Thank you very much for expressing your condence in Behringer by purchasing
the RD-8 Rhythm Designer with 16 original drum sounds, 64-step sequencer,
integrated Wave Designer, integrated dual-mode lter, 11 independent analog
outputs plus a mono mix, 16 authentic step pads, 16 pattern changes per song
and an easily readable 7-segment 4-character LED display for tempo.
3RHYTHM DESIGNER RD-8 User Manual
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
20. Please keep the environmental aspects of battery
This apparatus may be used in tropical and moderate
Important Safety
Instructions
Terminals marked with this symbol carry
electrical current of sucient magnitude
to constitute risk of electric shock.
Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with
¼" TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. Allother
installation or modication should be performed only
by qualiedpersonnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears,
alertsyou to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage inside the
enclosure-voltage that may be sucient to constitute a
risk ofshock.
This symbol, wherever it appears,
alertsyou to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Please read the manual.
Caution
To reduce the risk of electric shock, donot
remove the top cover (or the rear section).
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualied personnel.
Caution
To reduce the risk of re or electric shock,
do not expose this appliance to rain and
moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping
or splashing liquids and no objects lled with liquids,
suchas vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
Caution
These service instructions are for use
by qualied service personnel only.
Toreduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any
servicing other than that contained in the operation
instructions. Repairs have to be performed by qualied
servicepersonnel.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including ampliers) that produce heat.
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. Ifthe
provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Use only attachments/accessories specied by
themanufacturer.
12. Use only with the
cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specied by the
manufacturer, orsold with
the apparatus. When a cart
is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug
is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed
to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
beendropped.
15. The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket
outlet with a protective earthing connection.
16. Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is
used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall
remain readily operable.
17. Correct disposal of this
product: This symbol indicates
that this product must not be
disposed of with household
waste, according to the WEEE
Directive (2012/19/EU) and
your national law. This product
should be taken to a collection center licensed for the
recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment
(EEE). The mishandling of this type of waste could have
a possible negative impact on the environment and
human health due to potentially hazardous substances
that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time,
your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product
will contribute to the ecient use of natural resources.
For more information about where you can take your
waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local
city oce, or your household waste collection service.
18. Do not install in a conned space, such as a book
case or similar unit.
19. Do not place naked ame sources, such as lighted
candles, on the apparatus.
disposal in mind. Batteries must be disposed-of at a
battery collection point.
For the applicable warranty terms and conditions
and additional information regarding Music Tribe’s
Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at
musictribe.com/warranty.
4RHYTHM DESIGNER RD-8 User Manual
About the RD-8
• • Authentic recreation of the inuential and highly sought af ter legendary
analog drum machine
• • 16 original drum sounds with additional parameters and
global Accent capability
• • Modern and versatile workow provides enhanced playability, enabling you
note-repeat, Real-Time Triggering, track-mute and track-solo
• • Integrated FX bus features Wave Designer and dual-mode Analog Filter with
per voice assignment
• • Live recording, editing and playback of Analog Filter cuto via automation
• • Storage of up to 16 songs and 256 patterns, all of which can be imported/
exported during playback for unlimited songs and patterns
• • Pattern Mode allows arrangement of patterns into full songs and setting
number of repeats per song part
• • Song Mode allows chaining songs together for live sets and
expanded compositions
• • Unique Auto Scroll feature enables improvisation in all modes
• • Comprehensive MIDI In/Out/Thru and USB implementation for
synchronization and connection to external devices
• • Sync options include USB, MIDI, Clock and Internal for maximum versatility
• • 11 independent analog outputs for external processing or recording your
rhythms as multi-track audio
1. Introduction
An ultra-aordable leap into the warm world of analog drum beats, the
Behringer RD-8 gives you the power to create fascinating rhythms with incredible
power and ease. The RD-8’s pure analog signal uses legendary analog circuits
with some additional pots for more parameters.
The RD-8 is ideal for the studio and/or the road. Owning an RD-8 gives you all the
power of a classic drum machine in a exible package with the ability to create
bewildering beats.
1.1 Before you get started
The RD-8 was carefully packed in the factory to guarantee safe transport.
Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine the packaging and its
contents for any signs of physical damage that may have occurred during transit.
