Behringer SWING – a 32-key controller with 64-step polyphonic sequencer
The Behringer SWING is a brand new 32-key USB MIDI controller with 64-step polyphonic sequencing, plus Chord and Arpeggiator Modes.
Sound familiar?
Many have been quick to point out the fact the Behringer Swing in fact seems to be a clone of the Arturia KeyStep 37.
But more about that later.
Here’s what the Behringer SWING has to offer.
Behringer SWING Features
The Behringer SWING is designed to manage any synthesizer or virtual instrument in your DAW and can be done so via USB or MIDI.
It has a 64-step sequencer with an 8-note polyphonic sequence combined with 32 compact-sized keys.
Pitch and modulation touch-strips provide unlimited ways to express yourself in a compact and portable package.
Chord Play Mode allows you to play a chord with up to 16 notes with one single key and in Arpeggiator mode you create an amazing string of notes that can sync to the clock of any device the SWING is connected to.
SWING can connect to any DAW seamlessly, they say, although in the video below there are more hints that Behringer intend launching their own DAW soon. (I wonder who they’re going to copy for that, ED?)
- 32 compact-sized keys featuring expressive velocity and after-touch functionality
- 64-step sequencer features 8-note polyphonic sequence with Rest, Tie, and Legato note entry
- Arpeggiator mode features, up, down, inclusive, exclusive, random, note order, double up and double down modes
- Chord Play Mode with single chord memory with up to 16 notes for extensive loops and long-playing samples
- Highly-reactive pitch and modulation touch-strips for extreme performance and creativity
- Performance control includes Rec, Play, and Stop buttons for the sequencer and arpeggiator
- Rate and Tap Tempo for real time beat settings
- Endless sustain via hold button or through an optional sustain pedal (not included)
- Shift function includes MIDI channel selection, gate time, swing values
- Connect with MIDI, CV/Gate, DIN Sync, and Sync I/O for ultimate control and flexibility
- Comprehensive USB/MIDI implementation to connect with your PC/Laptop
- Can be powered by Apple iPad* (via camera connection kit) or standalone DC Jack (not included)
[youtube_sc url=”https://youtu.be/Vtwwlv60Vkg “]
SWING PRODUCT PAGE
Arturia respond to suggestions that Behringer copied them…
Frédéric Brun, Co-founder and CEO of Arturia published this statement on Simply Synthesizers on Facebook group…
“Hello everyone,
We have been informed on Sunday November the 22nd of the upcoming release of a new product called Swing, by Behringer.
This product is in no way the result of a partnership between Arturia and Behringer.
We have worked hard to create the _Step range. We have invested time and money to imagine, specify, develop, test and market the KeyStep. Along our distributors we have been evangelizing this product, placing it in stores, explaining it, servicing it.
Of course we accept competition, and would absolutely understand that Behringer give their own interpretation of a small and smart controller that would also be a sequencer. Others do, we have no problem with that and see good for the customer, as well as for the industry, in fair competition.
But this is not fair competition here. Coco Chanel once said: “If you want to be original, be ready to be copied”. So we could in a way consider the Swing as a compliment.
We could.
In any case, thank you, everyone who came out and supported us these past 36 hours! It’s been very helpful, very much appreciated.”
Frédéric Brun
Co-founder and CEO, Arturia
