect moog?nah China stuff is good useful but is hit and miss.Had the Neutron never gets correctly in tune..Its 21 st century out of tune synth common.But we better have this option nobody in his right mind will pay thousands for sound
Seems to sound a lot better than the Neutron, anyway. Perhaps B’s next crack at the K2 and MS-1 will sound much better/closer to the mark, too?
I've had the K2 MKII here already and its filters still sound the same. The extra functions by themselves would justify a purchase, though. But if you already have the MKI, there's no need to upgrade. A demo will follow, soon.
MS-1 MKII: as far as I have seen, they still haven't fixed the Autoglide which is a big bummer for a lot of the users. I like(d) the MS-1 and think, it's a good synth - if you don't want the exact 101-Sound. If that's the case, SH-01a and Roland S-1 are better alternatives.
@@limbicbits Thanks for your reply. Oh, I see - so, you don’t think hey’ve changed the sound of the K2, at all? Just added those switches, that are like presets/patch shortcuts? That’s a bit disappointing. … … … Yes, 101-seekers still don’t seem altogether happy with the Mk2 MS-1 … … … Gotta save something for the Mk3 etc versions, I guess, lol …
Nice Hoover.
The dominator patch is my fav see this u can't get in the box just doesn't have this grid.I sold the Neutron with this synth in mind waiting them to reduce the price.Sounds a bit more useful for tracks then the Neutron also more fatter
Nice hoover in 8:40! I'm not using my Alpha Juno, seems like I can do it with the Proton.
I’d defiantly choose this over a moog Mavis at least this has midi !
You rule...
This device does not support presets, so why is that in your title? These are patches.
Wonderful sounds however
Preset, patch, both the same thing. A preset is not only associated to something that can be recalled from digital memory. The same way a patch is not only associated to something that is physically patched with a cable like on a modular synth. You have synths with no patching capability, yet people still use the term patch. The same way you can have a preset that is not recalled from digital memory. Hence they are interchangeable.
@NEOREV_MUSIC not the same. A preset can be stored in memory and recalled.
it is even worse: as I want people to find that video, I choose the title that works best. „Presets“ are searched more often than „patches“, sometimes it is that simple.
And if you hit pause and recreate it, what else is it than a pre-set configuration? The digital memory here would be the image taken in the moment.
And is a patch that doesn’t use patching still a patch? And If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
@@reecedeyoung6595exactly what the guy was saying... it can be stored in memory other than digital formats. for instance, it can be written down, photographed, or memorized in your head...
@@reecedeyoung6595 You’re right - in common parlance, this is not a preset … Don’t let them gaslight you, just to justify TH-camrs doing whatever gives them the most views …
Can't wait for an Arturia clone of this.
That would be lovely and funny, but I guess Arturia prefers to create something on their own.