behringer MK II Analog Synthesizer User Guide

Utilize the 32-step sequencer and arpeggiator for creating rhythmic patterns.
Refer to the manual for detailed instructions on using the Live Performance Kit.

FAQs

Q: Can I use any type of speaker cable with the MS-1 MK II?
A: It is recommended to use high-quality professional speaker cables with 1/4 TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Q: What should I do if the device is exposed to liquid?
A: Immediately power off the synthesizer, disconnect it from the power source, and contact qualified service personnel for inspection before further use.

Q: How do I reset the MS-1 MK II to factory settings?
A: Refer to the user manual for instructions on resetting the synthesizer to its factory default settings.

Important Safety Instructions

Terminals marked with this symbol carry electrical current of sufficient magnitude to constitute risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with 1/4″ TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. All other installations or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.

Caution To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover (or the rear section). No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain and moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquids and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operation instructions. Repairs have to be performed by qualified service personnel.

Warning
Please refer to the information on the exterior of bottom enclosure for electrical and safety information before installing or operating the device.

Please read and follow all instructions and warnings.
Keep the apparatus away from water (except for outdoor products).
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block ventilation openings. Do not install in a confined space. Install only according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Protect the power cord from damage, particularly at plugs and appliance socket.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other (only for USA and Canada). A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fi t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Use only attachments and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
Use only specified carts, stands, tripods, brackets, or tables. Use caution to prevent tip-over when moving the cart/apparatus combination.
Unplug during storms, or if not in use for a long period.
Only use qualified personnel for servicing, especially after damage.
The apparatus with protective earthing terminal shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
Avoid installing in confined spaces like bookcases.

Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the apparatus.
Operating temperature range 5° to 45°C (41° to 113°F).

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Music Tribe accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph, or statement contained herein. Technical specifi cations, appearances and other information are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Midas, Klark Teknik, Lab Gruppen, Lake, Tannoy, Turbosound, TC Electronic, TC Helicon, Behringer, Bugera, Aston Microphones and Coolaudio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. © Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. 2024 All rights reserved.

LIMITED WARRANTY
For the applicable warranty terms and conditions and additional information regarding Music Tribe’s Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at community.musictribe.com/support.

MS-1 MK II Hook-up

Hook-Up

Studio System

Band / Practice System

MS-1 MK II Hook-up
Live System

System with an External Synthesizer

MS-1 MK II Controls
Top Panel

Rear Panel

Live Performance Kit

Controls

KEYBOARD – the keyboard has 32 semiweighted, full-size keys.
TUNE – adjust the frequency of the main VCO of the synthesizer.
POWER – turn the synthesizer on or off.
Make sure all the connections are made before turning on the unit. The LED shows when power is applied and the unit is turned on.
Modulator Section

LFO/CLK RATE – adjust the frequency of the modulation LFO. The LED blinks at the current rate.
LFO RATE – select the frequency range of the LFO rate fader from Low, Medium, or High.
WAVEFORM – select the waveform from triangular, square wave, random, or noise.
Random waveform is clocked by external sync in (45).
VCO Section

MOD DEPTH – adjust the level of modulation of the VCO.
RANGE – select the overall frequency range (octave) of the VCO from 16′, 8′, 4′, and 2′.
PULSE WIDTH – adjust the pulse width of the VCO when the pulse modulation source switch is set to Manual. For LFO and ENV, it adjusts the effect of the modulation.

PULSE WIDTH MODULATION SOURCE– select from LFO triangular waveform, Manual, or Envelope.
Source Mixer Section
PULSE – adjust the level of the pulse waveform.
SAW WAVE – adjust the level of the sawtooth waveform.

TRIANGULAR – adjust the level of the triangular waveform.
SUB OSCILLATOR – adjust the level of the suboscillator.
SUB OSC TYPE – select the type of sub-oscillator, from 1 octave down, 2 octaves down, or a narrower pulse width at 2 octaves down.

NOISE – adjust the level of noise.
EXT AUDIO – adjust the level of incoming audio from an external source.
Sequencer Section
SEQUENCER – see details on page 16 and 36.
VCF Section
FREQ – adjust the cutoff frequency of the VCF.
Frequencies above the cutoff are attenuated.

RES – adjusts the amount of volume level boost (resonance) given at the cut-off frequency.
ENV – adjust the amount of effect the envelope has on the VCF.
MOD – adjust the amount of effect the modulation has on the VCF.

