The portable synth features three VCOs, dual VCF and a 16-step motion sequencer at an accessible price point.
Behringer has announced the UB-Xa Mini, a portable analogue polyphonic synth that authentically reproduces OB-Xa VCO and VCF circuitry from the 1980s in a compact, programmable format.
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The synth runs a pure analogue signal path using authentic VCO, VCF and VCA designs. Three separate VCOs deliver saw and square waveforms, while a multi-mode ring modulator works on the square waves to add metallic textures and effects.
Twenty-seven touch-sensitive keys pack playability into a portable package. Play modes cover poly, unison, octaves, fifths, ring unison and ring poly – plenty of flexibility depending on what you’re creating.
Programming works through a 16-step motion sequencer with 10 memory slots that captures your knob movements as you tweak. Build evolving patterns and recall them instantly. The LFO offers three waveforms with sync capabilities, modulating pitch, filter cutoff and pulse width to keep things moving.
The filter section features a selectable dual-slope design – switch between 12dB and 24dB analogue low-pass filtering with adjustable resonance. It’s the classic dual VCF architecture that shaped the sound of the era, giving you control from smooth and warm tones right through to aggressive, resonant sweeps that cut through a mix.
Behringer’s approach with the UB-Xa Mini follows their pattern of making classic synthesisers accessible to a wider range of producers and musicians. While purists might debate the authenticity of recreations versus original hardware, having access to OB-Xa-style sounds without the vintage price tag or maintenance headaches opens up these iconic tones to bedroom producers, live performers and anyone curious about classic analogue synthesis.
The compact size works well for desktop production, live performance rigs with limited space, or mobile setups where portability matters. Touch-sensitive keys and hands-on controls keep things immediate – all you need to do is twist a knob and you’ll hear the results.
The UB-Xa Mini will be available in Australia from December 2025 through Australis.
