Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer Review: The Lush, Timeless Sound of the 70s Reborn

If you have ever spent hours scrolling through forums or watching vintage gear demos, you know the siren call of the 1970s string machine. There is a specific, ethereal, and hauntingly beautiful texture found in records by Pink Floyd, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Tangerine Dream that modern digital synthesizers often struggle to replicate. For years, the only way to get “that sound” was to hunt down a massive, 50-pound Eminent Solina or ARP String Ensemble. These vintage units are not only expensive but are notorious for being fragile, difficult to repair, and taking up an enormous amount of studio real estate. We have personally wrestled with aging capacitors and crackly sliders on original units, and while the sound is divine, the reliability is a constant anxiety. The Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer promises to solve this dilemma by offering an authentic analog reproduction of that legendary circuitry in a compact, reliable, and affordable tabletop format. Failing to find a solution like this usually means settling for thin-sounding VSTs or spending thousands on a temperamental museum piece.

What to Consider Before Buying Synthesizer & Workstation Keyboards

A Synthesizer & Workstation Keyboards is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for musicians, producers, and sound designers looking to expand their sonic palette beyond standard piano sounds. Whether you are building a professional studio or a bedroom setup, the right synthesizer acts as the heart of your creative workflow, allowing you to sculpt unique textures that define your musical identity. Choosing the wrong tool can lead to a cluttered workspace and a sound that lacks character, making it essential to understand the nuances of the hardware you are bringing into your environment.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of digital “perfection” and seeking the organic warmth and unpredictability of analog circuits. It is perfect for the producer who wants hands-on control and a dedicated tool for specific tasks like pads and strings. However, it might not be suitable for those who require a “jack-of-all-trades” instrument or a workstation with built-in sequencers, drums, and thousands of presets. If you need a primary keyboard to cover every sound from grand pianos to EDM leads, you might consider a digital workstation instead.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: In a modern studio, every square inch counts. You should evaluate whether you need a full-sized keyboard or a compact module. The Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer is a tabletop unit, making it ideal for those who already have a master controller and want to save desk space without sacrificing sound quality.
• Capacity & Performance: Polyphony is a major factor. For string sounds, you want enough voices to play complex chords without notes cutting out. Look for instruments that offer authentic architectures, like the divide-down technology found in classic stringers, which allows for massive polyphony across the entire keyboard range.
• Materials & Durability: While metal chassis are the gold standard, modern high-grade plastics can offer a significant advantage in weight and portability. We found that a lighter unit is often easier to integrate into tiered setups, though you should always ensure the sliders and switches feel firm and responsive to the touch.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Vintage gear requires a technician on speed dial. Modern analog clones give you the circuit-level sound with the reliability of brand-new components and USB/MIDI integration. Consider how easily the unit will fit into your existing MIDI chain and whether the interface allows for “no-manual-required” operation.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a piece of gear that inspires you to play. The Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer aims to bridge the gap between historical accuracy and modern convenience, but let’s see how it compares to the broader market before we dive into the specifics of its performance.

While the Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Bringing the 70s to the Modern Desktop

When we first unboxed the Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer, the first thing that struck us was the weight. At just 1.6 kilograms, it is incredibly light—so light, in fact, that it feels almost like a toy until you plug it in and hear the first chord. This lightweight design is a double-edged sword; it’s incredibly portable and easy to mount on top of other synthesizers, but it lacks the “heft” of the original wooden-clad units. However, once you check the latest price and availability, you realize that this portability is a massive benefit for the gigging musician or the space-conscious producer.

The aesthetic is a direct homage to the Solina MK II, with its classic color scheme and those iconic rocker switches. Setting it up was a breeze; we simply connected it via MIDI to our master keyboard and ran the stereo outputs into our interface. Within seconds, we were greeted with a wall of sound that felt vastly more expensive than the unit’s price tag suggests. Unlike some modern “clones” that feel like digital approximations, the Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer feels like it has real electricity coursing through it, producing a raw, buzzing energy that is characteristic of true analog circuitry.

