Build and Design
The Behringer PRO-1 brings the Sequential Pro-One’s vintage charm back to life with authentic graphic styling, a robust metal chassis and small wooden end panels. Its compact and sturdy design makes it a perfect fit for your desktop, Eurorack skiffs or rack-mount systems.
 |
| click to enlarge |
Currently, my Pro-1 is rack-mounted beneath my Behringer 2600, where it allows modular synth patching and integrates seamlessly with nearby Eurorack synths—adding an extra large sounding, bass-rich tone to the 2600’s three oscillators, through standard Eurorack patch cords. The PRO-800, featuring the same enclosure slightly lengthened to accommodate its eight-voice analog circuitry, weighs a heftier 8 lbs compared to the PRO-1’s 4.2 lbs, delivering a solid feel with identical build quality. The PRO-1’s grippy knobs invite hands-on tweaking, and its layout proves intuitive for quick adjustments, though its compact design and switches require careful handling. MIDI In/Thru, USB, and CV/Gate connectivity ensure versatility for DAWs or modular rigs.
 |
| click to enlarge |
Sound
The heart of the PRO-1 lies in its all-analog signal path, built around dual 3340 VCOs and a 4-pole 24 dB/octave low-pass filter, faithfully recreating the steep, resonant cutoff of the original Sequential Pro-One. Oscillator A offers sawtooth and pulse waves, while Oscillator B adds a triangle wave for extra warmth, delivering a rich, versatile palette.
 |
| click to enlarge |
The filter’s warm resonance and self-oscillation produce sounds reminiscent of the Behringer Model D, though slightly less fat due to the PRO-1’s two oscillators compared to the Model D’s three. The Pro-1 is capable of growling basses, searing leads, and ethereal pads—ideal for 80s synth-pop or 90s industrial vibes. In my usage, the PRO-1’s sound character shines with a distinct punch, closely echoing the Model D’s creamy thickness while maintaining its own unique edge.
Features
The PRO-1 isn’t just a sound machine—it’s a performance tool. The built-in 64-note dual sequencer is intuitive for crafting melodies, and the arpeggiator (with Up, Down, and Up/Down modes) adds rhythmic flair, both clockable via the LFO or external sources. The sequencer’s step mode excels for live improvisation, letting you tweak notes on the fly. The 16-voice Poly Chain mode, linking multiple units, is a game-changer bring polyphonic performance to the table as one of the creative options. Drone and Repeat modes offer creative flexibility for ambient textures or pulsating rhythms. As a piece, in a larger combination of similar instruments, the Pro-1 has many functions and capabilities that more than justify its purchase price.
Usability Note: In hands-on use, the PRO-1 stands out for its ease of adjustment compared to the Model D, with a layout and controls that allow faster, more intuitive manipulation to dial in desired sounds. Unlike preset-based synths where knob positions may not match stored settings, the PRO-1’s manual design offers instant sound tweaking, reflecting the current knob settings for real-time creativity. This echoes the approach of legends like Rick Wakeman, who used two Model D Moogs in the 1970s without presets, switching instruments live to adapt.
The Downsides
The PRO-1 has its quirks, rooted in its vintage-inspired design. Like the original Pro-One and the Behringer Model D, it lacks preset memory, a feature that suits its hands-on nature—vintage users thrived with manual adjustments, and the visible knob positions enable instant sound changes, a boon for live tweaking and complex setups with multiple units. However, those reliant on preset recall for quick load times might prefer synths like the Behringer Pro-800 or DeepMind. The MIDI implementation lacks velocity or aftertouch, limiting expressiveness with controllers. The compact size, while space-saving, feels slightly cramped during deep sound design, and the modulation matrix requires some effort to master. Beginners might find the patchbay intimidating without modular experience, here’s your chance to get acquainted with patching in and out :-).
 |
| click to enlarge |
Who’s It For?
The Behringer PRO-1 is ideal for:
- Retro enthusiasts seeking authentic analog tones for a low price.
- Modular curious producers exploring Eurorack or semi-modular synthesis.
- Studio tinkerers who love hands-on sound design and value quick control adjustments.
 |
| click to enlarge |
AROUND BACK
If you remove the Pro-1 from its factory skiff enclosure you lose all these back panel connections and controls. On the back of the enclosure you'll find a real, balanced line output. I've always thought Behringer never gets enough credit for making so many instrument outputs balanced instead of unbalanced. The tiny switch matrix (four little toggles) are there to adjust the midi channel. The 5-pin MIDI thru jack is a very nice touch for a low priced synth. The USB connector allows the synth to be connected to a computer to receive firmware updates via the SynthTribe app.
EPILOGUE
The Behringer PRO-1 is a triumph of value and vibe. It captures the soul of the original Sequential Pro-One with punchy, warm, and versatile analog tones, enhanced by modern features like Eurorack compatibility and Poly Chain. Its build is sturdy, with grippy control knobs and an intuitive layout for quick sound sculpting, leveraging manual knob positions for instant changes. The two-oscillator design offers a slightly leaner fatness compared to the Model D’s trio, but its lack of presets, a vintage trait, suits hands-on users, and its low price makes owning two for complex applications a reality—especially when rack-mounted for easy patching or seamlessly integrating into a larger Eurorack system. For under $300, the Behringer Pro-1 rivals pricier instruments, offering working musicians an affordable path to gritty basses, cutting leads, and creative textures. Whether you’re nostalgic for the 70s/80s or building a modular rig, the PRO-1 delivers.
Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!
©June 2025 by Mark King, It’s not ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author
Go forth and create something beautiful . . . . . . ……
 |
| click to enlarge |