KYBD – adjust the amount of effect the keyboard has on the VCF.
FM SOURCE – select the source of FM modulation on the VCF from: pulse, sawtooth,1 octave down square wave, 2 octaves down square wave, 2 octaves down pulse, and noise.
FM AMOUNT – adjust the effect of FM modulation on the VCF.
VCA Section

ENV/GATE – select if the VCA is affected by the envelope controls, or by gate.
Envelope Section
When applied to the VCA, the ADSR envelope is used to control the level of the note being played over time. When applied to the VCF, the ADSR envelope is used to control the cut-off frequency of the filter for each note played over time. In addition,the ADSR envelope can also affect the VCO pulse width modulation.
Note that the ATTACK, DECAY and RELEASE stages are measured in units of time, and the SUSTAIN stage is measured in units of level.
GATE + TRIG – a new envelope is triggered at each key press.
GATE – when a new note is pressed, a new envelope is trigged after the current one is done.
LFO – the envelope is triggered by the LFO.
A-ATTACK – this adjusts the time for the level to reach maximum after a key is pressed.

D-DECAY – this adjusts the time to decay down to the SUSTAIN level after the attack time is over.
S-SUSTAIN – this sets the sustain level reached after the attack and decay time are over.
R-RELEASE – this adjusts the time it takes for the signal to decay once the key is released.
Control Section

VOLUME – adjust the volume level of the main output and headphones output.
Turn this down before turning the power on, or before putting on headphones.
GLIDE – adjust the amount of Glide time (Portamento) between notes on the keyboard.
GLIDE ON/AUTO/OFF – use this switch to switch to switch glide (portamento) on or off.
AUTO adds glide to notes programmed to glide in a sequence.

TRANSPOSE – adjust the keyboard in one octave steps, from Low, Medium, and High.
VCO FADER – adjust the effect of the bender controls on the VCO.
VCF FADER – adjust the effect of the bender controls on the VCF.

LFO MOD FADER – adjust the amount of LFO modulation added when the MOD switch on the grip is pressed, or the BENDER is moved up.
BENDER – move left or right to adjust the frequency of the VCO and/or the cut-off frequency of the VCF. The level of the effect depends on the setting of the nearby VCO and VCF faders. Move it up to add LFO modulation.
The modulation effect depends upon the setting of the LFO MOD fader and other LFO controls.
Rear Panel
DC INPUT – connect the supplied DC power adapter here. The power adapter can be plugged into an AC outlet capable of supplying from 100 V to 240 V at 50 Hz/60 Hz. Use only the power adapter supplied.

MAIN OUTPUT – connect this output to the line-level inputs of mixers, keyboard amplifiers, or powered speakers for example.
PHONES – connect your headphones to this output. Make sure the volume is turned down before putting on headphones.
EXT AUDIO INPUT – this input can be connected to the line level audio output from an external audio device. Adjust the level using the EXT AUDIO fader in the SOURCE MIXER section.

HOLD – an optional footswitch can be connected here, to hold or release any pattern playing in the Sequencer, and in normal performance.
VCF CV INPUT – the VCF can be controlled by an external control voltage connected here.
SYNC INPUT – an external clock signal can be applied here.

CV/GATE INPUT – these inputs allow the connection of control voltage and gate signals from compatible external devices such as modular synthesizer equipment.
CV/GATE OUTPUT – these outputs allow the connection of control voltage and gate signals to compatible external devices such as modular synthesizer equipment.
VELOCITY OUT – outputs a variable control voltage based on the key velocity.

MIDI Connections – these 3 standard 5-pin DIN Jacks allow connections to other MIDI equipment in your system.
- MIDI IN – receives MIDI data from an external source. This will commonly be another MIDI keyboard, an external hardware sequencer, a computer equipped with a MIDI interface, etc.
- MIDI THRU – passes through MIDI data received at the MIDI INPUT.
- MIDI OUT – sends MIDI data to an application
USB PORT – This USB type B jack allows connection to a computer. The MS-1 will show up as a class-compliant USB MIDI device, capable of supporting MIDI in and out.
USB MIDI IN – accepts incoming MIDI data from an application.
USB MIDI OUT – sends MIDI data to an application.
GRIP/ MOD – the connector of the live performance grip attaches here.
Live Performance Kit

BENDER – adjusts the frequency of the VCO and/or the cut-off frequency of the VCF. The level of the effect depends on the setting of the VCO and VCF Bender faders. This control only increases the frequency. The main unit bender can also be used at the same time.
MOD – press and hold to add LFO modulation.
The level of effect depends upon the setting of the LFO mod fader, and the other LFO controls.
CONNECTOR – fit into the GRIP and MOD connectors in the main unit rear panel.

