Behringer has officially announced the Ring Stinger, a faithful recreation of the legendary and elusive Lovetone Ring Stinger. This “psychedelic” analogue multi-effects pedal brings back the chaotic, clangorous, and beautiful textures of the 90s cult classic at a fraction of the original’s vintage market price.
Lovetone Clone #2
For decades, the original Lovetone Ring Stinger has been a “holy grail” for experimental guitarists and synth enthusiasts alike. Known for its “Barbie-pink” aesthetic and unpredictable sonic character, it was a staple for artists seeking everything from metallic “Dalek” voices to rich, germanium-based octave fuzz.
Preorder at Andertons now -ÂŁ99
Preorder at Sweetwater now -$119
Preorder at Thomann now – €98
Following on from their recent Meatball clone, we now have another Lovetone copy from Uli and his team.
Behringer Meatball
Available at Andertons, priced at ÂŁ99
Available at Thomann, priced at €98
Available at Sweetwater, priced at $119Â
Now, Behringer is making this complex piece of sound-design history accessible to everyone.
Key Features & Breakdown
The Behringer Ring Stinger is more than just a ring modulator; it is a comprehensive analogue workstation for signal destruction and transformation.
1. Dual Operating Modes: Ring Mod & Octave
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Ring Mod Mode: The core of the pedal. It combines your input signal with an onboard VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) to create “sum and difference” frequencies, resulting in bell-like, metallic, and sci-fi timbres.
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Octave Mode: By disabling the VCO, the pedal acts as a unique “Octave Fuzz.” The original Lovetone used germanium diodes; this mode produces a biting, vintage-style fuzz that tracks your playing and raises the output by one octave.
2. Comprehensive Modulation Controls
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Onboard LFO: Features selectable Triangle and Square waveforms to modulate the carrier VCO frequency or pulse width, creating rhythmic, pulsing, or “siren-style” effects.
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VCO Waveshapes: Choose between Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, and Square waves for the internal carrier to achieve vastly different textures—from smooth and subtle to sharp and aggressive.
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Timbre & Drive: The Drive control manages input gain (and distortion), while the Timbre knob acts as a unique filter, shifting from “fizzy” highs to “pokey” mid-boosts.
3. Connectivity & Modular Potential
True to the original’s “modular-in-a-box” philosophy, the Behringer Ring Stinger is packed with I/O for integration with other gear:
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Carrier In: Allows you to override the internal VCO and use an external sound source (like a second synth or a drum machine) as the carrier.
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VCO Out: Lets you use the pedal’s internal oscillator as a standalone sound source.
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CV/Expression Inputs: Modulate the LFO depth or VCO frequency in real-time using expression pedals or CV from an external synthesizer.
A New Chapter for Experimental Sound
The original Lovetone unit was famous for its “unpredictability,” often requiring players to “suck-it-and-see” to find the perfect sweet spot. Behringer’s version retains this hands-on, experimental spirit while modernizing the form factor for today’s pedalboards.
Whether you are looking to recreate the iconic voices of 1960s sci-fi, add a “re-timed” industrial edge to your drum loops, or simply find a fuzz that cuts through any mix, the Behringer Ring Stinger promises to be one of the most versatile and “weird” additions to the Behringer lineup.
Verdict: A Chaos Machine for the Masses
The Behringer Ring Stinger is a triumphant restoration of one of the most eccentric pedals ever devised. While the original Lovetone unit has become a museum piece with a four-figure price tag, Behringer has successfully distilled its “mad scientist” DNA into a sturdy, accessible format.
This isn’t a pedal for those seeking subtle “set-and-forget” tones. It is a temperamental, highly interactive instrument in its own right. The combination of transformer-matrix ring modulation and germanium-diode fuzz produces a texture that digital emulations still struggle to capture—unpredictable, harmonically rich, and occasionally aggressive.
Who is it for?
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Experimentalists: If you want to transform your guitar into a short-wave radio or a robotic choir, this is your primary tool.
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Synth Users: The addition of CV inputs and a standalone VCO output makes it a powerful “semi-modular” expansion for any desktop rig.
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Fuzz Connoisseurs: The Octave mode provides a unique, vintage germanium bite that stands apart from standard Big Muffs or Fuzz Faces.
Final Thought: At a price point that invites experimentation rather than hesitation, the Ring Stinger is a “no-brainer” for anyone looking to push the boundaries of their sound. It’s loud, it’s pink, and it’s gloriously weird.
Preorder at Andertons now -ÂŁ99
Preorder at Sweetwater now -$119
Preorder at Thomann now – €98
More Information
#Behringer #Ring StingerÂ
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