Behringer though, entirely avoids all accusation of trade dress or name infringement with the Phara-o Mini. So they’re completely in the clear in that regard, at least.
You can legitimately ask why they bother when they’re only 33% less expensive. But so far we don’t have a complete picture yet on features, nor sound quality, or a true comparison. And far be it from me to critique Behringer as to what sells, and what people want – they have been doing a damn good job with that along the way.
Here’s another “cloned” product ( quotes on that for accuracy ) that, i at least, wonder about customer interest for. It’s a new product from Dübreq Stylophone – the Stylosette Keys.
Here’s a video, to get an idea of how desirable the Stylosette is as an instrument. Yes it is only 40 dollars/euros.
I called it a “clone”. Here’s the Microkits Synth-a-Sette.
This may very well have been done ( perhaps likely has ) as a straight up legitimate business acquisition. But the question still can be, why ? And again far be it from me to critique Dübreq on what sells. They also are 33% less expensive.
This while Dübreq has delays in production with other products. ( By the way, those sorts of walk and chew gum criticisms are often bogus. )
This isn’t a “what about”, but a reality check for what we critique in real world product development and marketing.
Side note : I was considering a new thread for the Stylosette, until i watched the video. This post will do for me. Someone else ( you maybe ) can start a new product thread.