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The Behringer Edge is a synthesizer for analogue percussion sounds – but with a concept which differs significantly from other drum machines. Instead of dedicated instruments such as kick, snare, hi-hat etc., the Edge synthesizer is based entirely on a subtractive sound generator, similar to an analogue mono synth. However, the integrated sequencer can be used to modulate the various sound-generating elements with pinpoint accuracy, allowing users to quickly create percussive patterns and dynamic rhythms from a monophonic sequence. The sounds range from deep drums, crisp snares, and metallic hi-hats to noisy and heavily modulated percussion sounds with their own unique character.
The Behringer Edge's sounds are based on two analogue oscillators that, by using the tuning controls, can be tuned over an extremely wide range without switching the octave register. The oscillators can be controlled using hard sync and frequency modulation, and users can also mix in white/pink noise or external audio. The 24dB filter can be switched from high-pass to low-pass, while the VCF and VCA are each controlled by a dedicated decay envelope. The integrated sequencer has two rows of eight controls each, which are internally routed to pitch and velocity, and these two rows can be patched to 15 different inputs via their outputs in order to modulate other parameters. The tempo of the sequencer can be set as high as 10,000BPM(!), the upper limit of the audible range, which again allows new sounds to be created.
The sound of the Behringer Edge has a hard, rough-edged characteristic, tending towards the aggressive with the right settings and modulations. This makes Edge beats well suited to harder styles such as Techno, EBM/Industrial, Breakcore, etc. If its parameters are not pushed to the limit, it can also be used to create softer sounds and grooves for Minimal, Electro, and House music. With skilful use of modulation via the sequencer, users can make beats with different sounds for each step. Although the Edge is functionally monophonic, and the device only provides one track as a complement to other drums, this one beat could make all the difference on that next track.
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.
Because it uses the same form factor and the same semi-modular concept as the Crave monophonic synthesizer, which is designed for basslines and typical sequencer figures, the Behringer Edge can be used to create the corresponding percussion or drum groove. The two devices can be easily synchronised via MIDI, but that's not all – each unit can also apply elements of the other synthesizer via their patch points. For example, the Crave's LFO might be used to control the Edge's filter, or the Edge's second VCO can amplify the sound of the Crave. The Behringer Edge can also be played dynamically with a MIDI/USB controller or a DAW, allowing the user to program even more complex beats with multifaceted modulations that develop over several bars.