Whether you are revisiting or newly discovering the world of analog synths, what could be a better place to explore than the beginning? Like its monophonic brother, the Model-D, Behringer’s “Poly-D” is based on the first commercially available portable (mono) synthesizer, with more than just a few brilliant twists.

The Poly-D features an analog VCF, VCA, and 4 VCO design with vintage-accurate transistors, JFETs, and precision 0.1% PPS caps. Each of the 4 highly flexible VCOs produces 5 forms of tone-sculpting power for a total of 7 unique waveforms, plus an additional white/pink noise generator and a 6-octave range.

As expected from an early 70s-style analog synth, the monophonic mode delivers thick, punchy, single-note bass lines, hooks, and solo work. In Unison Mode, turn on a deeper layer of subtle and organic textures through wild and otherworldly overtones. Just as you wouldn’t expect—Paraphonic Mode allows you to layer each VCO independently for up to 4 simultaneous voices of harmony.

Without sacrificing the vintage sounds and player experience, the Poly-D has extras that improve versatility and creative potential beyond that of the classic Model-D’s brilliant but era-limited capabilities. Housed in a wood-sided enclosure, Poly-D features a 37-key synthy action key-bed with aftertouch and velocity sensitivity, an onboard arpeggiator, 32-step sequencer, analog BBC (bucket brigade) Chorus, and classic stompbox-style distortion.

Behringer also includes all the contemporary connectivity you’ll need to integrate Poly-D with your 21st-century rig: MIDI I/O/Thru, USB/MIDI DIN, dedicated output volume controls over Aftertouch/Velocity—plus internal/external V-Trig I/O, Filter, OSC, and modulation source outputs.

Behringer’s re-imagined D-style Paraphonic “contemporary vintage classic” is far more reliable and costs only a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay for a vintage example or contemporary D-style tribute.