When is a MIDI keyboard controller not a MIDI keyboard controller? When it’s also a synth! Meet the Behringer Jam and Jam Play, two portable controllers with some interesting extras up their sleeves.
Behringer Jam and Jam Play
Let’s get this out of the way first. Not everyone was happy with the Behringer Swing. It seemed a little too close in design to a certain other product and many complained about the sequencer. That seems to have all been addressed in this new pair of similarly styled keyboard MIDI controllers from Behringer, the Jam and Jam Play.
At first blush, they may look nearly identical. They’re not, however, with the Jam Play getting some interesting extra features.
Behringer Jam: Controller and Sequencer
Let’s start with just the Jam. (Note that this is different than the Jam module that the company teased back in 2020.) A 32-key USB MIDI keyboard, it offers velocity and aftertouch sensitivity, which is pretty cool for a controller of this size and price. Other control features include two pitch and modulation touch strips to the left of the keyboard.
The real selling point, however, is the sequencer. Significantly beefed up from the Swing, you get a 64-step sequencer with eight-note polyphony with rest, tie and legato note entry plus ratchets and random gate functionality. The Jam also includes Chord Play mode with room for up to 16-note chords (jazz!) and an arpeggiator with up to eight notes per step, eight note scales and eight styles.
In terms of control, there are four assignable multi-purpose knobs for tweaking parameters in your DAW or hardware and a transport with Record, Play and Stop buttons.
As for connectivity, the Jam boasts full-size DIN MIDI in and out (nice), USB MIDI, sync clock in and out, mod CV, gate and keyboard CV outputs with four sync sources selectable from the front panel, and a sustain pedal input.
Behringer Jam Play: Sound it Out
Now for the big guns. Jam Play takes the concept of the Jam and adds to it considerably. The “Play” part of the name is the hint: it comes loaded with sounds. You get 128 instrument voices, 10 drum kits plus effects, along with the same keyboard specs as the other model. I haven’t heard the sounds yet but any sounds at all can be helpful if you’re just looking to whip up some ideas on the go.
And speaking of whipping, Behringer has fluffed up the Play sequencer into some real cream, with not just one lane but four channels of 64-step sequencing. You’re still limited to eight notes of polyphony, but with a little restraint you could easily create rhythm, bass and chord tracks, and possibly even a top line melody too.
The other difference between the Jam Play and its non-play sibling is the OLED display. Sequencer, arpeggiator and other functions look broadly similar across both models. Oh, and Jam Play gives you a headphone output as well to listen to the onboard sounds, although no dedicated line out.
Price and Availability
Behringer Jam Play and Jam are both available now from our affiliate partner Thomann*. Jam costs $92 / £82 / €98 while Jam Play is yours for $168 / £149 / €179.
More Information
- Behringer Jam product page
- Behringer Jam Play product page
- More about Behringer
- More about controllers
- Buy controllers at Thomann*
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