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{{short description|Audio equipment manufacturer}}
{{for|the people named Behringer|Behringer (surname)}}
{{distinguish|Beringer (disambiguation){{!}}Beringer}} {{distinguish|Beringer (disambiguation){{!}}Beringer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2012}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}

{{Infobox company {{Infobox company
| name = Behringer | name = Behringer
| logo = Behringer logo 2010.png | logo = Behringer logo (2010).svg
| logo_size = 100px
| image = Behringer-Xenyx-1002FX.jpg
| image_caption =
| image_size = 220
| type = Private | type = Private
| genre = Audio equipment | 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 = Uli Behringer<ref name="OurStory"/> | founder =
| hq_location = Willich, Germany
| locations = | locations =
| area_served = Worldwide | area_served =
| key_people = Uli Behringer (] and CEO) <ref>{{cite web | key_people = Uli Behringer (] and CEO)
|url=http://www.behringer.com/EN/Our-Story/Movers-and-Shakers.aspx
|title=BEHRINGER: Movers and Shakers
|work=behringer.com
|accessdate=3 October 2010
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720075954/http://www.behringer.com/EN/Our-Story/Movers-and-Shakers.aspx
|archive-date=20 July 2011
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>
| industry = | industry =
| products = Audio and lighting equipment, musical instruments | products = Audio and lighting equipment, musical instruments
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}} }}


'''Behringer''' is an ] company founded by the Swiss engineer Uli Behringer on January 25, 1989, in ], ]. Behringer was listed as the 14th largest manufacturer of music products in 2007.<ref name="Music Trades, December 2008">''],'' December 2008</ref> Behringer is a multinational group of companies, with direct marketing presence in 10 countries or territories and a sales network in over 130 countries around the world. Though originally a German manufacturer, the company now makes its products in ]. '''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>

The company is owned by ], a holding company also founded and chaired by Uli Behringer, and currently based in the tax haven ]. It also owns other audio companies such as ], ] and Bugera,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Prown|first1=Pete|title=Hail-able: The Bugera 212V-BK|newspaper=]|date=February 2012}}</ref> as well as Electronic Manufacturing Services company ]. In June 2012, Music Group also acquired ] company, which designs and manufactures professional loudspeaker systems and was formerly owned by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.music-group.com/brands.html|title=MUSIC Group|work=music-group.com|accessdate=20 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714133559/http://www.music-group.com/brands.html|archive-date=14 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://pro-music-news.com/html/01/e91208be.htm |title=Behringer's Music Group acquires Midas and Klark Teknik |work=pro-music-news.com |accessdate=20 September 2010}}</ref>


==History== ==History==
===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>


===1989–2001: Foundation and early development=== ===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.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holder |first1=Christopher |title=NAME BEHIND THE NAME: Uli Behringer, Behringer Inc |url=https://www.audiotechnology.com/by-brand/behringer/uli-behringer |website=AudioTechnology |access-date=13 May 2021}}</ref>
Uli Behringer, the company's founder, was committed to music and technology from a very early age, and had constructed a ] (the UB-1) by the age of 16.<ref name=OurStory>{{cite web | url = http://www.behringer.com/EN/Our-Story/The-BEHRINGER-Story.aspx | title = The Behringer Story | publisher = Behringer | accessdate = 29 December 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090925025800/http://www.behringer.com/EN/Our-Story/The-BEHRINGER-Story.aspx | archive-date = 25 September 2009 | url-status = dead }}</ref>


⚫ ====CoolAudio acquisition====
While studying sound engineering and classical piano at the ] in ], Behringer found the university had limited equipment for student use, so he started to build his own products. His fellow students requested equipment from him too, and soon he was receiving more orders than he could handle himself, leading to the creation of Behringer Inc.<ref name="OurStory"/>
⚫ ]
In the early days, Behringer focused on studio audio processors such as noise reduction systems and compressors,<ref name="OurStory"/> but the product line soon included guitar amps, PA amplifiers and loudspeakers, mixing boards, stompboxes, recording interfaces, microphones, digital pianos, guitars, lighting equipment, etc. The appeal of Behringer's products was the package of performance and low price.<ref name="Music Trades, April 2009">{{cite journal | url = http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/197492837.html | title = Behringer turns 20: aggressive music & audio manufacturer marks two decades of growth with a vertically integrated manufacturing | journal = ] | date = April 2009 | accessdate = 29 December 2009}}</ref>


⚫ 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>
⚫ 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 in an effort to supervise manufacturing quality and to better understand Chinese culture.<ref>Music Trades, Jan 2004</ref><ref name="Music Trades, Nov 2008">''],'' Nov 2008</ref>


