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 1050 is a combination of a mixer and a clock sequencer that is capable of some very unusual functions.
The Behringer Mix-Sequencer Module 1050 is fitted with eight inputs, which can also be used as two separate units with four channels each. The level of every channel can be adjusted individually – each channel also has its own on/off switch and solo switch. If the 1050 is being used in sequencer mode, the channels can be activated sequentially by the internal clock – or an external one, for instance the Behringer Clocked Sequential Control Module 1027, which can be connected to the 1050 via a ribbon cable on the circuit board itself. The number of sequentially activated channels can be limited or divided up into two sequences with four steps each: In dual usage, the two units can be connected to two separate outputs.
The modules in the Behringer 2500 series are modern versions of what is quite simply a legend; despite this, 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 basis 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's 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.
If the Behringer Mix-Sequencer Module 1050 is connected to the individual outputs of a VCO or a multimode filter, their output signals are sequenced in the tempo of the clock input. And if – instead of the clock – it's the gate signal of a keyboard or step sequencer being used, the switching occurs with every note. Either way, the sound changes in time with the clock's rhythm or the notes as they are played. Unlike other clock sequencers, the 1050's dials also allow the input levels to be adjusted: At very high clock speeds, entirely new sounds can be produced this way. Creative musicians can take any sound source – an external audio signal, or a group of samples – and turn it into something that might sound more like granular synthesis or glitch. When used as a mixer, too, the Module 1050 is ideal for live performances, because the channels can be instantly muted or switched to solo at the touch of a button.