POLYOsc: Behringer's Latest Attempt at Impersonating a Classic Synthesizer?

Behringer has given us a sneak peek at their upcoming POLYOsc, a compact synthesizer that has already turned half of the music community into raving lunatics, but in a good way. Based on the iconic OSCar synthesizer, the POLYOsc could be more than just a clone but possibly a modern reinterpretation that pays homage to the past while embracing modern features.

Let's Rewind the Tape

To fully appreciate the significance of Behringer’s POLYOsc, it’s essential to revisit the legacy of the original OSCar. Released in 1983 by Oxford Synthesiser Company, the OSCar was the brainchild of engineer Chris Huggett. What set the OSCar apart was its hybrid design, combining digital oscillators with analog filters, a novel approach at the time. This blend of technologies produced a sound that was both warm and cutting, with a distinctive character that quickly made it a favorite among electronic musicians.

So Squechly!

The OSCar was equipped with two digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs) and offered a range of waveforms, including the ability to create custom waveforms—a revolutionary feature for the time. But perhaps its most celebrated component was its filter section, which included both 12dB and 24dB modes and allowed for a wide array of sonic possibilities, from smooth and creamy tones to aggressive and resonant sounds. These analog filters were a significant part of the OSCar's unique charm, contributing to its reputation as one of the most coveted vintage synthesizers.

Image Credit: Keyboard Magazine OSCar Synthesizer Ad by retrosynthads.

The POLYOsc: Tribute, Clone, or Something in Between?

Behringer—or "B," as some of the more skeptical synth enthusiasts might say, as if Uli himself will spring from their bathroom mirror of they say his name 5 times—has once again stirred the pot with this new tease. The company has carved out quite the niche for itself by reimagining classic synthesizers, much to the delight (and occasional disdain) of the music community. Is the POLYOsc just another clone, or is there more to this story?

Let’s take a moment to imagine Behringer’s workshop as the setting for "The Island," the 2005 sci-fi flick where humans are cloned to provide spare parts for their originals. In our synth-themed version, the POLYOsc could be the synth clone, painstakingly crafted to resemble its donor, the OSCar, down to the very circuits. But instead of harvesting organs, Behringer might be extracting those juicy analog filters to breathe new life into their creation. Just as in the movie, where the clones start to develop their own identities, Behringer’s synths tend to evolve beyond mere replicas.

"The difference between a clone and a tribute is in the details. "

A clone tries to replicate every knob and nuance, often with an almost obsessive devotion. A tribute, on the other hand, tips its hat to the original while making room for modern upgrades. Behringer tends to lean into the latter. They’re known for adding contemporary features—like expanded polyphony, slicker interfaces, and modern connectivity—making their instruments more than just carbon copies. So, when it comes to the POLYOsc, we might just be looking at a respectful nod to the OSCar with a few new tricks up its sleeve, much like those cloned humans who started to think for themselves.

The POLYOsc by Behringer could represent the next step in the evolution of synthesizers, blending the best of the old and the new. As more information becomes available, it will be fascinating to see how closely Behringer adheres to the OSCar’s original design and where they choose to innovate. For electronic music enthusiasts and gearheads alike, the POLYOsc is definitely one to watch.

Stay tuned for more updates as Behringer reveals additional details about this intriguing new synthesizer.