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| {{short description|Audio equipment manufacturer}} | {{short description|Audio equipment manufacturer}} | ||
| {{for|the people named Behringer|Behringer (surname)}} | |||
| {{distinguish|Beringer (disambiguation){{!}}Beringer}} | {{distinguish|Beringer (disambiguation){{!}}Beringer}} | ||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}} | ||
| Line 5: | Line 6: | ||
| {{Infobox company | {{Infobox company | ||
| | name = Behringer | | name = Behringer | ||
| | logo = Behringer logo 2010. |
| logo = Behringer logo (2010).svg | ||
| | logo_size = 100px | |||
| | image = Behringer-Xenyx-1002FX.jpg | | image = Behringer-Xenyx-1002FX.jpg | ||
| | image_caption = |
| image_caption = | ||
| | image_size = 220 | | image_size = 220 | ||
| | type = |
| type = Private | ||
| | genre = |
| genre = Audio equipment | ||
| | founded = {{Start date and age|1989|1|25|df=y}} in Germany | | founded = {{Start date and age|1989|1|25|df=y}} in Germany | ||
| | founder = | | founder = | ||
| | hq_location = Willich, Germany | |||
| | locations = | | locations = | ||
| | area_served = | | area_served = | ||
| | key_people = Uli Behringer (] and CEO) |
| key_people = Uli Behringer (] and CEO) | ||
| | industry = | | industry = | ||
| | products = Audio and lighting equipment, musical instruments | | products = Audio and lighting equipment, musical instruments | ||
| | services = | | services = | ||
| | revenue = | | revenue = | ||
| | operating_income = | | operating_income = | ||
| | net_income = | | net_income = | ||
| | owner = | | owner = | ||
| | num_employees = 3,500 | | num_employees = 3,500 | ||
| | parent = ] | | parent = ] | ||
| | divisions = | | divisions = | ||
| | subsid = | | subsid = | ||
| | homepage = {{URL|www.behringer.com}} | | homepage = {{URL|www.behringer.com}} | ||
| | footnotes = | | footnotes = | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Behringer''' is an ] company founded by the Swiss engineer Uli Behringer on 25 January 1989 |
'''Behringer''' is an ] company founded by the Swiss engineer Uli Behringer on 25 January 1989 in ], Germany. Behringer produces equipment including ], ], ] and ]. Behringer is owned by ] (formerly Music Group), a ] chaired by Uli Behringer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Music rebrands its tribe |url=https://www.proavl-asia.com/details/54342-music-rebrands-its-tribe |access-date=9 September 2021}}</ref> | ||
| Though originally a German manufacturer, it now manufactures its products in China. Behringer is owned by ], a ] chaired by Uli Behringer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Music rebrands its tribe |url=https://www.proavl-asia.com/details/54342-music-rebrands-its-tribe |access-date=9 September 2021}}</ref> | |||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
| ===Foundation and early development=== | ===Foundation and early development=== | ||
| ⚫ | {{anchor|Uli Behringer}}Uli Behringer was born on April 13, 1961 in ]. His father was a church ] and ]; his mother a pianist and interpreter; his uncle a professor of composition at the ] in Munich; and his aunt a classical singer and pianist. At the age of four, Uli Behringer started to learn piano.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.amazona.de/interview-uli-behringer/| title=Interview: Uli Behringer, seine Erfolgsgeschichte| date=2009-11-15| website=AMAZONA.de|language=de-DE| access-date=2019-10-04}}</ref> When Behringer was five years old, his father acquired the organ from a church being demolished. He then helped his father integrate the organ with over 1000 pipes(?) into the family home. At the age of 16, he built his first synthesizer, the UB1.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.amazona.de/interview-reisereport-uli-behringer-2019-in-china/| title=Interview & Reisereport: Uli Behringer 2019 in China| date=2019-05-08| website=AMAZONA.de| language=de-DE| access-date=2019-10-04}}</ref> | ||
| {{anchor|Uli Behringer}} | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ===Marketing, manufacturing, and acquisitions=== | ===Marketing, manufacturing, and acquisitions=== | ||
| Line 46: | Line 46: | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| In May 2000, Behringer acquired the rights to the entire CoolAudio technology from ] Corporation, a US-based semi-conductor manufacturer specializing in ]s for audio applications. The acquisition included an |
