Behringer's 16-Voice Prophet Gets Closer

US Company shows off its 8-layer printed circuit board for the forthcoming PRO-16 synth 13/06/24

Behringer announced that they would be producing their own version of the Prophet 5 with polyphony extended to 16 voices quite some time ago. Now, they have posted an update on the PRO-16 on their Facebook page...

Designing the PRO-16: The 16-Voice Revolution

We are excited to share an update and achievement with you: the recreation of the iconic Prophet 5, but with a twist – our version boasts 16 voices and many new features that push the boundaries of what's possible in a synthesizer.

Recreating this synthesizer was no small feat. The engineering work involved is extraordinarily complex, requiring meticulous attention to detail and precision. Our team of engineers had to navigate the intricacies of integrating thousands of components to stay true to the original sound while adding modern capabilities.

One of the most challenging aspects of this project was the development of an 8-layer printed circuit board (PCB). For those unfamiliar, a PCB is essentially the backbone of any electronic device, housing all the components and ensuring they work together seamlessly. An 8-layer board means there are eight layers of circuitry stacked within a single board, allowing us to pack more functionality into a compact space. This complexity is necessary to manage the increased number of voices and new features while maintaining signal integrity and reducing noise.

The result is a synthesizer that not only honors the legacy of the original, but also enhances it with 16 voices, offering unparalleled polyphony and richness. This modern version includes:

Multi-mode filters. Providing a wide range of tonal possibilities.

8-mode atrophy settings: Allowing for extensive modulation and sound-shaping capabilities.

Poly aftertouch key bed: Delivering expressive and dynamic playability, making it a dream to play.

These advanced features make the new PRO-16 a powerhouse for today's musicians, blending the classic sound with cutting-edge technology. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and can't wait for you to experience the new PRO-16.