Behringer 2600 GRAY MEANIE Special Edition Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer with 3 VCOs, Multi-Mode VCF and Spring Reverb in 8U Rack-Mount Format

The media could not be loaded. It’s easily my favorite synth.

This has the potential to scratch the Modular itch for many people, but more compact and affordable than a bunch of modules. An extremely versatile machine (more than the original it's based on). One can easily get lost for hours in sound creation, but it's also very musical. As mentioned before, order patch cables. I haven't used a USB with it, but a midi DIN cable was critical to connecting a keyboard/sequencer (couldn't do that with the original). I've had mine for months but feel I've only scratched the surface and know I will still be learning it for years to come. Fantastic synth, super highly recommended.

Like a previous reviewer noted, Amazon seems to be packing these in a large outer box with no packing so the inner box with the instrument can easily bounce around during shipping. Luckily initial inspection shows no broken or bent components, but be sure to check upon arrival to be sure. Also note, the 2600 comes with no patch cables included so you'll need to purchase some separately if you want to get creative with your patching. Considering that's really the point of this instrument, you'll want to pick up some.

I had high hopes for this synthesizer. After reading reviews and watching YouTube videos I was excited to see Amazon selling it at a 26% discount with Prime shipping. When it arrived, I opened the large outer Amazon box to see that the Gray Meanie's smaller box was loose inside. No packing paper, bubble wrap, or peanuts were used to fill the large voids, which meant it could have slammed around in the box during shipment from Amazon. The outer box was much larger than the Gray Meanie's box. Hopefully it was well packed in its own box.I opened the Behringer box. The synth was bagged and placed between heavy duty urethane foam end pieces, with appropriate cutouts for slider tab clearance. The power cord was taped to the back of the unit's bag, and the power cube box was under the unit. All good. The fatal flaw was that the rather heavy manual was placed on top of the synth. So during shipment it rattled around up there and ended up bending several slider tabs over and breaking a few clear off. What a disappointment! No worries, Amazon is good with returns. I started a return and ordered a replacement unit.When the replacement unit arrived, everything was the same: no packing paper, bubble wrap, or peanuts in the much larger outer Amazon box. The Grey Meanie's box was set up the same way, with the manual on top of the sliders. Once again, some slider tabs were bent and broken. I returned the second one for a refund.I'm sure this is a great synthesizer, but I will never know because I am not ordering a third one. I'm giving one star in my review because Behringer should know better than to put a heavy manual on top of delicate sliders. I put a note inside the box of the second one, before sealing it up for return, suggesting that the manual be placed under the synthesizer for shipment, and the bag holding the manual should be taped to either the inside of the box or the back of the synth so it doesn't shift to the top during shipment.