behringer RD-6 Classic Analog Drum Machine with 8 Drum Sounds User Guide

May 15, 2024
Behringer

behringer RD-6 Classic Analog Drum Machine with 8 Drum
Sounds Quick Start Guide
RD-6

 RD-6 Classic Analog Drum Machine with 8 Drum Sounds

Classic Analog Drum Machine with 8 Drum Sounds, 16-Step Sequencer and Distortion Effect

Important Safety Instructions

Terminals marked with this symbol carry electrical current of sufficient magnitude to constitute risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with ¼” TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.
Caution
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover (or the rear section). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Caution
To reduce the risk of fire 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 filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
Caution
These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operation instructions. Repairs have to be performed by qualified service personnel.

  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  amplifiers) that produce heat.

  9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized 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. If the provided plug does not fit 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 specified by the manufacturer.

  12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold 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 qualified 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 been dropped.

  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 efficient use of natural resources. For more information about where you can take your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, or your household waste collection service.

  18. Do not install in a confined space, such as a book case or similar unit.

  19. Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the apparatus.

  20. Please keep the environmental aspects of battery disposal in mind. Batteries must be disposed-of at a battery collection point.

  21. This apparatus may be used in tropical and moderate climates up to 45°C.

Step 1: Hook-Up

behringer RD-6 Classic Analog Drum Machine with 8 Drum Sounds - Hook-
Upbehringer RD-6 Classic
Analog Drum Machine with 8 Drum Sounds - Hook-Up 1

Step 2: Controls

behringer RD-6 Classic Analog Drum Machine with 8 Drum Sounds -
Controls Voice Section

  1. ACCENT – adjust the amount of accent given to the output for any steps programmed with an accent.

  2. BASS DRUM – adjusts the level of the Bass Drum sent to the Mix Out and Voice Out.

  3. SNARE DRUM – adjusts the level of the Snare Drum sent to the Mix Out and Voice Out.

  4. LO HI TOM – adjusts the level of the Low and Hi Tom sent to the Mix Out and Voice Out.

  5. CYMBAL/CLAP – adjusts the level of the Cymbal and Clap sent to the Mix Out and Voice Out.

  6. OPEN/CLOSED HI HAT– adjusts the level of the Open and Closed Hi Hat sent to the Mix Out and Voice Out.
    Patch bay (3.5 mm TS input and output connections)

  7. SYNC IN – this input allows the use of an external clock and start/stop signal.

  8. SYNC OUT – this output allows the external clock and start/stop signal to be sent to other devices.

  9. LT TRIGGER OUT – sends a +15 V pulse to trigger external devices.

  10. HT TRIGGER OUT – sends a +15 V pulse to trigger external devices.

  11. PHONES – connect your headphones to this 3.5 mm TRS output. Make sure the volume is turned down before putting on headphones.
    Distortion Section
    These controls only have an effect when the DISTORTION switch (20) is ON. The circuit is located in the signal path just before the volume control and the final audio output.

  12. DISTORTION – adjust the amount of distortion.

  13. TONE – adjust the tone of the distortion.

  14. LEVEL – adjust the distortion level. General Controls

  15. TEMPO – adjust the rate at which the pattern and tracks play, from slow to fast.

  16. CYMBAL/CLAP SELECT – Select either RD-6 Cymbal or BR110 Clap on the step keys.

  17. TRACK/INSTRUMENT SELECT – this control selects either the track or instrument to be written or edited.

  18. MODE SELECTOR – select from TRACK WRITE, TRACK PLAY, PATTERN PLAY, PATTERN WRITE.

  19. POWER LED – indicates that power is supplied to the unit and the rear-panel power switch is on.

  20. DISTORTION ON/OFF – when OFF, the distortion is bypassed, and the DISTORTION, TONE, and LEVEL controls have no effect.

  21. VOLUME – adjust the output level from the rear-panel output and the headphones output. Make sure the volume is turned down before putting on headphones.
    Sequencer Section

  22. D.C./BAR RESET/CLEAR – this is used to clear a pattern from memory, to return a track to the beginning, and to signal that the last pattern is being added to a track.

  23. SCALE SELECTOR – this determines the number of steps assigned to each quarter note beat, as shown by the relationships between the note images next to the scale selector switch.

  24. PATTERN GROUP INDICATOR – depending on the MODE position, the pattern Group indicator will display either pattern I or II.

