Behringer’s RD-78: Analogue Nostalgia with Modern Muscle

Behringer’s RD-78 is presented as a loving homage to the iconic CR-78, a drum machine that helped define the late 70s and early 80s. The video opens with a nod to the CR-78’s historical significance, highlighting its status as one of the first drum machines to feature programmable patterns—a revolution at the time when most boxes were little more than preset rhythm companions for organists. Behringer’s approach here is clear: keep the soul of the original, but bring it up to speed for the modern studio or live rig.

The RD-78 doesn’t just mimic the look and sound of its ancestor; it also brings in a raft of enhancements. The video stresses the inclusion of true analogue circuitry, ensuring the sonic character remains authentic. At the same time, Behringer has packed in modern features and improved connectivity, all within a compact desktop format. This blend of old and new is aimed squarely at both vintage purists and those looking for a flexible centrepiece in a contemporary setup.

The RD-78 comes loaded with 15 drum sounds, covering all the original voices and adding a clap for good measure—a subtle but welcome nod to modern tastes. The video demonstrates how these sounds are laid out for immediate access, with each voice sporting its own volume control, making it easy to dial in your mix on the fly. This is a far cry from the menu diving found on some modern boxes.

Pattern programming is handled by a straightforward 16-step sequencer. The presenter shows how entering write mode lets you select each drum voice and place hits across the steps, with dual-way selectors for the last four slots. The process is shown to be intuitive, with clear visual feedback and no unnecessary complexity. For those who want to get hands-on without a manual in sight, this sequencer seems designed to encourage experimentation and quick results.

Performance-minded users will appreciate the RD-78’s mute function, which allows each drum sound to be silenced instantly using the coloured buttons. The video demonstrates how holding the silver button and tapping the desired drum button mutes that voice, making it easy to carve out space or build tension in a live set. This feature sidesteps the need to reach for volume pots mid-performance, offering a more immediate and tactile way to shape your drum mix on the fly.