What type of circuitry does the Behringer RD-6 use?

The RD-6 uses true analog circuitry. This design is intended to capture the authentic sound and behavior of classic 606-style drum machines.

How many drum sounds are available on the RD-6?

The device features eight drum sounds. These consist of a bass drum, snare drum, low tom, high tom, cymbal, open hi-hat, closed hi-hat, and an added clap sound.

Can the RD-6 be connected to a computer?

Yes, the RD-6 includes a USB port for MIDI connectivity to computers. This allows it to sync with digital audio workstations (DAWs) or be triggered by external software.

Does the RD-6 have individual outputs for drum sounds?

Yes, it provides 3.5mm jack outputs for each individual voice. This allows users to route specific drums, like the kick or snare, to their own mixer channels for separate effects processing.

How many steps can be programmed in the RD-6 sequencer?

The onboard sequencer supports up to 64 steps. This allows for the creation of longer and more varied drum patterns compared to basic 16-step sequencers.

Is there a clap sound on the RD-6?

Yes, Behringer added an iconic clap sound to the RD-6 that was not found on the original 606 hardware. This sound is frequently used in dance and hip-hop music.

What colors does the RD-6 come in?

While this specific model is the Silver edition, the RD-6 is typically available in a range of different colors to suit different studio aesthetics.

Does the RD-6 support MIDI?

Yes, it features both standard 5-pin MIDI connections and MIDI over USB. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of vintage and modern music gear.

Can the RD-6 interface with modular synthesizers?

Yes, the RD-6 includes extra patch points and 3.5mm outputs. These are designed for easy interfacing with modular gear and other synthesizers like the Behringer Neutron.

How does the RD-6 compare to the Roland TR-08?

The RD-6 is an analog recreation of the 606, whereas the Roland Boutique TR-08 is a digital recreation of the 808. The RD-6 offers a true analog signal path at a lower price point, while the TR-08 offers more complex sound shaping for a different set of classic sounds.

What is the typical price for a Behringer RD-6?

The typical price range for the Behringer RD-6 is approximately £119. This makes it a very accessible option for musicians seeking analog drum sounds.

Does the RD-6 include a built-in speaker?

No, the RD-6 does not have a built-in speaker. It requires connection to an amplifier, mixer, or headphones through its dedicated output jacks.

Gear article

Behringer RD-6 Drum Machine

The Behringer RD-6 is a compact analog drum machine designed to replicate the sounds and sequencing workflow of the classic TR-606. It features eight distinct drum voices, a 64-step sequencer, and modern connectivity including MIDI and USB.

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Background and Design

The Behringer RD-6 serves as a modern recreation of the iconic 606-style drum machines that rose to prominence in early electronic music. Behringer utilized true analog circuitry to capture the specific tonal qualities of the original hardware while updating the form factor for contemporary studios. The 'Silver' edition pays aesthetic homage to the metallic finish of the vintage unit that inspired it.

Features and Sequencer

The device is built around a 64-step sequencer, allowing for the creation of complex rhythmic patterns and 'groovy' drum sequences. It provides eight drum sounds, notably including an additional clap sound derived from another classic drum machine, which was not present on the original 606. Users can switch between patterns and arrange them to build full tracks directly on the hardware.

Roland Boutique TR-08 Rhythm Composer Drum Machine

Sound Character

The RD-6 is defined by its authentic analog signal path. The eight sounds include a kick, snare, low tom, high tom, cymbal, open hi-hat, closed hi-hat, and the added clap. These sounds are synonymous with dance and hip-hop history, offering a punchy, organic quality that digital samples often struggle to replicate. The circuitry is designed to ensure the 'essence' of the original analog gear is maintained.

Connectivity

For integration into modern production environments, the RD-6 includes a variety of connection points. It features MIDI and USB ports for computer and external controller communication. Notably, it also includes 3.5mm jack outputs for each individual voice, allowing for independent processing of the kick or snare. Extra patch points are provided to facilitate interfacing with other modular gear, such as the Behringer Neutron or modul systems.

Target Audience

This drum machine is suited for producers looking for affordable entry into the world of analog percussion. Its straightforward interface makes it ideal for live performance, while the individual outputs and MIDI capabilities satisfy the requirements of studio-based musicians working in genres like techno, house, and acid.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of circuitry does the Behringer RD-6 use?: The RD-6 uses true analog circuitry. This design is intended to capture the authentic sound and behavior of classic 606-style drum machines.
How many drum sounds are available on the RD-6?: The device features eight drum sounds. These consist of a bass drum, snare drum, low tom, high tom, cymbal, open hi-hat, closed hi-hat, and an added clap sound.
Can the RD-6 be connected to a computer?: Yes, the RD-6 includes a USB port for MIDI connectivity to computers. This allows it to sync with digital audio workstations (DAWs) or be triggered by external software.
Does the RD-6 have individual outputs for drum sounds?: Yes, it provides 3.5mm jack outputs for each individual voice. This allows users to route specific drums, like the kick or snare, to their own mixer channels for separate effects processing.
How many steps can be programmed in the RD-6 sequencer?: The onboard sequencer supports up to 64 steps. This allows for the creation of longer and more varied drum patterns compared to basic 16-step sequencers.
Is there a clap sound on the RD-6?: Yes, Behringer added an iconic clap sound to the RD-6 that was not found on the original 606 hardware. This sound is frequently used in dance and hip-hop music.
What colors does the RD-6 come in?: While this specific model is the Silver edition, the RD-6 is typically available in a range of different colors to suit different studio aesthetics.
Does the RD-6 support MIDI?: Yes, it features both standard 5-pin MIDI connections and MIDI over USB. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of vintage and modern music gear.
Can the RD-6 interface with modular synthesizers?: Yes, the RD-6 includes extra patch points and 3.5mm outputs. These are designed for easy interfacing with modular gear and other synthesizers like the Behringer Neutron.
How does the RD-6 compare to the Roland TR-08?: The RD-6 is an analog recreation of the 606, whereas the Roland Boutique TR-08 is a digital recreation of the 808. The RD-6 offers a true analog signal path at a lower price point, while the TR-08 offers more complex sound shaping for a different set of classic sounds.
What is the typical price for a Behringer RD-6?: The typical price range for the Behringer RD-6 is approximately £119. This makes it a very accessible option for musicians seeking analog drum sounds.
Does the RD-6 include a built-in speaker?: No, the RD-6 does not have a built-in speaker. It requires connection to an amplifier, mixer, or headphones through its dedicated output jacks.