MOUNTING HOLES – fit the supplied screws in these holes to secure the handle to the left side of the main unit.
STRAP POINT 1 – connect one end of the supplied strap here.
STRAP POINT 2 – secure this to the right side of the main unit with the supplied screws.

STRAP – the supplied strap attaches to the 2 strap points.

Sequencer Section

TEMPO/GATE LENGTH – this knob
controls the sequencer and ARP tempo when using the internal clock source. During USB or MIDI clock use, it also controls the value of clock division. During step editing, it controls the gate length. If SHIFT is held and the sequencer played, then it also adjusts the swing. If SHIFT is held and ARP played, then it also adjusts the ARP gate length.
HOLD/REST – during keyboard play,this allows you to hold the last note played.
In sequencer playback, this allows you to hold the current step. During step editing, it allows you to enter a rest. Press HOLD and ARP to hold an arpeggio.
When recording a sequence hold down a key then press the HOLD button to add glide to the step.
RESET/ACCENT – during playback, this allows you to reset the pattern back to step 1.
During step editing, you can add an accent to a step.

ARP (SET END) – in ARP mode, an arpeggio will play, based on the held notes on the keyboard. Press it twice, or press HOLD and ARP, to hold the arpeggio.
In Sequencer mode, pressing SHIFT and SET END together, followed by a STEP switch, will allow that step to become the end of the current pattern.
PATTERN (BANK) – This switch is used to access either the current pattern, or bank number, as follows:
PATTERN: Press PATTERN, and one of the 8 LOCATION LEDs will show the current pattern number (from 1 to 8). To change to a different pattern number, keep the PATTERN switch held down and press any of the STEP switches (1 to 8), or press <KYBD to decrease, or STEP> to increase the pattern number.
BANK: Press SHIFT and PATTERN, and one of the 8 LOCATION LEDs will show the current bank number (from 1 to 8). To change to a different bank number, keep both SHIFT and BANK held down, and press any of the STEP switches (1 to 8), or press <KYBD to decrease, or STEP> to increase the bank number.
SHIFT – This is used to access the
secondary features of some of the other sequencer controls, such as SET END, BANK, SWING, KYBD, and STEP. Hold down SHIFT and the other switch at the same time. For example SHIFT + PATTERN (BANK) will show the current BANK number in the LOCATOR LEDs.

PAGE – each pattern can be up to 32 steps in length. This switch allows you to show each of the 4 pages of 8 steps each. The LOCATION LEDs 1 to 4, show which page you are on. If a pattern is playing, the STEP LEDs will show the steps in use on the current page.
PLAY/STOP – starts or stops the playback of the pattern. If SHIFT is held at the same time, then this is the start of the pattern saving procedure, described below.
REC – press this to begin the recording of a new pattern. This is also used with SHIFT during the pattern saving procedure.

LOCATION – these multi-colored LEDS show various details, such as the current PATTERN number, current BANK number, current PAGE, and GATE LENGTH.
KYBD – press SHIFT + KYBD to change the sequencer to keyboard mode.
STEP – press SHIFT + STEP to change the sequencer to STEP mode.

STEP SWITCHES – these multi-function switches allow you to view and select individual pattern steps, select a pattern number, select a pattern bank. They are used during recording of a pattern to show the current step. Active steps are illuminated with a steady red LED, and the current step flashes red.
32. – 33. GLIDE – during step editing, this knob can be used to add a Ratchet by splitting the current step into 1, 2, 3, or 4 parts. Hold down SHIFT and turn the knob to split the current step into the number of parts shown by the LOCATOR LEDs (yellow) 1 to 4. The GLIDE switch (33) does not have to be on for the Ratchet to work.

Getting started

OVERVIEW
This “getting started” guide will help you set up the MS-1 analog synthesizer and briefly introduce its capabilities.

CONNECTION
To connect the MS-1 to your system, please consult the connection guide earlier in this document.

Caution: Do not overload the 3.5 mm inputs. They can only accept the correct level of voltages as shown in the specification tables. The 3.5 mm outputs should only be connected to inputs capable of receiving the output voltages. Failure to follow these instructions may damage the MS-1 or external units.

SOFTWARE SETUP
The MS-1 is a USB Class Compliant MIDI device, and so no driver installation is required. The MS-1 does not require any additional drivers to work with Windows and MacOS.

