Considering the almost ridiculous price, the Behringer CAT is an absolute gem. It is one of those synthesizers that might look simple at first, but once you spend time with it, it becomes a deep and endless source of inspiration.
Among many instruments in my studio, this is honestly one of my favorites. The sound is wonderful: raw, present, sometimes unpredictable in the best possible way. It has character, attitude and a liveliness that makes every session interesting.
The duophonic architecture is extremely musical. You can create powerful bass and lead combinations, intervals, moving lines, or thick textures that feel far bigger than what you would expect from such a compact unit. It encourages performance and experimentation rather than static programming.
I also appreciate the build quality. Everything feels solid, knobs are reliable, and the layout is clear and immediate. You do not fight the instrument, you play it.
One of the highlights for me is the oscillator interaction and cross-modulation possibilities. People familiar with Eurorack will recognize that territory, but having this kind of behavior in a standalone synth at this size and price is remarkable. It can go from sweet to aggressive very quickly, and that range is incredibly inspiring.
For what it costs, this is a masterpiece. A small machine with a huge personality.