If the unit is damaged, please do NOT return it to us, but notify your dealer and
the shipping company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement
may not be granted.
1.1.1 Initial operation
Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling purposes and, to
avoid over-heating, please do not place the RD-8 on high temperature devices
such as radiators or power amps.
! WARNING: The RD-8 is supplied with a DC power adapter that
meets the required safety standards. Do not use any other power adapter.
• • Powerful headphone and main outputs with ¼ (6.35 mm) connectors
• • High-visibility LED display makes it easy to verify program parameters
• • Robust encoder for editing parameters such as Tempo, Swing, Probability,
Flam and Random
• • 16 authentic-style step buttons with bold LED indicators for easy
pattern creation
• • 3-Year Warranty Program*
• • Designed and engineered in the U.K.
*Warrant y details can be fou nd at www.musict ribe.com
! WARNING: Please make sure that all units have a proper ground
connection. For your own safety, never remove or disable the ground conductor
from any units.
1.2 The product manual
This product manual is designed to give you both an overview of the RD-8, as well
as detailed information on each of the controls and parameters. This manual is
based on software version V2.0.6. Further features and updates will be added
later so please regularly check for software updates using the SYNTHTRIBE App.
You will nd an overview of the physical control elements in the next chapter.
1.3 Preparation
! CAUTION: Remember to turn your monitors/loudspeakers on last
when powering up your system. Turn your monitors/loudspeakers o rst when
powering down your system.
5RHYTHM DESIGNER RD-8 User Manual
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2. Features
A Past Masterpiece Rejuvenated
Great care has been taken in designing the RD-8 to achieve new possibilities in
beat creation by reviving a timeless analog design from one of the best classic
drum machines of yesteryear. By creating a fresh modern take on a characteristic
drum machine, the RD-8 gives you the power to harness the phenomenal
sound of the original. Colossal bass drums through to sizzling hi-hats can be
manipulated to take your rhythm conception to the next level. This is no digital
clone, it’s an analog beat making monster.
Powerful and Feature Rich Sequencer
The RD-8 features what we believe to be one of the most power ful step
sequencers ever created. Improved workows increase productivity making
complex song creation simple. The 64-step sequencer with storage of up to 256
patterns and 16 songs allows complicated song arrangements.
A Design for Life
Designed for life and live performance, including all new features for live use in
each of the sequencer modes: Step Repeat, Note Repeat, Real-Time Triggering
and live Step-Overdubbing. Enable recording in Pattern Launch Mode to build up
song structures on the y, switch back to Manual Mode at the touch of a button,
and then use Autoll to introduce more variations. Cue up another song from
memory, without interrupting playback, so you can literally perform entire sets
straight from the one machine.
Advanced Dual-Mode Filter
USB Control
To bring the RD-8 into the modern world USB has been added for sync and midi
triggering. The RD-8 can be controlled by a DAW if required. Songs and patterns
exchanged, or individual sounds triggered by the DAW sequencer.
Trigger Happy Controls and Connectivity
The RD-8 has 29 knobs, 5 switches and 59 buttons, all laid out in a highlyintuitive format that puts the fun back into your drum beat creation. Input and
output connections include: audio input/output, MIDI input, output and thru
over USB and 5 pin MIDI din ports. With 3 trigger outs the RD-8 lets you control
external synths and hardware sequencers to create songs without a digital audio
workstation (DAW) in sight. Full live performances can be made using these
extra outputs by controlling other units. The RD-8 can also send and receive clock
information with highly accurate timing to sync it to the outside world.
You are covered
We always strive to provide the best possible customer experience. Our produc ts
are made in our own Music Tribe factory using state-of-the-art automation,
enhanced production workows and quality assurance labs with the most
sophisticated test equipment available in the world. As a result, we have one of
the lowest product failure rates in the industry, and we condently back it up
with a generous warranty program.
3. Front and Rear Panel
Control Layout
To add new possibilities to the RD-8 it has a highly-exible 12 dB lter, which lets
you freely experiment with the cuto frequency and resonance to create out-ofthis-world beats. RD-8’s HPF button toggles between LPF (lo-pass lter) and HPF
(hi-pass lter). Fluid sweeps of the lter’s CUTOFF knob can be recorded straight
into the sequencer and can be further tweaked in the Step Editor.