  25. PATTERN GROUP – depending on the MODE selector position and the RUN/STOP circumstance, this button will act in different ways.

  26. START / STOP – this allows you to start or stop playing the patterns and tracks. The LED will turn on when playing.

  27. FUNCTION – this multipurpose switch is used in many ways during pattern and track writing.

  28. STEP SELECTOR – these 16 buttons perform different functions depending on the RUN/STOP circumstance and the MODE selector position.

  29. TAP – depending on the MODE selector setting and the RUN/STOP circumstance, this button will perform different functions.
    Rear Panel
    When a jack is inserted in one of the voice outs, that voice is removed from the mix out.

  30. OH/CH VOICE OUT –1 ⁄8″ (3.5 mm) unbalanced output of the Open and Closed Hi-Hat.

  31. CP VOICE OUT – 1⁄8″ (3.5 mm) unbalanced output of the Clap.

  32. CY VOICE OUT – 1⁄8″ (3.5 mm) unbalanced output of the Cymbal.

  33. LT/HT VOICE OUT – 1⁄8″ (3.5 mm) unbalanced output of the Low Tom and Hi Tom.

  34. SD VOICE OUT –1 1⁄8″ (3.5 mm) unbalanced output of the Snare Drum.

  35. BD VOICE OUT –1⁄8″ (3.5 mm)  unbalanced output of the Bass Drum.

  36. MIX OUT – ¼” (6.35 mm) unbalanced mixed output.

  37. START/STOP – ¼” (6.35 mm) connect a foot pedal to start and stop the RD-6.

  38. MIDI OUT/THRU – output of MIDI data to an external MIDI device and/or a direct output of the MIDI IN to chain to other devices.

  39. MIDI IN – to input MIDI from an external MIDI device such as a sequencer or DAW.

  40. USB – connect to a computer for updates and USB MIDI DAW control.

  41. POWER – turn the rhythm designer on or off. Make sure all the connections are made before turning on the unit.

  42. DC INPUT – connect the supplied 9 V DC power adapter here. The power adapter can be plugged into an AC outlet capable of supplying from 100 V to 240 V at 50 Hz/60 Hz. Use only the power adapter supplied.

Step 3: Getting started

OVERVIEW
This ‘getting started’ guide will help you set up the RD-6 analog rhythm designer and briefly introduce its capabilities.
CONNECTION
To connect the RD-6 to your system, please consult the connection guide earlier in this document.
SOFTWARE SETUP
The RD-6 is a USB Class Compliant MIDI device, and so no driver installation is required. The RD-6 does not require any additional drivers to work with Windows and MacOS.
HARDWARE SETUP
Make all the connections in your system. Keep the RD-6 power turned off when making any connections.
Use only the supplied power adapter for the RD-6. Ensure your sound system is turned down.
Turn on the RD-6 before turning on any power amplifiers and turn it of f last. This will help prevent any turn on or turn of f “pops or thumps” in your speakers.
WARM UP TIME
We recommend leaving 15 minutes or more time for the RD-6 to warm up before recording or live performance. (Longer if it has been brought in from the cold.) This will allow the precision analog circuits time to reach their normal operating temperature and tuned performance.
SETTING SYNC and CLOCK TYPE
Step keys 1, 2, 3, or 4 represent clock source INT, MIDI, USB, or TRIG respectively.
Step keys 5, 6, 7, or 8 represent clock rate 1PPS, 2PPQ, 24PPQ, or 48PPQ respectively.

  1. Press Function.
  2. Make sure no sequence is playing.
  3. Press PATTERN GROUP and WRITE/NEXT at the same time to enter Sync setting mode.
  4. Selector 1 to 8 LEDs will turn on, and the current clock source (1 to 4) and clock rate (5 to 8) will flash, you have about 3 seconds to make any changes.
  5. Press step keys 1, 2, 3, or 4 to change the clock source to INT, MIDI, USB, or TRIG respectively.
  6. Press step keys 5, 6, 7, or 8 to change the clock rate to 1PPS, 2PPQ, 24PPQ, or 48PPQ respectively.
  7. Press any other buttons or after no changes for a 3 seconds, the changes are saved.
  8. Repeat step 3 to check your selection.

