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As someone who has actually cloned a VCS3 from scratch, TWICE, I am in a uniquely nerdy position to critique behringer's upcoming made-in-china clone.
A Thread.
A Thread.
First off here's one of my clones (this is a deluxe clone that combines elements of the VCS3 and Synthi A (their portable briefcase version of the giant wood panel machine)l, it used a massive sealectro matrix that I got lucky finding in 2006.
things behringer got right: they went through the trouble of designing and fabricating a pin matrix, not just replacing it with a digital switching system. very cool, cute. this is the heart of a VCS3, their effort is well-spent.
behringer included all of the VCO, VCF, ENV mods that were released over the years (most designed by Graham Hinton). these mods are immensely useful, in particular the range switching of the VCOs. The originals lacked all of these, and it would be painful to modify an original
other mod: the ability to switch the Diode Ladder Filter between 18db and 24db. VCS3s originally used an 18db filter, unique to them, which provides a characteristic "nasal" quality. They were changed in the late 70s to compete with the popular Moog Filter sound, which was 24db
things they got wrong: The knobs. VCS3s used a Cliff Knobs fluted w/ skirt, and dot indicator. Behringer's appears to be their clone of a Moog instrument indicator. Cliff used to sell knobs with anodized aluminum caps in different colours. Hoping this gets fixed before launch.
other thing they got wrong: the Meter. they went with a circular black meter, presumably something they might already be manufacturing for one of their compressors or rack mastering gear. Originals use a clear/white, square, japanese-made (Shinohara) meter.
nitpick, but still relevant: they went with a generic black joystick. The attack button also appears to be board-mounted, where as the originals were panel-mount, with a nice chromed steel housing. The original joysticks were beautiful knurled aluminum affairs. a great detail.
Thing some people will whine about: there appears to be no internal speakers. the originals contained cheap little monitors so you could preview your sound. if you cranked the monitors, you could coax the spring reverb tank to self-oscillate. a bug, that some found a feature
a Mod that is sadly absent and I will still have to add myself: the waveshape controls can (and should) be CV controllable. this was a popular graham hinton mod, all the hip synthis had 'em. on the Square VCO it allows for PWM, but its very unique on a saw-to-triangle-to-ramp
Reverb: behringer claims their clone will have a spring reverb tank. I see no reason why this is not feasible. Moog got a huge pat on the back for including a spring reverb in their Grandmother line, but SR tanks are a dime-a-dozen many budget guitar amps still have them inside
