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

The RD-6 uses true analog circuitry to generate its drum sounds. This provides the classic, warm percussive tones associated with vintage rhythm machines.

How many steps are in the RD-6 sequencer?

The onboard sequencer supports up to 64 steps. This allows for the creation of complex and evolving drum patterns.

Can I record the individual drum sounds separately?

Yes, the RD-6 features 3.5mm individual outputs for each of its drum voices. This allows you to route each sound to its own channel on a mixer or audio interface.

What additional drum sound does the RD-6 have compared to the original 606?

The RD-6 includes an integrated clap sound. This voice is based on a classic drum machine clap frequently heard in dance and hip-hop music.

Does the RD-6 support MIDI?

Yes, it includes MIDI In, Out, and Thru ports via standard 5-pin DIN connectors. It also supports MIDI over USB for connection to a computer.

Is the Transparent Blue version different from other RD-6 colours?

The difference is purely aesthetic. The Transparent Blue model shares the same internal analog circuitry and features as the other colour variations.

Can the RD-6 be synced with modular synthesizers?

Yes, it features 3.5mm Sync In and Out ports. These can be used to interface with modular systems like the Behringer Neutron or Gear4Music modul.

Does the RD-6 have built-in effects?

The RD-6 features a built-in distortion circuit. This is based on a classic design and allows you to add grit and saturation to your drum patterns.

Can I use the RD-6 to trigger other gear?

Yes, the sequencer includes two trigger outputs. These can be used to send pulse signals to external synthesizers or sequencers to keep them in time.

Is the RD-6 portable?

The RD-6 is relatively compact and lightweight. While it requires an external power supply, its small footprint makes it easy to transport for live performances.

What are the eight drum sounds available?

The eight sounds are Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Low Tom, High Tom, Cymbal, Open Hi-Hat, Closed Hi-Hat, and Clap.

How does the price of the RD-6 compare to other drum machines?

With a typical price of around £97, it is one of the most affordable analog drum machines on the market. It is significantly less expensive than digital boutique models like the TR-08.

Gear article

Behringer RD-6 Analog Drum Machine (Transparent Blue)

The Behringer RD-6 is an analog drum machine designed to replicate the sounds and workflow of the classic TR-606. Featuring eight drum voices, a 64-step sequencer, and a distinctive transparent blue chassis, it integrates vintage-style synthesis with modern MIDI and USB connectivity.

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Overview

The Behringer RD-6 is a compact analog drum machine that pays homage to the silver-cased units of the early 1980s. This specific iteration features a Transparent Blue finish, offering a modern aesthetic to a classic design. It is built around true analog circuitry to capture the specific character of transistor-based percussion sounds.

At its core, the device is designed for rhythm production in genres ranging from acid house to hip-hop. It combines a traditional step-sequencer workflow with modern interfacing capabilities, making it suitable for both standalone live performance and studio integration.

Features and Voice Architecture

The RD-6 provides eight drum sounds: Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Low Tom, Hi Tom, Cymbal, Open Hi-Hat, and Closed Hi-Hat. Notably, it includes an additional Clap sound, which was not found on the original machine that inspired its design but has become a staple in electronic music.

The programming is handled by a 64-step sequencer, allowing users to create and store patterns. Unlike the original hardware, the RD-6 features individual 3.5mm outputs for each drum voice, allowing for separate processing and mixing of each element through external hardware or a mixer.

Connectivity and Modern Integration

While the sound engine is analog, the RD-6 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of modern connections:

MIDI In/Out/Thru: Full MIDI support for syncing with external controllers and sequences.
USB: For direct connection to computers and DAWs.
Sync In/Out: 3.5mm jacks for synchronising with modular systems or other analog gear like the Behringer Neutron.
Individual Outs: Dedicated 3.5mm jacks for every drum voice.
Trigger Outs: Specific outputs for triggering external synthesizers via the sequencer.

Sound Character

The RD-6 is characterised by its punchy, percussive analog tones. The bass drum provides a tight, mid-focused thud, while the hi-hats and cymbals offer the metallic, slightly noisy texture typical of early 80s transistor designs. The addition of the clap provides a sharp, percussive accent widely used in dance music. Because the circuitry is analog, the sounds possess a level of warmth and subtle variation not found in digital sample-based machines.

Market Comparison

When compared to alternatives like the Roland Boutique TR-08, the RD-6 stands out for its true analog signal path and lower price point, whereas the TR-08 uses digital modeling. Compared to modular options like the Gear4Music modul system, the RD-6 is a self-contained, fixed-architecture unit. While it lacks the deep sound-shaping parameters of a high-end unit like the Oberheim OB-X8, it provides a focused, specific set of classic drum tones at a highly accessible entry price.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of synthesis does the Behringer RD-6 use?: The RD-6 uses true analog circuitry to generate its drum sounds. This provides the classic, warm percussive tones associated with vintage rhythm machines.
How many steps are in the RD-6 sequencer?: The onboard sequencer supports up to 64 steps. This allows for the creation of complex and evolving drum patterns.
Can I record the individual drum sounds separately?: Yes, the RD-6 features 3.5mm individual outputs for each of its drum voices. This allows you to route each sound to its own channel on a mixer or audio interface.
What additional drum sound does the RD-6 have compared to the original 606?: The RD-6 includes an integrated clap sound. This voice is based on a classic drum machine clap frequently heard in dance and hip-hop music.
Does the RD-6 support MIDI?: Yes, it includes MIDI In, Out, and Thru ports via standard 5-pin DIN connectors. It also supports MIDI over USB for connection to a computer.
Is the Transparent Blue version different from other RD-6 colours?: The difference is purely aesthetic. The Transparent Blue model shares the same internal analog circuitry and features as the other colour variations.
Can the RD-6 be synced with modular synthesizers?: Yes, it features 3.5mm Sync In and Out ports. These can be used to interface with modular systems like the Behringer Neutron or Gear4Music modul.
Does the RD-6 have built-in effects?: The RD-6 features a built-in distortion circuit. This is based on a classic design and allows you to add grit and saturation to your drum patterns.
Can I use the RD-6 to trigger other gear?: Yes, the sequencer includes two trigger outputs. These can be used to send pulse signals to external synthesizers or sequencers to keep them in time.
Is the RD-6 portable?: The RD-6 is relatively compact and lightweight. While it requires an external power supply, its small footprint makes it easy to transport for live performances.
What are the eight drum sounds available?: The eight sounds are Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Low Tom, High Tom, Cymbal, Open Hi-Hat, Closed Hi-Hat, and Clap.
How does the price of the RD-6 compare to other drum machines?: With a typical price of around £97, it is one of the most affordable analog drum machines on the market. It is significantly less expensive than digital boutique models like the TR-08.