HARDWARE SETUP
Make all the connections in your system.
Apply power to the MS-1 using the supplied power adapter only. Ensure your sound system is turned down. Turn on the MS-1 power switch.

WARM UP TIME
We recommend leaving 15 minutes or more time for the MS-1 to warm up before recording or
live performance. (Longer if it has been brought in from the cold). This will allow the precision analog circuits time to reach their normal operating temperature and tuned performance.

INITIAL SETUP
The following steps will help you get started making sound with the MS-1.

With the power off, connect a pair of headphones, and turn down the volume knob.
In the Source Mixer section, turn up the sawtooth fader and turn down all the others.
(If all these faders are down, then there will be no sources to listen to).
In the VCF section, turn up the FREQ fader. (If the fader is down, then the cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may be too low).

In the VCA section, set the switch to Gate.
(If it is set to Envelope, then make sure to turn up the D (decay) fader or the S (sustain) fader).
Turn on the MS-1 and play notes on the keyboard as you adjust the volume level to a comfortable listening level.
If you hear no sound, hold SHIFT + <KYBD to make sure you are in Keyboard mode and not Step mode. Check the REC switch LED is Off.

SOURCE MIXER SECTION
The MS-1 has three waveforms, a sub oscillator,an internal noise generator, and an external source input. Each of these, and any combination, are used by the MS-1 to generate sound.
The Source Mixer faders allow you to adjust the volume of each to create an overall mix.

VCO SECTION
Adjust the Range knob and you will hear the sound of the various octaves.
The MOD fader allows the VCO to be modulated by the LFO. Turn up the MOD fader, and then adjust the modulator controls such as the Rate fader, and the Waveform selector.
The pulse width fader will adjust the pulse width if the switch is set to MANUAL. Turn up the Pulse fader in the Source Mixer section to hear the oscillator.
If the switch is set to LFO (or envelope) then the pulse width is modulated by the LFO and its controls, (or the envelope controls) and the pulse width fader varies the amount of effect.

VCF SECTION
Play with the Frequency fader, and Resonance, and listen to their effect on the sound.
The ENV fader will adjust the amount of effect the ADSR envelope controls have on the VCF.
The MOD fader adjusts the amount of modulation on the VCF. Vary the fader, and adjust the Modulator LFO rate fader and the waveform.
The KYBD fader adjusts how much the VCF is affected by the pitch of notes played.
Select an FM Source and then turn up the FM Amount knob to suit. Listen to the various FM sources and their effect.

VCA SECTION
The VCA switch allows you to select if the VCA is affected by the envelope controls, or the keyboard gate signal.

ENVELOPE SECTION
These faders adjust the VCA if the VCA switch is set to ENV. In this case, their effect is on the volume level, and its variation with time.
These faders also adjust the VCF if the VCF’s ENV fader is above minimum. In this case, their effect is on the cutoff frequency and its variation with time.
The VCO pulse width can also be affected by the envelope controls, if the switch in the VCO section is set to ENV.

CONTROLLERS SECTION
The GLIDE knob and on/off switch allow you to adjust the glide time between different played notes.
In order for the Bender and handle Bender to work, the nearby VCO and/or VCF bender faders have to be above minimum. The main Bender will change the VCO pitch and VCF in both directions, while the handle Bender wheel will only increase. Both Benders can be used at the same time.
Note that the pitchbend range for external control over MIDI and USB can be set using the SynthTribe App.
Press the MOD switch on the end of the handle, or move the main unit BENDER up, to add LFO modulation. The modulation effect depends upon the setting of the LFO MOD fader and other LFO controls.

ARPEGGIATOR
To use the arpeggiator, press the ARP switch in the sequencer section:

Press it once to play the arpeggiator.
(It stops when notes are released).
Press it twice, or press HOLD and ARP, to hold the arpeggio. (It continues when notes are released).

The arpeggiator rate is set by the TEMPO/GATE LENGTH knob.
The order in which the arpeggiator notes are played has 8 options, and this can be changed by pressing either <KYBD or STEP> when the arpeggiator is playing. The LOCATION LED shows the current order 1 to 8:

UP 1
DOWN 1
DOWN and UP
RANDOM
UP 2 (+ 1 Oct)
DOWN 2 (+ 1 Oct)
UP 3 (- 1 Oct)
DOWN 3 (- 1 Oct)

ACCENT
If you are playing the keyboard, the accent is automatically triggered when the velocity exceeds the threshold. (This accent velocity threshold can be adjusted, or this feature disabled, using the Synth Tool APP).