In May 2000, Behringer acquired the rights to the entire CoolAudio technology from ] Corporation, a US-based semi-conductor manufacturer specializing in ]s for audio applications. The acquisition included an intellectual property portfolio and licensees such as Alpine and Rowe, among others.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holst |first1=Cindy |title=Behringer Acquires Rights to CoolAudio |url=https://www.svconline.com/news/behringer-acquires-rights-coolaudio-364877 |website=Sound & Video Contractor |publisher=Future plc |access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref> | ||
| ====Music Tribe City==== | ====Music Tribe City==== | ||
| Line 53: | Line 53: | ||
| == Instruments == | == Instruments == | ||
| {{Multiple image | {{Multiple image | ||
| | align = | | align = | ||
| | direction = vertical | | direction = vertical | ||
| | total_width = | | total_width = | ||
| | image1 = Behringer RD-8 8129.jpg | | image1 = Behringer RD-8 8129.jpg | ||
| | alt1 = | | alt1 = | ||
| | caption1 = | | caption1 = | ||
| | image2 = TR-808 - MIM, Phoenix (2019-08-30 14.59.26 by Bryan Pocius) (cropped).jpg | |||
| | image2 = Roland_TR-808_(large).jpg | |||
| | caption2 = The Behringer RD-8 drum machine (top) is based on the ] drum machine (bottom).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sherbourne|first=Simon|date=January 2020|title=Behringer RD-8 Rhythm Designer|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/behringer-rd-8-rhythm-designer|access-date=2020-11-27|website=]|publisher=SOS Publications Group}}</ref> | | caption2 = The Behringer RD-8 drum machine (top) is based on the ] drum machine (bottom).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sherbourne|first=Simon|date=January 2020|title=Behringer RD-8 Rhythm Designer|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/behringer-rd-8-rhythm-designer|access-date=2020-11-27|website=]|publisher=SOS Publications Group}}</ref> | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| Since 2016, Behringer has become a manufacturer of synthesizers and drum machines, which includes original |
Since 2016, Behringer has become a manufacturer of synthesizers and drum machines, which includes original models and recreations of analog hardware.<ref>{{Cite web|title=5 Popular Synths That Keep Going Down in Price|url=https://reverb.com/news/5-really-good-deals-in-used-synths-and-drum-machines|access-date=2021-02-09|website=reverb.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name="verge" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-12 |title=Is Behringer's Cheap Analog Synthesizer Worth It? |url=https://www.electronicbeats.net/the-feed/is-behringers-cheap-analog-synthesizer-worth-it/ |access-date=2021-02-09 |website=Telekom Electronic Beats |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-02 |title=Best synths to buy in 2021: 17 of the best synthesizers under $600 |url=https://www.musictech.net/guides/buyers-guide/best-hardware-synths-under-600/ |access-date=2021-02-09 |website=MusicTech |language=en-GB}}</ref> Although some manufacturers, such as Curtis, are unhappy about their products being cloned, Behringer said that creating clones of older hardware is legal where the ]s have expired.<ref name="Behringer2">{{Cite news |last=Warwick |first=Oli |date=8 April 2017 |title=Attack of the clones: Is Behringer's Minimoog a synth replica too far? |url=https://www.factmag.com/2017/04/08/behringer-minimoog-synth-clones/ |access-date=30 November 2018 |work=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-03-22|title=Curtis chip company speaks out against vintage synth cloning|url=https://www.factmag.com/2017/03/22/curtis-electromusic-vintage-synth-cloning/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Fact Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
| ⚫ | In 2016, |
||
