Behringer Introduces the RD-8 MKII

video upload by Behringer

"In our constant pursuit for perfection and authenticity, we proudly introduce the new RD-8 MKII, the most authentic analog recreation ever produced.

This drum machine has been re-designed from the ground up with carefully selected components and circuitry, which have dramatically improved the sound of the voices as well as noise and phase response across both the main and individual outputs.

Most importantly, our engineers - together with our Coolaudio semiconductor sister company - successfully recreated the 40-year-old BA662 chip, which is instrumental for the authentic voices of this instrument.

We’re proud to deliver the most authentic and accurate analog drum machine recreation ever produced.

We Hear You.

List Price: $329 (in stock and immediately shipping from our factory)"

Behringer RD-8 MkII Review by Honeysmack
video upload by Honeysmack

"He is my first review of the new RD-8 MkII.

This video is not a tutorial or a detailed feature run through. As a live Acid Techno improvisor and performer for almost 30 years, I wanted to go through some features I loved and how the RD-8 MKII builds on the spirit of the TR-808 with some nice new sound enhancements and sequencer/performance features. Behringer have said they redesigned some of the key components in an effort to get an authentic 808 sound. The firmware has also been revised.

00:00 RD-8 MKII vs TR-808 sound comparison
00:35 Intro
02:00 Me with hair as a techno raver
02:37 Why Behringer are doing good things!
03:01 How does it compare to the original?
04:24 Sound enhancements overview
04:34 Bass drum
05:04 Open hihat
05:34 Hand clap
05:56 Wave designer
06:48 Dual-mode filter
08:00 Turn your bass drum into a synth
08:57 Sequencer/performance functions overview
09:49 Poly mode
11:14 Step repeat
11:33 Note repeat
12:00 Randomization
12:39 Probability
13:23 Flam
13:51 Conclusion
14:37 RD-8 MK II outro jam

All audio was recorded without any pre/post processing whatsoever, all audio is coming directly out of an old Mackie 24•8 mixer with no EQ. What you are hearing is as raw as possible, with no embellishments.

We all know the 808 sound and it’s hard to not to know it these days as this legendary drum machine has informed a variety of electronic dance music genres from Hip Hop to pop music. Owning an original TR-808 is a rarity these days, I purchased mine over 20 years ago at time before prices went crazy. These days owning vintage drum machines and synths are the fare of privileged people, like old men with ponytails collecting vintage guitars. The RD-8MkII is great riff on the original. The new additions such as filter, wave designer, tuning on the kick, clap offset and the added sequencer features make a great drum machine. I applaud Behringer for producing an affordable, like-for-like clone. This gives more people access and it can only promote more music making! Hope this video provides some insight into this new machine.

Disclaimer: I was a beta-tester on the RD-8 MkII although I do not work for Behringer and they have nothing to do with the making of this video."