Behringer RD-9 - Introduction; Before You Get Started; The Product Manual; Preparation

5 RHYTHM DESIGNER RD-9 User Manual
1. Introduction
An ultra-aordable leap into the warm world of analog drum beats, the
Behringer RD-9 gives you the power to create fascinating rhythms with
incredible power and ease. The RD-9’s pure analog signal uses legendary analog
circuits with some additional pots for more parameters.
The RD-9 is ideal for the studio and/or the road. Owning an RD-9 gives you all the
power of a classic drum machine in a exible package with the ability to create
bewildering beats.
1.1 Before you get started
The RD-9 was carefully packed in the factory to guarantee safe transport.
Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine the packaging and its
contents for any signs of physical damage that may have occurred during transit.
If the unit is damaged, please do NOT return it to us, but notify your dealer and
the shipping company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement
may not be granted.
1.1.1 Initial operation
Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling purposes and, to
avoid over-heating, please do not place the RD-9 on high temperature devices
such as radiators or power amps.
WARNING: The RD-9 is supplied with a DC power adapter that meets the
required safety standards. Do not use any other power adapter.
WARNING: Please make sure that all units have a proper ground
connection. For your own safety, never remove or disable the ground conductor
from any units.
1.2 The product manual
This product manual is designed to give you both an overview of the RD-9, as well
as detailed information on each of the controls and parameters. The manual is
based on the initial software release. Further features and updates will be added
later so please regularly check for software updates. You will nd an overview of
the physical control elements in the next chapter. The Synthtool, found on the
Behringer website can be used to control many of the functions of the RD-9.
1.3 Preparation
CAUTION: Remember to turn your monitors/loudspeakers on last when
powering up your system. Turn your monitors/loudspeakers o rst when
powering down your system.
2. Features
A Past Masterpiece Rejuvenated
Great care has been taken in designing the RD-9 to achieve new possibilities in
beat creation by reviving a timeless analog design from one of the best classic
drum machines of yesteryear. By creating a fresh modern take on a characteristic
drum machine, the RD-9 gives you the power to harness the phenomenal
sound of the original. Colossal bass drums through to sizzling hi-hats can be
manipulated to take your rhythm conception to the next level. This is no digital
clone, it’s an analog beat making monster.
Powerful and Feature Rich Sequencer
The RD-9 features what we believe to be one of the most powerful step
sequencers ever created. Improved workows increase productivity making
complex song creation simple. The 64-step sequencer with storage of up to 256
patterns and 16 songs allows complicated song arrangements.
A Design for Life
Designed for life and live performance, including all new features for live use in
each of the sequencer modes: Step Repeat, Note Repeat, Real-Time Triggering
and live Step-Overdubbing. Enable recording in Pattern Launch Mode to build up
song structures on the y, switch back to Manual Mode at the touch of a button,
and then use Autoll to introduce more variations. Cue up another song from
memory, without interrupting playback, so you can literally perform entire sets
straight from the one machine.
Advanced Dual-Mode Filter
To add new possibilities to the RD-9 it has a highly exible 12 dB lter, which lets
you freely experiment with the cuto frequency and resonance to create out-of-
this-world beats. RD-9’s HPF button toggles between LPF (lo-pass lter) and HPF
(hi-pass lter). Fluid sweeps of the lter’s CUTOFF knob can be recorded straight
into the sequencer and can be further tweaked in the Step Editor.
Wave Shaping Goodness
The integrated Wave Designer has individual ATTACK and SUSTAIN controls for
adding another dimension to drumbeats. Sounds can be controlled in new ways
to provide exciting new tones.
Polymeter Mode
RD-9 gives you the power to control loops in new ways with the Loop Overlay
function, which generates continual variations and polyrhythms to add spice
to your beats. With the Loop Overlay function, you can set dierent sequence
lengths for each of the drum tracks independently to create complex overlapping
rhythms and make your song structures really evolve.
Parameter Chaining
Set separate chain preferences for each of your parameters, allowing them to
persist globally or to switch on song or pattern changes. Parameters include
Tempo, Swing, Flam, Probability, independent track mutes/solos, FX bus
assignments, Filter Modes and sweeps for enhanced real-time control. Patterns
can be changed on the y for further creative control when using the RD-9 as the
heart of your live setup.