Deep Dive: Performance Analysis of the Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer

The “Divide-Down” Magic and 49-Voice Polyphony

One of the most misunderstood aspects of vintage string machines is how they generate polyphony. Most modern analog synths have a limited number of voices (like 4, 6, or 8) because each voice requires its own set of oscillators and filters. The Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer uses the classic “divide-down” architecture. We found that this approach, which uses a single high-frequency master oscillator divided into different frequencies for every key, provides a unique phase-locked sound that is impossible to replicate with standard polyphonic synthesis. This is a feature that really sets it apart from modern digital pads.

In our testing, playing a massive ten-note chord felt breathtakingly full. Because it offers 49-voice polyphony, you never have to worry about voice stealing. You can hold down the sustain pedal and wash the room in sound. The harmonic relationship between the notes is tight and focused, giving you that “wall of strings” effect that defined the disco and prog-rock eras. Whether you are using the Violin, Viola, Trumpet, or Horn settings, the core tone is thick and harmonically rich. We found that the Trumpet and Horn settings, in particular, provide a wonderful “honk” that cuts through a mix, while the Cello and Bass settings add a foundational growl that grounds your arrangements.

The Secret Sauce: BBD Chorus and the Integrated Phaser

If the divide-down oscillators are the heart of this machine, the BBD (Bucket Brigade Device) chorus is its soul. Without the chorus, a string machine sounds like a basic organ. When we engaged the Ensemble switch on the Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer, the sound instantly transformed. The multi-stage BBD circuitry adds a lush, shimmering movement that makes the strings feel “alive.” It creates a sense of width and depth that makes a mono signal feel like a wide stereo landscape. We were impressed by how low the noise floor was compared to vintage units, which often hiss like a steam engine when the chorus is active.

Beyond the chorus, Behringer included a dedicated phase shifter modeled after the legendary Small Stone pedal. This is a brilliant addition. By using the Rate control and the Color switch, we were able to dial in slow, sweeping phase shifts that are quintessential for that “Space” sound. The Color switch changes the feedback and frequency range of the phaser, allowing for everything from subtle movement to deep, resonant “whooshing” sounds. Having this built directly into the signal path means you don’t need external pedals to get the classic Solina-plus-Phaser combo used by artists like Jean-Michel Jarre. You can find more details on its interface here to see how these controls are laid out for maximum performance tweakability.

Modern Connectivity and Modular Integration

While the internal sound engine is a faithful recreation of the past, the connectivity is firmly in the present. We spent a significant amount of time testing the patch bay on the top panel. The inclusion of Trigger and Gate inputs, as well as Mod In/Out and Phaser In/Out, makes this unit a dream for modular synth enthusiasts. We were able to patch an external LFO into the Mod input to create rhythmic pitch fluctuations that the original hardware could never dream of. This level of flexibility turns a “one-trick pony” string machine into a versatile sound design tool.

The USB Type B connector and standard MIDI DIN ports ensured that the Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer integrated perfectly with our DAW and other hardware. We found no noticeable latency when triggering notes via USB, and the unit responded perfectly to MIDI velocity when mapped to external filters in our signal chain. For those with limited space, the fact that you can see its full feature set and user reviews reveals that many producers are using it as a secondary module tucked away in a rack or on a small shelf, controlled entirely by their main keyboard. This versatility is a massive win for modern studio workflows.

Tactile Control and Workflow Simplicity

One of the greatest joys of using the Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer is its simplicity. In an age of “menu diving” and complex touchscreens, there is something incredibly refreshing about having a dedicated slider or switch for every function. We found that we could shape the attack and decay of the strings in real-time, allowing us to transition from sharp, staccato orchestral hits to long, evolving ambient washes in seconds. The sliders feel smooth and have enough travel to allow for fine adjustments, which is crucial when you are trying to find the perfect swell for a cinematic score.

