With the TD-3-MO, Behringer presents the upgraded version of its TD-3 synthesizer. The abbreviation "MO" in the product name stands for "modded out", which means it’s a modified version with a whole bunch of new features made possible by new circuitry based on the Devil Fish modifications. Paying tribute to a renowned synthesizer from the 1980s, this bass machine comes with an expanded filter range, bass boost, FM synthesis, overdrive, and soft attack, which open up virtually unlimited possibilities for shaping even more versatile sounds. The Behringer TD-3-MO allows users to create legendary acid sounds in 16 steps to vamp up just about any song from the Progressive Rock, Wave, EDM or Synth-Pop genres, with no more than authentic and true analogue circuitry.
The TD-3-MO synthesizer features an additional sub-oscillator that allows the bass sound to be beefed up even further at three different volume levels. Thanks to the new slide time control, the variable slide time can be increased by up to six times compared to the TD-3. The user interface also offers three accent speed modes, three accent sweep combinations with a high resonance mode, and a new muffler switch with three different settings. Thanks to the integrated additional CV inputs and outputs, such as Filter FM and Filter CV In, Accent and Slide In, CV In and Out, and Sync In as well as Accent, Gate, and Filter Out, the TD-3-MO synthesizer can now be integrated into a Eurorack system. This allows the filter cut-off frequency to be adjusted by an external sequencer, for example, or parameters to be controlled in a DAW software programme via the MIDI and USB ports.
Weighing in at just 800g, the Behringer TD-3-MO synthesizer is perfectly easy to handle and transport. Users will be particularly thrilled by the redesigned user interface that combines the original 1980s’ bassline workflow with a whole bunch of new features for an even more powerful sound. The new overdrive effect section allows the overdrive to be activated and variably adjusted to different degrees from zero to 100%. Thanks to the large number of connections provided (including MIDI input and USB port), the TD-3-MO can be easily integrated into all types of Eurorack setups and controlled by an external source. Users who prefer software over hardware programming can choose to create their basslines on a PC using the Behringer Synth Tool. What is more, the TD-3-MO is also available in a yellow and black design – with identical technical specifications, of course.
The company, which was founded in Germany by Uli Behringer and now manufactures its products in China, has been known for affordable and great-value equipment since its very first product, the Studio Exciter F. An array of mixing consoles (such as the Eurodesk MX8000), signal processors, and later sound amplification and monitoring equipment, has made it possible for countless musicians to fit out their home studios, practice rooms, and mobile PAs within budget limits that were previously unthinkable. The acquisition of other companies, including Midas, Klark Teknik, and TC Electronic, meant that new product groups were added - and also resulted in the technical expertise of these companies being incorporated into product development.
The TD-3-MO’s USB port allows the wide range of integrated patterns to be instantly accessed, imported to a PC, and uploaded back to the synthesizer after modification using the "Recall" function. In the sequencer editor, users can change the note values via drag and drop or adjust the total length of a pattern. Uploading the changed patterns back to the synthesizer is child’s play thanks to the Synth Tool’s "Store" button. Users can also add accents to notes via a right click in the software and subsequently adjust the amount of accent applied via the Accent control knob on the TD-3-MO. Of course, the Behringer Synth Tool offers several further control options, such as MIDI routing, PolyChain, and synthesizer calibration.