JCM Sound Design

Behringer has been making waves in the music technology world with its affordable recreations of classic synthesizers and drum machines. Behringer's newest drum machine, the RD-78, is a faithful homage to the iconic Roland CR-78, a drum machine that played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of numerous genres in the late '70s and early '80s. Priced at an enticing $199 and currently available for pre-order , the RD-78 promises to bring the "magic" of this vintage instrument to a new generation of musicians and producers.

A Blast from the Past: The Roland CR-78

To truly appreciate the RD-78, we need to journey back in time to understand the legacy of the Roland CR-78. Released in 1978, the CR-78 was a groundbreaking instrument, pushing the boundaries of drum machine technology. Unlike its predecessors, which offered only a limited selection of preset rhythms, the CR-78 was among the first to empower users to program and store their own custom patterns. This innovative feature, made possible by incorporating a microprocessor, unlocked a world of creative possibilities for musicians.

Initially envisioned as an accompaniment for electric organs, the CR-78 quickly escaped these confines and found its way into the hands of artists across diverse genres, including new wave, synth-pop, and early electronic music. Its distinctive analog sounds, with their characteristic warmth and quirky charm, can be heard on numerous classic tracks from artists like Phil Collins ("In the Air Tonight"), Blondie ("Heart of Glass"), and Tears For Fears ("Mad World").

The CR-78's preset rhythms, with names like "Waltz," "Bossa Nova," and "Rhumba," also contributed to its unique character. These presets, combined with the ability to adjust the balance between bass and treble, add fills and breaks, and fade patterns in and out, provided musicians with a surprisingly versatile palette of rhythmic textures.

Roland also released two related models, the CR-68 and CR-800. The CR-68 was a simplified version without programmable patterns, while the CR-800 was a larger cabinet version with features somewhere between the CR-68 and CR-78.

For those interested in acquiring an original CR-78, it's essential to be aware of potential issues. Battery leakage is a common problem due to the battery-backed memory, so it's crucial to check for damage. Thoroughly testing the unit before purchasing is also recommended, as some issues may not be immediately apparent.

With this historical context in mind, let's explore how Behringer has captured the essence of this iconic drum machine in the RD-78.

Behringer RD-78: Faithfully Recreating the Magic

The Behringer RD-78 stays true to its vintage inspiration by meticulously recreating the analog circuitry of the original CR-78. This dedication to authenticity ensures that the RD-78 captures the essence of the CR-78's iconic sounds, from the punchy kick drum to the sizzling hi-hats and quirky percussion.

However, the RD-78 is not merely a carbon copy of its predecessor. Behringer has incorporated several modern features and improvements that enhance its usability and versatility. One notable addition is a "909-esque clap," inspired by the iconic clap sound from the Roland TR-909, a drum machine renowned for its punchy and aggressive sound. This adds a modern flavor to the RD-78's sound palette.

The RD-78's Intuitive Sequencer

One of the most significant upgrades in the RD-78 is the inclusion of a built-in 16-step sequencer, which allows for easy and intuitive pattern programming. This eliminates the need for an external programmer, like the WS-1 required for the original CR-78, making the RD-78 much more user-friendly.

It's important to note that while the original CR-78 was programmable, it wasn't as straightforward as the RD-78. Programming the CR-78 required an optional external programmer (the WS-1) and involved a more complex process. The RD-78's built-in sequencer streamlines this process, making it accessible to a wider range of users.

Feature-Packed and Ready to Groove

The RD-78 boasts an impressive array of features that make it a powerful and versatile tool for creating rhythms:

• Authentic Analog Sounds: 15 drum voices faithfully recreated from the original CR-78 circuitry, including bass drum, snare drum, clap, rim shot, metallic beat, maracas, tambourine, guiro, clave, cowbell, low conga, low bongo, and high bongo. Each voice has its own volume control, allowing for precise mixing and balancing of the drum sounds.
• Iconic Rhythm Patterns: 34 preset rhythm patterns with variations, including rock, swing, waltz, and shuffle, providing instant inspiration and a starting point for your own creations. These patterns capture the essence of various musical styles and can be easily modified or combined to create unique rhythms.
• Step-Write Function: The RD-78 includes a step-write function, allowing users to "step-write" their own unique rhythms with ease. This feature provides a hands-on approach to rhythm creation, enabling users to tap in rhythms directly on the 16-step buttons.
• Versatile Connectivity: MIDI and USB implementation for seamless integration with modern DAWs and external devices. This allows the RD-78 to be easily incorporated into any studio setup, whether you're using a computer, sequencer, or other MIDI-compatible instruments.
• Extensive Outputs: 10 independent analog outputs for individual processing or multi-track recording of each drum voice, plus a mix output and headphone jack. This provides immense flexibility for sound design and mixing, allowing users to process each drum sound separately or route them to different channels in a mixer.
• Sync Options: Sync to various sources, including USB, MIDI, Clock, and Internal, for maximum flexibility. This ensures that the RD-78 can be synchronized with a wide range of devices, from vintage drum machines to modern DAWs.
• Hands-On Control: 18 controls and 29 switches provide direct and real-time access to all essential parameters. This intuitive interface allows for quick and easy adjustments to the drum sounds, patterns, and sequencer settings.
• Double-Assigned Knobs: Some knobs on the RD-78 are double-assigned, providing access to multiple parameters with a single control. This efficient design maximizes the functionality of the interface while keeping the unit compact.
• Song Mode: Chain patterns together to create full songs with up to 250 bars. This feature allows users to build complex arrangements and complete songs directly on the RD-78.
• Classic Features: Fade in/fade out options and a balance control for adjusting the tonal balance between bass and treble. These features, inherited from the original CR-78, provide further control over the overall sound and dynamics of the drum patterns.

