Behringer AKS Mini

Experimental analogue sounds and dynamic sequences in a compact format

The AKS Mini from Behringer is a very compact analogue synthesiser that incorporates the essential features of the classic 1972 EMS Synthi AKS. The straightforward signal path consists of an oscillator, filter, trapezoid generator (envelope with VCA), LFO and spring reverb effect; this makes the AKS Mini officially the smallest version of any EMS synthesiser ever built. As was once standard on most EMS synths, the AKS Mini also features a joystick controller: this can be freely assigned to two parameters. This allows you, for example, to ‘stir’ the filter or modulate the LFO frequency in opposite phase to the decay phase.

Three voices with unison and polyphonic modes

The synth can be played in 3-voice polyphony or unison, and its oscillators can be detuned via the Detune control. The oscillator offers the specific waveforms sawtooth and square, but with a Shaping parameter. With the square wave, the Shaping parameter adjusts the pulse width; with the sawtooth wave, it changes the waveform from sawtooth through to triangle and ramp. Next comes the distinctive 24 dB low-pass filter, which was fitted in EMS units from 1974 onwards, and the Trapezoid Generator; the latter being a combination of an envelope and a VCA. The Trapezoid Generator is a unique modulator that can be used as a trapezoidal or triangular LFO and/or as an attack-hold-decay envelope generator. The second modulation source is an LFO with four waveforms (sine, sawtooth, square, random), which can be reset for each note. The signal path concludes with the clattering spring reverb effect, which has been digitally implemented here.

Step sequencer and motion sequencing

The built-in step sequencer provides access to 10 patterns, which can be programmed with different scales. In addition, control movements can be recorded within the pattern (motion sequence), and an arpeggiator with three playback patterns is included. Notes can be entered quickly and easily using the capacitive 27-key mini-keyboard or via MIDI. Power is supplied exclusively via the USB-C port, whilst MIDI signals are also routed to the synthesiser via USB and the DIN socket. Thanks to its comprehensive MIDI implementation, the AKS Mini can be easily automated with a DAW or a master sequencer.