To use accent while playing, press the ACCENT switch:

Press and hold to play the note with accent status. (It stops when the switch is released).
Press it twice to play and hold the accent status. (The LED flashes slowly).

NOTE PRIORITY
If more than one note is played at the same time, the note which is played (the note priority) depends on the setting of the slide switch in the ENVELOPE section:

GATE+TRIG: the Last note is played.
GATE or LFO: the Lowest note is played.

SEQUENCER
The sequencer allows you to program up to 32 steps of notes and rests, and to save them as a pattern. Up to 64 patterns can be recorded, saved, and recalled in 8 banks of 8 patterns.
The sequencer has two modes of operation: KEYBOARD mode, where you can create and store a pattern, and STEP mode, where you can interact while composing a pattern.
Details of the Sequencer operation are shown on page 16 and 36.

FIRMWARE UPDATE
The SynthTool App is available as a free download from the MS-1 product page of our website: behringer.com.
The latest file can be downloaded and stored on your computer, and then used to update the MS-1 if required.

HAVE FUN
The MS-1 has various Gate and CV inputs and outputs that allow for further experimentation and expansion to other MS-1 units and modular synthesizer equipment.
With all these controls, the possibilities for musical creativity are endless. We hope that you will enjoy your new MS-1.

Sequencer Operation

OVERVIEW
The following details show some of the basic operation of the sequencer. You can create a short pattern of 2 or 3 steps, before trying more complex patterns. Adjust a single parameter at a time, such as gate length, ratchet, accent, glide, rest, tie, or swing, and then listen to its effect during playback.
It will help to choose a simple setting for the synthesizer, such as only one source, and no modulation of the VCO or VCF.
The length of the step notes can be adjusted using the procedure shown on page 24.

RECORDING A SIMPLE PATTERN

Press SHIFT and <KYBD to select the keyboard mode.
Initialise the current pattern by pressing SHIFT, RESET, and PATTERN at the same time. This will delete any previous steps of the current pattern.
Press REC, and the STEP 1 switch LED will begin flashing, indicating this is the current step about to be added and edited. (If you cannot select REC, then repeat step 1).
Press any note on the keyboard, or a rest as shown below.
To enter a rest instead of a note, press the HOLD/REST switch. When a rest is added, the LOCATOR LED 8 will light.
Press further notes. The next STEP switch LED will be flashing after each note or rest has been added.
The gate length of a step can be adjusted using the TEMPO/GATE LENGTH control. The LOCATOR LEDs will turn red, showing the gate length from 1 to 8. If set to 8, this creates a tie with the next step. If the next step is the same note, this creates a longer note, as the 2 steps are tied.
To create a “Ratchet,” hold SHIFT, and turn the GLIDE control. The locator LEDs will show the number of ratchets from 1 to 4, in yellow. For example, with a setting of 4, the single step is split into 4 equal parts. When a ratchet is applied, the LOCATION LED 6 will light.
To turn the GLIDE on for a step, turn up the GLIDE control. To turn off, turn it all the way down. When GLIDE is on for a step, the LOCATION LED 5 will light.
To increase the brightness or accent, press the RESET/ACCENT switch. When an accent is applied, the LOCATION LED 7 will light.
Press REC when you have finished creating the pattern. It is not saved yet, but it can be played back. Caution: Do not turn off the unit, or create a new pattern, or the current unsaved pattern will be lost.

PLAYING A PATTERN

Press PLAY/STOP to listen to the current pattern.
If you decide not to save it, you can repeat the recording steps above to record a new pattern. Alternatively, press PATTERN and RESET to recall the currently saved pattern, and discard any changes.
If you decide to save the pattern, you must follow the “SAVING A PATTERN” procedure shown below, or it will not remain in memory if a new pattern is begun, or the power is turned off.
To create a SWING for this pattern, hold SHIFT and adjust the TEMPO/GATE LENGTH control. In the center position, no swing is applied,if turned down, only the off-beats will play, and if all the way up, only the on-beats will play. The SWING setting for the pattern is saved when the pattern is saved as shown below.
While playing a pattern.
Press HOLD/REST to hold the current step. Press RESET/ACCENT to return to step 1.
Press SHIFT and any STEP, and you can edit the gate length, rest, accent, ratchet, glide but not note. Press SHIFT and the same STEP again to exit step edit. (If playback is paused, the same operation can edit the note as well).
Press PAGE to view the pattern page from 1 to 4. Press SHIFT and PAGE to return to automatic page turning.
Press SHIFT and ARP/SETEND and a STEP to change the sequence end step.
PLAY/STOP to pause playback.
Press PLAY/STOP.

