Behringer RD-8 MKII: Analog 808 Sound With 64 Steps
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Behringer RD-8 MKII: analog 808-style drum machine with a recreated BA662, 16 sounds, a 64-step sequencer and 16 individual outputs – full specs here.
The Behringer RD-8 MKII brings back the sound of the 1980 Roland TR-808 using real analog circuitry, not samples. At the heart of the second generation is a recreated BA662 VCA, the chip Behringer brought back together with Coolaudio. If you want the 808 kick and its siblings in hardware for your techno or electro tracks, it deserves a closer look.
At a glance
- Analog sound generation with 16 drum sounds
- 64-step sequencer, stores up to 256 patterns and 16 songs
- 16 individual outputs, 3 trigger outputs, clock in and out, MIDI In/Out/Thru and USB
- Recreated BA662 VCA, improved signal-to-noise ratio over its predecessor
From 808 clone to second generation
The first RD-8 shipped to retailers in August 2019, around 808 Day. Even then it was more than a straight copy: Behringer added controls for bass drum tuning and hi-hat tone, 64 steps per pattern, swing, flam and note repeat, plus a compressor/transient shaper and a resonant low-pass/high-pass filter.
In June 2021 Behringer announced the MKII. From the outside, only four black buttons instead of white ones give it away. Under the hood, according to Gearnews, the circuit was redesigned from the ground up to improve the voices as well as noise and phase response on the main and individual outputs. The MKII directly replaces the original RD-8.
Sound and workflow: Wave Designer, filter, flam
With the pitch and tone controls you tune the kick to the key of your track or play a bassline with it. The Wave Designer works on the sum and shapes attack and sustain. The analog dual-mode filter with cutoff and resonance can be switched in for individual tracks.
The sequencer offers poly-meter, step repeat, note repeat, real-time recording, track mute and track solo. Auto-Fill generates fill variations at the push of a button, and you can call up a different song without stopping playback. Updates and MIDI settings are handled via Behringer's Synth Tool software.
Specifications
| Sound generation | Analog |
|---|---|
| Drum sounds | 16 |
| Sequencer | 64 steps |
| Memory | 256 patterns, 16 songs |
| Effects | Wave Designer, dual-mode filter |
| Main output | 1 × 6.3 mm jack |
| Individual outputs | 16 × 6.3 mm jack |
| Trigger outputs | 3 × 6.3 mm jack |
| Main return / headphones | 6.3 mm jack each |
| Clock | In and out, 3.5 mm mini jack |
| MIDI | In, Out, Thru, USB |
| Power supply | External power adapter |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 77 × 498 × 265 mm |
| Weight | 3 kg |
Context: analog instead of samples
Roland itself recreates the 808 in the TR-08 and the Roland TR-8S using samples and virtual synthesis. The RD-8 relies on analog circuitry instead. Only in 2025 did Roland release an analog drum machine again, the TR-1000.
With 16 individual outputs, three triggers and clock connections, the RD-8 MKII fits into a setup with modular gear or other Behringer clones – for example next to the Behringer TD-3-MO acid bassline.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the RD-8 MKII and the original RD-8?
The MKII has a redesigned circuit with a recreated BA662 VCA, a higher signal-to-noise ratio and improved phase response on the individual and main outputs. Visually, four buttons are black instead of white.
Can the RD-8 MKII store patterns?
Yes. It stores up to 256 patterns, which you can chain into up to 16 songs.
Can the RD-8 MKII sync with other gear?
Yes. It has MIDI In, Out and Thru, USB MIDI, a clock input and output, and three trigger outputs.
Source: Thomann – Behringer RD-8 MKII, Gearnews – Behringer RD-8 MKII, Gearnews – Behringer RD-8, Wikipedia – Roland TR-808
