Behringer 0722-AAR86-US1 MS-5 Analog Synthesizer — main product image

Behringer 0722-AAR86-US1 MS-5 Analog Synthesizer

Behringer

Behringer 0722-AAR86-US1 MS-5 Analog Synthesizer

Name: Behringer 0722-AAR86-US1 MS-5 Analog Synthesizer
Brand: Behringer
SKU: 0722-AAR86-US1

The Behringer MS-5 brings authentic SH-5 analog circuitry to your studio or stage — fat oscillators, a punishing 4-pole filter, and real transistor-level warmth that digital emulations can't fake.

$499.00*$559.00Save 10%

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Behringer MS-5 is a direct analog interpretation of the Roland SH-5 — a synthesizer valued historically for its muscular oscillators, versatile filter architecture, and expansive signal mixer. This is an instrument built for sessions where you need real analog iron in the chain: bass synthesis with genuine harmonic weight, filter sweeps with that distinctive resonant character, and noise-layered textures that sit in a mix with presence and depth. The dual VCO architecture, four switchable waveforms per oscillator, and variable pulse width mean the MS-5 can cover everything from clean sine-wave fundamentals to dense, brassy leads without touching an external processor.

The five-slider signal mixer is the operational heart of the instrument — it lets you blend the two oscillators, noise source, and sub-oscillator at the hardware level, which keeps your gain staging intentional and your signal path clean. The 4-pole/1-pole filter switch is a genuine workflow tool, not a gimmick: moving between modes mid-session reshapes the entire tonal identity of the patch. At 26.8 lbs the MS-5 makes its presence felt in a live rig, but on a studio keyboard stand the semi-weighted 37-key action provides enough expressive range to turn a simple root note into a dynamic performance element. Pair it with a MIDI sequencer or DAW clock and the MS-5 holds its own as a principal analog voice in any modern hybrid production setup.

Key Features

2-voice Monophonic Analog Synthesizer with 37-key Semi-weighted Keybed

4 Switchable Oscillator Waveforms

Foldable Playing Design

4-pole/1-pole VCF

Noise Generation

Specifications

Type

2-Voice Monophonic Analog Synthesizer

Keys

37 Semi-Weighted with Velocity Sensitivity

Oscillators

2 VCOs, 4 Switchable Waveforms Each

Pulse Width

Variable

Filter

4-Pole / 1-Pole Switchable VCF

Signal Mixer

5-Slider Configuration

Noise Generator

Included

Dimensions

31.1 x 19 x 6.7 inches

Weight

26.8 lbs

UPC

787790559757

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Authentic analog signal path with matched transistors delivers genuine harmonic warmth that holds up under scrutiny in a mix
The 4-pole/1-pole switchable VCF offers two distinct tonal personalities — from thick, resonant bass to open, airy filter sweeps — without any additional patching
Dual VCOs with four switchable waveforms and variable pulse width give you complex timbral layering from a single instrument
37 semi-weighted keys with velocity sensitivity provide expressive dynamic response that rewards nuanced playing
Onboard noise generator integrates directly into the signal mixer for textured percussion programming and industrial sound design

👎 Cons

At 26.8 lbs the MS-5 is heavy for a 37-key instrument — live engineers building portable rigs will feel it by the second load-in
The foldable design, while space-saving for transport, adds mechanical complexity and introduces a potential long-term wear point
No built-in arpeggiator or sequencer means you'll need an external clock source or DAW to drive rhythmic patch ideas
Two-voice monophonic architecture limits chord voicing — players coming from polysynths will need to adjust their approach
Noise floor behavior at maximum filter resonance and gain settings may require careful level management upstream in your signal chain

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the MS-5 require any external power or will it run on USB?

The MS-5 requires a standard IEC mains power connection — it does not run on USB bus power. Plan accordingly for live rigs where power routing matters.

How does the 4-pole VCF compare to a 1-pole configuration, and when would you switch between them?

The 4-pole mode delivers the classic steep resonant rolloff associated with the original SH-5 — thick, singing, and capable of self-oscillation. The 1-pole mode opens the filter up for brighter, more open timbres with gentler attenuation. Switch to 1-pole when you need the filter to shape without dominating.

Is there MIDI implementation on the MS-5 for DAW integration?

Yes, the MS-5 includes MIDI connectivity for sequencing and parameter control from a DAW or hardware sequencer. For tight session integration, sync it to your DAW's MIDI clock and automate filter sweeps in real time.

What does "matched transistors and JFETs" mean for the sound?

Component matching reduces channel-to-channel variation in the analog circuit, which tightens oscillator tracking across the keyboard and keeps the filter character consistent. In practice, you hear more predictable, musical resonance behavior rather than the drift typical of unmatched vintage hardware.

Can the dual VCOs be detuned for classic analog chorus thickness?

Yes — the two VCOs can be tuned independently and set to different waveforms, enabling the beating, chorus-like analog thickness that defines the SH-5 sound. Even subtle detuning produces a lush, three-dimensional quality in the low-mid range.