NAMM 2020: Behringer’s Roland TR-606 clone, the RD-6, is finally here

With NAMM 2020 in full swing, Behringer has taken the wraps off of its latest and greatest drum machine clone. The new device is called the Behringer RD-6, and it’s built to pair with the beloved Behringer TD-3 analog bass synth line. The new Behringer RD-6 has the same overall build type as the TD-3, and the two can be paired for an awesome duo.

The Behringer RD-6 is essentially a clone of the Roland TR-606, but with a few key differences — like the built-in distortion unit. Here’s everything you need to know about the Behringer RD-6.

Behringer RD-6 Features

The Behringer RD-6 offers a number of awesome features. Notably, you’ll get 16 step buttons at the bottom of the device to perfectly fill out and master the desired drum pattern. Across the top of the unit is where the eight track options can be tuned and adjusted. That includes accent, bass drum, snare drum, low tom, high tom, cymbal or clap, open hi-hat, and closed hi-hat. The 6th option can be switched to either use the RD-6’s built in crash cymbal sample, or the clap sample made famous by the BR110 drum machine.

The Behringer RD-6’s tempo can be fluidly controlled using a knob off to the left of the unit, which can be used either as a tool to help build your desired pattern. Each of the eight tracks can be mixed using knobs across the top of the unit. Finally, distortion can be applied across the board using a function to the right. This can be switched on or off, and tweaked using knobs for distortion type, tone, and level. For sending your finalized pattern elsewhere, amazingly, each individual track has its own 1/8″ output jack. A full 1/4″ mix output is also included, along with MIDI I/O, a start/stop trigger, and a USB-B connector.

While the Behringer RD-6 was essentially designed as an accessory to the TD-3, that definitely doesn’t mean it can’t be used on its own. However, if you do own a TD-3,you can easily connect the two using sync in and out cables located at the top of each.

Behringer has yet to announce an official price for the Behringer RD-6, but it’s entirely possible that it will fall in the same price range as the TD-3. Not only that, but it’ll almost certainly be cheaper than an actual Roland TR-606.