Behringer MonoPoly Paraphonic Synthesizer Now Available For $699

Behringer has announced that its MonoPoly synthesizer, a knockoff of the classic 80’s Korg Mono/Poly synthesizer, is now available.

The original Korg Mono/Poly is a 44-note paraphonic keyboard synthesizer. It has essentially a four-oscillator monophonic synth architecture, but it offers a paraphonic ‘Poly’ mode, which allocates the four oscillators to individual notes, which are then fed through a shared monophonic signal path.

The Berhringer MonoPoly copies the general look and design of the original, but in a smaller format, replacing the original’s 44-note keyboard with a 37-note keyboard and shrinking the overall size. It adds limited MIDI control via USB & DIN, but also offers CV/Gate control.

Here are the official video intros:

Features:

  • Analog synthesizer with 4 VCOs
  • 4-Voice polyphonic/paraphonic design with mono, unison and polyphonic mode
  • 37 semi-weighted full-size keys featuring velocity functionality
  • Reproduction of original circuitry from the ‘80s
  • Analog signal path based on VCO, VCF, and VCA designs
  • 4 variable oscillator shapes per VCO and variable pulse widths
  • Autotune functionality to ensure VCOs stay in tune
  • 24 dB filter with resonance
  • Cross-modulation and oscillator sync
  • Dual analog LFOs with 4 selectable waveforms and multiple destinations
  • Dedicated filter and amplifier ADSR envelope generators
  • Chord memory for complex harmonies with a single key press
  • Noise generator for dramatically expanded waveform generation
  • Separate pitch modulation of VCO 1 for sync/x-mod effects
  • Front panel can be laid flat or tilted in multiple angles
  • 62 controls give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
  • Multiple in and outputs for controlling filter cutoff, oscillator pitch, CV/gate and more
  • MIDI In/Out with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection

Pricing and Availability:

The Behringer MonoPoly is now shipping and is expected to be available soon, priced at $699. See the Behringer site for more info.

87 thoughts on “Behringer MonoPoly Paraphonic Synthesizer Now Available For $699”

  1. The Mono/Poly was my first synth. Patient zero. I bought it cheap from the rental department of my local music store because it didn’t have MIDI or patch storage and was only weakly polyphonic. I was only 15, and my dad didn’t understand why I wanted the “mixer with keys” at all. It smelled like stale beer and cigarette smoke and I eventually sold it for $100 more than I paid to fund the purchase of a Kawai K3. The K3 was far more useful, but I still have an irrational attachment to the Mono/Poly. Synths are like that.

  2. What’s the appeal of something like this in 2020? Just nostalgia?

    There are so many true polyphonic synths in that price range that are much more powerful. Korg’s line is especially interesting, in comparison.

    For a little less, Korg has the Minilogue XD, which has a more powerful synth engine, real polyphony, patch memories, full MIDI control, etc.

    For about the same price, you can get Wavestate or the Opsix, which have way more capabilities and power.

    For a little more, you can get the Prologue 8, with real polyphony and twice the polyphony and a way more powerful synth engine.

    This is pricey for what it offers. This would be much more interesting if they offered it in the same format as their Euro modules, for around $350-400. The knobs would be more cramped, but this could be addressed by making the most important performance knobs larger.

    1. Agreed. Other than a nostalgia pick, this is a bland offering. And why so expensive compared to a newly-developed synth? Cloning isn’t as expensive as developing.

    2. You could ask the same question about modular in 2020. A simple monophonic modular with a couple of oscillators and envelopes can easily hit $1000. And for that, you end up with something without MIDI, a sequencer or patch memory (unless you grab your camera).

      But let’s get real. A $699 synth with keyboard is *not* expensive.

      1. The original poster said the BM was “pricey for what it offers”, which is true.

        You can get a good analog monosynth keyboard these days starting around $300-400. And for $500, you can get a real polysynth with patch memory.

        $700 only seems cheap if you’re comparing it to vintage Mono/Poly prices. $850 gets you a Sub 25, which has features that wipe the floor with the BM.

        And does really think the BM is worth $400 more than Behringer’s monosynth modules, like the D?

        1. Maybe a better thing to compare it to, over their mono modules, would be the Poly D which comes in what looks like the same form-factor and is also a 4-oscillator paraphonic synth, but this is inexplicably $100 more. Kinda agree it’s a little overpriced – I would not be saying that if it was an original synth, but basically you’re right, $400 is a lot to pay for a keybed, two extra oscillators, a and round-robin mode. I have a much easier time valuing the poly-d at $300 more than the mono-d than this.

