Behringer DeepMind 12

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4.6 / 5

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186 Reviews

Behringer DeepMind 12
829 €
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Decent sound, good feel, good features
makoivis 15.01.2019
The good:

The keybed is great, same keybed as the OB-6. Good feel even though I prefer the stiffer yamaha keybeds. Aftertouch has a controllable range.

Voice calibration is dead easy. VCF tuning may need occasional calibration if you use self-resonance for bell sounds, but this is a quick process.

There's very little menu diving. The most common controls are on the panel, and the most common options are on the first page of the menu. Lots of thought has gone into this and the result is easy to use.

Modulation is easy to set up. Hit mod button, pick mod slot, hold down mod button, nudge the source, nudge the destionation, adjust depth and done.

Envelopes have retrig. No note sequencer, but the arpeggiator is flexible and the control sequencer is useful. Control sequences can't be saved and shared across patches AFAIK, but arpeggio patterns can.

Preset management via the app is okay. Not the best, but far more convenient than faffing about with sysex.

The bad:

The second oscillator doesn't do a saw wave. In practice you can deal with this by using two voices in unison. This means the DM12 is definitely the one to get over the DM6, so you can still have six voice polyphony.

The volume of the patches is a bit all over the place, and you can't store main volume per patch, only VCA volume, which in turn changes the character of the sound. Volume can range 15dB or more between patches. Luckily the front panel volume knob is conveniently placed on the left hand control section.

The sound:

The bass sounds aren't the beefiest, you need to find a sweet spot to get truly nasty bass sounds. However, pads, arps and plucks are easy to make and sound great. Creating patches is a ton of fun and the sounds are inspiring. Most of the built-in patches are a bit naff, but if you know anything about subtractive synthesis it's dead easy to dive in and start building your own library.
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SE
A great synth, not just a great budget synth
Sawtooth Enjoyer 07.04.2023
The DeepMind has quite an ingenious design. Each voice is quite simple, but it is capable of surprising results. This synth's unique character is shown with the unison modes, which, with "uni voice" as a mod source, go well beyond the usual "thicken the sound" function of most other synths. For example, go to unison-2 or unison-3, set a mid-resonance 2-pole filter and map uni voice to filter frequency for formant-like "dual filter" sounds. For this reason I would definitely recommend against the DeepMind 6: you really want all 12 voices, especially since you need unison-2 just to get two sawtooths.

The osc section is limited. Osc 2's tone mod is quirky but combined with sync can make some interesting sounds. It would be great to have more waveforms on both oscillators but at this price the engineers obviously had to make some careful decisions and I think they've made a very unique, characterful instrument.

The filters sound fantastic at all resonance settings and are very versatile. At high resonance the low end largely disappears and it behaves more like a band-pass filter, which is actually very useful despite any comments of the DeepMind sounding "thin" (if all your synth sounds are "fat" then your mix will be pure mud anyway).

Admittedly, this synth sounds a bit dry with no FX, moreso than other synths. This is where the excellent FX section comes in. It lets you stack four effects with various routing options, some with feedback. You can do four reverbs in series, four band pass filters in parallel, whatever. The reverbs don't reach Strymon territory but sound great. There's no shimmer reverb but you can make one by putting a pitch shifter in the reverb feedback path. The two multi-band distortion/drive effects are also very versatile. Most FX parameters are mappable in the mod matrix, so you can e.g. dump the reverb buffer when playing a new note. In this way, the FX section becomes part of the instrument and not just an extra, and contributes to the synth's unique character and sound.

The DeepMind has lots of little features that leave you wondering why synths three times the price lack. Sostenuto mode. Favourites list. There's a "MIDI soft-thru" mode that relays MIDI messages from MIDI in to MIDI out (in addition to the usual MIDI thru port). This is a great feature not found on many keyboards. It means you can connect a sequencer to MIDI in, and MIDI out to another synth, so the sequencer can sequence both synths and you can play the other synth with the DeepMind's keyboard.

The arp is comprehensive with custom patterns (sadly no ratchet or chance).

The envelopes have fully adjustable curves - even the sustain portion has a "curve" parameter that acts like a second decay or attack after the main attack/decay. The envelopes are loopable, syncable, slewable, delayable and can be phase-distributed across voices. Almost everything is a mod destination, including env shape and curves, pan, porta time, drift, arp gate, FX params and other mod slots. Hold mod and wiggle a slider/press a button to set mod source/dest. It really feels like a lot of attention to detail was put into this synth. Some of these options require you to open a menu to get to them, but it's really not bad at all. Most sound shaping and adjustment can be done with the main sliders on the panel.

