Behringer Phara-O Mini

I've always had a soft spot for portable instruments, and after selling my Volca Keys a few months ago, a void had settled in my otherwise well-filled setup. This Phara-O Mini immediately intrigued me, and I didn't hesitate to buy it before its announced stock depletion... Having also owned a Minikorg 700 in the past, I was curious to see what this model had to offer, especially in terms of the filter.

First impression: very positive. Beyond the grain of the VCO that I knew by heart, the delay is excellent. It is much less noisy than the one in the Volca Keys, and the ability to adjust the effect level (wet/dry) is a real plus. In general, this synth is quieter and seems more powerful, especially in the mids where it develops a nice rumble with a little something that reminds me of a Minimoog's character. It's not the growl of a 2600, but we're almost there.

The filter itself is quite good. Softer and more controlled than an MS-20's, but far from the unique grain of the MiniKorg 700 and its famous "Traveller" filter. I admit, I was hoping for a bit more in this regard.

Two small downsides to note: the lack of a built-in speaker, which isn't an issue for me but could disappoint some, as well as the absence of battery power. USB-C power is convenient but can quickly introduce noise if directly plugged into a computer or forces you to invest in an external battery to play comfortably.

Am I going to keep it? Yes, without hesitation. I've already tested a few sequences with my Keystep Pro, and it works brilliantly. I can't wait to explore it further, for example, with my effect pedals or a more robust master keyboard.