Behringer to Release Clones of the 808, ARP 2600, and Other Classic Synths and Drum Machines

When Behringer announced that it would be cloning the Minimoog Model D earlier this year, some in the synth community took issue with the company's attempt to make a budget-friendly version of the much-loved classic. In the face of such criticism, Uli Behringer and his team revealed as early as last March that they intended to offer inexpensive clones of nearly every classic drum machine and synthesizer.

Today, Behringer's website was updated to reflect the imminent announcement of a full line of drum machine and synth clones. The classic synths slated to be released include the ARP 2600, the EDP WASP, Roland SH-101, EMS Synthi VCS3, Oberheim OB-X, and the Korg MS-20. The drum machines include the Roland TR-808, TR-909, and the LinnDrum.

It is unclear whether the update to Behringer's website was intentional or not. The product boxes did not include photos of the upcoming clones. And after Synthopia, CDM, and other outlets reported on the changes, Behringer appears to have taken the product boxes back off of its site.

Perhaps Behringer is teasing an announcement ahead of next month's NAMM show, or perhaps an employee made a mistake. Either way, the company has now tipped its hand, alerting the synth community to new releases, even as the Behringer D remains available only through pre-orders.

Update: Behringer addressed this matter in a Facebook post that said a "website glitch" was responsible for the publication of the product boxes. The company contends that "the leaked information does not imply any availability at this time or even definitive evidence that we intend to officially develop or deliver these products in the future. At this stage, the leaked products are merely concepts and nothing more."

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