Build quality seems great: the case is all metal. I think the whole thing looks fantastic and a bit retro. The screen is packed with useful info and visual representations of envelopes etc. The screen could be a bit faster to update - it looks blurry when scrolling quickly through favourites.

I think my biggest complaint has got to be the keybed. While it's workable, the black keys are much less sensitive to velocity and aftertouch making playing uneven. Seems like there's quite a bit of randomness in the velocity response, even on the same key. Also, the keys sometimes feel a little sticky: sometimes they won't start moving until given enough force, then it unsticks. It's not a lot of force that's needed, but adds to the uneven playing experience. It's definitely usable but if you're all set in the keyboards department, definitely consider the desktop version (DeepMind 12D). Also another octave would be appreciated.

Other criticisms: there are only 8 mod matrix slots (odd, because it's all in software). You'll never have enough. Although do note that many basic mods don't need the mod matrix: LFOs or envs can be routed to PWM, pitch mod or filters, with mod wheel or aftertouch control, without the mod matrix.

Oscillator 2 level, noise and HPF mod destinations are global and not per voice (this is clearly a design trade-off as per-voice control of these would need more circuitry).

There's a high pitched whine in the audio path. This is normally not noticeable on the line out unless you introduce gain (either in the FX section or externally) but you might want to use a noise gate when recording. (Interestingly there's a noise gate in the FX section. I wonder why that's there...) The whining is much more noticeable on the headphone port, however, and can be a bit irritating.

Another minor annoyance: osc 2's tone mod parameter gets modified by the "param drift" option (separate from "osc drift"), which introduces bell-like tones into osc 2 even if you want to just use it as a square sub-oscillator. This limits the usefulness of "param drift".

Overall, great unique synth with lots of details. Definitely a keeper, but not without a few warts. Definitely worth considering the desktop version if you have enough keys.
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D
Nostalgic and groundbreaking synth for the money!
David6954 06.02.2017
I did a great deal of research before buying this synth. It needed to be robust enough to use in live gigs and also provide the range of sounds I needed. Having bought a Roland Juno 6 back in 1984 (still working!) the similarity of front panel layout appealed but the Deepmind 12 is SO much more. I will probably no more than scratch the surface of its functionality but having built it into my keyboard rig over the last couple of days I am already able to see huge possibilities.

The sounds are great, the editing is straightforward if you have a modicum of trad synth skills and the manual (downloadable from Behringer - you only get the Quick Start guide in the box) is remarkably user friendly.

The presets are impressive but for my uses are 'of interest only' but the modular section is amazing - being able to modulate everything with everything else is suprisingly flexible. You can almost have two patches either end of the Modulation wheel, which can be very useful in the Live situation.

Patch changing is pretty good although I use a Roland digital piano as the controller - normally just to send patch change info - its display has less to do and is therefore that bit clearer (and closer to my failing eyes!)

The unison modes are great if you love big synth leads - detuning 12 oscillators for a solo will ensure your guitarist is inaudible for the rest of his/her days!

For the price, it's a winner. You're getting at least twice as much bang for your buck than any competitor. It's been designed and built with care, precision and insight. I love this beast and I've only had it four days!
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m
Class 1 keyboard
mikkelsenbass 13.11.2022
I never thought that I, a bassman with my home studio, should end up with this keyboard, but I did. I shall never regrett it. Really, I was looking for a motherkeyboard to control my Cubase software, and then this turned up. So now I have both a motherkeyboard with really nice keys and a f..... well sounding and clean sounding synthesizer. What's not to like?
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CT
Older tech but more than capable
Calvin T 07.02.2022
The Deepmind 12 is a powerful analog synth.

The keybed doesnt feel premium but this machine can deliver. I would suggest you check out a Youtuber named Jorb who has released tons of patches for this that recreate the JX3P and Juno.

I play this everytime I sit in my studio. Well worth the price. Delivers on what products in the 1,000 range do.
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Good Synth
Nader 09.08.2021
I have purchased it after looking for something affordable and easy to carry. Honestly, I was not expecting it to sound good but I was completely wrong. I was looking at few demos on YouTube and we all know it is not an accurate judgment due to audio conversions but when I saw how close it can sound the Roland Jupiter 8 I could not resist buying it and trying for myself.
Yes I know the Jupiter 8 is different, I have owned many vintage synths and still have few of them but at this price you have nothing to lose. The sound is rich, full of features and easy to program. After using it for two hours I managed to program my own classic sounds. The members in my band are so happy to hear again those classic sounds which i used to play on the Memorymoog and Jupiter 6. Also very close sounds of the Minimoog too.
I am very happy with the Behringer and don't believe what other people say about the poor quality, they simply don't know how program sounds.
The built quality could be improved for example better keys and wheels but it's not bad at all especially at this price point. I would easily replace it with another new one if it gets damaged and recall my sounds immediately, try to do that with a vintage synth.
As usual great service from Thomann, the item arrived well with in few days. Thank you
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Get one. No regrets. All the fun
DavidJGL 10.03.2019
This is a quick review on the replacement unit I got from Thomann, given the first one had a very bad Keyboard, faulty Mod Wheel, a nick on one of the side cheeks and some glue underneath the unit [plus sometimes the notes wouldn't trigger]. So, if you happen to get a faulty unit, just contact Thomann and they will send a replacement back to you.