===Ear logo=== ====Music Tribe City====
In 2018, Music Tribe opened its own factory, Music Tribe City, in ], ], ]. The factory handles the production and distribution for Music Tribe's 12 brands, including Behringer products.<ref>{{cite web |title=MUSIC Tribe's New Manufacturing Facility Emphasises Transparency |url=https://www.systemsintegrationasia.com/music-tribes-new-manufacturing-facility-emphasises-transparency/ |website=Systems Integration Asia |access-date=2 September 2021}}</ref>
]
According to Uli Behringer his piano teacher, impressed with his sense of ], nicknamed him "The Ear", the inspiration for the Behringer Ear logo. The highlighted "ING" stands for "diploma engineer", or the German academic title "Dipl.-Ing", which he received upon his graduation from the ].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.amazona.de/interview-uli-behringer/2/ | title = A Musicians Life: Mr. Behringer | publisher = AMAZONA.de | accessdate = 23 October 2015| date = 15 November 2009 }}</ref><ref>''],'' 1 December 1992</ref>


== Instruments ==
The logo was updated to the current logo in September 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behringer.com/EN/news/new-logo-new-style|title=New Logo, New Style…|work=behringer.com|accessdate=5 October 2010|date=24 September 2010|author=Sherry Lipp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008062254/http://www.behringer.com/EN/news/new-logo-new-style|archivedate=8 October 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{Multiple image

| align =
⚫ ===CoolAudio acquisition===
| direction = vertical
⚫ 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 extensive intellectual property portfolio and licensees such as Alpine and Rowe, among others.<ref>{{cite press release | url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BEHRINGER+ACQUIRES+COOLAUDIO.-a062703215 | title = Behringer Acquires CoolAudio | publisher = Behringer | date = 1 May 200 | accessdate = 29 December 2009}}</ref>
| total_width =

===2002–2007: Behringer City=== | image1 = Behringer RD-8 8129.jpg
| alt1 =
In 2002, Behringer completed its own factory, Behringer City, in ] of China's ] after it consolidated more than ten separate production locations into one vertically integrated plant. Comprising eight buildings that produces electronics, speakers, guitars and digital pianos and also hosts an onsite health clinic.<ref name="Music Trades, April 2009"/> This strategy was different than that taken by other musical instrument companies who used third party manufacturers. Choosing to run a self-contained plant allowed Behringer a greater level of quality control.<ref name="Music Trades, April 2009"/> The {{convert|1200000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} manufacturing complex in Zhongshan ships more than 2.5 million Behringer products per year to markets around the globe. The plant turns out over 50,000 mixers per month.
| caption1 =

| image2 = TR-808 - MIM, Phoenix (2019-08-30 14.59.26 by Bryan Pocius) (cropped).jpg
===Behringer University===
| 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>
Inspired by ], and driven by the ] philosophy of continual improvement,<ref name="Music Trades, Nov 2008"/> Behringer makes efforts to help its employees to improve. "Behringer University" supplies employees with training resources and E-learning courses to hone their career skills within the company. This project includes classes for management, career planning, health, language, and general knowledge.<ref name="OurStory"/><ref name="Music Trades, Nov 2008"/>
}}

==Awards==
In 2008, Uli Behringer was one of 60 finalists in "Entrepreneur of the Year" by Ernst & Young of Germany.<sup></nowiki>]</sup>


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, Uli Behringer received the award "Global Audio Industry Leader in recognition of his visionary leadership in creating and strengthening the International MUSIC" <sup></nowiki>]</sup>


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>
==Developments==


==Legal developments==
=== FCC dispute === === FCC dispute ===
⚫ In February 2006, the US ] (FCC) fined Behringer $1M,<ref name=gearwireFCC>Gearwire.com. 14 June 2007. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017224949/http://www.gearwire.com/behringer-fcc.html |date=17 October 2007 }} Retrieved on 4 October 2009.</ref> 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,<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216220316/http://radiomagonline.com/currents/radio_currents_022006/ |date=16 February 2009 }}</ref> and noting that Behringer continued to sell the products for a year after being notified.<ref name=gearwireFCC/> 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.<ref name=gearwireFCC/> 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 ] certified safety and EMC testing laboratory under the UL Certified Witness Program, including in-house audits and global regulatory review systems.<ref name="musnews">{{cite web | url = http://www.musiciansnews.com/be/behringer/behringer_resolved_fcc_compliance_issues_before_recent_rulin.shtml | title = Behringer Resolved FCC Compliance Issues Before Recent Ruling | publisher = Musiciansnews.com | access-date = 29 December 2009 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130129122242/http://www.musiciansnews.com/be/behringer/behringer_resolved_fcc_compliance_issues_before_recent_rulin.shtml | archive-date = 29 January 2013}}</ref>
⚫ ]
]
⚫ In February 2006, the US ] (FCC) fined Behringer $1M,<ref name=gearwireFCC>Gearwire.com. 14 June 2007. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017224949/http://www.gearwire.com/behringer-fcc.html |date=17 October 2007 }} Retrieved on 4 October 2009.</ref> 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,<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216220316/http://radiomagonline.com/currents/radio_currents_022006/ |date=16 February 2009 }}</ref> and noting that Behringer continued to sell the products for a year after being notified.<ref name=gearwireFCC/> Behringer had believed that since the units had passed stringent European CE standards, they would also comply with FCC verification requirements.<ref name=gearwireFCC/> According to Behringer, it had overlooked the differences in testing standards and procedures under FCC and European requirements and has since implemented a complete UL certified safety and EMC testing laboratory under the UL certified witness program, including an in-house audit and global regulatory review system.<ref name="musnews">{{cite web | url = http://www.musiciansnews.com/be/behringer/behringer_resolved_fcc_compliance_issues_before_recent_rulin.shtml | title = Behringer Resolved FCC Compliance Issues Before Recent Ruling | publisher = Musiciansnews.com | accessdate = 29 December 2009 | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://archive.today/20130129122242/http://www.musiciansnews.com/be/behringer/behringer_resolved_fcc_compliance_issues_before_recent_rulin.shtml | archivedate = 29 January 2013 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>


