Behringer Resurrects Cult Classic: The BM-17 Frequency Box Unleashes Analog Chaos

 Behringer has officially expanded its lineup of vintage-inspired gear with the release of the BM-17 Frequency Box. Designed for musicians who find standard distortion pedals a bit too “tame,” the BM-17 is an authentic recreation of a legendary 1990s frequency box that blurs the line between a guitar pedal and a modular synthesizer.

By combining a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with an envelope follower, the BM-17 transforms any input signal—be it guitar, bass, or synth—into a wild, expressive sound generator. Whether you are looking for thick, velcro-like fuzz or screaming, self-oscillating textures, this pedal is built to push the boundaries of experimental sound design.

From Subtle Grit to Synth-Style Meltdown

Following yesterday’s announcement of the new Ring Stinger Lovetone clone, Behringer has now announced another Moogerfooger clone.

The BM-17 is built around an organic, all-analog circuit that reacts dynamically to your playing. Unlike digital recreations, the BM-17’s VCO tracks your instrument’s volume and attack, allowing the effect to “breathe” alongside your performance.

Key Features at a Glance:

• Dynamic Envelope Control: The built-in envelope follower allows the oscillator to track your picking dynamics for expressive filter sweeps and pitch dives.

• VCO Power: Delivers everything from snarling synth tones to glitchy, rhythmic pulses.

• Stage-Ready Build: Housed in a compact, rugged enclosure designed to survive the rigors of touring.

• Expression Input: Allows for hands-free manipulation of frequency parameters, turning the pedal into a true performance instrument.

Precision Control: Blend, Drive, and Range

Behringer has equipped the BM-17 with a versatile control set that ensures it isn’t just a “noise box.” The Blend knob is perhaps the pedal’s most vital tool, allowing users to mix their dry signal with the oscillator. This means you can maintain the clarity of your original riff while layering a growling synth sub-octave beneath it.

The Drive control manages how hard your signal hits the circuit, while the Range switch shifts the oscillator across different frequency bands—perfect for moving from low-end rumble to piercing, high-pitched leads.

Technical Specifications

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Is the BM-17 just a fuzz pedal?

Not exactly. While it can produce fuzz-like tones, it is primarily a Frequency Box. It uses an internal oscillator that tracks your note’s pitch and dynamics, creating sounds more akin to a monophonic synthesizer than a traditional clipping pedal.

What instruments can I use with the BM-17?

The pedal is highly versatile. It works excellently with electric guitars, but its wide frequency range makes it a powerhouse for bass players and desktop synth enthusiasts looking to add analog grit to their patches.

Does it require an expression pedal to work?

No, the BM-17 functions perfectly on its own. However, adding an expression pedal unlocks real-time control over frequency sweeps, which is ideal for “wah-like” synth effects during live performances.

Is it true bypass?

Like most modern Behringer pedals in this series, it features a high-quality bypass circuit to ensure your tone remains transparent when the effect is disengaged.

Our Thoughts: A New Budget Frontier for Experimentalists?

The Behringer BM-17 Frequency Box is a bold addition to the pedalboards of shoegaze, industrial, and experimental musicians. By capturing the “cult-favorite” essence of its 1990s predecessor and adding modern reliability, Behringer has delivered a powerful tool for those looking to explore the fringes of analog sound. It’s more than an effect; it’s an instrument in its own right.

This one may not be for everyone, as it has a very experimental edge. But for £99 it could well be just what you need!

Pre0rder, Pricing & Availability