The Behringer Pro-800 is one of those synthesizers that sparked a lot of discussion from the very first announcement. An affordable, 8-voice analog polysynth inspired by the legendary Sequential Prophet-600 — on paper, it sounds almost too good to be true. After spending multiple sessions with the Pro-800 in my studio, I can say this review is based on real-world use, not just first impressions.
This is not a “giant killer” synth. But it is a very interesting budget analog polysynth — especially if you approach it with realistic expectations. So let’s move on to the Behringer Pro-800 Review.
Build & Interface – Simple, Familiar, and Straightforward
The interface of the Pro-800 is classic and immediately understandable if you’ve ever used a Prophet-style synth.
You get:
Knob-per-function layout
Clear front panel with no deep menu diving
Fast access to envelopes, filter, and modulation
From a workflow perspective, this is one of the Pro-800’s biggest strengths. You can sit down, turn a few knobs, and immediately hear results.
Build quality is typical modern Behringer. It’s not boutique, but it’s solid enough for studio use. If you already accept Behringer’s construction standards, nothing here will surprise you — positively or negatively.
Sound – Lighter Than REV-2, But Mix-Friendly
Let’s address the most important part: the sound.
I’ve had the Pro-800 in my studio several times since its release, which allowed me to test it properly and compare it directly with my main polysynth — the Sequential Prophet REV-2. That comparison is important, because it clearly shows both the strengths and the limitations of the Pro-800.
Compared directly to my Prophet REV-2, the Pro-800’s oscillators are:
Less thick
Less flexible
Less “expensive” sounding
However — and this is important — that “thinner” character is not automatically a downside.
In fact, the Pro-800 often sits surprisingly well in a mix. It doesn’t dominate the spectrum like some high-end analog polysynths do. Pads, chords, and sequences can find their place without fighting other elements too much.
This makes it a practical instrument for layered arrangements, especially in electronic music where space matters.
The Filter – The Weakest Link
If there’s one area where the Pro-800 clearly shows its budget nature, it’s the filter.
The filter is okay, but not great.
It lacks some depth and character
Resonance can feel a bit flat
It doesn’t have the musical response of higher-end Prophet filters
It works, it’s usable, but it’s clearly an area where compromises were made.
Stability, Firmware & Power Supply
During my very first session with the Pro-800, I experienced a noticeable noise coming from the power supply. It was quite irritating during quiet passages and when using clean, spacious effects like reverb or delay. In a dense mix, however, it was largely irrelevant and easy to mask.
The good news? I haven’t encountered this issue again in later sessions, so it was most likely related to my first unit. The Pro-800 units I had in the studio afterward didn’t show this problem at all.
One more thing worth mentioning: the latest firmware updates made the Pro-800 noticeably more stable compared to early units. If you want to keep your Behringer synth running smoothly and avoid common connection/update issues, I also made a quick step-by-step guide here: How to Update Behringer Synth Firmware.
Mono Output – A Missed Opportunity
One decision that still feels questionable is the mono output.
For an 8-voice polysynth, stereo outputs would have been extremely useful — especially for:
Chorus and spatial effects
Wide pad processing
External stereo FX chains
You can obviously process it externally, but native stereo outs would have made the instrument more flexible in modern setups.
Pro-800 vs Behringer Pro-1
Interestingly, as a mono synth, the Pro-800 doesn’t feel as powerful as Behringer’s own Pro-1.
The Pro-1 sounded thicker and more present to me — more aggressive and more forward in the mix. The Pro-800 trades that raw power for polyphony and a more polite character.
Different tools, different purposes.
That said, I can easily imagine a “Prophet-style” Behringer poly built around the Pro-1’s oscillators and a stronger, more characterful filter. In a polyphonic format, that combination could be extremely interesting — a step above the Pro-800 in terms of raw tone and presence, and something that could sit in a higher tier of Behringer’s lineup.
Price – Hard to Complain
Since its release, the price of the Pro-800 has steadily dropped, which makes the synth an even stronger value today. If you’re interested in how Behringer prices evolve over time — and where the best deals usually appear — you can check my updated guide here: Behringer Synth Discounts in 2026.
At its current price point, it’s honestly hard to complain:
✔ 8 analog voices
✔ Classic Prophet-style architecture
✔ Hands-on interface
✔ Stable firmware (now)
For the money, it offers a lot.
Sound Demos – Behringer Pro-800 Review
Here’s my longest recorded exploration of the Pro-800 — a full one-hour session:
My Custom Presets for Behringer Pro-800
I’ve also created a dedicated soundsets for the Pro-800, focusing on classic analog sounds, pads, sequences, and musical textures.
You can find my soundsets here:
https://mrcardsynths.com/product-category/behringer/pro-800-presets/
Final Thoughts – A Smart Budget Choice
The Behringer Pro-800 is not perfect.
It has clear limitations — filter quality, mono output, and typical Behringer build compromises.
But if you:
✔ Have a limited budget
✔ Want real analog polyphony
✔ Accept Behringer’s build quality
✔ Understand what you’re buying
— then the Pro-800 is a very solid and practical choice.
It delivers a wide range of classic analog sounds for a fraction of the price of higher-end instruments. If you approach it consciously and don’t expect miracles, it can absolutely earn its place in a studio.
If you’re just starting out, you may also want to check my guides: Your First Synthesizer – Top 5 Picks and Top 5 Cheap Creative Synthesizers.