| ⚫ | In 2016, Behringer released its first commercial synths, the Deepmind 12 and Deepmind 6.<ref>{{Cite web|last=April 2017|first=Bruce Aisher 16|title=Behringer DeepMind 12 review|url=https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/behringer-deepmind-12|access-date=2021-02-09|website=MusicRadar|language=en}}</ref> Shortly after, they followed up with the Deepmind 12D which was a desktop alternative to the Deepmind synths. The design of the Deepmind was inspired by the ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sonic LAB: Behringer DeepMind 12 Review|url=https://sonicstate.com/news/2016/10/20/sonic-lab-behringer-deepmind-12-review/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Sonicstate|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-08-01|title=Behringer details wireless-enabled DeepMind 12 polyphonic synth|url=https://www.factmag.com/2016/08/01/behringer-deepmind-12-polyphonic-synth-wi-fi-details/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Fact Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> Their second original synth was the ] and their third was Behringer Crave, a semi-modular synthesizer released in 2019. <ref name="verge">{{Cite web|last=Deahl|first=Dani|date=2019-02-01|title=5 of our favorite synths from NAMM 2019|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/1/18202835/analog-digital-synth-behringer-korg-teenage-engineering-arturia-namm-2019|access-date=2021-02-09|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref> The next synth was the Model D, a desktop clone of the ]. The following year, the ] was released, with the same "D type" circuits as the Model D, but now with 4 oscillators and a keyboard. Since 2018, Behringer has recreated synthesizers and drum machines including the ],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Behringer Readies TD-3 – Roland TB-303 Clone {{!}} FutureMusic the latest news on future music technology DJ gear producing dance music edm and everything electronic|url=https://futuremusic.com/2019/11/07/behringer-readies-td-3-roland-tb-303-clone/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=futuremusic.com}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-16|title=Behringer MonoPoly ready for production|url=https://www.gearnews.com/behringer-monopoly-ready-for-production/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=gearnews.com|language=en-GB}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Korg's ARP 2600 FS Should Not Be Overlooked {{!}} FutureMusic the latest news on future music technology DJ gear producing dance music edm and everything electronic|url=https://futuremusic.com/2020/01/27/korgs-arp-2600-fs-should-not-be-overlooked/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=futuremusic.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-19|title=Behringer 2600 rolls off the production line, to cost $599!|url=https://www.gearnews.com/behringer-2600-rolls-of-the-production-line-but-price-is-still-to-be-determined/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=gearnews.com|language=en-GB}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-09-09|title=Behringer Odyssey Review|url=https://www.musictech.net/reviews/hardware-instruments/behringer-odyssey/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=MusicTech|language=en-GB}}</ref> ], ],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-13|title=Behringer gives us an update on the RD-9 drum machine|url=https://www.gearnews.com/behringer-gives-us-an-update-on-the-rd-9-drum-machine/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=gearnews.com|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Behringer Readies RD-8 Drum Machine For Holiday Delivery {{!}} FutureMusic the latest news on future music technology DJ gear producing dance music edm and everything electronic|url=https://futuremusic.com/2019/08/19/behringer-readies-rd-8-drum-machine-for-holiday-delivery/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=futuremusic.com|date=19 August 2019}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-17|title=Behringer MS-101 Review|url=https://www.musictech.net/reviews/hardware-instruments/behringer-ms-101/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=MusicTech|language=en-GB}}</ref> Minimoog, ]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-17|title=Behringer reveals the PRO-800: clone of Sequential Prophet-600 with no keys and extra voices|url=https://www.gearnews.com/behringer-reveals-the-pro-800-clone-of-sequential-prophet-600-with-no-keys-and-extra-voices/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=gearnews.com|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Behringer Announces Poly D {{!}} FutureMusic the latest news on future music technology DJ gear producing dance music edm and everything electronic|url=https://futuremusic.com/2019/11/27/behringer-announces-poly-d/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=futuremusic.com|date=27 November 2019}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Scott |title=Behringer launches $299 clone of classic Wasp synthesizer |url=https://www.factmag.com/2019/11/25/behringer-wasp-deluxe-synth-announced/ |website=Fact Magazine |date=25 November 2019 |access-date=11 June 2021}}</ref> | ||
