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DeepMind 12:


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Behringer DeepMind 12 Guitar Synthesizer Module

Features and Specifications:

  • Classic polyphonic synthesizer with 12 true analog voices for insanely fat and authentic sounds
  • 4 simultaneous world-class TC Electronic and Klark Teknik FX with over 30 algorithms including Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Delay and multi-band Distortion
  • 12 voices with 2 analog OSCs per voice with oscillator sync mode
  • 2 LFOs per voice with 7 waveform shapes, key sync, MIDI sync and envelope auto-triggering
  • 3 ADSR generators per voice for control of VCF, VCA and MOD envelopes
  • Flexible 8-channel modulation matrix with 19 sources and over 130 destinations including effects parameters
  • 32-step control sequencer with adjustable slew rate and MIDI sync
  • Pure analog signal path based on legendary VCF and VCA designs
  • OSC 1 generates sawtooth and square/pulse waveforms with pulse width modulation
  • OSC 2 generates square/pulse waveforms with tone modulation
  • Selectable dual slope 12/24 dB analog low pass filter per voice with adjustable resonance
  • Envelope faders seamlessly transform individual envelope segments between linear, exponential and reverse exponential curves
  • Powerful unison and poly modes with detune, pan spread and drift parameters featuring up to 12 voices per note

Overview: The DeepMind 12 as Guitar Synth Module:

Behringer DeepMind 12 As Guitar Synthesizer Module

So, you are into guitar synths, maybe vintage analog guitar synths, I think it is definitely worth taking a look at the Behringer DeepMind 12 as a sound source.

Here is what make the DeepMind12 worth checking out:

  1. Sounds great, and is priced ridiculously low. If you hunt around, you can get one of these new for a little over $500, which is really, really crazy for a twelve voice, 24 oscillator programmable analog synthesizer. The DeepMind 12 has a 'unison-2' mode where you can layer and detune two voices, so you get a six voice synth, with 4 oscillators sounding for each guitar string. This is the definition of a fat analog sound! The next competitor is the Korg Prologue, which is also awesome, but only has four voices
  2. If you are thinking vintage analog guitar synth, you are probably thinking at least in part about the classic Roland GR-700 guitar synth from 1985. The voice architecture of the DeepMind 12 is nearly identical to the GR-700, voltage controlled filter and envelopes married to two DCOs, or digitally controlled oscillators. Not surprising, since the DeepMind1 2 was clearly inspired by Roland synths of this era. The DeepMind 12 is the first analog synth I have ever found where I can actually recreate some of my favorite GR-700 patches.
  3. More than just vintage sounds, this is a modern synth with a sound all its own. For me the really outstanding patches are the ambient, pad sounds which when combined with the built-in effects are just enormous, and the arpeggiator driven patches are also very cool to play with.

What You Need To Make This Work:

  1. Pitch-to-MIDI Converter: Obviously, you cannot plug your guitar directly into the DeepMind 12, like you can with a GR-700. For this video I am using a Roland equipped GK-3 guitar and a Boss GP-10 with a Primova Sound MIDX-20, since the GP-10 only outputs MIDI via the USB cable the MIDX-20 works as a MIDI breakout box. For me, the best stand-alone 13-pin MIDI converter Roland ever made was the GI-20. The GR-55 works really well with its internal sounds. In this case, the Boss GP-10 work OK. I'd love to try this with the Fishman Triple Play
  2. Mod Pedal: The DeepMind 12 has an assignable rear pedal input. Get yourself a pedal, plug it in, calibrate the pedal, and assign it to 'Mod Wheel'. Lots of patches make use of the Mod Wheel, to control the efx depth, change the speed on Hammond rotary emulations and more. This definitely adds a lot more fun to the experience for the guitarist.
  3. Sustain Pedal: There is also a rear sustain pedal input, and I love this for the arpeggiator patches. This is frequently assigned to the Tap/Hold button, so you can play something on your guitar, then twiddle with the extensive controls on the DeepMind 12 like a keyboard player would!

Programming (not Factory Sounds)

Check out the video, before I to run through playing some factory sounds with the guitar, I just want to mention I was able to recreate a few sounds from the GR-700, first and foremost being the original GR-700 factory patch 1-8, FX. If you have seen my GR-700 videos, I use this sound a lot. I have never been able to recreate this sound, as it requires really good self oscillation from the filter, and the ability to modulate the filter using an inverted envelope. I love this sound!

Also, I was able to recreate the classic Lyle Mays lead voice from may Pat Metheny albums, and some nice OB-X sounds. Finally, I was able to create some 'Forbidden Planet' analog synth weirdness involving modulating multiple parameters at the same time.

Finally, I want to mention this: the DeepMind 12 responds on one MIDI channel, which is fine for keyboard players. However, this means you cannot bend multiple strings. You can bend one string, playing a solo, but as soon as two or more strings are sounding, the bending is over. Keyboards only have one pitch bend wheel, not six, and that is a limitation here. Some older synths would allow the same sound on multiple MIDI channels, just for guitar synths, and this was called MIDI Mono Mode, but there is not much support for Mono Mode these days.

Photos - Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module:

Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer
Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer
Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer
Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer
Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer
Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer Behringer DeepMind 12 Desktop Module Guitar Synthesizer
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