Behringer Rhythm Designer RD-8 Analog Drum Machine

Description

The Behringer Rhythm Designer RD-8 Analog Drum Machine is an analogue drum machine that takes a fresh and modern approach of the original Roland TR-808 but with some significant upgrades such as a 64-step sequencer, Wave Designer, and a multimode filter, making it a well suited device for musicians, DJs, studio engineers, and producers.

The RD-8 features 29 knobs, 5 switches, and 59 buttons all laid out in an intuitive format, making it simple and fun to use. Connections include a stereo 1/4" headphone output, a main 1/4" mono output, and a 1/4" return, which sums audio post filter bus. Additionally, there are 11 independent analogue outputs for external processing and recording. With its 3 trigger outs, the RD-8 lets you control external synths and hardware sequencers to create songs without a digital audio workstation (DAW) in sight. The machine can also send and receive clock information with highly accurate timing to sync it to the outside world. For digital connections, the RD-8 offers MIDI In, Out, and Thru over USB and via standard 5-pin DIN MIDI ports.

The advanced 64-step sequencer can store up to 16 patterns in each of the 16 songs for a total of 256 patterns, allowing for the creation of song arrangements ranging from simple to complex. What's more, it is possible to load a song, while another is playing, allowing for smooth transitions during live performance and DJ sessions. Speaking of live performance, the RD-8 offers a variety of features in each of its sequencer modes including step repeat, note repeat, real-time triggering, and live step-overdubbing. This makes it easy to enable recording in pattern launch mode, so you can build song structures on-the-fly and switch back to manual mode at the touch of a button. Additionally, you can add some excitement with the autofill feature for more variations.

The Wave Designer circuit has individual attack and sustain controls that can be applied to individual voices or globally, adding another dimension to your sound design. The flexible 12 dB/oct HP/LP filter with resonance can create out-of-world swoops and sweeps. The filter controls can be recorded directly into the sequencer and further tweaked using the step editor.

RD-8’s robust encoder lets you set separate chain preferences for each of your parameters, allowing them to function globally or to switch on when a song or pattern changes. Parameters include independent track mutes/solos, tempo, swing, flam, probability, FX bus assignments, filter modes, and sweeps for enhanced real-time control.

Key Features:

• Drum machine with authentic analogue sound engine to create the classic sound performance.
• 16 original drum sounds with additional parameters and global Accent capability.
• Modern and versatile workflow provides enhanced playability, enabling you to create captivating live performances.
• Powerful 64-step drum sequencer supports poly-metre, step-repeat, note-repeat, real-time triggering, track-mute, and track-solo.
• Integrated FX bus features Wave Designer and dual-mode Analogue Filter with per voice assignment.
• Live recording, editing, and playback of Analogue Filter cutoff via automation.
• Storage of up to 16 songs and 256 patterns, all of which can be imported/exported during playback for unlimited songs and patterns.
• Pattern Mode allows arrangement of patterns into full songs and setting number of repeats per song part.
• Song Mode allows chaining songs together for live sets and expanded compositions.
• Unique Auto Scroll feature enables improvisation in all modes.
• Comprehensive MIDI In/Out/Thru and USB implementation for synchronisation and connection to external devices.
• Sync options include USB, MIDI, Clock, and Internal for maximum versatility.
• 11 independent analogue outputs for external processing or recording your rhythms as multitrack audio.
• Powerful headphone and main outputs on 1/4" connectors.
• High-visibility LED display makes it easy to verify programme parameters.
• Robust encoder for editing parameters such as Tempo, Swing, Probability, Flam, and Random.
• 16 vintage-style step buttons with bold LED indicators for easy pattern creation.