User Reviews and Initial Impressions

Early user reviews of the RD-78 have been generally positive, with many praising its faithful recreation of the CR-78's sounds and its user-friendly interface. One user on Reddit commented, "Don't have a single drum machine, but will be getting this. CR-78 is all I've wanted to jam with whilst playing guitar, it's practically a glorified musical metronome." This sentiment reflects the appeal of the CR-78's classic sounds and the RD-78's ability to make them accessible to a wider audience.

Some users have noted that the RD-78's sequencer is a significant improvement over the original CR-78's programming method, making it much easier to create and edit patterns. One user stated, "This is way better than the original though since you can't really program the original, I think it's all preset patterns." While this comment overlooks the CR-78's programmability, it highlights the user-friendliness of the RD-78's sequencer.

Others have highlighted the versatility offered by the 10 individual outputs, which allow for detailed sound shaping and mixing. This feature has been praised by users who appreciate the ability to process each drum sound individually and create complex mixes.

However, some users have expressed concerns about the lack of individual sound editing parameters. While the RD-78 accurately captures the overall character of the CR-78's drum voices, it doesn't offer the same level of control over individual sound parameters like pitch or filtering that some modern drum machines provide. One user commented, "Because the sounds coming from each instrument are static as far as I can tell. There's no means of altering each percussion sound via things like pitch or filter." 

There's also been discussion about the GUIRO sound, with some users noting differences between the original and the RD-78. One user pointed out, "They've messed up the Guiro by making it just one sound 😭 From what I hear in the demo, it can never sound like the original." This highlights the challenges of perfectly replicating every nuance of a vintage instrument.

It's worth noting that, like many of Behringer's popular releases, the RD-78 may be in high demand and could sell out quickly. Similar Behringer products have experienced lead times of 13-14 weeks, so potential buyers may need to be patient.

Comparing the RD-78 and CR-78

Behringer's Approach to Cloning Classic Gear

Behringer's strategy of cloning classic instruments has been a topic of both praise and criticism in the music technology community. On the one hand, Behringer's clones make iconic instruments accessible to a wider audience, particularly those who may not be able to afford the often-exorbitant prices of vintage gear. This democratization of access to classic sounds has undoubtedly contributed to the resurgence of analog instruments and vintage-inspired music production.

However, some argue that Behringer's focus on cloning stifles innovation and originality. Critics contend that by replicating existing designs, Behringer is not pushing the boundaries of music technology or contributing to the development of new and unique instruments.

Despite these criticisms, Behringer's approach has resonated with many musicians and producers who appreciate the affordability and authenticity of their clones. The RD-78 is a prime example of this, offering the classic sounds of the CR-78 at a fraction of the cost of a vintage unit.

Analog vs. Digital Drum Machines: The Ongoing Debate

The release of the RD-78 also reignites the ongoing debate between analog and digital drum machines. Analog drum machines, like the RD-78 and its inspiration, the CR-78, are known for their warm, punchy, and often unpredictable sound. This characteristic "analog warmth" is often attributed to the subtle imperfections and variations inherent in analog circuitry.

Digital drum machines, on the other hand, offer greater precision, flexibility, and control over sound parameters. They can produce a wider range of sounds, from realistic drum samples to synthesized textures, and often include features like extensive sound editing, effects processing, and advanced sequencing capabilities.

The choice between analog and digital ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the musician or producer. The RD-78, with its analog circuitry and faithful recreation of the CR-78's sounds, caters to those who appreciate the unique character and sonic qualities of vintage analog drum machines.

Conclusion: A Worthy Successor and a Catalyst for Creativity

The Behringer RD-78 is a compelling option for musicians and producers seeking the classic sounds of the Roland CR-78 in a modern and affordable package. Its faithful sound recreation, combined with its intuitive sequencer, versatile connectivity, and extensive outputs, make it a powerful tool for creating a wide range of rhythmic textures. While it may lack the deep sound editing capabilities of some modern drum machines, the RD-78's focus on capturing the essence of the CR-78 makes it a worthy successor to this iconic instrument.

The RD-78's affordability and modern features have the potential to introduce a new generation of musicians to the classic CR-78 sound, further solidifying its legacy in music history. By making these vintage sounds accessible to a wider audience, Behringer is contributing to the ongoing evolution of music technology and the resurgence of analog instruments.

Moreover, the RD-78 has the potential to inspire new music and creative exploration. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive sequencer encourage experimentation and hands-on interaction, fostering a sense of playfulness and discovery. Whether you're a seasoned producer or a newcomer to the world of electronic music, the RD-78 offers an accessible and inspiring way to tap into the magic of vintage drum machines and create something new.

Sources: 

https://cherryaudio.com/products/cr-78

https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal/roland-groovebox-history

https://retrosynthads.blogspot.com/2017/08/roland-cr-68cr-78-no-more-waiting-for.html

https://rolandcorp.com.au/blog/roland-drum-machine-chronicle-1964-2016

https://www.musicradar.com/news/vintage-music-tech-icons-Roland-CompuRhythm-CR-78

https://www.reddit.com/r/synthesizers/comments/1adj3vh/behringer_rd78_cr78_clone/