Behringer BM-12 Ring Modulator: Classic Chaos Reborn for Modern Patchers

Behringer’s BM-12 Ring Modulator is introduced as a pedal that doesn’t just revisit a classic effect—it celebrates its weirdness. The video leans into the ring modulator’s reputation as a rare and peculiar beast, thriving in the hands of those willing to embrace the unpredictable. From the outset, we’re reminded that this effect is more than a simple tone shaper; it’s a disruptor, capable of transforming the most innocent of signals into something metallic and unrecognisable.

Tracing its roots from radio labs to the infamous Dalek voices and Tony Iommi’s legendary guitar solos, the BM-12 is positioned as a bridge between the worlds of synth and guitar. The pedal’s extensive I/O is highlighted as a key to its versatility, opening up creative possibilities for both traditional and experimental musicians. Whether you’re after the menacing chaos of classic sci-fi or the melodic mayhem of avant-garde synth work, the BM-12 aims to deliver.

A standout feature of the BM-12 is its drive knob, which controls both signal level and saturation. The video demonstrates how this control isn’t just for when the effect is engaged—the drive circuit remains active even when the pedal is bypassed. This means the BM-12 can serve as a vibrant preamp, adding character and warmth to your signal chain regardless of whether you’re using the ring modulation itself.

For those who might only occasionally reach for ring mod, this opens up new use cases: the pedal becomes a dual-purpose tool, equally at home as a tone-shaping preamp or as a full-blown modulation monster. It’s a subtle but significant nod to real-world pedalboard and modular workflows, where utility and flexibility often trump single-minded design.

Central to the BM-12’s sound is its frequency control, which determines the carrier frequency that interacts with your input signal. At low settings, the effect borders on tremolo, gently pulsing the sound. As the frequency increases, the pedal veers into more extreme territory, generating bell-like or metallic overtones that are anything but subtle.

A dedicated switch toggles the frequency range: the low setting spans from 0.6 Hz to 80 Hz, while the high range leaps from 30 Hz up to 4 kHz. This allows for quick jumps between understated modulation and full-on sonic assault. The video makes clear that this control is crucial for shaping the BM-12’s overall character, whether you’re after a hint of movement or a complete transformation.

Where the BM-12 truly opens up is in its support for external control voltages and expression pedals. The pedal’s rear panel allows users to input CV or expression to manipulate parameters in real time, making it a natural fit for modular synth setups or complex pedalboards. The ability to output the internal carrier signal, accept an external carrier, and send out the internal LFO further expands its integration potential.

The video showcases a patch using a Behringer Neutron’s sample and hold output to modulate the BM-12’s frequency, resulting in a randomised tremolo effect. With its robust I/O, wood side panels, and metal enclosure, the BM-12 is presented as a serious tool for sonic explorers—one that encourages experimentation and rewards creative patching.