Wave Shaping Goodness
The integrated Wave Designer has individual ATTACK and SUSTAIN controls for
adding another dimension to drum beats. Sounds can be controlled in new ways
to provide exciting new tones.
Polymeter Mode
RD-8 gives you the power to control loops in new ways with the Loop Overlay
function, which generates continual variations and Polymetric to add spice
to your beats. With the Loop Overlay function, you can set dierent sequence
lengths for each of the drum tracks independently to create complex overlapping
rhythms and make your song structures really evolve.
Parameter Chaining
Set separate chain preferences for each of your parameters, allowing them to
persist globally or to switch on song or pattern changes. Parameters include
Tempo, Swing, Flam, Probability, independent track mutes/solos, FX bus
assignments, Filter Modes and sweeps for enhanced real-time control. Patterns
can be changed on the y for further creative control when using the RD-8 as the
heart of your live setup.
Creative Auto Fill
The auto ll function lets you make on the y changes and gives that extra touch
to your compositions by adding lls at any point in a song. This gives the RD-8 a
musical edge when it comes to bringing songs to life.
3.1 Top Controls
3.1.1 Volume Section
(1)(2)
(1) MASTER – Controls the main output level.
(2) PHONES – Adjusts the headphones level. NOTE: The headphones
signal is taken before the Wave Designer and Filter for monitoring
purposes. This means the Wave Designer and Filter are not audible
in the headphones.
3.1.2 Analog Filter Section
(3) CUTOFF – Adjusts the cuto frequency of the lter.
(4) HPF – Toggle the lter between HPF (hi-pass lter) and
LPF (lo-pass lter, default).
(5) ON – Engages the lter into circuit when illuminated.
(6) RESONANCE – Adjusts the resonance of the lter. This emphasizes the
frequencies around the cuto point.
6RHYTHM DESIGNER RD-8 User Manual
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(11)(12)(14)(13)
(15)(16)(17)
(18)(19) (20) (21) (22)
(25)(26)(27)
(36)(37)(38)
3.1.3 Wave Designer
(7) ATTACK – Controls the attack portion of the Wave Designer circuit.
Turn counter clockwise (CCW) to reduce the at tack portion of the signal and
clockwise (CW) to enhance the attack por tion of the selected signal.
(8) SIG – Shows that signal is present in the Wave Designer circuit.
(9) SEND – Activates the Wave Designer assignment menu. The but ton is
illuminated when one or more voices are assigned to this bus.
(10) SUSTAIN – Controls the sustain portion of the Wave Designer circuit.
Turn CCW to reduce the sustain portion of the signal and turn CW to lengthen
the sustain.
3.1.4 Edit Section
(11) SAVE – Save a song or pattern to a memory slot.
(12) COPY – Copy pattern from one location to another memory location.
3.1.7 Playback Controls
(30)(28)(23)(24)(31) (32)
(33)
(29)
(23) TAP/HOLD – Set the tempo of the unit with 5 taps. Hold for quick
macro control.
(24) DISPL AY – Multi function 4-character display.
(25) RECORD – Enable/disable record mode.
(26) STOP – Stops the currently playing song or pattern.
(27) PLAY/ PAUSE – Play or pause the current song or pattern.
(28) DATA – Encoder for data editing.
(29) DATA MODE – Cycles through the various Data Modes. Tempo, Swing,
Probability and Flam.
(30) TEMPO – Adjust the Tempo parameter when selected with the
DATA encoder.
(13) ERASE – Delete the selected song, pattern or set tings.
(14) DUMP – Performs a MIDI SysEx Dump of pattern, song or settings.
3.1.5 Mode Section
(15) SONG – Enter Song Mode. Cue 1 of 16 songs.
(16) PATTERN – Enter Pattern Mode. Use the 16 available patterns to build
your song.
(17) STEP – Shows each available step for the selected voice (up to 64 steps
per pattern).
3.1.6 Sync Section
(18) CYCLE – Cycles through the various SYNC options when the sequencer is
stopped. Internal, MIDI, USB or TRIG (External Clock) options.
(19) INTERNAL – The unit is the sync master.
(20) MIDI – Sync is taken from MIDI in port.
