Behringer RD-6-AM classic analog drum machine, yellow

RD-6-AM

The RHYTHM DESIGNER RD6-AM provides all the tools you need to become a master beat-maker, including: 8 drum sound and a 16-step sequencer – for a quick and easy-to-use drum machine that’ll shake the house! Whether you’re new to drum programming or a seasoned pro looking to enhance your setup, the RD-6-AM has everything you need to step up to the big leagues.

Masterpiece Rejuvenated

Great care has been taken in designing the RD-6-AM to achieve new possibilities in beat creation by reviving a timeless design from one of the most classic drum machines of yesteryear. By taking a fresh and modern approach on a classic drum machine, the RD-6-AM gives you the power to harness the phenomenal sound of the venerable TR-606 and tap into some new features as well. Punchy bass drums through sizzling hi-hats and even the authentic and renowned BR-110 clap sound can be manipulated to take your rhythm performance to the next level. This is an analog beat-making monster!

Complete Control

Built to enhance the way you perform, the RD-6-AM boasts a 16-step drum sequencer which allows for real-time switching between 32 separate patterns. Start building song structures on-the-fly and even edit them to your liking. Mix any of the 8 drum sounds by adjusting their dedicated level knobs. The RD-6-AM also comes with a distortion based on the venerable DS-1. Add spice and a bit of edge to your tone by flipping the Distortion switch on and adjusting the amount and tone of the distortion. Each pattern you create can also be chained into a whole song up to 256 bars which adds up to eight and a half minutes of beats perfect for those spicy jams where you just can’t stop.

USB Control

To bring the RD-6-AM into the modern age, USB connectivity has been added for sync and MIDI triggering. This enables the RD-6-AM to be controlled by your DAW if desired, allowing songs and patterns to be swapped or individual sounds to be triggered.

The Numbers

The RD-6-AM has 11 knobs and 26 buttons, all laid out in a highly-intuitive format that puts the fun back into your beat creation. Input and output connections include: Open or Closed Hi-Hat, Clap, Cymbal, Low and Hi Tom, Snare and Bass Drum Voice Outs; Start/Stop for connecting a foot pedal; MIDI In, Out and Thru over USB for connecting the RD-6-AM to a DAW and 5 pin MIDI ports.

A Brief History of Drum Machines

From its humble beginnings as a rhythmic support to organists to later setting dance floors ablaze with unrelenting and hypnotic beats, the drum machine has been one of the most unappreciated of all musical inventions. Uncompromising in its metronomic precision, the drum machine provides a flawless rhythm section that never tires of playing the same four-bar loop. However, when put into the right hand and proper musical context, they can be finessed to create awe-inspiring rhythmic artistry.