Behringer RD-6-SR

A Modern Reinterpretation of a Cult Drum Machine

The RD-6-SR follows in the footsteps of analog drum machines that shaped house, techno, and electro. Its approach embraces the straightforward ergonomics of "one function per control" and the spirit of classic machines, with a meticulous reproduction of circuits and matched transistors. The idea is simple: to regain an organic, punchy, and musical sound while benefiting from modern synchronization options to easily integrate into a contemporary setup.

For Whom, Which Styles, and In What Contexts?

Accessible to beginners thanks to its very visual workflow, the RD-6-SR remains formidable for experienced musicians who want a dedicated drum machine that is quick to program and easy to perform with. It excels in techno, electro, acid, synthwave, EBM, minimal hip-hop, and rhythmic ambient, both in live jam settings (improvisation, variations, transitions) and in studio production (multi-outputs, DAW sync, analog layering over digital drums).

Features and Innovations

The Behringer RD-6-SR is an analog drum machine offering 8 simultaneous voices and 8 dedicated sounds, each controllable via level controls to build a mix directly on the machine. Its 16-step sequencer emphasizes efficiency: you switch from one pattern to another in real time, create instant variations, and structure a complete track thanks to chaining in Song mode (up to 250 measures). To thicken the sound, the built-in distortion adds grit, bite, and an ideal presence to cut through a live mix. For integration, the RD-6-SR offers USB (MIDI) implementation and 5-pin DIN MIDI, as well as multiple sync modes (USB, MIDI, Clock, Internal) to align with your other gear, a DAW, or a hybrid setup. Finally, the voice outputs allow processing certain elements separately (compressor on the kick, reverb on the snare, external saturation on the toms, etc.) and multitrack recording.

Technical specifications

Category	Rhythm box	Number of Midi tracks	0
Sampler	No	MIDI I/O	IN, OUT, THRU (DIN), 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	Start/stop (pedal)	1 x 1/4 inch TS jack
Type	Analog	Mix output	1 x 1/4 inch TS jack, unbalanced, 1 kOhm impedance
Number of simultaneous voices	8	Voice outputs	6 x 1/8 inch TS jacks, unbalanced, 100 ohms impedance
Accent	Level	Headphones	1 x 1/8 inch TRS jack, stereo, 15 ohms impedance
Kick drum	Level	Sync input/output	2 x 1/8 inch TRS (tip for clock and ring for start message) over 2.5 V
Snare drum	Level	Trigger outputs	LT and HT 2 x +15 V, 1PPS/24PPQ/48PPQ pulse width 50%, 2PPQ narrow pulse width
Low tom, high tom	Level	USB	USB 2.0 class-compliant, type B
Cymbal, clap	Level	Supported operating systems	Windows 7 or higher, Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher
Open hat, closed hat	Level	Power supply	External power adapter 9 V DC, 670 mA
Capacity	2 x 16 patterns	Power consumption	2 W max
Steps	16 steps	Indicator	Power LED
Power input	DC input connector	Operating temperature	5degC - 40degC (41degF - 104degF)
Power switch	Push button on/off	Dimensions (H x W x D)	56 x 305 x 165 mm (2.2 x 12 x 6.5 inches)
USB (MIDI)	USB 2.0, type B	Weight	0.9 kg (2.0 lbs)
MIDI In, Out / Thru	2 x 5-pin DIN	Shipping weight	1.6 kg (3.5 lbs)