The “world’s first generative AI guitar” has arrived – will it live up to the hype?
A website overhaul at Behringer has accidentally revealed more than a dozen unreleased instruments – including synths, drum machines and controllers – before the pages were swiftly removed.
Among the most notable finds:
- The VCX 3 – Behringer’s long-teased replica of the classic EMS VCS 3. The project has been in development for years, with the company confirming in late 2023 that it had entered beta testing. After a long period of silence, its reappearance suggests it may still be moving forward, alongside the similarly EMS-inspired AKS Mini.
- Drum machine fans also had plenty to dig into. Listings suggested a new sampler inspired by the legendary E-mu SP-1200, seemingly featuring 12-bit and 24-bit sampling with analogue filters. If accurate, it would join Behringer’s growing lineup of retro-flavoured rhythm machines, following releases like the LM Drum and BMX.
- A second notable find was the RD-765. The leaked description refers to it as a “classic hybrid sampling drum machine with XX drum sounds, sample recording, 64 steps”. Early speculation suggests a hybrid drum machine drawing inspiration from the TR-707, TR-626 and TR-505, but nothing has been confirmed.
- Another unannounced unit was the Korg Mini-Pops 7 clone. After being first teased by Behringer in 2024, it appears close to release.
Other notable devices:
- The VS-80 – widely assumed to be the company’s take on the legendary Yamaha CS-80. If accurate, its appearance would suggest the flagship analogue polysynth is edging closer to reality, alongside the long-gestating 1601 Sequencer, a Eurorack clone of the ARP 1601 first announced back in 2021.
- A pair of controllers and keyboards were also leaked. Among them is the long-requested BCR32 – a modern successor to the much-loved BCR2000 – alongside an APC40-style grid controller reportedly called the AQ64.
- Other entries included a possible replacement for the SWING sequencer, dubbed JAM (plus a version called JAM PLAY featuring onboard sounds), the Polykeys PK61 – a 61-key USB MIDI controller keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch – and the QT32, a 32-key compact keyboard featuring eight drum pads, 12 assignable controls, and a four-axis joystick.
As ever with Behringer, it’s unclear whether the leak was a genuine mistake or simply an unusually messy teaser campaign. Either way, it suggests a packed pipeline of synths and controllers that may be closer to launch than expected.
Key Takeaways
- Behringer has leaked multiple unreleased instruments including synths, drum machines, and controllers.
- The VCX 3 and AKS Mini seem to be moving forward with their development after a long period of silence.
- A new sampler inspired by the E-mu SP-1200 is expected in Behringer’s lineup, joining other retro-flavoured rhythm machines.
- Behringer also revealed several controllers and keyboards that are part of its pipeline, including the BCR32, AQ64, JAM, PK61, and QT32.
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