MIDI CHANNEL SELECTION
Press and hold FUNCTION, then press PATTERN GROUP to enter MIDI channel setting mode, then press STEP KEYS 1-16 to select the channel, press PATTERN GROUP to switch between MIDI transmit (out) and receive (in).
PATCH BAY SECTION
This section allows you the versatility to connect to other units and modular synthesizer equipment to create many different sounds. The connections are standard 3.5 mm TS, and the voltage requirements are shown in the specifications table. The RD-6 does
not need these connections in order to operate, they are used for further expansion of your system.
Caution: Do not overload the 3.5 mm sync input.
It can only accept the correct level of voltages as shown in the specification tables. The 3.5 mm outputs should only be connected to inputs capable of receiving the output voltages. Failure to follow these instructions may damage the RD-6 or external units.
FIRMWARE UPDATE
Please check behringer.com regularly for any updates to the Behringer Synth tool app.
The app looks for the latest firmware file which can then be downloaded and used to update the RD-6. The Synth Tool app can be used to change certain settings of the RD-6.

WRITE A PATTERN

  1. Select PATTERN WRITE mode.

  2. Select a step key from 1-16.

  3. Press START.

  4. The default pattern length is 16 steps.
    The end pattern point can be set by holding FUNCTION/LAST STEP and selecting the step key you wish the  pattern to end at.

  5. Select the instrument you wish to program with the control.

  6. Select the steps you wish the instrument to sound on or use the TAP button to enter a rhythm in real time.

  7. Repeat step 7 for other instruments. Press stop to complete the pattern write process.

PATTERN PLAY MODE
In PATTERN PLAY mode you can select which pattern to play by selecting the step key (1-16). PATTERN GROUP button can be used to switch between the two banks of patterns. It is possible to switch to pattern write mode whist playing to make edits in real time.
PATTERN CHAIN
In PATTERN WRITE/PLAY patterns can be chained together in groups of up to 16 by pressing and holding the first pattern and pressing the last pattern in the chain. This allows up to 256 steps to be programmed in one continuous sequence.
TRACK WRITE MODE
Select a track from 1 to 8. Press CLEAR/ BAR RESET to return to the start of the track. Start the RD-6 playing and select the pattern you want then press the WRITE/NEXT button, then select the next pattern and press WRITE/NEXT again. After the last pattern press the CLEAR button, then the WRITE/NEXT button. This tells the sequencer that the last pattern has been selected.
TRACK PLAY MODE
Select the track you wish to play from 1 to 8, press CLEAR/BAR RESET to return to the start of the track, then press START.
TAP
Depending on the MODE selector settings and the RUN/STOP circumstance, this button will perform different functions. When running in PATTERN WRITE, it will perform real time TAP programming.
When running in PATTERN PLAY, the TAP button acts as a STEP RESET button to immediately begin again from the first Step of the current Pattern.
When stopped in TRACK PLAY or TRACK WRITE the TAP button will advance one bar further into the selected Track.
When running in TRACK PLAY, pressing the Tap button will instantly return the track being played to the measure that has been assigned the sign and continue normally from that point.
When running in TRACK WRITE, the Tap button will perform a WRITE/NEXT function, writing a pattern currently being heard and indicated on the LED indicators into track memory and advancing the bar number assignment accordingly.
This WRITE/NEXT function always deals in complete pattern units. If a chained pattern is written into a track using the Tap button the bar number will advance the number of bars contained within the chained pattern.
RANDOM PATTERN
In PATTERN WRITE mode, whether the pattern is playing or not, press CLEAR and START/STOP at the same time to generate a random pattern.
Note: This will overwrite the currently selected pattern.
TRIGGER OUTPUTS
The RD-6 provides two independent, programmable TRIGGER OUTPUTS.
This allow interfacing with other synthesizers or sequencers. Each trigger signal is a positive 15 Volt, pulse suitable for activating either the Trigger or Gate inputs of external equipment.
A synthesizer such as the Behringer  MS-1 may be gated to process its ownoscillators. The TRIGGERS may also be used to control the rhythm and rate of the Arpeggio of the MS-1 synthesizers.
The two TRIGGER OUT jacks correspond to rhythms programmed into the Low Tom or High Tom positions, rhythms determined by the Track/Program selector and programming.
These instruments may be used simultaneously with their TRIGGER OUT or programmed specifically to provide TRIGGER OUTPUT rhythms, silencing the instruments using the individual INSTRUMENT MIX LEVEL controls.

