Behringer MS101, Roland SH-101 goes into production
We recently covered the announcement of the Behringer MS101, we’re excited to hear that the remake is going into pre-production.
Uli Behringer recently announced the full feature list of the upcoming Behringer MS101, alongside an expected date that the new remake of the classic will be going into production. Say what you want about Behringer, but I totally respect their initiative to recreate the legendary synthesizers we all want, while maintaining the true identity of the sound and adding some unique features. There have been a few replicas and attempts to recreate a synth like the original Roland SH-101, a lot of which forgot what made it so iconic.
The feature list confirmed that the Behringer MS101 will be monophonic and have a full analog signal path, 32 semi-weighted full-size keys and a resonant filter – Just like the original!
The Behringer MS101 sees the addition of the “Nova Mod”, a very popular albeit destructive mod to add FM to the SH-101, it will also ship with the mod-grip and guitar strap for those Keytarists. The Behringer MS101 will also feature extensive MIDI capabilities, which is a very welcome addition to the original design – trust me!
OK, enough! When can we expect it?? 
This is what Uli Behringer had to say about the announcement, “We’re now in pre-production with the MS101. It took longer than we anticipated as we’re running our factory at near maximum capacity. Pre-production means we’re now producing around 50 units to ensure everything is in order. Provided we don’t find any issues, mass production will then commence a month later, which would be January. “
Confirmed features for the Behringer MS101
- Legendary monophonic synthesizer with authentic 3340 analog oscillator for insanely fat music creation
- 32 semi-weighted full-size keys for great playability
- Pure analog signal path based on legendary VCO, VCF and VCA designs to recreate the classic sound performance
- Oscillator with 4 simultaneously, mixable waveforms: saw, triangle, square/pwm and octave-divided square sub-oscillator
- Resonant VCF can be modulated with ADSR, LFO, keyboard tracking and bender controller
- 6 FM sources allow for creative VCF modulation and unheard-of filter effects
- ADSR envelope generator for incredible wave shaping
- Easy-to-use voltage controlled 32-step sequencer with 64 sequence locations
- Arpeggiator with wide patterns for great sound effects
- Attachable handgrip included with pitch bend wheel and a pitch modulation trigger
- Guitar strap included for live jamming on stage
- Bender assignable to VCO, VCF and pitch mod wheel on attachable handgrip
- Noise generator can be used as modulation source for distortion-like effects
- Incredible portamento function with auto mode for fantastic sound effects
- Pulse wave can be modulated by LFO, envelope and manually
- 57 sliders and switches to give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
- External audio input for processing external sound sources
- Comprehensive MIDI implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection
- 3-Year Warranty Program*
- Designed and engineered in Germany
Conclusion
Speculation – Judging by Behringer’s track record lately, if it’s going into production in January, we can probably expect it to start shipping in late February to March. They haven’t announced the retail pricing yet either, however we can probably expect it to be around USD $300 (Around R4300) judging by the price of the Neutron, Model-D and other similar products.
Check out the previous article where we covered the original announcement of the Behringer MS101.
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