Behringer Mini D: Does It Sound Like a Real Model D?
The Behringer Mini D compact analog synthesizer sounds extremely similar to the classic Moog Model D analog synthesizer. While it only offers a single oscillator instead of three, the analog filter, envelopes, and LFO give you a lot of sound design potential for bass and leads. The downside is the build quality, with PCB-mounted controls lending a cheaper feel than the Moog original that inspired it. Musicians looking for the full Model D synth on a budget should look to the Behringer Model D. And if you want the classic Moog sound with stage-ready build quality and chassis-mounted pots, you should check out the Moog Messenger.
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What Is the Behringer Mini D?
The Behringer Mini D is an ultra-compact version of their Model D Analog Synthesizer, which itself is a re-creation of the iconic Moog Model D synthesizer first introduced in 1970. As a compact synth, the Mini D features a single oscillator (instead of 3 on the Model D). Here’s a rundown of what you’ll find on the Mini D synthesizer:
- 1 oscillator with 5 waveforms
- 1 resonant analog lowpass filter
- 1 LFO with 4 waveforms
- 2 envelopes
- 16-step sequencer
- USB and MIDI
Who Is the Behringer Mini D Made For?
The Mini D is made for producers and electronic musicians that want access to real analog synth sounds without a big investment and in a compact format. The Mini D is also aimed at sample artists that want to create their own unique sounds on synths and sample them for use in future productions. The lower build quality means Mini D is ideal for your studio, but not optimized for live performances on stage or regular transportation in your backpack.
Best Sounds to Make with the Behringer Mini D
- Big fat bass lines
- Searing synth leads
- Arpeggiated sequences
What’s the Difference Between the Mini D and the Model D?
The Behringer Mini D is a slimmed down version of the Model D: the sound is the same, but the Mini D only offers one oscillator instead of three. That’s fine for bass and leads, but less desirable for rich pads and sounds that evolve over time. Another major difference is the filter section: the Model D offers LPF and HPF filters, while the Mini D only offers the lowpass filter. Again, that’s fine for bass and some leads, but is less versatile in terms of sound design capability.
If portability and compact size are your most important priorities for an analog synth, you’ll be impressed with the Behringer Mini D. If you’re looking for maximum sound design potential in an affordable analog synth module, the Model D will give you more creative options for not much more money.
How to Make the Behringer Mini D Sound Its Best
Like most pocket synthesizers, the Mini D uses a stereo headphone output for its main output, and it can sound noisier and less detailed than it’s capable of. The solution is to use an inline transformer/isolator to balance the signal and reduce noise for greater dynamic range. I like the ART T8 transformer/isolator: it makes portable synths like the Mini D sound fantastic, and it features eight channels to support four stereo pocket synths. If you’re producing music with portable synths, you’ll be surprised at what a difference it makes.
Choose the Mini D for Sound and Convenience
If your main priority is fat analog bass and leads in an ultra-compact desktop synth, you’ll be impressed with the Behringer Mini D. It delivers the iconic bass character that the original Moog synth is known for at a fraction of the price. If you need more sound design capability with more oscillators and filter options, the Behringer Model D gives you what you need for not much more investment. these are fine for studio use, but their PCB-mounted controls make them vulnerable to bumps and drops. If you want the classic Moog sound with stage-ready durability, the Moog Messenger offers authentic Moog sound and chassis-mounted pots.
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