    3. It’s best to understand this synth as a 4 oscillator mono with lots of Mono features. A big monoysnth which can sort of almost kinda do a little bit of poly as a kind of add on, almost.

      I’ve owned one for 30 years and it’s a great mono synth

    4. 4 vcos that can be cycled by the arpeggiator. I’ve used the VST version korg makes and this idiom can produce some really interesting sounds, not sure quite how you’d get the same kinds of sounds with a 2 VCO synth

    5. The mono/poly (and the behringer) has 4 VCOs that can be cycled by the arpeggiator. I have the VST and this results in some interesting sounds. The only modern synth I know of that has the same functionality is the Moog Matriarch which costs about the same as a used Mono/Poly. Indeed the Matriarch is probably the closest thing to a modernized version of it. The other synthesizers you mention aren’t “better”, they’re just different.

    6. I actually liked what I heard about this clone more than what I heard from the other synths you mentioned.
      This will probably be a buy for me. More isn’t always better.

    7. if you havent played it yourself, its hard to describe how different it is in operation compared to other synths because it doesnt appear much different on the surface – however in operation it ends up being its own unique thing, even if its fairly standard in terms of the overall design

      if you make lots of ambient or berlin school type music, this is one of the best old school synths you can get for a number of reasons… but again you need to put your hands on it to understand

    3. I hope they’re working on an MPC1000 clone. I had heard something like that a while back. They could license JJOS, retune the filters (some of which were not correct) and clean up, market-wise. The current MPC’s are just too overbloated for many.

      1. Couldn’t they just copy JJOS and change it a little like JJOS did with Akai OS? I wouldn’t think you could license software you’re licensing or stole yourself.

    4. the mono poly is an amazing synth if you ever played it – 699 is a little pricey – I really want it but am going to wait to see if it goes on sale at some point – I hope though also that they do an ESQ1 – since the hardware is failing on the old models and it would be nice to have one with cv sync and usb

  4. I had a Mono/Poly in the mid 80’s….fun system! Regardless of what camp we are in….Behringer is pumping out fun/serious affordable decently built synths….I currently have the Deepmind12 and the Neutron. I love them both n they’ve not belched on me….I will be getting their 2600 in 2021 sometime…I’m waiting on their VCS3….it’s in the chute for 2022….hopefully!

  5. I Dislike Behringer for cloning all those classic synths and profiting from (should I say “steal”) all this intellectual property. But MonoPoly is one of my dream synths, always wanted one but waaay out of my price range. There’s a little dignity war going on inside my head right now…

    2. I feel you. Their 2600 clone is VERY appealing. Waiting to see what price korg sets for theirs… if it’s under $150 difference I’ll happily give that extra cash to korg, more than that and I’ll have to wrestle with my conscience in the same way it sounds like you are right now.

    1. Do you expect them to act as cheerleaders or something?

      The article states the facts pretty clearly, without passing on too much of the marketing BS that Behringer comes up with.

      Behringer’s marketing would have you believe that this is a modern polyphonic synth with comprehensive MIDI support. This sort of thing is why you see so many buyers of their ‘Poly’ complaining that there’s no memory, no MIDI CC support, weird polyphony, etc.

    2. well as Synthopia only recycle (aka ‘knock off’) other sites content so it’s a bit rich they pump the old Behri-hate memes, if they don’t like the company that much just don’t post their content – but then that would mean a bit of journalistic integrity…….

      1. If only for the Behringer hate alone I wish they would implement an ignore function on this website. It’s the same old people that spill their pointless bilge here.

        ONT: Behringer has performed well with the vintage revival. Literally nobody picked up on the real cost reductions and missing functionality in their clone line, instead predictably focusing on non-issues like Filter Authenticity and Vintage Oscillator-ness, or other debunked issues like SMT vs TH.

        It’s in the pots stupid.

      2. “It’s a bit rich they pump the old Behri-hate memes”

        Love to see how Behringer fans get triggered by anyone simply stating facts.

        Seriously, how could anyone construe this article as ‘Behri-hate’?

        Also, it’s a bit rich how Muzone only seems to comment on Behringer articles, and always with Behringer fanboy comments.

        1. Nothing else worth commenting on at this copy’n’paste website – but there’s always a little fun to be had cranking the chains of the behri-hating wokeflakes, maybe if Shittopia ever decide to write their own copy or actually review anything themselves I might be a little more engaged…..

