In the early 70s, the US company ARP released the 2500 synthesizer, designed to compete with the modular systems pioneered and popularised by Moog. The 2500 was used by musicians in experimental electronica, like Jean-Michel Jarre and Vangelis, as well rockstars like Pete Townshend, Elton John, and Depeche Mode's Vince Clarke. It was even seen on screen in Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". The vast and very complex 2500 had a different architecture to the products made by its competitor Moog, using matrix switches to connect the modules instead of the more conventional patch cables. This legend of electronic music has become extremely difficult to find today, and even then at prices only a rockstar could afford. Now, the Behringer 2500 Series is reviving and remaking the ARP 2500, porting it into a far more affordable Eurorack format. The Module 1027 is a sequencer designed to control VCOs and other elements that can be modulated via CV.
The Behringer Clocked Sequential Control Module 1027 is a traditional analogue sequencer, albeit its layout is rather unconventional, with its three rows of dials set out in staggered vertical rows. This makes it relatively compact for a sequencer. The eight steps are displayed with LEDs, with a separate gate output for each step. The CV levels of the three rows are output as channels A, B, and C. An internal clock generator controls the speed, which can also be modulated using an external CV: The clock output can itself be used to synchronise other sequencers. Additionally, the on/off (i.e., start/stop), reset, and step functions can all be controlled remotely using external gate signals. By attaching a link cable to the circuit board, the 1027 can also be connected to the Behringer 1050 mix-sequencer.
The modules in the Behringer 2500 series are modern versions of what is quite simply a legend, despite which they are a very budget-friendly entry-point into the world of modular synthesizers. Many of the modules in the series are based around a dual version of their central component, or they combine two entirely different functions in one device, making these already affordable modules even more appealing. For comparatively little outlay, users can put together a powerful basic system that they can then modify and upgrade as desired: In practice, this means they can truly create their dream setup, limited only by their imagination – even effectively integrating other Eurorack modules with wholly different concepts, for instance. Of course, the Behringer 2500 is first and foremost a fantastic opportunity for anyone who has ever wanted to give the incredibly rare original a try.
The company, which was founded in Germany by Uli Behringer and now manufactures its products in China, has been known for affordable and great-value equipment since its very first product, the Studio Exciter F. An array of mixing consoles (such as the Eurodesk MX8000), signal processors, and later sound amplification and monitoring equipment, has made it possible for countless musicians to fit out their home studios, practice rooms, and mobile PAs within budget limits that were previously unthinkable. The acquisition of other companies, including Midas, Klark Teknik, and TC Electronic, meant that new product groups were added - and also resulted in the technical expertise of these companies being incorporated into product development.
This sequencer is ultimately a very traditional design, with its output of three parallel CV values per step; they can be used to control the same number of parameters, for instance the pitch of a VCO, the cutoff of a VCF, and the decay time of an envelope. Triggers for the envelope can come from the clock output or any of the individual outs, so that only certain steps will activate (decay) envelopes or other functions. If the 1027 is combined with the Mix-Sequencer Module 1050, users can switch between the various outputs to create even more complex sequences. And it doesn't stop there – in fact, creative applications like the synchronised switching of VCO waveforms or the rhythmic modulation of audio signals are just the start.