Behringer Rhythm Designer RD-8 Analog Drum Machine

Boom. Boom. BaBoom.This machine is a dream. I have samples of the 808 in an original Roland Sound Canvas and in so many knock-off digital sample sets. Turning the knobs to get the perfect sound is just so rewarding, and the new Wave Designer and Analog Filter really complete the instrument.Most tracks that used the original TR-808 in its prime included substantial processing outside of the unit. The addition of the built-in post processing makes this less necessary. You can select which drum sounds go through these new internal filters. If you want to process the audio externally, you can do that too. Each instrument has its own dedicated out. When you plug a cable in here, it removes that instrument from the main mix.Did I mention the Accent? Accent is programmed like a drum track, but it doesn't make any sound itself, instead it impacts all of the other drum sounds on that beat making them louder and thicker. The accent can also be sent out as a CV trigger to an analog synthesizer, for example to restart your LFO.As with all great instruments, the possibilities are endless.Thank you Behringer. THANK YOU!

If you want basically an exact copy of an 808 in your studio with a few minor improvements, low price and solid construction, this is what you should get. If you’re not looking specifically for the 808 sound you’d maybe be better off with another more capable low cost machine. This drum machine is incredibly intuitive and easy to quickly lay a sequence and keep going. Polyrhythms are a neat feature that I will hopefully dive more into. I was disappointed to find there is no automation on any of the knobs, either by MIDI or sequencing automation. Although you can automate the attack, sustain, and cutoff sends. Hopeful a future firmware update could add this huge feature, but likely won’t if the physical connections aren’t present.

I am very happy with this machine. Behringer has done a great job recreating this classic. The sound of the machine is fantastic, the filter in the effects section sounds nice, it is a more than opportune addition. Some details to keep in mind:1 - Each part/sound has an independent mono audio output.2 - The mix output is mono, this equipment does not have a stereo output3 - There is a trend in modern equipment to make everything small. This machine is an exception to that rule, it has large dimensions, its buttons and knobs are large. Be careful if you don't have much room in your studio.4 - The first time I used it, I found the issue that the machine did not record the patches correctly, when turning off the machine everything was lost and it restarted blank. Solve this situation by recovering the original factory installation from the same machine.

I love this thing, one of the easiest drum machines I've ever worked with and it sounds just like an original 808, or at least I can't tell the difference. The clap even does that weird thing the original did where the reverb on it has to warm up before it will sound. I definitely recommend you give this thing a shot.

I always wanted to own a TR-808 but couldn't afford one. For the price I would say don't even think about it and just buy the RD-8. If for some reason you do not want to to used the internal sequencer the RD-8 makes an excellent sound module. I did a few sequences using my MPC 1000 and sending the midi out to the RD-8 and it worked great. Having individual outs is a big plus because it gives a great flexibility to really shape the sounds.Only CON for me was updating the firmware using the pc was a little weird. it took me a while to get it working.Behringer has done a great job with their version of the 808.

This is as fun as a video game. I can’t seem to stop creating beats with it. So fun and fairly easy to use. Check out YouTube to see it in action cause there are other options with a similar price tag.

Never thought I would own an 808, these Behringer Clones have made it not only possible but affordable. Wow!!! It's like time travel without messing up the timeline.

A true analog drum machine that sounds amazing. You will not be disappointed. Behringer is awesome.