REVIEW BEHRINGER SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE: Classic String Machine Rebirth

The Behringer Solina String Ensemble is a modern revival of 1974’s iconic ARP String Ensemble, which itself was a rebadged product by Eminent Organ company in The Netherlands. The string ensemble was a staple of 1970s music that colored tracks by Pink Floyd, Elton John, and Jean-Michel Jarre with its lush, dreamy strings. As a compact, analog recreation, this Eurorack-compatible module promises to deliver that vintage vibe at a fraction of the cost and weight of the original. The original was WAY out of my price range but this one is right in the sweet spot — but there’s that same old nagging question, is it good?

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Back in the 70’s I had no money. Somebody gave me an old broken Farfisa organ (like the one above) which I had to repair so I could play it. By playing that organ through a cheesy Univox tape echo — which used gross little tape cartridges that looked like scaled down car-stereo 8-track tape carts — I could get a pretty good emulation of the ARP String Ensemble. 

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The wow and flutter of the crappy tape echo (shown above) was my substitute for the chorus effect in the ARP and it was convincing on my recordings back in 1972.

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First Impressions: Compact Nostalgia

Right out of the box, the Behringer’s Solina has a sleek, desktop-friendly design that catches the eye. It’s a far cry from the hulking, furniture-like original, making it an easy fit for modern studios. The front panel is intuitive, featuring sliders for volume, bass, crescendo, and sustain, alongside buttons to toggle its six instrument presets: Violin, Viola, Trumpet, Horn, Cello, and Contrabass. The inclusion of a tuning knob and a multi-stage Bucket Brigade Device (BBD) chorus, paired with a Small Stone-style phaser, nods faithfully to the 70s aesthetic. Build quality feels solid, especially for the price, unless you’re heavy handed with the somewhat fragile slide controls. 

Sound: Warm, Gritty, and Timeless

Plugging in a MIDI keyboard and firing up the Solina is like stepping into a time machine. Its 49-voice polyphony, achieved through divide-down technology, delivers that unmistakable warm, slightly gritty string sound. The ensemble effect—a triple BBD chorus—is the heart of the Solina’s magic, washing the tones in a thick, swirling modulation that evokes instant nostalgia and 70’s vibe. Cranking the phaser adds a psychedelic edge, perfect for recreating those spacey Pink Floyd pads or cosmic textures.

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The instrument presets are a mixed bag. The strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Contrabass) shine brightest, blending seamlessly for rich, orchestral layers. The Trumpet and Horn, while quirky, feel less versatile, often sounding thin unless heavily modulated. Combining multiple presets yields the best results, especially for cinematic or ambient compositions. However, the Solina’s one-trick-pony nature is evident—it excels at its signature sound but lacks the flexibility of a real synth with VCO and ADSR-dynamics adjustability, and perhaps that’s why they ceased making the originals back in 1982. 

If you’re creative and blend the Solina with other synthesizers and maybe a smidgeon of B-3 organ (with Leslie of course) then you’ll locate that special place the Solina voice fits so well, like critical background vocals in a song, the Solina is that background other instruments sit with so nicely. I’ve been waiting a long time to get one of these and I can hardly wait to start building new tunes to embrace these new sonic sweeteners. 

ARP Wood Cabinet means 40+ pounds, click to enlarge

Compared to the original Solina, Behringer’s version nails the vibe and I like it better than either the much more expensive Waldorf Streichfett string synthesizer module or the Arturia virtual Solina (the Waldorf had limited controls and I never got along with the method of recording your presets, the Arturia is very capable but locked inside a computer for me). I really enjoy just grabbing a little midi keyboard and playing the Solina live, no DAW required. In a mix, Behringer's remake is convincingly close, bolstered by the lush builtin effects. For the price—under $300—it’s hard to complain about anything on this little beauty.

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Features and Connectivity: Modern Meets Vintage - Solina gets MIDI

Behringer smartly modernizes the Solina with an expanded I/O suite. MIDI In/Thru, USB-MIDI, and a host of 1/8-inch jacks (gate/trigger outputs, modulation I/O, VCA CV in) make it a versatile addition to any setup. The ability to route external signals through the phaser and chorus is a standout feature—I had fun running a Pro-1 synth and a drum machine through it for some lo-fi, retro-flavored tracks. Its Eurorack compatibility is a nice touch, though the module’s size might crowd smaller racks. You can also rack mount the Behringer Solina using optional rack ears. Various 3rd party 3D-printer folks also offer rack ears on Reverb, some with handy cable-pass-thru capability Behringer does not provide.

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Some users have complained about the Solina midi having problems with some keyboards, for my current round of testing and experimenting I’ve been using an Arturia Keystep (<- full review on High on Technology) without any difficulties. 

