A faithful reproduction of the cult classic digital-analog hybrid synth, the Behringer Wasp Deluxe monophonic synth has the bone-rattling lows and searing highs that made its predecessor infamous in esoteric synth circles. True to its name, the Wasp Deluxe excels at droney, buzzy synth sounds, emanating from its two digital oscillators, distinctive analog VCF, noise generator, and a hive full of modulation capabilities. The Wasp Deluxe can generate three variable oscillator shapes —pulse, ramp, and enhanced mode, with pulse width modulation on oscillator one. Oscillator two swaps out pulse width control for pitch, so you can dial up warbly, detuned chorus effects, or tune the oscillator to intervals for pseudo-polyphony. A unique LFO with six selectable waveforms, pitch and frequency mod controls, and the Wasp Deluxe’s two analog envelope generators open up vast signal manipulation possibilities.
A History of Inspiration and Obscurity
In 1978, the original Wasp iteration hit the market as the first truly portable hybrid synth, and it came in at a price that opened up the world of synthesis to musicians on tight budgets. Though the sound of the Wasp was undeniably fat and biting, the housing was a bit fragile, and the use of conductive copper plates in lieu of traditional keys made it somewhat challenging to play. Shortly after the initial release, the Wasp got a 25-key moving keyboard upgrade, external audio input jack to its filter section, and mix controls for the oscillators and the audio input level. However, according to legend, less than 100 of these units were manufactured, making them some of the rarest commercially produced synths, which now command a stunningly high price on the collectors’ market. The Behringer Wasp Deluxe takes its design cues from that unit, carrying forward a loved but nearly lost sound that inspired artists such as David A. Stewart, Chick Correa, Keith Emerson, and Rick Wakeman.
Distinctive Signal Modulation and Soundscaping
The Wasp Deluxe’s characteristic VCF, LFO, and envelope generators provide vast sound design possibilities. The filter includes lowpass, highpass, bandpass, and notch modes, with a ‘Q’ control for detailed tone-shaping and dramatic filter sweeps. A variable LFO with six wave shapes — sine, rising sawtooth, falling sawtooth, square, noise, and random — morphs and bends signals in a vibrant, organic fashion. And, the Wasp Deluxe’s two analog envelope generators offer unique features, such as a repeat and delay settings for producing lush ambient pads or stuttering helicopter-like effects.
Eurorack and Poly Chain Compatible
The Behringer Wasp Deluxe can be used as a desktop module or integrated into a Eurorack system, with a 70HP footprint, and integrated it into your MIDI setup via 5-pin DIN or USB-MIDI. Featuring Behringer’s Poly Chain capability, the Wasp Deluxe can be combined with multiple synthesizers for up to 16 voice polyphony. It also includes an external in, so you can shape and mangle guitars, vocals, drum machines, and more with the Wasp Deluxe’s inimitable filters and modulators.
Behringer Wasp Deluxe Desktop Synthesizer Features:
- Faithful reproduction of a cult classic monophonic synth
- Two digital oscillators with three variable waveshapes — pulse, ramp, and enhanced mode
- Pulse width modulation on OSC1
- Variable pitch control on OSC2
- Analog VCF with highpass, lowpass, notch, and bandpass modes and sweepable resonance
- LFO with six selectable waveforms, noise, and pitch and frequency mod controls
- VCA envelope generator with attack, decay, and sustain/repeat controls
- Control envelope generator with attack, decay, delay/repeat controls
- Eurorack compatible with a 70HP footprint
- Combine with multiple synthesizers for up to 16 voice polyphony with Poly Chain
- USB-MIDI plus 5-pin DIN In and Thru
- Glide (portamento)
- External audio input
- Low-output and high-output 1/4″ outs
- Behringer’s 3-year warranty
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