Behringer POLY D Synthesizer

Behringer POLY D Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer — Four Voices of Classic Analog Power

The Behringer POLY D is a 4-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer built around the legendary architecture of the 1971 Minimoog Model D, expanded with modern performance features for today's keyboardists. Its pure analog signal path runs through authentic VCO, VCF, VCA, and ladder filter circuits, giving players the same fat basses, blistering leads, and progressive organ tones that defined an era of music. The POLY D is the right choice for synthesists who want genuine analog sound and real-time knob-per-function control without menu diving.

Four VCOs, Three Modes, and a Ladder Filter at the Core

What separates the POLY D from a standard mono reissue is its fourth voltage-controlled oscillator and switchable Mono, Poly, and Unison modes, letting a single instrument cover expressive leads, four-note chord harmonies, and stacked unison thickness. The 24 dB ladder filter with switchable low-pass and high-pass operation, plus dedicated Attack, Decay, and Sustain envelope controls, sits at the heart of its sound. J60-modeled BBD stereo chorus and DS1-modeled analog distortion circuits are integrated directly into the signal path, expanding the tonal palette without external pedals.

Keyboard, Polyphony, and Performance Controls

The 37-key semi-weighted keyboard with full-size keys, velocity sensitivity, and aftertouch gives performers expressive control over dynamics and modulation in real time. Four voices of polyphony, combined with the dedicated modulation wheel, pitch wheel, and glide control, make this instrument equally suited to studio composition and live performance. Players can route aftertouch, velocity, pitch, and V-Trigger signals out through dedicated 1/4" jacks to interface with modular gear and external processors.

• Keys: 37 full-size, semi-weighted — full-size keys with velocity and aftertouch for expressive playing
• Polyphony: 4 voices — plus Mono and Unison modes for one-voice leads and stacked thickness
• Aftertouch: Yes (After Pressure) — dedicated output jack with sensitivity control
• Modulation: Pitch and Mod wheels, Glide — classic performance controls for bending and vibrato

Oscillators, Filter, and Sound Engine

Four analog voltage-controlled oscillators form the sound source, each offering five selectable waveforms across a six-octave range (LO, 32', 16', 8', 4', 2'). OSC 1, 2, and 3 share triangular, triangular/saw, saw, square, wide pulse, and narrow pulse options, while OSC 4 adds a reverse saw wave and can be switched out of keyboard control to act as a fifth modulation source. The 24 dB ladder filter with switchable low-pass and high-pass modes, plus dedicated envelope shaping, gives the POLY D its signature vintage character.

• Oscillators: 4 analog VCOs — five waveforms each, six-octave range for deep sound design
• Filter: 24 dB Ladder, switchable LP/HP — vintage Moog-style tone with adjustable Emphasis and Contour
• LFO: 1 triangle/square wave — for slow filter sweeps and rhythmic modulation effects
• Envelope: ADS — Attack, Decay, and Sustain shaping for both VCA and VCF

Sequencer, Effects, and Connectivity

The onboard 32-step sequencer with 64 patterns across 8 banks, plus a built-in arpeggiator, makes the POLY D a self-contained performance and composition tool. Integrated BBD stereo chorus and analog distortion circuits add movement and grit without needing external effects. Full MIDI In/Out/Thru via both 5-pin DIN and USB Type B, plus dedicated control voltage inputs and outputs, allow deep integration with modular systems and DAW-based studios.

• Sequencer: 32 steps, 64 patterns, 8 banks — plus arpeggiator for generative performance
• Effects: BBD Stereo Chorus, analog Distortion — J60- and DS1-modeled circuits built into the signal chain
• MIDI: In/Out/Thru via USB and 5-pin DIN — class-compliant USB 2.0 for direct DAW integration
• Controls: 84 total knobs and switches — hands-on, menu-free operation

Who Is the Behringer POLY D For?

The POLY D is the right choice for synth players and producers who want classic analog tone with the flexibility of true polyphony at a working musician's price. It suits electronic music producers building basses and pads, learners exploring subtractive synthesis without menu diving, and live performers needing a road-ready instrument with wood-trimmed vintage aesthetics and 84 dedicated controls. Keyboardists coming from digital workstations will appreciate the immediate, hands-on workflow, while vintage synth enthusiasts get the ladder filter character and four-oscillator architecture that defined the original Model D era.

Behringer and the POLY D Story

Behringer was founded by Uli Behringer, born in 1961 in Baden, Switzerland, who built his first synthesizer, the UB-1, at age 17 before going on to establish the company. The POLY D draws directly on the 1970s portable analog synthesizer era, when artists like Jan Hammer, Chick Corea, Rick Wakeman, Jean-Michel Jarre, Isao Tomita, and Keith Emerson shaped the sound of progressive rock and electronic music. By adding a fourth oscillator, polyphonic capability, BBD chorus, distortion, and a 32-step sequencer to the original Model D concept, the POLY D brings that legacy into a modern performance instrument.