Specifications

Voices|
---|---
Number of sounds| 8
Type| Analog
Number of simultaneous voices| 8
Voice controls|
Accent| Level
Bass drum| Level
Snare drum| Level
Low torn, hi tom| Level
Cymbal, clap| Level
Open hat, closed hat| Level

Connectivity

Power input DC input connector
Power switch Push button on/off
USB (MIDI) USB 2.0, type B
MIDI In, Out / Thru 2 x 5-pin DIN
Start/ stop 1×3/4″T5
Mix out 1 x 3/4″ TS, unbalanced,

1 k0 impedance
Yoke out| 6x ‘Is IS, unbalanced, 100 0 impedance
Sync in/out| 2 x 14″TRS (Tip is
clock and Ring is the start message) more than: 2.5 V
Trigger outs| LT and HT 2 x +15 V, 1PPS/24PPQ/48PPQ 50% pulse length, 2PPQ narrow pulse length.
Phones| 1 x’ANTRS, stereo, 15 0 impedance

USB

USB Class compliant USB 2.0, type B
Supported operating systems Windows 7 or higher

Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher
Pattern/Storage|
Capacity| 2 x 16 patterns
Steps| 16 steps
Power Requirements|
External power adapter| 9 V DC, 670 mA
Power consumption| 2 W max.
Indicator| Power LED
Environmental|
Operating temperature range| 5°C — 45°C (41°F — 113°F)
Physical|
Dimensions (H x W x D)| 56 x 305 x 165 mm(2.2 x 12 x 6.5″)
Weight| 0.9 kg (2.0 lbs)
Shipping Weight| 1.6 kg (3.5 Ibs)

MIDI message

| Status| Second| Third| Parameter| Description
---|---|---|---|---|---
Channel Message| 8n| kk| vv vv| [0, 7F] [0, 7F]| Note Off
 9n| kk| —| —| Note On
Bn| 7B| —| —| All Notes Off
SysRT| F8| —| —| —| Timing Clock
FA| —| | | Start
FB| | | | Continue
FC| | | | Stop

Examples

Voice MIDI Note No.
Bass Drum 36, 0x24
Snare Drum 40, 0x28
Low Tom 45, 0x2D
Hi Tom 50, 0x32
Clap 39, 0x27
Cymbal 51, 0x33
Open Hat 46, 0x2E
Closed Hat 42, 0x2A
Function Command(1)
--- ---
Note on 90 3C 64
Note off 80 3C 40
All notes off B0 7B

Note: 1, MIDI input channel 1.

Other important information

Important information

  1. Register online.
    Please register your new Music Tribe equipment right after you purchase it by visiting musictribe.com. Registering your purchase using our simple online form helps us to process your repair claims more quickly and efficiently. Also, read the terms and conditions of our warranty, if applicable.

  2. Malfunction. Should your Music Tribe Authorized Reseller not be located in your vicinity, you may contact the Music Tribe Authorized Fulfiller for your country listed under “Support” at musictribe.com. Should your country not be listed, please check if your problem can be dealt with by our “Online Support” which may also be found under “Support” at musictribe.com. Alternatively, please submit an online warranty claim at musictribe.com BEFORE returning the product.

  3. Power Connections.
    Before plugging the unit into a power socket, please make sure you are using the correct mains voltage for your particular model. Faulty fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same type and rating without exception.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

Behringer
RD-6
Responsible Party Name: Music Tribe Commercial NV Inc.
Address: 122 E. 42nd St.1,
8th Floor NY, NY 10168,
United States
Email Address: legal@musictribe.com

RD-6
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
  • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
  • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
  • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation  is subject to the following two conditions:

  1. this device may not cause harmful interference, and
  2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Important information:
Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by Music Tribe can void the user’s authority to use the equipment.

**** Hereby, Music Tribe declares that this product is in compliance with Directive 2014/35/EU,Directive 2014/30/EU, Directive 2011/65/EU and Amendment 2015/863/EU, Directive 2012/19/EU, Regulation 519/2012 REACH SVHC and Directive 1907/2006/EC.

Full text of EU DoC is available at https://community.musictribe.com/
EU Representative: Music Tribe Brands DK A/S
Address: Gammel Strand 44, DK-1202 København K, Denmark
UK Representative: Music Tribe Brands UK Ltd.
Address: 8th Floor, 20 Farringdon Street London EC4A 4AB,
United Kingdom
We Hear You

References

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