Behringer Synth Setup Guide
Behringer tabletop synths are a great, modern way to capture the old analog sound, so in this guide, we will show you how to set it up, connect it, and use it for the first time. This guide is an overview of all Behringer synths, so check out your synth model’s Owner’s Manual for more information. Follow the sections below to get started!
Getting Started
Before you start using your Behringer synth, the first thing you must do is register the device with Behringer. Upon registration, you’ll receive a free 3-year extended warranty. The registration is only valid for the first 90 days after purchase, so make sure to register it as soon as possible!
Warming Up and Calibration
Some Behringer synths have analog circuits, which can be temperature sensitive. To get the best performance out of your Behringer synth, turn it on, then wait approximately 5 minutes. This will allow the internal circuitry to warm up. If the synth has been in a colder environment, you should wait about 10-15 minutes.
In addition, we recommend calibrating the unit Analog circuitry can ‘drift’ depending on the temperature, time, and age of your Behringer synth. So, to keep the synth performing flawlessly, it’s critical to check and perform calibration periodically. The process may differ as some may have a menu button, whereas others may require you to open the device, so check out your synth model’s Owner’s Manual to learn more about the calibration procedure.
Setup and Connections
Your Behringer synth has a few different connections: 5-pin MIDI, patch (for CV, also known as control voltage, and sync, also referred to as synchronization), and standard headphone and output jacks. Some also have an additional jack that is used for footswitches.
Connection Types
Almost all Behringer synths have three connections in common. USB, Patch, and MIDI. Connection types may differ, so be sure to refer to your Owner’s Manual for more information.
MIDI
The 5-pin MIDI connections on your Behringer synth are used to connect to other MIDI devices like synths and keyboards. The Behringer synths often share three MIDI connections: MIDI IN, MIDI THRU, and MIDI OUT. Some Behringer synths will have a “combo” MIDI THRU/MIDI OUT jack.
Patch
Most Behringer synthesizers will have 3.5mm (1/8-inch) jacks for syncing and CV control, as well as headphone and audio outputs. When using the CV and sync jacks, you must use Eurorack TS patch cables. When using the audio output jack, you will use 1/8-inch to 1/8-inch TRS cables.
Control Voltage Vs. MIDI – Daniel Fisher
Control Voltage (CV): What it is and How it Works – Daniel Fisher
USB
Unlike their analog counterparts, the Behringer synths have an additional USB port, which is used to connect to your computer. When connected, you can transfer MIDI and SysEx (System Exclusive) data to your computer. It also allows you to utilize the Behringer SYNTHTRIBE application to make various changes and update the firmware. Check out our guide below to learn more about what SysEx is and how to work with it on PC and Mac!
Setup Procedure
Now that you know the connection types, here is the setup procedure.
- Turn everything down.
- Connect the synth’s output to the input of a device like a mixer, keyboard amp, or powered speaker and let it warm up.
- Make sure you know the input device’s type of signal, as using the incorrect output jack may result in pops or may damage your equipment.
- If using a MIDI controller, connect it to the MIDI IN port. If you’re using it within a synth chain, connect it via the MIDI THRU.
- Set the MIDI channel you’ll be playing on using the dip switches on the back. See the diagram below for the MIDI channel dip switch positions.
- Once everything is connected, turn everything up and start playing!
DIP Switch positions
Some Behringer synths have DIP switches that you use to switch MIDI channels. Below is a chart that shows the Behringer DIP switch position for each MIDI channel.
MIDI channel dipswitch positions
Behringer SYNTHTRIBE
Your Behringer synth uses a companion app to update the firmware, edit and back up patches, and adjust various settings. Depending on your synth, some features may or may not be available. Check out our guide below to learn more about how to use the Behringer SYNTHTRIBE software!
Additional Resources
Now that you know the basics, here are some great Sweetwater and Behringer resources that will get you up and running!
MIDI without USB – Classic MIDI Connections Explained
Seamlessly Integrate Your Hardware Synth Into a Digital Setup
What is MIDI CC? – Daniel Fisher
Synth Clips Playlist
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