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Behringer RD-6: A beginner’s dream and a nostalgic drummachine
As my very first drum machine, the RD-6 has been nothing short of amazing. It’s the perfect entry point into hardware drum machines thanks to its intuitive design. Yes, it’s a clone of the Roland TR-606, nothing to be ashamed of, but it absolutely delivers. Whether you’re a pro or just someone who wants to relax and jam, this little box will entertain you for hours. For me, it’s the go-to machine to quickly lay down simple, almost “primitive” beats that just work.
I’ve owned mine for about three years, so this is as honest a review as it gets. On the downside, the paint/labels around the knobs have started to fade. ironically, just like on the original 606, so Behringer even nailed that detail. The step-sequencer buttons sometimes fail or double-trigger. Some are still fine, but a few began acting up just weeks after I bought it. I first thought it was because I don’t use a decksaver, but other buttons exposed the same way are still perfect, so I’d chalk it up to the switches being a bit low-quality. That said, at this price point, it’s hard to complain.
As someone who started out messing with ReBirth and Technobox back in the late 90s, owning a 606-style machine now really is a dream come true. Picking it up felt natural and fun straight away. For me, the RD-6 is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get inspired and keep making beats.
I’ve owned mine for about three years, so this is as honest a review as it gets. On the downside, the paint/labels around the knobs have started to fade. ironically, just like on the original 606, so Behringer even nailed that detail. The step-sequencer buttons sometimes fail or double-trigger. Some are still fine, but a few began acting up just weeks after I bought it. I first thought it was because I don’t use a decksaver, but other buttons exposed the same way are still perfect, so I’d chalk it up to the switches being a bit low-quality. That said, at this price point, it’s hard to complain.
As someone who started out messing with ReBirth and Technobox back in the late 90s, owning a 606-style machine now really is a dream come true. Picking it up felt natural and fun straight away. For me, the RD-6 is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get inspired and keep making beats.
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DM
What is it like
We're all wondering what the td3 is like, it Is, and does sound exactly like the tb303 just caution Thomann forgot the UK adaptor opps, there is no manual or USB lead it's cheap because of this. It's cheaply made too, very light plastic. but functions as it should & does look great
The added distortion routes the output direct not mixed and drops the gain also had a DC Hum I'd use a Pedal still or fx gear.
I've canceled my 2nd unit to keep my Roland tb3 more suited duet.
Patterns are OK to shit lol
Have to use USB to run the editor
Programming is the same as 303. but has more slots to store patterns & tracks.
Great with a DAW writing a loop
Accents by velocity slide by legato
Pitch by key.
Have not tried controller data over midi yet to work filter etc... Video to come..
For the money excellent value authentic sound and looks.
Well within everyone's budget.
You're not wasting money buying it. It's almost throw away money in gear terms. Expect an influx of aceeed in the next few months lol..
Lots of squelch bass enjoy....
Three colours to choose got mine from Thomann who provide extra warranty and pickup if faulty on most goods.
The added distortion routes the output direct not mixed and drops the gain also had a DC Hum I'd use a Pedal still or fx gear.
I've canceled my 2nd unit to keep my Roland tb3 more suited duet.
Patterns are OK to shit lol
Have to use USB to run the editor
Programming is the same as 303. but has more slots to store patterns & tracks.
Great with a DAW writing a loop
Accents by velocity slide by legato
Pitch by key.
Have not tried controller data over midi yet to work filter etc... Video to come..
For the money excellent value authentic sound and looks.
Well within everyone's budget.
You're not wasting money buying it. It's almost throw away money in gear terms. Expect an influx of aceeed in the next few months lol..
Lots of squelch bass enjoy....
Three colours to choose got mine from Thomann who provide extra warranty and pickup if faulty on most goods.
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c
Still impressed a synthesizer like this can be sold at that price. A pretty good way to get into some 303 action. I've tried various 303 clones over the years and it holds it's own against them. the onboard distortion is a nice addition to save putting it through a pedal so you can get it growling straight away. I know there are various colour schemes now and some are going even cheaper on special offer but I stuck with classic silver.
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M
Misses one thing only
I used to have TB 303 in the old days. The Behringer version sounds excellent it has a MIDI which is very important. The only thing missing is the option to power it with batteries. This is "important" for making music on the sofa
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S
Very convincing replica
Great replica. Need the manual to figure out how to use it properly, nal without breaking your wallet.
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m
it's ok, does the job
it's a veru afordable solution, but keep in mind that the sound it produces isn't the same as the original and also that little time after they released a new version of the same device with more features..
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BS
Close But No Cigar
What can you say for that fantastic price and the added features!