All that aside, I still have to coment on Behringer's first outing on the Synth world. They did a fantastic job with the DeepMind [as a modern take on the classic Juno] by souping it up with an 8 slot Modulation Matrix [with a hell lot of sources and destinations] and a whole plethora of TC Electronic and Klark Teknik's FXs [4 slots for those that you can set in anyway you want] as well as wifi and a nifty [yet not essential] App.

Don't let the fact that it "only" has 2 Oscilators [the first with an ON or Off Sawtooth and a PWM; while the second has PWM and a sub] fool you; because you can definetly sculpt a lot of sounds with those.

Add to that the 2 and 4 Pole Low Pass Filter [and a High Pass with added Boost to the low end], the 3 Envelopes [1 of them being a Mod Envelope], 2 LFOs, Arpeggiator and Mod Sequence and you are presented with A LOT of analog synth for a VERY affordable price.

The Pros:

- All that was said above PLUS it being made of metal.

The Cons:

- IMO the weakest link in the unit is the keybed. It's very light to touch [when compared to the Ultranova I also own, as an example]; they did cut a corner there.
- Although the DM is based on the Juno, it would have been cool if Behringer added an extra Waveform on OSC 2 for some extra variety. You can get a second Sawtooth with some fx trikery, but a Triangle or even a proper Saw would be cool.
- No audio In means no fun getting an external device though the fx of the DeepMind.


All in all, Behringer knocked it out of the park and slapped many nay sayers with a glove.
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From small and cheap, to a giant and powerful!
Magus 27.01.2019
This synth has been on my radar for a long time. The "simple" aspect and the price far below others of renown, of long and respected history, supposed me something below my expectations, but...

...on the other hand, the sounds I heard from him in reviews on the internet, samples of sounds, etc, would turn my head and whet my curiosity. Because what I heard, was the way I was looking for, to contrast with other synthesizers that I have. And there was light!

It's because? Because it was enough to look at your name (DeepMind), and see what really made sense, the interaction of the name with the content.

And as a matter of fact, when I started to play on it, and just the sounds of the factory, I quickly felt a huge suprise of Wow!
Sounds deep, rich, full of senses. With all the controls needed by hand, to play without exploring other settings within the menu.

It is to close the eyes, and to travel. I thought, here is a beautiful medicine for the mind.

Pros: - price
          - sound quality
          - amount of factory sounds available
          - visual
          - main changes of sound at sight
          - feeling of futuristic nostalgia

Cons: - as I had read somewhere, I could refer to the sound of the
             cooling fan on the rear panel as a problem, but in reality, I
thought they were more audible. But as I like to "feel" the
sounds, I usually use a headphone. What still further
attenuates the alleged inconvenience. Not a problem for me
at all!

Conclusion: Wow! A little friend with a big heart, that rejoices the
mind. Supress and total satisfaction.
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Recommended!
shlomi 22.02.2022
Quality vs. Price - Unbeatable!
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Feature-packed
ItsMeOnly 15.12.2019
There's really little to complain about DeepMind, for sub-1000 price, it's feature packed and exceptionally good quality. Even though it seems basic on the surface, it's actually extremely sophisticated, even if a bit convoluted, once you delve deep onto menus hidden behind edit buttons. My only gripe would be, that - in my opinion - designers focused a bit too much onto effect section, because with it shut off, it sounds dull and uninviting.

Pros:
True 12-voice polyphony, configurable as several unisono modes, several poly modes, sostenuto (think CS80) with dynamic panning. Rock solid, but still analog.
Deep modulation matrix with dozens of modulation sources and destinations.
Really nice sounding filter.
4-block effect processor.
Arpeggiator and step-sequencer.
Aftertouch.

Cons:
The second oscillator a bit finnicky and weird sounding - would trade waveshaper for PWM. Also: only two waveforms on the first.
Only two LFOs.
Menu- and page- driven interface, a lot of advanced functions are hidden and not readily visible. Main screen gimmicky and not helpful.
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Behringer DeepMind 12