| Behringer is known for releasing their synthesizers at budget prices.<ref name="verge" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-08-12|title=Is Behringer's Cheap Analog Synthesizer Worth It?|url=https://www.electronicbeats.net/the-feed/is-behringers-cheap-analog-synthesizer-worth-it/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Telekom Electronic Beats|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-02|title=Best synths to buy in 2021: 17 of the best synthesizers under $600|url=https://www.musictech.net/guides/buyers-guide/best-hardware-synths-under-600/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=MusicTech|language=en-GB}}</ref> | |||
| ==Legal developments== | ==Legal developments== | ||
| Line 74: | Line 72: | ||
| === Legal cases === | === Legal cases === | ||
| In June 1997, the ] company (now LOUD Technologies) accused Behringer of trademark and ] infringement, and brought suit seeking $327M in damages.<ref name=":0"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125141419/http://sec.edgar-online.com/1998/05/14/17/0001047469-98-020293/Section8.asp |date=25 January 2008 }}</ref><ref></ref> The claims were later rejected by the court. In their suit, Mackie said that Behringer had had a history of copying products by other manufacturers and selling them as their own.<ref name=Billboard1997>Verna, Paul. ''Billboard'', 5 July 1997. Retrieved 27 October 2009.</ref> The Mackie suit detailed an instance, in which Behringer was sued by ] for copying the Aural Exciter Type F. In that case Aphex Systems won ]690,000.<ref name=Billboard1997/> The Mackie suit also mentioned similar cases filed by BBE, ] and Drawmer.<ref name=Billboard1997/> On 30 November 1999, the U.S. District Court in Seattle, Washington, dismissed Mackie claims that Behringer had infringed on Mackie copyrights with its MX 8000 mixer, noting that circuit ] are not covered by copyright laws.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5264/is_199902/ai_n20420920 |title=Mackie/Behringer lawsuit. {{!}} ''[[The Music Trades]]'' {{!}} Find Articles at Bnet.com |access-date=25 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071216010944/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5264/is_199902/ai_n20420920 |archive-date=16 December 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>'']'', February 1999. {{dead link|date=December 2011}} Retrieved on 8 September 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Ch/1999/252.html |title=Mackie Designs Inc v. Behringer Specialised studio equipment (UK) Ltd, Ulrich Bernhard Behringer & Behringer Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH EWHC Ch 252 (22nd February, 1999) |publisher=Bailii.org |date=23 April 1999 |access-date=2011-12-30}}</ref> | In June 1997, the ] company (now LOUD Technologies) accused Behringer of trademark and ] infringement, and brought suit seeking $327M in damages.<ref name=":0"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125141419/http://sec.edgar-online.com/1998/05/14/17/0001047469-98-020293/Section8.asp |date=25 January 2008 }}</ref><ref></ref> The claims were later rejected by the court. In their suit, Mackie said that Behringer had had a history of copying products by other manufacturers and selling them as their own.<ref name=Billboard1997>Verna, Paul. ''Billboard'', 5 July 1997. Retrieved 27 October 2009.</ref> The Mackie suit detailed an instance, in which Behringer was sued by ] for copying the Aural Exciter Type F. In that case Aphex Systems won ]690,000.<ref name=Billboard1997/> The Mackie suit also mentioned similar cases filed by BBE, ] and Drawmer.<ref name=Billboard1997/> On 30 November 1999, the U.S. District Court in Seattle, Washington, dismissed Mackie claims that Behringer had infringed on Mackie copyrights with its MX 8000 mixer, noting that circuit ] are not covered by copyright laws.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5264/is_199902/ai_n20420920 |title=Mackie/Behringer lawsuit. {{!