We also appreciated the dedicated volume controls for the different instrument sections. By blending the Cello and Bass with the Violin and Viola, we could create custom “ensembles” that felt tailored to the specific track we were working on. The simplicity of the interface encourages experimentation. Instead of getting lost in settings, you spend your time actually playing and listening. This “hands-on” philosophy is a core part of the analog experience, and Behringer has captured it perfectly here. It’s a keeper for anyone who values immediate creative results over complex programming, a sentiment often highlighted when you explore the technical specs further.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among the synthesis community is one of genuine surprise and appreciation. Many users who own original vintage stringers have noted that they are retiring their heavy, high-maintenance units in favor of this compact version. We found that the “authenticity” of the sound is the most praised feature, with one user stating they were “very impressed” by how the modulation brings the sound to life. Another user shared a clever tip, mentioning they literally used VHB tape to secure the Solina to the top of their Behringer Pro-800 because it is so light and they work so well together as a “combo.”

On the critical side, a few users have mentioned the “plastic-heavy” build, suggesting that while it’s great for weight, it doesn’t feel as premium as a metal-chassis Moog or Sequential synth. However, most agree that for the price, the trade-off is more than fair. One veteran fan of vintage machines mentioned that while they have several original stringers, the B-Solina is their new “compact option” for getting that specific divide-down sound without the headache of maintenance. The phrase “this is a keeper” appeared more than once in user discussions, reinforcing our own findings that Behringer has hit a home run with this specific recreation.

Comparing the Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer to Top Alternatives

1. MOOG Theremini Theremin with Pitch Correction

The Moog Theremini is a completely different beast, focusing on ethereal, gesture-controlled leads rather than polyphonic pads. While the Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer provides the lush backing for a track, the Theremini is designed for the spotlight. It features a built-in Animoog sound engine and pitch correction, making it much easier to play than a traditional Theremin. We would recommend the Theremini for experimental performers and those looking for a unique lead instrument, whereas the Solina is the superior choice for classic 70s textures and harmonic foundations.

2. Arturia MicroFreak 25-Key Hybrid Synthesizer

The Arturia MicroFreak is perhaps the most versatile alternative in this price bracket. It is a hybrid synth that combines digital oscillators with an analog filter. Unlike the focused, “one-sound” nature of the Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer, the MicroFreak can do everything from wavetable leads to granular textures and vocoding. However, it lacks the specific “divide-down” warmth and massive polyphony of the Solina. If you want a “Swiss Army Knife” for your studio, get the MicroFreak; if you want the specific, legendary sound of analog strings, the Solina is the clear winner.

3. KORG MicroKorg2 Synthesizer/Vocoder

The KORG MicroKorg2 is the latest evolution of one of the most popular synths of all time. It is a virtual analog powerhouse with a built-in vocoder and a much wider range of sounds than the Solina. It’s a great “all-in-one” solution for a touring musician. However, it is a digital simulation of analog, and to our ears, it doesn’t quite capture the same raw, buzzing “electric” feel of the Solina’s BBD chorus and phase shifter. The MicroKorg2 is better for someone who needs variety, while the Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer is for the purist who demands that specific, authentic analog string texture.

The Final Verdict: A Must-Have for the Analog Aficionado

After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the Behringer SOLINA STRING ENSEMBLE Analog String Synthesizer is an absolute triumph for anyone seeking the classic sound of the 70s. It successfully condenses a massive, temperamental piece of history into a reliable, compact, and incredibly affordable tabletop unit. While the build is lightweight and plastic, the sound is anything but. The combination of the divide-down oscillators, the lush BBD ensemble chorus, and the integrated phase shifter creates a sonic experience that is rich, evocative, and deeply musical. It solves the problem of high maintenance and high costs, making “that sound” accessible to a whole new generation of producers.

We highly recommend this synthesizer to film composers, ambient producers, and retro-synth enthusiasts who want to add authentic analog character to their tracks. It is a specialized tool, but what it does, it does better than almost anything else on the market today. If you are ready to drench your tracks in the same lush textures used by the legends of electronic music, you should definitely grab your own unit here and experience the magic for yourself.