Over the past 45 years, every synth enthusiast, pop music fan, and film lover has been well acquainted with the unique sounds and textures generated by the groundbreaking 1981 Bi-timbral classic. Despite the massive impact on pop culture, the storied Polysynth's high cost made it an out-of-reach dream for most. At over $17,000 (adjusted for inflation) dollars back in 1981 and pushing 10K-15K in today’s vintage market, the “OB” remains one of the most highly desired but elusive synths ever made.

Great news came in 2018 when Uli Behringer announced plans to recreate the sought-after analog classic. Brimming with the detail and quality we’ve come to expect from Behringer synths—and true to Uli Behringer’s stance that no synthesizer should ever cost more than $1,500. Behringer has faithfully recreated the analog Icon behind soundtracks like “The Terminator” and hits by The Thompson Twins, New Order, Madonna, and Prince—and even rockers like Queen, Rush, and VanHalen. Now, after 6 years in development (and, for some, over 4 decades of wanting), the UB-Xd module has arrived.

Faithfully re-born, right down to the 3340 and 3320 Curtis-style microprocessor-driven VCOs and VCFs, the UB-Xa delivers the lush textures, powerful bass lines, and punching brass you’ve been waiting for. Like the original, the UB-Xd module features Bi-Timbral architecture, allowing you to spit the keyboard or double up two distinct patches on one key for massive sonic possibilities. The UB-Xa D comes loaded with the 106 original pre-set sounds from 1981, “vintage mode” sound signatures of the OB-X and OB-8 versions, and much more.

Despite the meticulous attention to detail that went into developing the sounds, capabilities, and experience of the quintessential 80s synth, Behringer doesn’t leave you stranded in the 80s with 80s limitations. With 16 voices of polyphony, the UB-Xa D has double the polyphonic capability of its 1981 8-voice counterpoint, and that’s just the start. The UB-Xa can store 512 user program memories above and beyond the original 106 preset sounds, plus 4 preset memory recall buttons for instantly recalling your most essential patches.

With all the vintage-style Analog warmth and punch, luxurious bi-timbral layers, and creative potential at command--you’d have an impossibly hard time making the most of such a sophisticated synth without modern connectivity. Naturally, Behringer’s got you covered. The UB-Xa Desktop has full MIDI/USB implementation, NPRN, and CC control over every performance parameter, plus pedal inputs for vibrato, filter, sustain, program, and hold.

Perhaps one of the most exciting advantages of the UB-Xa “D” is its manageable space-saving size. Considering the size and weight of Behringer’s three-and-a-half-foot-long 61-key UB-Xa, the new 18” desktop/rack-mountable module saves valuable studio real estate without sacrificing function. You can access the UB-XAD’s polyphonic aftertouch, and MIDI Polyphonic expression features with your favorite keyboard controller. The UB-8a D also features an additional LFO with 7 waveform shapes, Stereo VCA per voice, an 8-channel modulation matrix, a dual-layer arpeggiator, sequencers, and more.