Still.. a rave rview is not always 5 stars.
Starting with the sound... I plugged it into a pair of large amplified computer speakers, routing it - and a TB-303 - through separate but equal tracks on a DAW. My wife called the sound faat when I asked her how do you like it? Then I switched on the TB-303, not the same settings and pattern because this wasn't a pre-planned test and she called the saound "3-D and organic". This is from someone who is not into Acid and is not a synth head in any way. The TD3 sounds great but a little less so when a TB-303 is right next to it. Also the distortion is a bit disappointing, especially in the highs where it loses volume fast.
But hey, can I really complain when this also has USB MIDI, and pattern ediiting?! I do wish it aIso had CV and GATE IN and maybe a few more patch points. In which case I'd happily pay a bit more. Imagine patching a few of these together with a few Craves.. or a Neutron.. SICK!
Still.. a rave rview is not always 5 stars.
Starting with the sound... I plugged it into a pair of large amplified computer speakers, routing it - and a TB-303 - through separate but equal tracks on a DAW. My wife called the sound faat when I asked her how do you like it? Then I switched on the TB-303, not the same settings and pattern because this wasn't a pre-planned test and she called the saound "3-D and organic". This is from someone who is not into Acid and is not a synth head in any way. The TD3 sounds great but a little less so when a TB-303 is right next to it. Also the distortion is a bit disappointing, especially in the highs where it loses volume fast.
But hey, can I really complain when this also has USB MIDI, and pattern ediiting?! I do wish it aIso had CV and GATE IN and maybe a few more patch points. In which case I'd happily pay a bit more. Imagine patching a few of these together with a few Craves.. or a Neutron.. SICK!
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u
A cheap weird synth
The TD-3 is a quite faithful clone, and that can be a bit underwhelming on some points:
- The 303 is not a very polyvalent synth. It is a great sound and I really like what it can add to a track, but keep in mind that it is not a very versatile synth sound-wise.
- You can't automate parameter changes via MIDI.
These are not drawbacks of the TD-3 itself, but of the original 303 aswell. The sound is faithful ,the signal is clean, and the sequencer is quirky as hell :)!
The hardware itself is definitely cheap: While the potentiometers have a fine feel overall, the plastic enclosure feels really light and hollow. It is not a problem for me as the unit will stand in a homestudio, but keep that in mind if you aim to travel and do live sets all around the world.
- The 303 is not a very polyvalent synth. It is a great sound and I really like what it can add to a track, but keep in mind that it is not a very versatile synth sound-wise.
- You can't automate parameter changes via MIDI.
These are not drawbacks of the TD-3 itself, but of the original 303 aswell. The sound is faithful ,the signal is clean, and the sequencer is quirky as hell :)!
The hardware itself is definitely cheap: While the potentiometers have a fine feel overall, the plastic enclosure feels really light and hollow. It is not a problem for me as the unit will stand in a homestudio, but keep that in mind if you aim to travel and do live sets all around the world.
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d
3-oh-3 at a bargain
Great little bass synth for those on a budget. I've been playing with this little machine ever since it arrived on my door step on March 3rd (yeah...thanks to Thomann for the amazing shipping schedule).
Even though I'm having a hard time musically to get it to fit into anything worth recording, it still is a load of fun and that is exactly why it is a keeper. It is so rewarding to just spam some notes into the pitch mode, set some timing and let it become the addictive sound of acid house together with my RD-8 and Crave.
The only downside I've so far determined is the speed with which the buttons start to lose their silvery paint job. This really should be a focus area for Uli's gang to up the quality of the product.
Even though I'm having a hard time musically to get it to fit into anything worth recording, it still is a load of fun and that is exactly why it is a keeper. It is so rewarding to just spam some notes into the pitch mode, set some timing and let it become the addictive sound of acid house together with my RD-8 and Crave.
The only downside I've so far determined is the speed with which the buttons start to lose their silvery paint job. This really should be a focus area for Uli's gang to up the quality of the product.
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B
Great piece of gear!
Honestly, to get a 303 with MIDI sync through USB, a random pattern generator and a built in distortion unit for that kind of money, is ridiculously good.
The sound off the shelf is good but if you are looking for that vintage 303 sound you might want to adjust the VCF Offset potentiometer on the PCB. If that sounds too complicated for you, no worries it sounds fine just the way it is.
All in all a great buy.
The sound off the shelf is good but if you are looking for that vintage 303 sound you might want to adjust the VCF Offset potentiometer on the PCB. If that sounds too complicated for you, no worries it sounds fine just the way it is.
All in all a great buy.
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