I think the big differences you’re hearing with the ring modulation is mainly because you have a slightly different tuning set for oscillator 2 on the OG unit. Ring modulation exaggerates the difference between oscillator tunings. So if you have the same tuning for both oscillators, then the ring mod effect will be less obvious. Also, you only appear to play C notes when the key-tracking is turned off. As oscillator 2 defaults to bottom C when key-tracking is disabled, then that tuning difference on the OG unit will be amplified across the octaves. Try detuning oscillator 2 on the MS-5, or play some notes other than C.
Great comparison , i reckon the MS5 would benefit greatly by going through a descent mixing desk like a Allen & Heath ZED or a Soundcraft Signature etc for a bit extra warmth & saturation etc. Do you have a BeatStepPro as well as your KeystepPro? Just wondering as I have the BeatStepPro , I cannot play keys but like all the CV GATE etc options in having the KeystepPro as well ? Your thoughts appreciated. 😊
This is a good comprehensive video manual for using in general as well as in the synth world. I've had mine for five days now and so far I am really impressed. The sound and controls are exactly what I wanted: extreme speeds on the rate control, static options, connectivity....can't wait to their flanger next.
Obviously too much to ask for a comparison video but it would be interesting to see if tweaking the trim pots on the back of the synth could get you closer to the tolerances on pots on the front of the one you currently have.
I bought an original TB-303 in 1994 and when I bought TD-3 it sounded very bad next to the original, too grating and the distortion was not doing its job well, the problem was that VCO and VCA were not in their correct calibration, the BPM were also wrong and can be calibrated. After a few minutes I managed to calibrate the machine and I already had my second bass lines to make identical double bass lines. I bought the MS-5 this year, I have mine configured and calibrated with an original SH 5 from a colleague who recommended this Behringer synthesizer and we did the same as with my TD-3. We did some measurements and testing, you can definitely sound the same as an original. Behringer never gives the machines calibrated and many make that mistake before comparing, I suppose they do it this way to leave each user under their responsibility. So in the TD-3 you have the problem that if you open the machine you lose the warranty, but in these keyboards you do not need to open the machine, they are completely manipulable from the rear panel of the adjustable module, and you will not lose the warranty. Greetings and thanks for the purchase.
@@xntricity6446 I won't upgrade to the Mo, I'm already covered in that type of sound with 303 and TD-3. Everything sounds correct between my 303 and TD-3. The same for my MS-5, that was brutal, very satisfied with the only 2 purchases I have from Behringer and that is fantastic for my tracks. 👍
i can live with it. with the original i had always the problem that after removing the plug the function was dead. for example i put another waveform in the audio mixer for the vco1 (square). and after remocing the channel was dead :-(
Had a few Behringer synths, they always lacking something not much character and today there a so much little synth manufacturers which deserve my money more than behringer.
It sound good but it have a serious grounding issues even using battery only., some time I need to touch the case to make ground noise or sound leaking from other sound path away. But Korg ODS, Trs and the VOX tube pedal are all sound good.
All depends on Behringer formware updates i guess .good enough for me , all these knob heads that think they coukd tell the difference after a proper mixdown, .lol.
also the band pass filter section is the perfect example of the thing i can’t put my finger on with all behringer clones. You can clearly hear this difference in power depth and warmth when you try to get those tight envelopes the behringer just sounds thin in that area and i feel that with all the clones so far. they’re sooooo close tho
I’m thinking Papua New Guinea, by Future Sound of London maybe? Where they used a patch just like this. If you can remember how to put it together, let me know mate. Save me the trouble.
Excellent to see a review of these modules. I'm putting together an 8133 VCA from the AMSynths PCB & panel kit, just waiting on some parts from Mouser to arrive.
Calibrating the filters can be found on the underside of the synth. You don't need to open it up to access. Just push the synth section to be upright and you'll see a bunch of screw access holes on the panel. Seems there are 24 adjustment options, so maybe some of the characteristics differences can be honed to be more similar with some tweaking.
@@xntricity6446 Yes. I have the Behringer Mono/Poly, which is in the same format. It has 25 adjustment screws with easy access holes. If you look of the Thomann site, you can see a picture of the underside of the synth section. And see the holes.
I have the Behringer MonoPoly, which shares the same keyboard as the MS-5 and the Poly D. Man it's heavy! It was just too big and cumbersome for my set up. So I removed the synth half from the Keyboard and case. It's a shame the MS-5 didn't move features like the portamento from besides the keyboard to the Synth section. These two would have gone nicely together in my Keyboardless set up.
Not a bad a idea. I wonder if they had pre planned this range when they made the Poly-D. Or whether it's success led to re-use of the format. I got the idea of separating the synth from the keys from a someone who did it with the Poly-D. Selling just the synth would have really cut down on weight and shipping, it's about half the weight and a 3rd of the size. Still feels hefty. Not too fussed about the poly D, but the MS-5 sounds really different and more my kind of thing. A shame it doesn't separate down without the portamento, but my wallet is happier.
Although there are some obvious differences when compared with the original, the Behringer MS-5 sounds very good. Thank you for this wonderful demonstration and comparison.
@mysynthpunklife Yeah, I agree. For me, it would be redundant considering all the other synths I currently own. Although the MS-5 does sound pretty good, I'm definitely not GASing for one.
Thank you for this. Yes, It is a difference between them, and Behringer sounds better, however is the question if better is what we want compared to the vintage sound. Its up to the individual to decide, but in the end who have the possibility to choose? Behringer does a great thing bringing back the old classics alive in the best way it is possible including modern functional updates.
Very good review and comparison! I worked on the MS-5 prototype until Covid shut my workshop down. The MS-5 does use modern capacitors in the filters (ceramic rater than mylar) which can explain some of the differences. The Ring Mod sounds like it needs recalibrating. I will be releasing a set of 200 vintage patches for the MS-5 soon...
@@xntricity6446its easy to check if the ring mod needs some trimming. Flip the X input to ext in, with no signal. Put the Y input to the LFO sine wave. If there is any leakage of the sine wave into the ring mod output then it needs trimming. Hope that helps
i stopped listening to gear Vs gear. For example, i own a tb303, and bought & tested the td-3, there is a difference for sure, in a negative way for the td-3 though there are videos on youtube which tend to show you the contrary. so now i'm sure there will be differences between the originals Vs the behringer clones, anyway it is a good solution for people to think they own a nice copy, but the sound is terrible. If you don't have the original you won't be able to catch the complexity and richness of vintage gears and when it comes to produce a record you will be disappointed with clones, nothing can be fixed with eqs or other magic wand. Maybe a Vst plugin is same sound and even less expensive ;-)
In the meantime 508€❤😂❤the poly ist geil hab den hier! 😊Ich mag deine Videos, du bist echt ein Freak wie ich. Wenn du im Odenwald wohnst melde dich, wir würden Freunde werden! 😅
