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Guide To Calibrating The Frequency Of Behringer Odyssey

11/10/2025 10 4.6/5 in 2 votes

For analog synth enthusiasts, ensuring precise oscillator frequency calibration is essential to maintain stable, accurate, and authentic sound. This article provides a detailed step-by-step guide to calibrating the Behringer Odyssey Synthesizer, helping you achieve optimal accuracy for both oscillators (VCO1 and VCO2).

Preparation Before Calibration

Before starting, make sure the device and environment are stable to ensure accurate calibration results.

Warm up the unit:

Turn on the Behringer ODYSSEY and let it run for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step allows the oscillators to reach thermal stability, ensuring accurate tuning.

Required tools:

Small screwdriver (eyeglass type) for adjusting trim pots
Oscilloscope or equivalent frequency measuring software (Soundcard Oscilloscope can be used if you don’t have hardware)
Audio recorder or computer for monitoring the output frequency

Locate the trim pots:

Behringer Odyssey features three trim pots:

One trim pot next to the faders of OSC1
Two trim pots next to the faders of OSC2
(Some trim pots may be covered by small plastic caps remove them before adjusting.)

Configure Odyssey Before Calibration

Guide To Calibrating The Frequency Of Behringer Odyssey

Set the following parameters to ensure the device is in a standard state:

TRANSPOSE: Normal / Central position
VCO1 & VCO2: Select Square WAVE
VCF Frequency: Maximum
VCA Gain: Maximum
VCO1 & VCO2 Fine Frequency: Midpoint
VCO1 Audio Switch: KYBD ON
VCO2 Sync: OFF
Set all other faders to the lowest position

Detailed Calibration STEPS

Connect and monitor the signal
Connect the HIGH OUTPUT of the Behringer Odyssey to a computer or oscilloscope.
Open a frequency monitoring tool to observe oscillator output in real-time.

Step 1: Calibrate VCO1

Raise the VCO1 (Audio Mixer) Fader to maximum
Hold the Low C key on the keyboard
Adjust VCO1 COARSE FREQUENCY until the display shows 130.8 Hz
Hold the High C key
Using the screwdriver, adjust VCO1 V/OCT trim pot (next to OSC1) until the display reads 1046.5 Hz
Lower the VCO1 (Audio Mixer) fader to minimum

Step 2: Calibrate VCO2

Raise the VCO2 (Audio Mixer) fader to maximum
Hold the Low C key
Adjust VCO2 COARSE FREQUENCY until it reads 130.8 Hz
Hold the High C key
Using the screwdriver, adjust VCO2 V/OCT-1 trim pot (next to OSC2) until it reads 1046.5 Hz

Step 3: Calibrate VCO2 V/OCT-2

Hold both High C and Low C keys simultaneously (you may ask for assistance or tape the keys)
Make sure OSC2 Level is at maximum and OSC1 Level is at 75% or lower
Target frequency: 1046.5 Hz
If the frequency is still near 130.8 Hz, gradually lower OSC1 Level
Using the screwdriver, adjust VCO2 V/OCT-2 trim pot until it reaches exactly 1046.5 Hz

Finalizing the Calibration

Once all steps are completed, both VCO1 and VCO2 are precisely aligned, ensuring stable pitch and harmonic consistency across the keyboard’s range.

Expert Tips

Perform calibration in a quiet, temperature-stable environment.
Use a regulated power supply to avoid frequency drift during the process.
For regular performers or studio users, schedule calibration every 6 months to maintain peak performance.

Conclusion

Calibrating your Behringer Odyssey not only ensures accurate operation but also preserves the pure analog sound quality that defines the legacy of the classic ARP Odyssey faithfully recreated by Behringer.