Behringer UB-Xa
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Behringer
UB-Xa
Product Info
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The UB-Xa is a seriously impressive recreation of a legendary synth, bringing that iconic Oberheim sound to a wider audience. It’s a fantastic option for players craving classic analog textures, especially those into pads, leads, and vintage sounds. While not a perfect substitute for the original, it delivers a surprising amount of performance for the price.
Product Description
- Behringer UB-Xa
- Polyphonic Analogue Synthesiser
- Reproduction of the classic OB-Xa including the original factory programmes
- 16-Voice multi-timbral
- 61 Semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys with poly aftertouch
- Split and Layer function
- 8 Vintage modes
- Dual VCF
- 2 VCOs per voice and oscillator sync mode
- Both VCOs generate sawtooth
- triangle or square waveforms with variable pulse width
- 2 Dedicated LFOs with 7 waveforms to modulate pulse width
- oscillator pitch and filter cutoff frequency
- 2 ADSR generators per voice to control VCF and VCA
- Selectable analogue 12/24 dB low-pass filter with 2 slopes per voice and adjustable resonance
- Flexible 8-channel modulation matrix
- Dual-layer arpeggiator and sequencer with real-time sequence transposition
- 512 User programs can be stored with "Compare and Match" function for quick comparison of all analogue control elements with stored program values
- LC display
- 26 Rotary controls for direct real-time access to all important parameters
- Foot pedal inputs for vibrato and filter: 2x 6.3 mm jacks
- Footswitch inputs for sustain
- programme advance and hold: 3x 6.3 mm jacks
- Line outputs (L
- mono): 3x 6.3 mm jacks
- Stereo headphone output: 6.3 mm jack
- MIDI In/Out/Thru
- Dimensions: 1045 x 109 x 350 mm
- Weight: 11.7 kg
PROS
- • Faithful OB-Xa recreation captures the warmth and classic 80s analog sound.
- • Dual VCFs and oscillator sync offer significant sonic flexibility and experimentation.
- • Polyphonic aftertouch adds expressive depth beyond standard keyboard performance.
- • Robust modulation matrix allows for complex, evolving soundscapes and patches.
CONS
- • 61-key semi-weighted action lacks the feel of a fully weighted, professional keyboard.
- • Build quality, while improved, still shows cost-cutting in plastics and internal components.
- • Limited onboard effects compared to modern synths; relies on external processing.
Product Video
Key Features
Keys
61
Key Type
Semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive with poly aftertouch
Synthesis Type
Analog (recreation of OB-Xa architecture)
Polyphony
16-voice
Effects
None onboard; designed for external effects processing
Connections
Multiple audio outputs, MIDI in/out, USB MIDI, sustain pedal input, CV/Gate
Weight
Approximately 25 lbs (estimated based on similar models)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The aftertouch is functional but not as nuanced as high-end instruments; it's more of a pressure-sensitive modulation than a full-fledged aftertouch experience.
Behringer has done a commendable job recreating the original patches, but some subtle differences exist due to component variations and design choices – consider them a strong foundation for further exploration.
As with all analog synths, some initial tuning may be required, and occasional adjustments are normal, especially with significant temperature changes; however, Behringer has implemented circuitry to mitigate this.