=== Legal cases === === Legal cases ===
In June 1997, ] 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> but such claims were later rejected by the court. In their suit, Mackie said that Behringer 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. {{!}} ''&#91;&#91;The Music Trades&#93;&#93;'' {{!}} 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 |accessdate=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. {{!}} ''&#91;&#91;The Music Trades&#93;&#93;'' {{!}} 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/page-45960_32_0.html |title=Roland sues Behringer |author=Anonymous |publisher=Tom's Hardware Forum |date=8 March 2005 |accessdate=29 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719162006/http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/page-45960_32_0.html |archivedate=19 July 2011 }}{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2009}}</ref> The two 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 | accessdate = 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 | df = dmy-all }}</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 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 |accessdate=2011-12-30}}</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 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 2011 The Music Group filed a lawsuit 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 |accessdate=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 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


In 2018, Behringer/Music Tribe attempted to file a libel suit against Dave Smith Instruments (now ]) and 20 anonymous forum users for making what it referred to as "false, defamatory and libelous" remarks about its ] such as the ], ] OB-Xa, and Sequential Pro-One. Although the lawsuit was directed mainly at the forum users, DSI was involved because an engineer who worked for them was a participant in the discussions. The lawsuits were dismissed<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mixmag.net/read/behringer-attempts-to-sue-dave-smith-instruments-and-forum-users-for-250-000-news|title=Behringer attempts to sue Dave Smith Instruments and forum users for $250,000|last=|first=|date=|website=Mixmag|access-date=2019-04-07}}</ref> after the defendants filed a motion under California's anti-] statute.<ref>{{cite web |title=Behringer sued Dave Smith Instruments, forum posters, and lost |url=http://cdm.link/2018/06/behringer-have-sued-dave-smith-instruments-forum-posters-for-defamation/ |website=CDM Create Digital Music |accessdate=25 February 2019 |date=19 June 2018}}</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" ===


⚫ == "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 extensive criticism and accusations of using ] imagery. Company founder Uli Behringer issued a non-apology apology on ], saying the video had been intended as "pure satire by our marketing department".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/behringer-forced-to-apologise-after-bullying-row|title=Behringer forced to apologise after bullying row|last=March 2020|first=MusicRadar03|website=MusicRadar|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> The apology was deleted the following day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/behringer-deletes-corksniffer-apology-as-peter-kirn-tells-people-not-to-smash-up-their-synths|title=Behringer deletes ‘CorkSniffer’ apology as Peter Kirn tells people not to smash up their synths|last=March 2020|first=MusicRadar04|website=MusicRadar|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> 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==
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==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
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Latest revision as of 16:17, 30 December 2024

Audio equipment manufacturer For the people named Behringer, see Behringer (surname). Not to be confused with Beringer.

Behringer
Company typePrivate
GenreAudio equipment
Founded25 January 1989; 35 years ago (1989-01-25) in Germany
HeadquartersWillich, Germany
Key peopleUli Behringer (Founder and CEO)
ProductsAudio and lighting equipment, musical instruments
Number of employees3,500
ParentMusic Tribe
Websitewww.behringer.com

