The Behringer Pro 800 is one of those synths that makes you think:
Well... let's see.
And then, an hour later, you're still sitting in front of it thinking:
Damn, this thing is good.
It's not exactly a beauty. More of a tool than a design object. That said, the build quality is absolutely solid. Nothing rattles, nothing feels cheap in the sense that it might fall apart. The membrane buttons are a bit unusual. Not terrible, but definitely something you need to get used to. If you prefer tactile, clicky buttons, you'll probably raise an eyebrow at first. After a while though, they work surprisingly well.
Operation
Now for the important part: usability. The interface is pleasantly direct. Most functions are immediately accessible, making it easy to start tweaking sounds, which is exactly where the fun begins. No annoying menu diving in day-to-day use.
If you want to go deeper, the SynthTribe software comes into play. And it does its job very well. Managing presets, organizing sounds, accessing deeper settings – everything is implemented cleanly and efficiently.
Sound
This is where things get interesting. The Pro 800 gets surprisingly close to the classic Sequential sound. It's not a one-to-one clone, of course, but it captures that warm, slightly silky character that immediately feels musical.
Pads, stabs, chords – it's all there, all usable, and often genuinely impressive. Most importantly, it stays perfectly in tune. No constant tweaking, no startup instability.
Value for Money
And now for the real highlight: the price. Considering what you get here, this synth is almost ridiculously affordable. Quite honestly, this is a Best Buy.
Conclusion
The Pro 800 is not a prestige instrument or a boutique showpiece. It is a highly capable, great-sounding workhorse synthesizer packed with character at a very attractive price.
Pros
- Excellent sound, close to the classic Sequential character
- Stable tuning and reliable performance
- Hands-on workflow for everyday use
- Excellent SynthTribe software integration
- Outstanding value for money
Cons
- Membrane buttons take some getting used to
- Appearance is more functional than exciting
- Deeper settings are more convenient through the software