SAVING A PATTERN

Press and hold SHIFT + PLAY/STOP for 2 seconds until the LOCATOR LED of the current pattern number begins to flash green slowly.
Press a STEP switch 1 to 8 to select the new desired pattern number.
Press PATTERN + STEP switch 1 to 8 to select the desired bank number.
Press SHIFT + REC to save the pattern and exit the save mode.

RECALLING A SAVED PATTERN

1. Press and hold PATTERN. The LOCATION LED will show the current pattern number. Use the <KYBD or STEP> switches to move up and down through the patterns 1 to 8, or press a STEP switch 1 to 8. You can also do this while a pattern is playing.
Press and hold SHIFT and PATTERN.
The LOCATION LED will show the current bank number. Use the <KYBD or STEP> switches to move up and down through the banks 1 to 8, or press a STEP switch 1 to 8. You can also do this while a pattern is playing.
Press PLAY/STOP to play back the current pattern.
During playback, the LOCATION LEDs will show the current page of the pattern (1 to 4), and the STEP Switch LEDs will show the steps moving.

LIVE PERFORMANCE
During playback, temporary adjustments can be made as follows. (None of these are saved with the pattern).

To add Ratchet to all steps of the pattern, press SHIFT and adjust the GLIDE control.
To add SWING, press SHIFT and adjust the TEMPO control.
To mute the pattern, press SHIFT + HOLD/REST.
To add an accent to all steps, press SHIFT + RESET/ACCENT.
Use the TRANSPOSE switch to change the octave.

EDITING A PATTERN

To edit a pattern in Keyboard mode, press REC. The STEP switch LEDs will light.
Press PAGE to select the pattern page from 1 to 4 to be edited. The green LOCATION LEDs 1 to 4 will show the current page.
Press SHIFT and the STEP switch you want to edit. You can enter a new note, or a rest, and adjust any of the other parameters such as ratchet, glide on/off, and so on.
Press SHIFT and the next STEP switch to be edited. (The steps will not automatically advance to the next step in line; you can choose which steps to edit next.)
Press REC to exit the editing mode.
Press PLAY/STOP to listen to the edited pattern.
Remember to save the pattern using the “SAVING A PATTERN” procedure above.

CREATING A PATTERN IN STEP MODE

Press SHIFT and STEP> to select the Sequencer’s STEP mode. The flashing LOCATION LED will turn from green (Keyboard mode) to yellow (Step mode).
Initialise the current pattern by pressing SHIFT, RESET, and PATTERN at the same time. This will delete any previous steps of the current pattern. (If you want to use the current pattern instead, then do not initialise it.)
Press PAGE to move to a desired page of your pattern. Then press SET END and a STEP switch to choose the length of the pattern.
For example, if you are on page 1 and press SET END + 8, then the pattern length is 8 steps.
If you press PAGE and reach page 4, and press SET END + 8, then the pattern will be 32 steps long (4 pages of 8 steps each).
When the desired SET END is selected, all the STEP switch LEDs up to that step will be on solid red.
Press SHIFT and any one of the STEP switches at the same time. It will begin to flash, indicating it is the current step about to be edited. You can now add a note, or a rest, or any of the other functions described above in the Keyboard mode, such as Ratchet, Glide, Accent, change gate length and so on.
Press SHIFT and the current STEP switch to finish editing that step. It will stop flashing.
Repeat procedure steps 5 and 6 above, until all your required steps are good.
Press PLAY/STOP to play the pattern.
While playing, you can add temporary adjustments as shown in the “LIVE PERFORMANCE” procedure above.

SAVING A PATTERN IN STEP MODE

Patterns created in STEP mode are not saved in this mode.
If you wanted to save it, first switch back to KEYBOARD mode by pressing SHIFT + <KYBD.
Caution: Do not turn off the unit, or create a new pattern, or the current unsaved pattern will be lost.
Save the pattern using the “SAVING A PATTERN” procedure shown above for the KEYBOARD mode.