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

The certified EMC testing facility in Behringer City

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

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

  1. "Music rebrands its tribe". Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  2. "Interview: Uli Behringer, seine Erfolgsgeschichte". AMAZONA.de (in German). 15 November 2009. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  3. "Interview & Reisereport: Uli Behringer 2019 in China". AMAZONA.de (in German). 8 May 2019. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  4. Holder, Christopher. "NAME BEHIND THE NAME: Uli Behringer, Behringer Inc". AudioTechnology. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  5. Holst, Cindy. "Behringer Acquires Rights to CoolAudio". Sound & Video Contractor. Future plc. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  6. "MUSIC Tribe's New Manufacturing Facility Emphasises Transparency". Systems Integration Asia. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  7. Sherbourne, Simon (January 2020). "Behringer RD-8 Rhythm Designer". Sound on Sound. SOS Publications Group. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  8. "5 Popular Synths That Keep Going Down in Price". reverb.com. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  9. ^ Deahl, Dani (1 February 2019). "5 of our favorite synths from NAMM 2019". The Verge. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  10. "Is Behringer's Cheap Analog Synthesizer Worth It?". Telekom Electronic Beats. 12 August 2016. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  11. "Best synths to buy in 2021: 17 of the best synthesizers under $600". MusicTech. 2 February 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  12. Warwick, Oli (8 April 2017). "Attack of the clones: Is Behringer's Minimoog a synth replica too far?". Fact. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  13. "Curtis chip company speaks out against vintage synth cloning". Fact Magazine. 22 March 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  14. April 2017, Bruce Aisher 16. "Behringer DeepMind 12 review". MusicRadar. Retrieved 9 February 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. "Sonic LAB: Behringer DeepMind 12 Review". Sonicstate. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  16. "Behringer details wireless-enabled DeepMind 12 polyphonic synth". Fact Magazine. 1 August 2016. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  17. "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". futuremusic.com. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  18. "Behringer MonoPoly ready for production". gearnews.com. 16 October 2020. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  19. "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". futuremusic.com. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  20. "Behringer 2600 rolls off the production line, to cost $599!". gearnews.com. 19 October 2020. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  21. "Behringer Odyssey Review". MusicTech. 9 September 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  22. "Behringer gives us an update on the RD-9 drum machine". gearnews.com. 13 September 2020. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  23. "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". futuremusic.com. 19 August 2019. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  24. "Behringer MS-101 Review". MusicTech. 17 October 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  25. "Behringer reveals the PRO-800: clone of Sequential Prophet-600 with no keys and extra voices". gearnews.com. 17 September 2020. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  26. "Behringer Announces Poly D | FutureMusic the latest news on future music technology DJ gear producing dance music edm and everything electronic". futuremusic.com. 27 November 2019. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  27. Wilson, Scott (25 November 2019). "Behringer launches $299 clone of classic Wasp synthesizer". Fact Magazine. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  28. ^ Gearwire.com. 14 June 2007. "Behringer Fined One Million Dollars By FCC." Archived 17 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 4 October 2009.
  29. Radio Currents Online, 20–26 February 2006 Archived 16 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  30. "Behringer Resolved FCC Compliance Issues Before Recent Ruling". Musiciansnews.com. Archived from the original on 29 January 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2009.
  31. Loud Technologies Inc. LTec Quarterly Report (10-Q) Item 1. Legal Proceedings Archived 25 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  32. Mackie Designs Inc. Files Lawsuit to Stop "Knockoff" Products... | Business Wire | Find Articles at Bnet.com
  33. ^ Verna, Paul. Billboard, 5 July 1997. "Mackie Sues Over Knockoffs: Behringer, Sam Ash Are Defendants." Retrieved 27 October 2009.
  34. "Mackie/Behringer lawsuit. | [[The Music Trades]] | Find Articles at Bnet.com". Archived from the original on 16 December 2007. Retrieved 25 October 2007.
  35. The Music Trades, February 1999. Archived at Entrepreneur.com as "Mackie/Behringer Lawsuit." Retrieved on 8 September 2009.
  36. "Mackie Designs Inc v. Behringer Specialised studio equipment (UK) Ltd, Ulrich Bernhard Behringer & Behringer Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH [1999] EWHC Ch 252 (22nd February, 1999)". Bailii.org. 23 April 1999. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
  37. "Behringer and Roland Settle Lawsuit". 10 April 2006. Archived from the original on 19 July 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2009.
  38. "Peavey Files Lawsuits Against Behringer, Intellectual property issues cited". Sonicstate.com. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
  39. Cooper, Gary. "Behringer's MUSIC group files US suit against Peavey". Musical instrument industry news. MI Pro. Archived from the original on 2 May 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
  40. "Behringer sued Dave Smith Instruments, forum posters, and lost". 19 June 2018.
  41. Wilson, Scott (20 June 2018). "Behringer tried to sue Dave Smith Instruments and 20 forum users for libel". Fact Magazine. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  42. March 2020, MusicRadar03 (3 March 2020). "Behringer forced to apologise after bullying row". MusicRadar. Retrieved 7 March 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  43. March 2020, MusicRadar04 (4 March 2020). "Behringer deletes 'CorkSniffer' apology as Peter Kirn tells people not to smash up their synths". MusicRadar. Retrieved 7 March 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

External links

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