          1. Your comment is completely idiotic, but I do have to give you credit for the wordsmithing of ‘behri-hating wokeflakes’.

        2. “Seriously, how could anyone construe this article as ‘Behri-hate’? ”

          the continued use of the degrading term “knockoff” when it comes to a Behringer product in their posts, but the word not used in articles about remakes of other classic synths by other companies.

          Its gotta stop. Far from balanced journalism.

          1. https://www.thefreedictionary.com/knockoff

            Definition of knockoff

            Noun 1. knockoff – an unauthorized copy or imitation

            ‘Knockoff’ accurately describes most of Behringer’s line, doesn’t it?

            Does Roland make unauthorized copies of Korg synths? Does Yamaha make a ‘Yama-moog’? Does Moog make a MO-808? Does Sequential make a ‘DaveMind 12’?

            You’re being irrationally triggered by one word, being used completely accurately.

            1. There’s nothing ‘subjective’ about about stating that the Behringer ‘MonoPoly’ is a knockoff of the Korg ‘Mono/Poly’. The facts are staring you in your face.

              The Volca FM isn’t a knockoff of a DX7. It doesn’t copy the DX7’s code, circuits, look or name.

              It’s a new synth, with a new design, different features, original name and branding, etc. It can load DX7 patches, like lots of synths, because the FM synthesis patents that Yamaha licensed for the DX7 expired decades ago.

              I can’t think of any major synth manufacturer besides Behringer making a synth knockoff, let alone an entire line of knockoffs.

  9. This product has no appeal to me, but I do love the paraphonic capability of my Sequential Pro3. I love the way the oscillators move when I play rhythmic chords. I have many poly keyboards and none of them do that, of course.

  10. stop saying its available.

    Behringer has announced it. And it will be months before we hear about it actually being able to be ordered through retailers.

      1. Expensive or inexpensive? The pricing seems fair to me for a remake, and not terrible for a flexible 4-voice “mono/polysynth” and certainly cheaper than a vintage MonoPoly in terms of purchase and maintenance costs.

        1. Behringer may market the Monopoly and the Poly D as polysynths, but nobody that knows synths is going to confuse them for a true polysynth.

          There are going to be a lot of naive buyers that get these and then think ‘WTF?’

          2. It’s common knowledge that this, and the Poly D are PARAPHONIC. Anyone buying these expecting them to behave like poly synths need to do some basic research on synthesizer designs/architectures.

            1. Behringer explicitly markets them as POLYPHONIC.

              “The Behringer POLY D lets you conjure up virtually any monophonic or polyphonic sound imaginable with incredible finesse and ease.”

              Do you really think that the a synth noob buying a ‘POLY D’ is going to know that it’s not really polyphonic?

              Also, thanks to Marc Doty for giving Behringer license to BS noobs like this.

  19. If I recall correctly, the pro-800 was going to be a similar price to this, and would be a proper poly rather than a para. Someone wanting a budget VCO-based poly might wait for the pro-800?

  20. The keys are too stingy and its a Burringer and its a Korg rip and it should be red instead of blue.

    Bollocks, if you like it, get it. I had the real thing eons ago & really took to it, so I bought Korg’s softsynth MP, which is a greatly enhanced power version with dual effects that shred. Its fully poly rather than just paraphonic as well. I used mine in para mode on my left and a mono Moog on my right. Great duo.

  22. I have the MonoPoly as a rack extension in Reason Studio and it essentially has the same sound and more features (16 voice unison, etc) and great modulation options that aren’t available on the original. I think there’s also a standalone offering. Off the top of my head, that’s much more bang for a third of the price (or less) – and the sound is right there. They also do the Poly Six. I have both in software and they sound absolutely incredible.

    1. Don’t encourage anybody! Behringer’s FB page is bad enough.

      Behringer is always like, “Other companies only care about ripping off your grandparents. We listened, and now we’re introducing a clone of the Baldwin Fun Machine Organ for just $299. Since we’re so awesome, check out Freemusictribe, where you can rip off other people’s grandparents, with no seller’s fee!”

      And then all the fanboys weigh in. “Wow, Uli. My grandparents thank you. And the cork sniffers will never understand!”

      And then they go check out Freemusictribe, but never use it, because the site sucks so bad.

  24. I was thinking more in terms of starting their own synth blog instead of complaining about the one here. Think of here as if we have been invited over to someone’s house. Like a party. If you said some of the insulting things about our host (above) at his house, you’d be asked to leave. Or, tossed out.

