Rattle the Floorboards with Raucous, Analog Polyrhythms
As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life. Fittingly, Behringer’s Spice polyrhythmic synthesizer is more than ready to shake up your sonic domain, from subterranean basses to ripping sequences of thundering proportions. Its pure-analog signal path undergirds a dynamic architecture of dual 4-step sequencers, a dyad of multi-waveform VCOs, a resonant 24dB ladder filter, and a tetrad of titanic sub-oscillators to start. Its polyrhythmic potential and variable quantization open the doors to complex sequencing capabilities, but where Sweetwater’s synthesists are raring to explore is the intersection of these rhythmic tools with the electrifying soundfield of its extensive oscillator mixer — two primary oscillators that are undergirded by a whopping four, bellowing sub-harmonic oscillators (two per main oscillator), with flexible sequencing assignments and individuated controls for Level and Frequency parameters of each primary and sub-harmonic oscillator. In all its latent potential, Spice goes beyond this voltaic suite of synth sonics, thanks to its envelope generator, extensive MIDI connectivity, and immense 32-point patch matrix I/O. Whether you’re running it standalone, using it as a shade in your palette, or driving the show, the Behringer Spice is a behemoth of polyrhythmic sequencing, deploying roaring analog character across a prismatic spectrum of sonic contouring.
Related Videos: Spice Analog Semi-modular Polyrhythmic Synthesizer
Six oscillators, two lanes, one immense voice
On paper, Spice is a monosynth, but there’s more to meets the eye — or ear — than one might assume, and it starts with its all-analog architecture: a hexad of cascading oscillators. Both VCOs feature three waveform options, independently selectable, with each oscillator functioning like its own lane. Within each oscillator “lane,” a pair of seismic sub-harmonic oscillators can each be adjusted for their respective Frequency and Level values. From here, everything routes through the smoldering harmonic-rich filter: a 24dB/octave VCF that’s immensely resonant. With a VCA, VCF envelope, and per-VCO pulse-width modulation capabilities, Spice’s sonic contouring conjures that thickest of synth shades, transforming a basic monophonic profile into a multidimensional prism of six-layered, octave-transcending sounds.
Powerful polyrhythmic sequencing
Each VCO lane allows you to freely assign primary and sub-harmonic oscillators to one of its dual 4-step analog sequencers. With a host of high-caliber math going on under the hood, four polyrhythm generators clock this couplet of sequencers. Meanwhile, eight division assignments, variable quantization, sequence-octave selections, and flexible tempo-sync tools transform your palette into a machine of complex sequences and roaring rhythms.
Plug-and-play: from modular to MIDI, both and beyond
Across Spice’s 57 controls, Behringer’s crafted a smorgasbord of polyrhythmic possibilities, powered by the searing sonics of its analog oscillators and their subterranean supplements, but these myriad musical capabilities are only the beginning. Across the top of the synth, a total of 32 patch points comprise a matrix of interoperative potential, from inventive self-patching to limitless multi-instrumental capabilities, including envelop generation, sequencing behavior, per-rhythm controls, PWM, clocking, and more. Spice’s musicality doesn’t stop there, however, as the semi-modular synth is armed with extensive MIDI connectivity. A pair of 5-pin DIN ports provide MIDI in, out, and thru connections, while the rear-mounted USB port supplies 2-way USB-MIDI, collectively supplying 16-channel menagerie of MIDI magic that brings both software and hardware instruments into Spice’s semi-modular fold.
Behringer Spice Features:
- Semi-modular polyrhythmic synthesizer uses an all-analog architecture for crafting immense rhythms, patterns, leads, basses, and more
- Dual VCOs feature 2 subharmonic oscillators each, expanding your monophonic palette with cascading full-spectrum sounds and thunderous forms of pseudo-polyphony
- Onboard PWM augments sonic contouring opportunities for dynamic, undulating sound-spaces
- Multimode resonant ladder filter uses a 24dB/oct design for rich, blossoming harmonics and immense sound sculpting
- Dual 4-step sequencer features extensive assignment, division, quantization, and octave customization, letting you build complex sequences and rhythms
- 57 surface-mounted controls provide direct, hands-on access to all parameters
- 32-point patch matrix ensures extensive creative potential with other compatible sources and destinations, alongside robust self-patching possibilities
- Comprehensive 16-channel MIDI connectivity includes 5-pin DIN in/out/thru and USB-MIDI for near-endless opportunities for software and hardware control
- Flexible tempo adaptation via MIDI, clock sync, or manual control means extensive interoperative capabilities across multi-instrumental synchronization
