Behringer BM-11M: Classic Ladder Filter DNA in a Modern Box

The Behringer BM-11M is pitched as an analog low-pass filter with a direct lineage to some of the most iconic ladder filters in synthesizer history. The video wastes no time in placing the BM-11M among the pantheon of classic circuits, highlighting its role in shaping the sounds of artists from Gary Numan to Kraftwerk. This isn’t just a filter for synth purists—Behringer’s take is that the BM-11M opens up these legendary tones to any sound source you can imagine, from synths to guitars and beyond.

The narrative leans heavily on the filter’s musicality, not just its technical function. While a low-pass filter might sound clinical on paper, the BM-11M is presented as an instrument in its own right, with a character that’s meant to inspire. The video underscores that this is more than a utilitarian tool; it’s a creative device with a storied past, now made accessible in pedal form.

Front and centre is the BM-11M’s vintage-inspired preamp, which Behringer claims delivers the kind of colourful saturation essential for authentic analog tones. The preamp isn’t just for show—it’s active even when the filter effect is bypassed, meaning you can use the pedal purely as a saturation box if you wish. A level light helps you dial in the right amount of gain, with Behringer suggesting you aim for the occasional flash of red, but ultimately encouraging users to trust their ears.

The control layout is split into filter and envelope sections. The filter side gives you the expected cutoff and resonance controls, with a switch for two filter voicings to season your sound. The envelope follower section is designed to let your playing dynamics modulate the filter cutoff, converting amplitude changes into control voltage. This is particularly handy for guitarists and other instrumentalists looking to inject movement without manual knob-twiddling. Each control is explained with practical examples, making it clear that this pedal is meant for hands-on sound shaping.

The BM-11M’s back panel is where things get interesting for modular and desktop users alike. Behringer has equipped the pedal with a generous array of I/O, including CV inputs for direct voltage control over parameters like cutoff. The video demonstrates using an external LFO or envelope from a synth like the Neutron to modulate the filter, as well as using an expression pedal for manual sweeps. This opens up a world of patching possibilities, letting users integrate the BM-11M into Eurorack or pedalboard setups with ease.

MIDI and USB-C round out the connectivity, allowing for parameter control via external controllers or DAWs. The USB-C port also supports Behringer’s Guitar Tribe application for preset management and firmware updates. Importantly, the signal path remains fully analog—the digital connections only affect control, not the audio. This hybrid approach means the BM-11M can be as old-school or as modern as your rig demands.