Since the late 70s, “Drum Machines” have become an indispensable force that has changed how we write, arrange, and produce modern music and driven new genres and styles. Since then, only one can claim as many hit records as the legendary TR808. With great attention to detail and reverence, Behringer’s RD-8MKII revives the essence of the now priceless vintage icon. Priced unbelievably lower than the original 808 at introduction back in 1980 and only a fraction of the price of a vintage example, the RD-8 MKII is affordably well within reach.

Built with vintage-accurate analog components, including the notorious and long-discontinued 662 OTA chip, even a time machine set for 1980 could deliver greater authenticity. With its classic, genera-defining sounds, expanded sequencer functions, wave designer, dual-mode filter, MIDI connectivity, and more, the RD-8MKII is a powerhouse modern drum machine with a vintage soul.

Like the original, the RD-8 MKII features 16 analog-generated sounds, including the highly desirable deep and dark bass drum, snappy snare, and sizzling high hats with additional parameters and global accent capability. Also. Like the original, up to 11 simultaneous sounds can be run through independent analog outputs for external processing or recording. The powerful 64-step sequencer can store up to 16 songs and 256 patterns that can be imported or exported during playback for unlimited songs and patterns. Additionally, the sequencer operates in Pattern mode (for setting patterns and repeats), Song mode (for arranging songs and sets), and Auto-scroll for adding improvisation in all modes).

True to Behringer form, the RD-8MKII features some modern digital-age upgrades, like an Integrated FX bus with Wave Designer and dual-mode Analog Filter with per-voice assignment, MIDI In/Out/Thru, plus USB connectivity, Sync, and Encoder for real-time Tempo, Swing, Probability, Flam, and Random control for a human “feel.”