}} ''[[The Music Trades]]'' {{!}} Find Articles at Bnet.com |access-date=25 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071216010944/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5264/is_199902/ai_n20420920 |archive-date=16 December 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>'']'', February 1999. {{dead link|date=December 2011}} Retrieved on 8 September 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Ch/1999/252.html |title=Mackie Designs Inc v. Behringer Specialised studio equipment (UK) Ltd, Ulrich Bernhard Behringer & Behringer Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH EWHC Ch 252 (22nd February, 1999) |publisher=Bailii.org |date=23 April 1999 |access-date=2011-12-30}}</ref> | ||
| In 2005, ] sued to enforce Roland's trade dress, trademark, and other intellectual property rights with regard to Behringer's recently released guitar pedals. The companies came to a confidential settlement in 2006 after Behringer changed their designs.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://mixonline.com/news/headline/behringer-roland-lawsuit-041006/ | title = Behringer and Roland Settle Lawsuit | date = 10 April 2006 | access-date = 29 December 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090719100435/http://mixonline.com/news/headline/behringer-roland-lawsuit-041006/ | archive-date = 19 July 2009 | url-status = dead}}</ref> | In 2005, ] sued to enforce Roland's trade dress, trademark, and other intellectual property rights with regard to Behringer's recently released guitar pedals. The companies came to a confidential settlement in 2006 after Behringer changed their designs.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://mixonline.com/news/headline/behringer-roland-lawsuit-041006/ | title = Behringer and Roland Settle Lawsuit | date = 10 April 2006 | access-date = 29 December 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090719100435/http://mixonline.com/news/headline/behringer-roland-lawsuit-041006/ | archive-date = 19 July 2009 | url-status = dead}}</ref> | ||
| In 2009, ] filed two lawsuits against various companies under the Behringer/Music Group umbrella for patent infringement, federal and common law trademark infringement, false designation of origin, trademark dilution and unfair competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sonicstate.com/news/2011/05/02/peavey-files-lawsuits-against-behringer/ |title=Peavey Files Lawsuits Against Behringer, Intellectual property issues cited |publisher=Sonicstate.com |access-date=2011-12-30}}</ref> In 2011 |
In 2009, ] filed two lawsuits against various companies under the Behringer/Music Group umbrella for patent infringement, federal and common law trademark infringement, false designation of origin, trademark dilution and unfair competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sonicstate.com/news/2011/05/02/peavey-files-lawsuits-against-behringer/ |title=Peavey Files Lawsuits Against Behringer, Intellectual property issues cited |publisher=Sonicstate.com |access-date=2011-12-30}}</ref> In 2011 the Music Group filed a countersuit against Peavey for "false advertising, false patent marking and unfair competition."<ref>{{cite web |last=Cooper |first=Gary |url=http://www.mi-pro.co.uk/news/32272/Behringers-MUSIC-group-files-US-suit-against-Peavey |title=Behringer's MUSIC group files US suit against Peavey |work=Musical instrument industry news |publisher=MI Pro |access-date=2011-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502165553/http://www.mi-pro.co.uk/news/32272/Behringers-MUSIC-group-files-US-suit-against-Peavey |archive-date=2 May 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
| In 2017, Music Group filed a defamation lawsuit against ], a Dave Smith Instruments engineer, and 20 ] forum users. The case was dismissed as a ] lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cdm.link/2018/06/behringer-have-sued-dave-smith-instruments-forum-posters-for-defamation/|title = Behringer sued Dave Smith Instruments, forum posters, and lost|date = 19 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Scott |title=Behringer tried to sue Dave Smith Instruments and 20 forum users for libel |url=https://www.factmag.com/2018/06/20/behringer-dave-smith-libel-case/ |website=Fact Magazine |date=20 June 2018 |access-date=11 June 2021}}</ref> | In 2017, Music Group filed a defamation lawsuit against ], a Dave Smith Instruments engineer, and 20 ] forum users. The case was dismissed as a ] lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cdm.link/2018/06/behringer-have-sued-dave-smith-instruments-forum-posters-for-defamation/|title = Behringer sued Dave Smith Instruments, forum posters, and lost|date = 19 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Scott |title=Behringer tried to sue Dave Smith Instruments and 20 forum users for libel |url=https://www.factmag.com/2018/06/20/behringer-dave-smith-libel-case/ |website=Fact Magazine |date=20 June 2018 |access-date=11 June 2021}}</ref> | ||
