The Essentials to Know About the Behringer RD-6-BK Drum Machine
- Authentic analog sound with 8 drum sounds and a color inspired by vintage drum machines
- Immediate 16-step sequencer with real-time switching and chainable pattern creation
- Separate outputs for multitrack recording and processing each element (kick, snare, hats, toms, etc.)
- Built-in distortion to add grit and make your patterns stand out live or in the studio
A Modern Take on a Classic Beatmaking Icon
The Behringer RD-6-BK follows in the footsteps of analog drum machines that shaped house, techno, and electro. Its approach aims to recapture the spirit and ergonomics of iconic machines while adding modern features for hybrid setup integration. The result: a performance-oriented instrument designed for fast programming, intuitive playing, and building effective sequences.
Who Is It For, and What Are Its Uses?
The RD-6-BK suits both beginners looking for a simple and inspiring first drum machine and experienced musicians seeking a dedicated rhythm module. It excels in techno, house, electro, synthwave, and minimal, with an ideal workflow for live performance (pattern mutations, variations, on-the-fly distortion) as well as for the studio (separate outputs, sync, MIDI/USB to DAW).
Features and Innovations
This drum machine is based on analog generation and offers 8 sounds playable with up to 8 simultaneous voices. Each instrument has its own dedicated level, with a global accent to energize your grooves. The 16-step sequencer enables quick programming, allowing you to switch between patterns in real time and chain them to build a complete track. To thicken the sound, the RD-6-BK includes a distortion effect with a sharp character, useful for dirtying up a kick, thickening a clap, or hardening the entire mix. For integration, you have MIDI and USB MIDI to sync, trigger, and control the machine from hardware sequencers or software, along with multiple outputs for flexible routing during recording.
Technical Specifications
Voices
- Number of sounds: 8
- Type: Analog
- Number of simultaneous voices: 8
Voice Controls
- Accent: Level
- Kick drum: Level
- Snare drum: Level
- Low tom, high tom: Level
- Cymbal, clap: Level
- Open hat, closed hat: Level
Connectivity
- Power input: DC input connector
- Power switch: Push-button on/off
- USB (MIDI): USB 2.0, type B
- MIDI In, Out / Thru: 2 x 5-pin DIN
- Start / stop: 1 x 1/4" TS
- Mix output: 1 x 1/4" TS, unbalanced, 1 k? impedance
- Voice outputs: 6 x 1/8" TS, unbalanced, 100 ? impedance
Sync Input / Output
- 2 x 1/8" TRS (tip for clock and ring for start message) over: 2.5 V
- Trigger outputs: LT and HT 2 x +15 V, 1PPS/24PPQ/48PPQ pulse length 50%, 2PPQ narrow pulse length
- Headphones: 1 x 1/8" TRS, stereo, 15 ? impedance
USB
- USB: USB 2.0 compliant class, type B
- Supported operating systems: Windows 7 or higher, Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher
Model / Storage
- Capacity: 2 x 16 patterns
- Steps: 16 steps
- Power supply: External power adapter 9 V DC, 670 mA
- Power consumption: 2 W max
- Indicator: Power LED
- Operating temperature: 5degC - 40degC (41degF - 104degF)
Physical
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 56 x 305 x 165 mm (2.2 x 12 x 6.5 inches)
- Weight: 0.9 kg (2.0 lbs)
- Shipping weight: 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs)
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