The Behringer BM-18M CLUSTER BOX is a modulation pedal that puts chorus and flanger in a single enclosure. Behringer describes it as a modulation powerhouse that blends the warmth of classic chorus and flanger tones with a modern edge, covering everything from vintage shimmer to what the maker calls wild, unpredictable territory1.
The controls
The pedal's front panel covers both the effect blend and the modulation engine:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Range rocker | Switches between chorus and flanger1 |
| LFO selector | Six LFO shapes that modulate Rate, Amount, Delay, and Feedback1 |
| Drive | Adjustable, for analog-style saturation1 |
| Output Level | Adjustable, for analog-style saturation1 |
| Blend | Mixes dry and wet signals to taste1 |
| Tap-tempo footswitch | Dedicated footswitch that keeps modulation locked to the groove1 |
The Drive and Output Level controls are aimed at analog-style saturation. The blend control lets you mix dry and wet signals to taste1.
External control and stereo output
Beyond the panel, Behringer says you can control key parameters via CV, MIDI, or expression pedal1. CV control means the pedal can be driven from modular or synth gear, MIDI opens it to a pedalboard controller, and an expression pedal gives hands-free sweeps of whatever parameter is assigned.
The output is stereo, with DIP switch customization that Behringer says ensures the pedal plays nice with any setup1. The DIP switches are small switches on the unit that change how the stereo output behaves, so the pedal can be matched to different rigs.
Where it sits in Behringer's modulation range
The Cluster Box is one of several modulation pedals in Behringer's current lineup. Players after a dedicated chorus might look at the Behringer Chorus Symphony, the Behringer Chorus Space, or the Behringer Ultra Chorus, while the Behringer The Flange With No Name is the maker's dedicated flanger. For more on the effect types themselves, see Chorus Pedals and Flanger Pedals.
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Questions
Does the Behringer Cluster Box have tap tempo?
Yes. Behringer gives the BM-18M CLUSTER BOX a dedicated tap-tempo footswitch, which the maker says keeps your modulation locked to the groove. That means you can set the modulation speed in time with a song by tapping the footswitch rather than turning a rate knob by ear.
Can the BM-18M be controlled by MIDI or an expression pedal?
Yes. According to Behringer's product page, the Cluster Box lets you control key parameters via CV, MIDI, or expression pedal. That opens the pedal up to external control from a MIDI setup, a voltage-controlled modular rig, or a standard expression pedal for hands-free sweeps of its modulation.
Is the BM-18M Cluster Box stereo?
Yes. Behringer describes the BM-18M as having a stereo output with DIP switch customization, which the maker says ensures the pedal plays nice with any setup. The DIP switches let you tailor how the stereo output behaves for your rig.
How do you switch between chorus and flanger on the BM-18M?
With a simple range rocker switch. Behringer says this rocker lets you switch between lush chorusing and sweeping flange textures, so moving between the pedal's two effect types is a single flick rather than a menu dive.
How many LFO shapes does the Cluster Box have?
Six. The BM-18M has a six-shape LFO selector, and Behringer says it lets you modulate Rate, Amount, Delay, and Feedback in highly creative ways. Different LFO shapes move the modulation in different patterns, from smooth sweeps to more irregular movement.
Sources (1)
- BM-18M-CLUSTER-BOX, Behringer