| == |
== "Kirn CorkSniffer" == | ||
| In March 2020, Behringer published a mock video for a synthesizer, the "KIRN CorkSniffer", which appeared to mock music technology journalist and synthesiser developer Peter Kirn. The video received criticism and accusations of using ] imagery. |
In March 2020, Behringer published a mock video for a synthesizer, the "KIRN CorkSniffer", which appeared to mock the music technology journalist and synthesiser developer Peter Kirn. The video received criticism and accusations of using ] imagery. Uli Behringer issued a response on ], saying the video had been intended as "pure satire by our marketing department".<ref>{{Cite web |last=March 2020 |first=MusicRadar03 |date=3 March 2020 |title=Behringer forced to apologise after bullying row |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/behringer-forced-to-apologise-after-bullying-row |access-date=2020-03-07 |website=MusicRadar |language=en}}</ref> The apology was deleted the following day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=March 2020 |first=MusicRadar04 |date=4 March 2020 |title=Behringer deletes 'CorkSniffer' apology as Peter Kirn tells people not to smash up their synths |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/behringer-deletes-corksniffer-apology-as-peter-kirn-tells-people-not-to-smash-up-their-synths |access-date=2020-03-07 |website=MusicRadar |language=en}}</ref> | ||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 110: | Line 108: | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:39, 21 November 2024
Audio equipment manufacturer For the people named Behringer, see Behringer (surname). Not to be confused with Beringer.
.svg){kind=logo} | |
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Genre | Audio equipment |
| Founded | 25 January 1989; 35 years ago (1989-01-25) in Germany |
| Headquarters | Willich, Germany |
| Key people | Uli Behringer (Founder and CEO) |
| Products | Audio and lighting equipment, musical instruments |
| Number of employees | 3,500 |
| Parent | Music Tribe |
| Website | www |
Behringer is an audio equipment company founded by the Swiss engineer Uli Behringer on 25 January 1989 in Willich, Germany. Behringer produces equipment including synthesizers, mixers, audio interfaces and amplifiers. Behringer is owned by Music Tribe (formerly Music Group), a holding company chaired by Uli Behringer.
History
Foundation and early development
Uli Behringer was born on April 13, 1961 in Baden, Switzerland. His father was a church organist and nuclear physicist; his mother a pianist and interpreter; his uncle a professor of composition at the Richard Strauss Conservatory in Munich; and his aunt a classical singer and pianist. At the age of four, Uli Behringer started to learn piano. When Behringer was five years old, his father acquired the organ from a church being demolished. He then helped his father integrate the organ with over 1000 pipes(?) into the family home. At the age of 16, he built his first synthesizer, the UB1.
Marketing, manufacturing, and acquisitions
While Behringer products were manufactured in Willich, Germany, many of the individual components were imported from mainland China. In 1990, to lower production costs, Behringer shifted production from West Germany to mainland China. Initially, subcontractors were engaged to produce the equipment. By 1997 Uli Behringer had relocated to Hong Kong to better supervise manufacturing quality.
CoolAudio acquisition
In May 2000, Behringer acquired the rights to the entire CoolAudio technology from Intersil Corporation, a US-based semi-conductor manufacturer specializing in integrated circuits for audio applications. The acquisition included an intellectual property portfolio and licensees such as Alpine and Rowe, among others.
