Acoustic & Electronic Instruments, Musicians, News, Tutorials, Videos & Interesting Finds
Acoustic & Electronic Instruments, Musicians, News, Tutorials, Videos & Interesting Finds

Behringer KOBOL EXPANDER analog semi-modular synth launched

Behringer has recently launched its KOBOL EXPANDER Eurorack-compatible analog semi-modular synth with 2 VCOs featuring seven variable waveshapes and unique “KOBOL” VCF. The company claims it is faithful to the original product it is based on.

Features

Its main features at a glance:

  • Analog duophonic synthesizer with 2 VCOs and 7 morphing waveforms for infinite sound creation
  • Authentic reproduction of original “Kobol Expander” circuitry from the ‘70s
  • Semi-modular design requires no patching for immediate performance
  • Pure analog signal path based on authentic VCO, VCF and VCA designs
  • Dual oscillators with 7 waveforms, oscillator sync and pulse width modulation
  • Unique 4-pole VCF design for natural saturation only found in ”Kobol” synthesizers
  • Analog LFO with 2 selectable waveforms and multiple destinations for advanced sound creation
  • Additional noise generator dramatically expands waveform generation
  • Oscillator sync for piercing lead sounds and complex effects
  • 32 patch points for advanced modular connection and integration with external equipment
  • 31 controls give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
  • External audio input for processing external sound sources
  • Complete Eurorack solution – main module can be transferred to a standard Eurorack case
  • 16-voice Poly Chain allows combining multiple synthesizers for up to 16 voice polyphony
  • Comprehensive MIDI implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection

Specifications

Synthesizer Architecture

Number of voicesMonophonic
TypeAnalog
Oscillators2 VCO
LFO1 LFO
VCFLPF 24 dB/octave
Envelopes2 ADS

Connectivity

Power switchSlider On/Off (Top Panel) / Push button On/Off (Rear Panel)
MIDI In5-pin DIN / 16 channels (Top Panel)
MIDI Thru5-pin DIN / 16 channels (Back Panel)
Channel Select4 DIP Switch (Rear Panel)
USB (MIDI)USB Type B
Audio Out3.5 mm TS (Top Panel) / 6.35 mm TS (Back Panel)

USB

TypeClass compliant USB Micro
Supported Operating SystemsWindows 7 or higherMac OS X 10.10 or higher

Volume

ControlVolume: 0 to 10

LFO Section

ControlLFO RateLFO Volume
SwitchWaveform: Square, S&H, Triangle
SocketsLFO Rate InLFO Out 1LFO Out 2