During the 1970s heyday of analog synthesis, duophonic dynamism dominated the innovative soundscapes of synth legends Vangelis and Vince Clarke (Erasure, Depeche Mode, VCMG), with a brief resurgence wielded by the Prodigy’s leading mind-melter Liam Howlett. The Behringer 2-XM pays homage to the iconic 2-voice machine via painstakingly replicated circuitry that faithfully supplies the characteristic grit of the pure-analog signal path that powers the 2-XM, just like its 1970s predecessor. Its dual-module design is consolidated into a singular 80HP Eurorack-compatible chassis, with its 32 patch-point I/O divided into two groups of 16 connections, granting detailed control and versatile interoperative use of the 4-VCO (voltage-controlled oscillator) architecture that undergirds its versatile and voltaic 2-voice output. For synth scholars, the updates made to the 2-XM’s connectivity and interfacing are imperative to deploying its monstrous musicality, from massive 4-oscillator Unison leads and thundering basses to incisive arps and searing leads — all via 5-pin or USB MIDI! Add in the 2-channel mixer, multimode-analog VCFs (voltage-controlled filter), menacing modulation, and evocative envelopes, and the Behringer 2-XM is an unbridled suite of sonic-contouring capabilities that masterfully marries iconic ’70s-style analog synthesis with streamlined modern-workflow flexibility.
Four oscillators, two modules, endless analog possibilities
The same configuration that defined the 2-XM’s spiritual predecessor is what makes the 2-XM such a potent powerhouse: the decision to divide the 2-XM’s circuitry and signal path into two independent voices, dubbed “Synthesizer Expander Modules.” Both voices are powered by a dyad of galvanizing, versatile VCOs, each featuring continuously variable waveshaping between sawtooth and pulse-width waveforms. Accompanying the individual oscillator modules, you’ll find a wealth of sound-shaping tools, including two ADS (Attack, Decay, Sustain) envelopes, a sine-wave LFO (low-frequency oscillator), and a quartet of multimode-filtering capabilities — the last of which comprises a state-variable analog VCF, with a Notch mode at the midnight position, a lowpass filter when rotated counterclockwise, a highpass filter when rotated clockwise, and a selectable Bandpass mode. Did we mention you can sync the VCOs of each module to conjure ferocious 4-voice Unison parts?
Menacing modulation for Eurorack and beyond
Adding to the smooth sine waves of the 2-XM’s onboard LFOs, modulation opportunities abound — and that’s before you break out the patch cables! Every VCO can be independently modulated via FM (frequency modulation) or PWM (pulse-width modulation). Prismatic sound-shaping possibilities emerge from the distinctive designs of the modulation circuit, which allows you to continuously morph from pure FM to full-on PWM — the latter is given its own per-VCO attenuation of pulse width, from 10% to 90%. What’s more, every oscillator hosts a triptych of modulation sources, including the onboard envelopes, external CV (control voltage), or the per-module LFO. The same modulation-source malleability is afforded to attenuating the frequency of the VCF, leading to some serious synchronization that elicits dramatic sweeps and powerful passages.
On the Eurorack side, the Synthesizer Expander Modules are separated into two columns: XM-1 and XM-2. Both output CV signals for both VCOs, both envelopes, the VCF, the VCA, the LFO, and a Gate connection. Incoming signals are free to activate your ADS envelopes and trigger your LFOs, in addition to CV-modulation of your VCF, VCA, and VCOs, as well as two external audio inputs to deploy any sound through the XM-2’s striking sonic circuitry. Whether self-patching or interweaving within your Eurorack array, the 2-XM is teeming with performance potential that’s elevated further by the inclusion of per-module Portamento capabilities that send your sound soaring via expressive glides and otherworldly pitch-bending panache.
Classic character meets modern-workflow malleability
While Behringer spared no effort to authentically capture the sonic spirit of the 2-XM’s 1970s ancestor, workflow, ergonomic, and interoperative-compatibility updates preserve everything you love about the ’75 synth while expanding its accessibility and creative support to effortlessly thrive in virtually any ecosystem. In addition to the slew of CV connections, Behringer’s outfitted the 2-XM with 5-pin MIDI In and Thru jacks, alongside a rear-placed, class-compliant USB Type B port that processes both audio and MIDI, as well as Voice Priority selection. With these, untold opportunities to bridge digital, analog, virtual, and physical realms of sound emerge — a reality that only multiplies in magnitude when using your 2-XM with the onboard Behringer 16-voice Poly Chain compatibility, which lets you combine up to eight 2-XM synths for a staggering 32-voice polyphony.
Features:
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Faithful re-creation of an iconic 1970s synth with authentic analog circuitry
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Dual-module design provides 2 independent voices and 4 VCOs for duophonic dynamism and mammoth 4-oscillator Unison parts
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Oscillator waveshapes are continuously variable between sawtooth and pulse-width options for inventive sound-design and voice-layering options
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Syncable per-module VCOs expand your palette of tone-shaping tools for dramatic FX, roaring basses, shimmering arps, and powerful leads
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4 ADS envelopes provide 2 vectors of modulation for each module’s VCOs and VCF-frequency parameters
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Onboard PWM and FM for every VCO ensures dynamic, evocative sonics
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Multimode, analog filter circuit offers lowpass, bandpass, highpass, and notch options for each of the 2 VCFs
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Selectable modulation sources for VCOs and VCFs accommodate envelope, external CV, and sine-wave LFO options for complex sonic contouring
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2-channel mixer allows for adjusting Level, Panning, and External-level values, in addition to per-module Portamento
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32-point patch I/O features dual 16-jack arrays for detailed control of each independent XM-1 and XM-2 voice
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80HP chassis and CV connectivity ensure seamless interoperative integration with your Eurorack setup
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5-pin MIDI In/Thru ports and a class-compliant USB-B port accommodate audio and MIDI connections to bring almost any physical, virtual, digital, or analog device into the fray
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16-voice Poly Chain compatibility means up to 32-voice polyphony across eligible Behringer synths