Behringer K-2 MKII Synthesizer

Behringer K-2 MKII Analog Semi-Modular Synthesizer

The Behringer K-2 MKII is a monophonic, semi-modular analog synthesizer that revives the late-1970s Korg MS-20 with modern connectivity. A pure analog signal path with matched transistors and JFETs delivers the fat tones that defined an era of electronic music. OSC sync, FM, PWM, and V/Oct across all CV/Gate I/O bridge vintage character with contemporary workflow.

What Sets the K-2 MKII Apart

This update adds OSC sync and FM switches that route VCO1 into VCO2 for metallic timbres. PWM adds movement to static tones, while V/Oct across every CV/Gate I/O ensures tight Eurorack integration. Two filter modes recreate both generations of the classic MS-20 design.

Dual VCOs and Modulation Architecture

Two analog voltage-controlled oscillators form the heart of the sound engine, each with four variable waveform shapes and ring modulation. The VCO mixer balances levels from thick basses to screaming leads.

• Oscillators: 2 × Analog VCO — VCO1 (triangle, reverse-sawtooth, noise, pulse) and VCO2 (reverse-sawtooth, square, narrow pulse, ring mod).
• Range: 4 octaves per oscillator, 6 octaves total (32' to 2') — deep sub-bass to bright lead.
• Dedicated triangle/square-wave LFO drives cyclic motion in pitch, filter, or amplitude.

Filters, Envelopes, and Signal Flow

The filter section offers a 6 dB/oct high-pass and 12 dB/oct low-pass design with peak and resonance controls. Two analog envelope generators shape VCF cutoff and VCA amplitude.

• Filter: High-pass 6 dB / Low-pass 12 dB with Peak and Resonance — switch between MS-20 filter generations.
• Envelopes: 1 × ADSHR, 1 × DSR — full Hold/Decay/Attack/Sustain/Release plus Delay/Attack/Release.
• Modulation routing sends the modulation generator and envelopes into VCF and VCA for animated sounds.

Patch Bay, Poly Chain, and Eurorack Integration

The semi-modular architecture works immediately without patch cables, while 32 CV/signal patch points unlock deep experimentation. Poly Chain links up to 16 modules for polyphonic operation.

• Patch Points: 32 × CV/Signal — routing for external modulation, audio, and clock signals.
• Polyphony: 1 voice per module, up to 16 voices via Poly Chain — build a polyphonic rig incrementally.
• I/O: MIDI In/Thru, USB Type-B, 1/8" audio input, 1/4" + 1/8" outputs, 1/8" headphones, plus aftertouch — integrates with controllers, DAWs, and Eurorack.

Who Should Consider the K-2 MKII

The Behringer K-2 MKII is the right choice for synth players, producers, and sound designers who want genuine analog character at an accessible price. It's an ideal first semi-modular for newcomers learning patching, while experienced modular users appreciate the 32 CV patch points and 80HP Eurorack format. OSC sync, FM, and ring modulation serve techno and ambient composers well.

The MS-20 Heritage

This module is a modern homage to the Korg MS-20, produced from 1978 to 1983, a synthesizer that shaped the sound of Aphex Twin, Daft Punk, Depeche Mode, and Snarky Puppy. Behringer preserves the original analog circuitry with matched transistors and JFETs, adding OSC sync, FM, PWM, and V/Oct for today's hybrid setups.