(21) USB – Sync is taken from the USB port.
(31) SWING – Adjust the Swing parameter or shue feeling when selected with
the DATA encoder (50% straight to 75% full swing).
(32) PROB – Adjust the probability factor of steps triggering.
song when loop expires. If Auto Scroll is enabled for a pattern that has more
than 16 steps, when the Playhead advances beyond a 16-step boundary,
the steps will automatically switch pages to stay in sync with the Playhead.
(35) BANKS 16/32/48/64 – White shows bank position of Playhead in current
pattern. Red shows currently-viewed bank position.
(64) USB – Connect to a computer for updates and DAW control.
(65) MIDI IN – To input MIDI from an external MIDI device such as a sequencer
or DAW.
(66) MIDI OUT – Output of MIDI data to an external MIDI device.
(67) MIDI THRU – A direct output of the MIDI in to chain to other devices.
(68) CH INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT – ¼ (6.35 mm) Unbalanced output of the
Closed Hat.
(69) OH INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT – ¼ (6.35 mm) Unbalanced output of the
Open Hat.
(70) CY INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT – ¼ (6.35 mm) Unbalanced output of the Cymbal.
(71) CB INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT – ¼ (6.35 mm) Unbalanced output of the Cow Bell.
(72) CP/MA INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT – ¼ (6.35 mm) Unbalanced output of the
Hand Clap or Maracas.
(73) RS/CL INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT – ¼ (6.35 mm) Unbalanced output of the
Rim Shot or Claves.
(74) HT/HC INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT – ¼ (6.35 mm) Unbalanced output of the High
Tom or High Conga.
(75) MT/MC INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT – ¼ (6.35 mm) Unbalanced output of the Mid
Tom or Mid Conga.
(76) LT/LC INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT – ¼ (6.35 mm) Unbalanced output of the
Low Tom or Low Conga.
(77) SD INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT – ¼ (6.35 mm) Unbalanced output of the
Snare Drum.
(78) BD INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT – ¼ (6.35 mm) Unbalanced output of the
Bass Drum.
(79) TRIGGER OUT 1 – +5 v 1ms pulse to trigger external devices. ¼ (6.35 mm)
unbalanced output.
(80) TRIGGER OUT 2 – +5 v 1ms pulse to trigger external devices. ¼ (6.35 mm)
unbalanced output.
(84)
(75)
(76) (77) (78) (79) (80) (81)(82) (83)
(81) TRIGGER OUT 3 – +5 v 1ms pulse to trigger external devices.
¼ (6.35 mm) unbalanced output. Fixed to Accent.
(82) SYNC IN – SYNC to external device transmitting clock information using a
1/8 (3.5 mm) TRS jack. Start/stop signal on ring and clock on tip.
(83) SYNC OUT – SYNC external devices to the Rhythm Designer using an
unbalanced ⁄ (3.5 mm) jack.
(84) BOOT – Enter DFU boot mode for software updates.
4. Overview
This overview will help you set up the RD-8 analog rhythm designer and briey
introduce its capabilities.
4.1 Connections
The RD-8 has a ¼ (6.35 mm) mono jack output on the rear of the unit plus
11 independent voice ¼ (6.35 mm) jacks. When the individual voice outputs are
used and connected, they cut that voice from the MAIN MONO output. This is
useful for adding eects or external processing to individual sounds.
Audio return is via the ¼ (6.35 mm) mono RETURN jack on the rear panel.
This input can be used to process an individual voice or voices via external
processing (mixer, compressor or reverb, etc.), then return the signal back into
the main output of the RD-8. Please consult the connection set-up guide for
examples (8.1).
The CLOCK IN/OUT connections use ⁄ (3.5mm) TRS jacks.
CAUTION: Do not overload the ⁄ (3.5 mm) CLOCK IN input. This jack can only
accept voltages up to a maximum of +15 V. The 3.5 mm CLOCK OUT outputs
should only be connected to inputs capable of receiving the output voltages.
Failure to follow these instructions may damage the RD-8 or external units.
4.2 Software Setup
The RD-8 is a USB Class Compliant MIDI device, and so no driver installation is
required. The RD-8 does not require any additional drivers to work with Windows
and MacOS. The SYNTHTRIBE App is available which can be used to update and
control many features of the RD-8.
