The Behringer RD-8 MKII is a true hardware, authentic analog recreation of the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine.

It improves heavily upon the original MK1 design by upgrading internal circuitry and integrating an custom-reproduced BA662 OTA component chip to match vintage phase characteristics and sound behavior.

The full core features, technical specifications, and performance options for the Behringer RD-8 MKII are detailed below:

Sound Architecture & Engine

• Analog Engine: Features a completely authentic analog sound generator utilizing zero digital emulation for the voice lines.
• 16 Drum Sounds: Includes Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Low/Mid/Hi Congas, Low/Mid/Hi Toms, Claves, Rim-shot, Maracas, Handclap, Cowbell, Cymbal, and Open/Closed Hi-Hats. [1]
• Modern Layout Tweaks: Includes unique voice enhancements not found on original vintage units, such as a Tuning control for the Bass Drum and an Offset control for the Handclap (tailors the gap between flammed noise and the reverberant tail).
• Polyphony: Supports 11-voice polyphony natively (up to 12 total voices simultaneously triggering including the Global Accent track).

Onboard Effects Bus

• Wave Designer: An integrated dynamics control processor giving you quick knobs for Attack and Sustain. This functions as an easy-to-use, quasi-compressor to sculpt transient hit punch.
• Dual-Mode Analog Filter: A global resonance filter block switchable between Low Pass (LPF) and High Pass (HPF) modes. Cutoff frequency sweeps can be performed manually or automated in real-time.
• Per-Voice Assignment: Any combination of the 16 drum voices can be targeted directly into the FX bus or completely bypass it to keep signals clean.

Sequencing & Live Performance

• 64-Step Sequencer: Supports extended patterns up to 64 steps long. It holds storage memory for up to 256 patterns and 16 full songs.
• Live Tools: Fully optimized for live improv with Note Repeat, Step Repeat, Poly-Meter capabilities, real-time triggering, track muting, and track soloing.
• Auto Scroll: Seamlessly transitions visually across bars during long pattern play.

Inputs & Outputs (Connectivity)

• Main Out: 1 x 1/4" TRS main mono output mix line.
• Headphones: 1 x 1/4" TRS dedicated high-power stereo headphone output.
• Individual Analog Outs: 11 independent 1/4" TS voice routing outputs. Connecting an individual cable automatically removes that specific voice from the main mono mix, which is perfect for multitrack recording or external processing gear.
• MIDI & USB: Built-in 5-pin MIDI In/Out/Thru along with USB Type-B class-compliant connectivity for hassle-free DAW DAW clock linking.
• Clock and Sync I/O: Includes 1 x 1/8" Sync Input and 1 x 1/8" Sync Output to link timing across legacy step hardware or Eurorack systems.
• Trigger Outs: 3 x 1/4" programmatic trigger outputs to fire gates and control vintage synth sub-modules without a computer.

Physical Specs

• Dimensions: 77 mm (H) x 498 mm (W) x 265 mm (D) / 3.0" x 19.6" x 10.4"
• Interface: 29 rotatable knobs, 5 multi-point selector switches, and 59 push buttons with high-visibility LED step tracks.