Behringer BM-12 Ring Modulator

A Vintage Ring Modulator in the "Studio" Spirit of Classic Moog Units

The BM-12 follows the tradition of analog ring modulators popularized by "laboratory"-style effects, notably those used to create bell-like timbres, detuned harmonics, and robotic sounds. In this spirit, Behringer offers a very "instrumental" approach: a wide-range carrier oscillator, an assignable LFO, and connectivity designed to go beyond the classic guitar framework. The result: a pedal that not only "adds an effect" but builds texture, movement, and sometimes even a new signal.

Who Is It For, Which Styles, and In What Contexts?

The Behringer BM-12 Ring Modulator is aimed at curious guitarists (from alternative rock to ambient), keyboardists and electronic musicians, as well as producers who enjoy unpredictable modulations. In the studio, it excels at transforming a simple take into living sound material: bell-like arpeggios, granular drones, "alien" leads, metallic percussions. Live, it becomes a performance tool thanks to the Mix and LFO modulation, perfect for shifting from subtle movement to controlled chaos without losing control.

On a pedalboard, place it after a fuzz or overdrive to thicken harmonics, or before a delay/reverb to send already "mutant" textures into the space. In a synth/modular environment, the CV and Carrier connections open the door to patches much deeper than a standard modulation pedal.

Controls, Modes, and Connectivity: A True Modulation Toolbox

At the heart of the BM-12 is a ring modulation section with Frequency (carrier tuning), Mix (blend between dry and modulated signal), and Drive to push gain and bring out character, from warm to aggressive. The LFO section adds movement: Rate controls speed, Amount controls depth, and a SQUARE/SINE switch allows switching from smoother to more cutting modulation. A second LO/HI switch extends the ring modulator's use from slow, "tremolo-like" effects to higher registers with robotic and metallic clicking tones.

Regarding integration, the BM-12 is designed like a small module: CV (and expression) inputs to control Rate, Amount, Mix, and Frequency, LFO OUT to modulate other devices, and Carrier IN/OUT to route an external source and explore even more radical interactions. All is controlled via a true bypass footswitch, with status LEDs to maintain control on stage.

Sound Character

A ring modulator promises an immediately recognizable sonic signature: metallic brightness, harmonics that seem to "split," and often inharmonic textures reminiscent of bells, gongs, or electronic transmissions. The BM-12 can remain subtle if you dial back the Mix and use slow modulation, but it quickly becomes spectacular as you increase Frequency and Amount. Drive adds a touch of saturation useful for thickening the signal and better "anchoring" the effect in a mix, especially on guitar. On synths, the pedal reveals its full personality: futuristic timbres, cyclic movements, and experimental sounds at the edge of sound design.

Technical specifications

Effects	Ring modulation	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Black

Effect pedal	ring modulator	LFO OUT	6.35mm TRS jack, 680 ohms impedance, CV output approximately +/-2.8 V
Circuit	analog	CARRIER IN	6.35mm TRS jack, 1 megaohm impedance, CV input 0 V to +5 V
Bypass	true bypass	CARRIER OUT	6.35mm TRS jack, 200 ohms impedance, CV output approximately +/-2.8 V
Potentiometers	Drive, Mix, Frequency, Amount, Rate	Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0/-0.3 dB
Switches	LO/HI, SQUARE/SINE	Dynamic range	greater than 81 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
Footswitch	bypass	Signal-to-noise ratio	greater than 81 dB
Audio input	6.35mm TS unbalanced jack	Overall gain	+15 dBu
Input impedance	1 megaohm	Enclosure	metal with wooden side panels
Audio output	6.35mm TS unbalanced jack	Dimensions (H x W x D)	85.9 x 147.6 x 196.9 mm
Output impedance	330 ohms	Weight	1017 g
RATE	6.35mm TRS jack, 68 kiloohms impedance, CV input 0 V to +10 V	Required power supply	9 V DC, center negative
AMOUNT	6.35mm TRS jack, 840 kiloohms impedance, CV input 0 V to +5 V	Current required	minimum 400 mA
MIX	6.35mm TRS jack, 38 kiloohms impedance, CV input 0 V to +5 V	Power consumption	0.7 W
FREQ	6.35mm TRS jack, 69 kiloohms impedance, CV input 0 V to +5 V	Battery operation	no