Behringer RD-6-BK

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

Category	Rhythm box	Number of Midi tracks	0
Sampler	No	MIDI I/O	IN, OUT (DIN), IN, OUT (MINIJACK), IN, OUT, THRU (DIN), IN, OUT, THRU (MINIJACK), MIDI PAR USB
Max polyphony	8	USB to Host port	Yes
Technology	Analog	Inputs	USB, Midi, sync in
Synthesis type	Analog, Subtractive	Outputs	USB, headphone, Midi, sync out, jack
Number of audio tracks	8

Number of sounds	8	Voice outputs	6 x 1/8" TS, unbalanced, 100 ? impedance
Type	Analog	2 x 1/8" TRS (tip for clock and ring for start message) over	2.5 V
Number of simultaneous voices	8	Trigger outputs	LT and HT 2 x +15 V, 1PPS/24PPQ/48PPQ pulse length 50%, 2PPQ narrow pulse length
Accent	Level	Headphones	1 x 1/8" TRS, stereo, 15 ? impedance
Kick drum	Level	USB	USB 2.0 compliant class, type B
Snare drum	Level	Supported operating systems	Windows 7 or higher, Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher
Low tom, high tom	Level	Capacity	2 x 16 patterns
Cymbal, clap	Level	Steps	16 steps
Open hat, closed hat	Level	Power supply	External power adapter 9 V DC, 670 mA
Power input	DC input connector	Power consumption	2 W max
Power switch	Push-button on/off	Indicator	Power LED
USB (MIDI)	USB 2.0, type B	Operating temperature	5degC - 40degC (41degF - 104degF)
MIDI In, Out / Thru	2 x 5-pin DIN	Dimensions (H x W x D)	56 x 305 x 165 mm (2.2 x 12 x 6.5 inches)
Start / stop	1 x 1/4" TS	Weight	0.9 kg (2.0 lbs)
Mix output	1 x 1/4" TS, unbalanced, 1 k? impedance	Shipping weight	1.6 kg (3.5 lbs)