Parameters Select

CHANGING THE PARAMETERS
The parameters may be changed using the following procedure:

Press SHIFT+ HOLD/REST + 8 to enter the setting mode. The LOCATION LED 1 will blink yellow.
Press <KYBD or STEP> to select pages 1 to 5. The yellow LOCATION LED, shows the current page:
- allows you to select the MIDI input channel, 1 to 16.
- allows you to select the MIDI output channel, 1 to 16.
- allows you to select the clock source mode from 1 to 5: (INTERNAL / MIDI DIN / MIDI USB / TRIG / AUTO). When using AUTO, the clock priority is: TRIG > MIDI USB > MIDI DIN > INTERNAL.
- allows you to select the clock type mode, 1 to 4: (1PPS / 2PPQ / 24PPQN / 48PPQN).
- allows you to select the clock edge mode, 1 to 2: (Fall / Rise).
Press STEP switches 1 to 8 to select numeric values from 1 to 8. The current value is indicated by a green LOCATION LED.
To access values 9 to 16, press SHIFT + STEP switch 1 to 8. The current value is shown by a red LOCATION LED.
Note: If a setting is on the same LED number as the current page LED, then the LED will flash alternately between the yellow page color and the green or red parameter color.
Press SHIFT + HOLD/REST + 8 to exit the setting mode, and save any parameter changes.
More parameters can be changed using the Synthtool App.

ADSR Envelope
The stages of the ADSR envelope are shown in this simplified diagram below. The envelope can control the VCA level, the VCF cut-off frequency, and Pulse Width modulation of the VCO.

MIDI SysEx Messages

The following data format is used when creating a SysEx message, and the various items in this SysEx data string are described below:

Frame start F0

Manu ID 00 20 32

Device ID aa bb cc

PKT

SPKT

Parameter D0 … Dn-1

Frame end F7

Item (Hex)	Description
00 20 32	Manufacturer SysEX ID number (Behringer GmbH)
aa bb cc	Device ID: 00 01 20 for MS-1
dd	It is a main packet type (abbr. PKT).
ee	It is a sub packet type (abbr. SPKT). SPKT is absent for some packets.
D0 … Dn-1	Parameter value.

Name	Command	Para range(D0 … D_n)
Set MIDI Channel	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 0E D0~D2 F7	D0: Fixed value 0x01 D1: The value of MIDI out channel is 0x00~0x0F → Channel 1~16 Default Value: 0x00 D2: The value of MIDI in channel is 0x00~0x0F → Channel 1~16 Default Value: 0x00
Set Velocity Information	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 10 D0~D2 F7	D0: The value of note on velocity is 0x00~0x7F → 1~127 is a fixed value of velocity, 0 is dynamic velocity. Default Value: 0x00 D1: The value of note off velocity is 0x00~0x7F → 1~127 is a fixed value of velocity, 0 is dynamic velocity. Default Value: 0x00 D2: The value of velocity curve is 0x00~0x02 → 0-Soft, 1-Med, 2-Hard Default Value: 0x00
Set Pitch Bend Range	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 11 D0 D1 F7	D0: The value of pitch bend range is 0x00~0x0C → Semitones 0~12 Default Value: 0x0C D1: Fixed value 0x00
Set MIDI Clock	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 17 D0 F7	D0: 0x00 → Disable / 0x01 → Enable Default Value: 0x00
Set Sequencer Auto Play	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 1D D0 F7	D0: 0x00 → Disable / 0x01 → Enable Default Value: 0x01
Set Clock Source	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 1B D0 F7	D0: The value of clock source is 0x00~0x04 → 0x00: INT 0x01: MIDI 0x02: USB 0x03: EXT 0x04: AUTO Default Value: 0x00
Set Clock Type	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 1A D0 F7	D0: The value of clock type is 0x00~0x03 → 0x00: 1PPS 0x01: 2PPQ 0x02: 24PPQN 0x03: 48PPQN Default Value: 0x00
Set Clock Edge	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 19 D0 F7	D0: The value of clock edge is 0x00~0x01 → 0x00: FALL 0x01: RISE Default Value: 0x00
Set Accent Threshold	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 1C D0 F7	D0: Enable value 00~7E Disable value 7F Default Value: 0x60
Get Sequencer Data	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 77 D0 D1 F7	D0: The value of bank number is 0x00~0x07 → Bank 1~8 D1: The value of pattern number is 0x00~0x07 → Pattern 1~8
Set Sequencer Data	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 78 D0~Dn F7	D0: The value of bank number is 0x00~0x07 → Bank 1~8 D1: The value of pattern number is 0x00~0x07 → Pattern 1~8 D2~D_n: Sequencer data.
Get Configurate Parameters	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 75 F7	NA
Set Configurate Parameters	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 76 D0~D13 F7	D0~D2: MIDI channel select D3~D5: Velocity select D6~D7: Pitch bend select D8: MIDI clock enable control D9: Sequencer auto play enable control D10: Clock source select D11: Clock type select D12: Clock edge select D13: Accent threshold select
Restore Factory Setting	F0 00 20 32 00 01 20 7D F7	NA