Music Tribe City
In 2018, Music Tribe opened its own factory, Music Tribe City, in Zhongshan, Guangdong, China. The factory handles the production and distribution for Music Tribe's 12 brands, including Behringer products.
Instruments
_(cropped).jpg)
The Behringer RD-8 drum machine (top) is based on the Roland TR-808 drum machine (bottom).
Since 2016, Behringer has become a manufacturer of synthesizers and drum machines, which includes original models and recreations of analog hardware. Although some manufacturers, such as Curtis, are unhappy about their products being cloned, Behringer said that creating clones of older hardware is legal where the patents have expired.
In 2016, Behringer released its first commercial synths, the Deepmind 12 and Deepmind 6. Shortly after, they followed up with the Deepmind 12D which was a desktop alternative to the Deepmind synths. The design of the Deepmind was inspired by the Roland Juno-106. Their second original synth was the Neutron and their third was Behringer Crave, a semi-modular synthesizer released in 2019. The next synth was the Model D, a desktop clone of the Minimoog. The following year, the Poly D was released, with the same "D type" circuits as the Model D, but now with 4 oscillators and a keyboard. Since 2018, Behringer has recreated synthesizers and drum machines including the Roland TB-303, Korg Monopoly, Arp 2600, Arp Odyssey, Roland TR-808, TR-909, Roland SH-101, Minimoog, Sequential Circuits Prophet-600 and EDP Wasp.
Legal developments
FCC dispute
In February 2006, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fined Behringer $1M, issuing a Notice of Apparent Liability against Behringer, claiming that 50 of the company's products had not been tested for conducted and radiated emissions limits as required by US law, and noting that Behringer continued to sell the products for a year after being notified. Behringer's position was that they believed that since the units had passed stringent European CE standards, they would also comply with FCC verification requirements. According to Behringer, it had overlooked the differences in testing standards and procedures under FCC and European requirements. The company has since implemented a complete UL certified safety and EMC testing laboratory under the UL Certified Witness Program, including in-house audits and global regulatory review systems.
Legal cases
In June 1997, the Mackie company (now LOUD Technologies) accused Behringer of trademark and trade dress infringement, and brought suit seeking $327M in damages. The claims were later rejected by the court. In their suit, Mackie said that Behringer had had a history of copying products by other manufacturers and selling them as their own. The Mackie suit detailed an instance, in which Behringer was sued by Aphex Systems for copying the Aural Exciter Type F. In that case Aphex Systems won DM690,000. The Mackie suit also mentioned similar cases filed by BBE, dbx and Drawmer. On 30 November 1999, the U.S. District Court in Seattle, Washington, dismissed Mackie claims that Behringer had infringed on Mackie copyrights with its MX 8000 mixer, noting that circuit schematics are not covered by copyright laws.
In 2005, Roland Corporation sued to enforce Roland's trade dress, trademark, and other intellectual property rights with regard to Behringer's recently released guitar pedals. The companies came to a confidential settlement in 2006 after Behringer changed their designs.
In 2009, Peavey Electronics Corporation filed two lawsuits against various companies under the Behringer/Music Group umbrella for patent infringement, federal and common law trademark infringement, false designation of origin, trademark dilution and unfair competition. In 2011 the Music Group filed a countersuit against Peavey for "false advertising, false patent marking and unfair competition."
In 2017, Music Group filed a defamation lawsuit against Dave Smith Instruments, a Dave Smith Instruments engineer, and 20 Gearslutz forum users. The case was dismissed as a SLAPP lawsuit.
"Kirn CorkSniffer"
In March 2020, Behringer published a mock video for a synthesizer, the "KIRN CorkSniffer", which appeared to mock the music technology journalist and synthesiser developer Peter Kirn. The video received criticism and accusations of using antisemitic imagery. Uli Behringer issued a response on Facebook, saying the video had been intended as "pure satire by our marketing department". The apology was deleted the following day.
See also
References
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External links
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