Four synthesizer and drum machine remakes from Superbooth 2019
Behringer aren’t the only company remaking classic synths, there were some other classic remakes announced at Superbooth 2019.
There’s something truly amazing about the early Roland synths and drum machines, they’re arguably some of the most recreated and emulated units of all time, from software to hardware.
These four synth and drum machine remakes from Superbooth 2019 caught our eye.
Superlative SB-1
What is it:
The Superlative SB-1 is a modern reimagining of the classic Roland SH-101, it introduces a host of interesting new features however still maintains one-to-one accuracy in terms of the sound. The new design looks sleek in all black, the Superlative SB-1 is one of the thinnest full-keyboard analog synth.
What’s changed:
The Superlative SB-1 sees a revamped sequencer, they’ve added a variety of functionality that wasn’t available on the SH-101. Like the original, its battery powered however instead of needed eight large batteries it has an internal rechargeable battery.
Price:
TBA
Where to get
Dinsync.org JP-One
What is it:
The JP-One is a new take on the classic Roland Jupiter series, its essentially a monophonic Jupiter-6 with a discrete OTA filter inspired by the Jupiter-4. Unlike the original Roland’s, the JP-One is a desktop synthesizer without any keys.
What’s changed:
The makers of the new JP-One have added a sub-oscillator to the classic design alongside a cross-modulation section featuring linear and exponential FM.
Price:
TBA
Where to get
Behringer RD-909
What is it:
The Roland TR-909 was the first of Roland’s drum machines to use MIDI and samples, at the time it was initially released it was a commercial failure, due to the popularity of the realistic sounding LinnDrum. Roland produced 10000 units then killed the TR-909 project in the early 80s. Just a few years later, thanks to the emerging Techno and House scenes, the TR-909 became hugely sought after – giving the TR-909 legendary status. Techno and House music are alive now than ever before, and with the huge influx of music producers, it’s about time we see an authentic recreation of the classic.
What’s changed:
Behringer announced the RD-909 some time ago, however at Superbooth 2019 we got a demo of the sound as well as the look of the final design. The Kick drum voice has been expanded on, they’ve added pitch envelope and depth controls for fine-tuning your kick drum sound. They’ve also incorporated ratchet and note-repeat modes, which are great for making rolls and fills, and an analog filter and wave designer for more fine-tune processing.
Price:
They’re aiming for USD $299 (Around R4300 excl. duties)
Where to get:
TBA
Behringer RD-808
What is it:
The Roland TR-808 is arguably one of the most sought-after drum machines of all time, however getting your hands on an original is not easy. Much like their RD-909, Behringer announced both units a while ago, however it seems like they’re happy with the research and development as we’re starting to see the actual units out in the wild.
What’s changed:
Behringer put a lot of effort into maintaining the user experience on both the RD-909 and RD-808, so most of the new features are echoed in both units, from the wave designer to the analog filter. They’ve also added USB and MIDI, which of course weren’t on the original Roland TR-808
Price:
They’re aiming for USD $299 (Around R4300 excl. duties)
Where to get:
TBA
Recreating classic synths is nothing new…
A lot of people are giving Behringer flack for “stealing” designs, however recreating classics is nothing new.
The Roland TB-303 has so many recreations it’s hard to keep track!
With some of these original units costing thousands of dollars, I’m glad there are companies both catering to the affordable market and creating unique new ideas like with the JP-One for example.
Superbooth 2019 showed that there is a lot of interest for classic gear remade/imagined.