4.3 Hardware Setup
First make all the audio and power connections to your system. Connect a DAW,
external sequencer or keyboard with MIDI output directly to the RD-8 MIDI IN
5-pin DIN type input or via MIDI over USB if desired. Apply power to the RD-8
using the supplied power adapter only. Ensure your sound system is turned
down. Turn on the RD-8 rear power switch. Use the MIDI page in the settings
function to set the RD-8 to a unique MIDI channel within your system.
9RHYTHM DESIGNER RD-8 User Manual
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4.4 Voice Section
In this section the sounds and controls are described to help you achieve the most from the RD-8 which has 16 sounds, plus Accent.
(1) ACCENT – This function is used to give emphasis to any voice programmed
on the same step. The LEVEL control determines the amount of emphasis
given to the selected voices. Turn Counter Clockwise (CCW) to reduce the
amount of global Accent. Turn Clockwise (CW) to increase the global Accent
level. Accent can also be programmed via MIDI or USB by using a velocity
value of 110 or higher. When a note is programmed above the 110 velocity
level, all other sounds triggered at the same time will be accented too.
NOTE: Accent is global across all voices. Any step with an accent programmed
on it will accent all voices programmed on that step.
(2) BASS DRUM – This classic sound dened a generation. The LEVEL control
adjusts the level compared to the other voices. TONE applies a lter to the
sound, CCW to remove high frequency information. Turning CW brightens
the sound. DECAY controls how long the drum will ring. Turn CW for longer
tones. The TUNING function (placed in the Accent section but controls the
bass drum only) changes the pitch of the bass drum, turn CCW for low
sounds, turn CW to raise the pitch.
(3) SNARE DRUM – The SNAPPY control simulates the sound of the snares
microphone moving closer to and from the bottom drum head. LEVEL and
TONE control as the bass drum voice.
(4) LOW TOM/LOW CONGA – The switch determines which sound is in use.
TUNING adjusts the pitch of the sound. Turn CCW for low sounds and CCW to
raise the pitch. LEVEL control is the same as the bass drum voice.
(5) MID TOM/MID CONGA – Same functions as (4) LOW TOM/LOW CONGA.
(6) HI TOM/HI CONGA – Same functions as (4) LOW TOM/LOW CONGA.
5. Creating a Pattern (Step Mode)
Patterns can use up to 64 steps which gives a great deal of exibility.
How to record a basic 16-step pattern:
1. Selec t a SONG.
2. Press PATTERN.
3. Select desired pattern number via step keys 1-16.
4. Press STEP.
5. Select desired tempo with Data control.
6. Press RECORD.
7. Select the VOICE you wish to use.
8. Steps can be programmed either with the unit playing (press PLAY) or in the
stopped position. The moving white LED is the play head which shows the
current play position. The TRIGGER pad can also be used to play and record
the currently-selected voice.
9. Select dierent voices to add into the current pattern.
10. Press stop and record to exit record step mode.
How to save a pattern:
1. Once you have created your masterpiece of a pattern press PATTERN.
2. Press SAVE.
(7) RIM SHOT/CLAVES – The switch determines which sound is in use.
The LEVEL control adjusts the level compared to the other voices.
(8) HAND CLAP/MARACAS – The switch determines which sound is in use.
The LEVEL control adjusts the level compared to the other voices. OFFSET
adjusts the length of the hand clap only, from short (CCW) to long (CW).
3. Press PATTERN again.
4. Select the Step number of the Pattern you wish to save, current pattern will
be displayed in white after which SAVE will ash.
5. Press the ashing SAVE button to execute the operation.
(9) COW BELL – The level control gives you more cow bell, if desired.
(10) CYMBAL – LEVEL and TONE control as the bass drum voice. DECAY controls
how long the cymbal rings.
(11) OPEN HAT – The controls are the same as the CYMBAL voice.
(12) CLOSED HAT – LEVEL and TONE control as the bass drum voice. When the
closed hat is programmed on a step immediately after an OPEN HAT, the
closed hat voice cuts the OPEN HAT voice, which is a classic drum machine
trick to simulate a real hi-hat.
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