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The Verdict: A Niche Gem

The Behringer Solina String Ensemble is a love letter to 70s synth pop and prog rock, delivering authentic analog string sounds with a compact, affordable twist. Its warm, modulated tones are a joy for retro enthusiasts, ambient producers, or anyone chasing that vintage orchestral vibe. While the Solina’s limited sonic palette might make it a niche tool for certain song styles, when it’s right, it’s really right! 

The Solina sound has been proven in so many classic rock recordings, because it sits with and combines well with classic synth sounds like the Prophet-5 and Mini Moog were famous for. Stacking and experimenting with all these voices reveals what made these sounds work so well in music creations. 

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Pros:

• Authentic recreation of the Solina’s iconic string sound
• Lush BBD chorus and Small Stone phaser nail the 70s vibe
• Versatile connectivity, including Eurorack and external signal routing
• Affordable price for an analog polyphonic synth

Cons:

• Limited versatility beyond its signature sound(s)
• Sliders feel slightly fragile

EPILOGUE

If you’re dreaming of Pink Floyd’s Shine On You Crazy Diamond or Air’s Moon Safari vibes, the Behringer Solina is a no-brainer. It’s not perfect, but it captures the soul of a classic at a price that’s hard to beat. Pair it with a good phaser pedal or run it through your DAW’s effects, and you’ll be crafting retro-futuristic soundscapes in no time. For those seeking a different palette, consider the Waldorf Streichfett or Arturia’s Solina V, but for pure analog charm, Behringer’s Solina is tough to top. As a songwriters tool and friend, the Solina is very Good!

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 . . . . . . …….

One more thing....a little more history. . . 

MEET THE ARP STRING SYNTHESIZER: The Rare Gem of 1970s Synth History

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For synth enthusiasts and collectors, the ARP String Synthesizer is a legendary unicorn—a hybrid instrument that blends the lush string sounds of the iconic Solina String Ensemble with a monophonic synthesizer, creating a unique piece of 1970s music tech. While the ARP/Eminent Solina String Ensemble became a studio staple, with an estimated 5,000+ units produced, the ARP String Synthesizer is far rarer, with only around 100 units ever made. Lets look at this elusive instrument for retro gearheads, collectors, and music history buffs.

The ARP String Synthesizer, produced in the mid-1970s, was a bold experiment by ARP to combine two worlds: the polyphonic, orchestral string textures of the Solina (built on Eminent’s Dutch technology) and a basic monophonic synth for lead sounds. Housed in a single unit, it offered musicians the ability to craft both atmospheric pads and cutting solos, a versatility that set it apart from the Solina’s string-focused design. Its string section used the same divide-down technology and ensemble effect (a Bucket Brigade Device chorus) as the Solina, delivering that warm, swirling sound. The synth section, while simple, added a layer of flexibility for players wanting more than just strings.

Why so rare? The String Synthesizer was a niche product with a high price tag, limiting its appeal (and accessibility) compared to the more affordable and widely used Solina String Ensemble. ARP’s focus quickly shifted to other models like the Odyssey and Omni, and the String Synthesizer’s brief production run—likely under two years—left it as a footnote in their catalog. With only about 100 units produced, it’s now a collector’s dream, rarely appearing on the market and commanding premium prices when it does.

Sonically, the String Synthesizer shines for its era. The string section mirrors the Solina’s rich, modulated tones, perfect for prog rock, ambient, or early electronic music. The monophonic synth, though basic by today’s standards, adds a gritty edge for leads or basslines. However, its hybrid nature made it less intuitive for some players, and it lacked the mainstream staying power of its string-only sibling. 

Maintenance is another hurdle—vintage units often need repairs due to aging components like the BBD chips or capacitors, and finding parts can be a challenge.

For modern producers, the Behringer Solina (a 2020s recreation of the String Ensemble) captures the string sound at a budget-friendly price, with balanced 1/4" TRS output and Eurorack compatibility. But it doesn’t replicate the String Synthesizer’s hybrid design. Software emulations like Arturia’s Solina V can mimic the strings but miss the analog synth component. For the real deal, you’d need to hunt down an original, likely spending thousands if you’re lucky enough to find one.

The ARP String Synthesizer’s rarity and unique design make it a fascinating piece of synth history. It represents a moment when ARP took a creative swing, blending orchestral warmth with synth versatility. For collectors, it’s a holy grail; for musicians, it’s a reminder of the innovative spirit of the 1970s. If you’re chasing its sound on a budget, the Behringer Solina or plugins are solid bets—but nothing quite matches the mystique of the original 100.