    Muzone, if that is in fact your real name sir, or madam. I mean you. Have some manners. FFS.

    1. It’s as much my real name as atomic shadow is yours!
      Anyway back on-rant, our revered host sees fit to blithely copy other companies &/or reviewers work verbatim with the only original input being the odd snark or meme – so if behringer is so unloved by the proprietor why post their videos – could it be the large volume of clicks they generate?
      I call that a completely hypocritical lack of journalistic integrity…….

      1. What gives you the bizarre idea that ‘behringer is so unloved by the proprietor’ of Synthtopia?

        And why would you think that would matter to them?

        News is what people are interested in. Synthtopia always covers the most important news in the synth world. If they didn’t, nobody would want to read their site.

        It’s not rocket science, except to an idiot.

  26. If the demos I’ve heard so far are anything to go by this sounds better than the Korg MonoPoly I had a few years back. This isn’t the synth for me (I already have a couple that cover the same ground, and the 2600 is much more flexible) but I’m not about to complain either.

  27. looks very cheap, just like the ‘poly’ D which I returned after 3-4 days, they REALLY need to step up even if they have to charge more for these synths… demos are meh too, is it so hard to find a good sound designer to promote their clones?

      1. I think the ‘poly’ D and all other behringers I’ve tried feels flimsy, I’ve never tried anything with such a cheap feeling, perhaps their only ‘competitor’ is the mini ms-20 which is probably the worst build modern synth.

        I keep reading in forums by behringer fans that the build quality is top notch, they sound amazing, etc, but my own experience is quite the opposite.

        The funniest thing is that recently they’ve shared on facebook a hyper long post insisting on that they use the highest quality components and they invest quite a lot of time in design while everyone can see that their synth designs are a pain to look at, show any designer a picture of a behringer synth and they will laugh their *ss off.

        1. Behringer’s FB page is 100% marketing BS.

          Behringer has a very simple business model: copy other company’s successful products, cut corners to reduce costs, manufacture it in China with cheap labor, and then lie to you to make you think you’re getting a bargain.

          It’s a business model that works great for them, because there are a lot of naive people that want to believe the lie.

            1. Insisting on that they use the best possible components and that they focus on design, arent these kinda of a big lies? Or the one that they have made a POLYPHONIC moog, thats quite a misleading statement that would confuse 90% of their fans because they are newbies and amateur wanna be producers. Also, its a lie that they focus on r&d because most of their clones are made with the schematics of a guys that put these for free on the internet and they claim its 100% authentic recreation… should I go on?

    2. You really do get what you pay for with Behringer – a piece of cheap gear, for better or worse. I’d be hesitant to get any of their more expensive synths.

      I’ve bought 5 pieces of Behringer gear over the years:

      Behringer 12-channel mixer – 1 channel died, faders are ‘jumpy’, noisy

      Behringer 22-channel mixer – multiple channels died, noisy, some signal noise when you adjust controls

      Behringer Vintage Phaser – actually sounds pretty cool, but the build quality is pure, unadulterated garbage

      Behringer D – got this used for about $225, the build is pretty average, but it sounds great and a good value at that price.

      Behringer Neutron – got this used for about $250, with one of those black overlays. This hits the ‘sweet spot’ for me. The build quality is average, but lots of synth for the money.

      Behringer has a reputation for mediocre quality at best, and from my experience, it’s well-earned.

      When I’ve bought a piece of their gear, knowing it was a piece of cheap gear (Behringer D, Neutron), I’ve been satisfied. When I’ve bought a piece of their gear, thinking I was getting a bargain (their mixers, their effects pedals), they’ve disappointed, because the build quality was SO inferior to the real thing.

      Their cheap synth modules are a fair deal, in my opinion. Not the bargain that fanboys make them out to be and not garbage, either. But a cheap synth that compares pretty well against other cheap synths.

  29. Nah. Analog mono with patch memory, Roand SE-02 can’t be beat! absolute beast!. Other than that with keys buy an AFX Station, rediculous bass, leads and filters. Smooth new look and collectors item. Forget this Bonopoly weirdenss.

  33. This site has become the reddit of the synth world. People bashing certain synths for being “too expensive”, blah, blah, blah–oh and constant Behringer bashing.

    My response to this:

    1. For those complaining about (very reasonable) pricing–get a job. If that ain’t cutting it, get a BETTER job.
    2. If you don’t like Behringer, don’t buy their products.

    This ain’t rocket science folks…

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