Behringer's ongoing revival of vintage analogue gear, offered at prices within reach of a wide audience, includes not only celebrated synthesizer reissues but also classic studio effects. The Behringer Spring Reverberation 646 is a faithful recreation of the 1966 British Grampian Reverberation Unit Type 636, a preamp/spring reverb combo made famous by Pete Townshend, dub pioneers like Lee “Scratch” Perry and King Tubby, as well as countless indie and new wave productions in the following decades. Spring reverbs aren’t prized for their realism; rather, their metallic quality and unpredictable decay bring a unmistakably raw character that has shaped countless musical styles, from surf guitar and reggae rim shots to modern-day EDM. The Behringer Spring Reverberation 646 is coupled with an onboard preamp, noted for its analogue warmth and idiosyncratic saturation, further enhancing its appeal.
At heart, the Behringer Spring Reverberation 646 is a single-channel effect built around a preamp stage that feeds its dual-spring reverb mechanism. It offers four input configurations: Dynamic microphones can be connected to balanced or unbalanced inputs, while the AUX channel offers two line-level inputs for high or low signals – so it feels at home with guitars, keyboards, and drum machines. The signal can also be driven into saturation before hitting the spring, adding body and harmonic texture. The wet/dry mix is continuously adjustable, and the reverb path can be muted via footswitch when only the extra grit of the preamp or a simple mic boost is required. All connections are provided in 3.5mm format on the front panel and mirrored in 6.3mm jacks at the rear, and the unit's outer shell can be removed for installation in a Eurorack case.
Spring reverbs are a niche but expressive tool, appreciated for their lively, unstable quality rather than precision. The constantly shifting reflections of the mechanical springs, combined with the preamp's subtle drive, create an organic unpredictability that only needs to be properly harnessed to be immediately effective. On guitars, it conjures the twang of surf and garage rock, and even spaghetti Westerns; on drums, the classic dub-style splash; and on vocals and synths, characteristic analogue distortion at the turn of a knob. To get the best results, users need to learn the unit's quirks and 'sweet spots', rewarding patience with effects that are vibrant, raw, and unmistakable. One limitation is that the reverb cannot be set fully wet, since the aux inputs also pass though the preamp stage – however, the preamp can still run clean with low gain when no colouration is required.
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.
The Behringer Spring Reverberation 646 can function as a really powerful sound design tool when part of a Eurorack system. Although the decay of a spring reverb cannot, by nature, be adjusted, placing a VCA after it and controlling it with an envelope allows reverb tails to be artificially shortened, reshaped, or even reversed. The unit can also be triggered by external audio or control signals, opening rhythmic possibilities. Since springs respond more strongly to low frequencies, patching a gentle high-pass filter before the input helps balance the response, while a sweeping filter after the reverb can refine the tone and – with resonance – lend it a more synthetic edge. These modular options take the Behringer Spring Reverberation 646 beyond 'mere' vintage emulation, making it a great option for creative EDM, experimental, ambient, or studio musicians – while always retaining its unique spring reverb character.