MS-1 MK II MIDI

MIDI Channel Messages

Item	MIDI command	Remark
Note off	8n kk vv	kk=0x00~0x78 vv=0x00~0x7F
Note on	9n kk vv	kk=0x00~0x78 vv=0x00~0x7F
All notes off	Bn 7B 00	\
Pitch bend	En kk vv	kk=0x00~0x7F vv=0x00~0x7F

Note: MIDI input channel n ∈ [0x0, 0xF].

MIDI System Real-Time Messages

Item	MIDI command	Remark
SysRT clock	F8	Timing Clock
SysRT start	FA	Start
SysRT continue	FB	Continue
SysRT stop	FC	Stop

SynthTribe
The SynthTool App is available as a free download from the MS-1 product page of our website.

Connect your host computer to the MS-1 using the USB connection.
Run the latest SynthTool, and the main menu will appear.
Various parameters can be selected and adjusted.
SynthTool also has a sequencer section, and a system firmware update section.

MS-1 MK II Patch Sheet

Patch Number

DATE:
AUTHOR:
TITLE:
NOTES:

MS-1 MK II Default Patch

NOTES: The simplified settings shown below will help you get started making sounds, with VCO-1 and VCO-2:

Specifications

Synthesizer Architecture

Implementation Analog

Keyboard

Keys 32 semi-weighted, full-size keys
Keyboard sensing Note on/off, velocity

VCO Section

Knobs
Tune (±50 cent)
Range selector (16′, 8′, 4′, 2′)
Faders
Modulation depth
Pulse width modulation (50% to minimum)
Switches
PWM mode (LFO, manual, envelope)

Modulator Section

Knobs Waveform selector
(triangular, square, random, noise)
Faders
LFO/CLK rate
Switches
LFO/CLK rate selector: low (0.1 Hz to 30 Hz),medium (0.2 Hz to 60 Hz), high
(0.3 Hz to 120 Hz)
LED Rate indicator

Source Mixer Section

Other important information

Important information

Register online. Please register your new Music Tribe equipment right after you purchase it by visiting musictribe.com. Registering your purchase using our simple online form helps us to process your repair claims more quickly and efficiently. Also, read the terms and conditions of our warranty, if applicable.
Malfunction. Should your Music Tribe Authorized Reseller not be located in your vicinity,you may contact the Music Tribe Authorized Fulfiller for your country listed under “Support” at musictribe.com.
Should your country not be listed, please check if your problem can be dealt with by our “Online Support” which may also be found under “Support” at musictribe.com.
Alternatively, please submit an online warranty claim at musictribe.com BEFORE returning the product.
Power Connections. Before plugging the unit into a power socket, please make sure you are using the correct mains voltage for your particular model.
Faulty fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same type and rating without exception.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

Behringer
MS-1 MK II

Responsible Party Name: Music Tribe Commercial NV Inc.
Address: 122 E. 42nd St.1,
8th Floor NY, NY 10168,
United States
Email Address: legal@musictribe.com

MS-1 MK II

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

this device may not cause harmful interference, and
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Important information:
Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by Music Tribe can void the user’s authority to use the equipment.

Hereby, Music Tribe declares that this product is in compliance with Directive 2014/35/EU, Directive 2014/30/EU, Directive 2011/65/EU and Amendment 2015/863/EU, Directive 2012/19/EU, Regulation 519/2012 REACH SVHC and Directive 1907/2006/EC.

Full text of EU DoC is available at https://community.musictribe.com/
EU Representative: Music Tribe Brands DK A/S
Address: Gammel Strand 44, DK-1202 København K, Denmark
UK Representative: Music Tribe Brands UK Ltd.
Address: 8th Floor, 20 Farringdon Street London EC4A 4AB, United Kingdom

Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product must not be disposed of with household waste, according to the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be taken to a collection center licensed for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The mishandling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the efficient use of natural resources. For more information about where you can take your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, or your household waste collection service.

Documents / Resources

behringer MK II Analog Synthesizer [pdf] User Guide
MK II Analog Synthesizer, MK II, Analog Synthesizer, Synthesizer

References

User Manual

behringer MK II Analog Synthesizer

Product Usage Instructions