Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
3.5 (2)
$199.00
Amazon
4.6 (42)
$199.00 New
$148.88 Used (Like New)
B&H
5.0 (1)
$199.00
Thomann
4.4 (24)
$175.00 $173.00 $2.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£149.00

Average Price: $195

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Behringer RD-78 Analog Drum Machine". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Behringer RD-78 Analog Drum Machine breathes new life into the legendary sounds of the late 1970s, offering a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern versatility. This drum machine is a tribute to its iconic predecessor, celebrated by artists like Phil Collins and Blondie. With its 15 original drum sounds and extensive parameter controls, you can easily craft rhythms that range from classic disco grooves to contemporary electronic beats. The RD-78's intuitive 16-step sequencer lets you combine up to 250 bars, giving you the creative freedom to produce entire tracks effortlessly.

Designed for seamless integration into any studio setup, the RD-78 boasts 10 independent analog outputs, ensuring that external processing and multitrack recording are a breeze. Full MIDI and USB connectivity provide smooth communication with your existing gear, making it a valuable addition to both home studios and professional environments. Whether you're looking to capture the essence of vintage rhythms or explore new sonic territories, the RD-78 is your gateway to a world of percussive possibilities.

Key Features:

  • Authentic analog circuitry for classic sound performance
  • 15 original drum sounds with adjustable parameters
  • 34 onboard rhythm patterns with fill, roll, and break variations
  • Intuitive 16-step sequencer with real-time pattern switching
  • Merge up to 250 bars for comprehensive track compositions
  • 10 independent analog outputs for versatile processing
  • MIDI and USB connectivity for modern studio integration
  • USB, MIDI, Clock, and Internal sync support

Product specs

Type Classic Analog Drum Machine
Pads 16 x Mutli-function/Step Buttons
Sounds 15 x Sounds
Polyphony 15-voice
Patterns 34 x Preset Rhythms
Sequencer 16-step
Analog Outputs 1 x 1/4" TS (mix), 10 x 1/8" TS (individual voice)
Headphones 1 x 1/8" TRS
MIDI I/O In/Out/Thru/USB
Other I/O 2 x 1/8" TRS Sync (in, out), 2 x 1/4" TS Pedal Inputs (variation, start/stop)
USB 1 x Type B 2.0
Power Source 9V/500mA Power Supply (included)
Height 2.43"
Width 12"
Depth 6.55"
Weight 1.78 lbs

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Behringer RD-78 Analog Drum Machine?

The Behringer RD-78 offers 15 classic analog drum voices, including bass drum, snare, clap, rim shot, and various percussion sounds, providing a vintage drum machine experience suitable for a range of music styles.

How does the sequencer function in the Behringer RD-78?

The RD-78 features a 16-step sequencer with 34 preset rhythms and 32 programmable patterns, allowing for versatile beat creation and live performance flexibility.

Can the Behringer RD-78 connect to other MIDI devices?

Yes, the RD-78 includes MIDI In, Out, and Thru ports, as well as USB connectivity, enabling it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-equipped gear and software.

Does the Behringer RD-78 support individual outputs for each drum voice?

Yes, the RD-78 provides 10 individual 1/8" TS outputs for each drum voice, allowing for detailed mixing and processing in studio or live settings.

Is the Behringer RD-78 compatible with external footswitches?

The RD-78 has two 1/4" TS pedal inputs for start/stop and variation control, making it easy to incorporate footswitches for hands-free operation during performances.

Behringer

Behringer

Introducing the Behringer RD-78

Video thumbnail for Introducing the Behringer RD-78 by Behringer

Introducing the Behringer RD-78

Behringer

Behringer

Video thumbnail for BREAKING: BEHRINGER RD-78 "IN THE AIR TONIGHT" CR78 DRUM MACHINE CLONE HERE!! THAT SYNTH SHOW EP.93 by SYNTH SAMURAI

BREAKING: BEHRINGER RD-78 "IN THE AIR TONIGHT" CR78 DRUM MACHINE CLONE HERE!! THAT SYNTH SHOW EP.93

SYNTH SAMURAI

SYNTH SAMURAI

Video thumbnail for Behringer RD-78 by DECIMA1

Behringer RD-78

DECIMA1

DECIMA1

Video thumbnail for BREAKING: Behringer RD-78 Epic Clone of Roland CR-78 is HERE!! | THAT SYNTH SHOW EP.160 by SYNTH SAMURAI

BREAKING: Behringer RD-78 Epic Clone of Roland CR-78 is HERE!! | THAT SYNTH SHOW EP.160

SYNTH SAMURAI

SYNTH SAMURAI

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Behringer RD-78 Analog Drum Machine.

Features and functionality

  • The Behringer RD-78 allows for selecting only one preset at a time, unlike the original CR-78, which could play multiple presets simultaneously, impacting its versatility.

    Source
  • The RD-78’s guiro sound is simplified to a single sound, unlike the original CR-78, which had a more complex, stretchable sound.

    Source
  • The RD-78 lacks pitch adjustment knobs, a feature some users wish were included to enhance sound versatility without relying on external gear.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users appreciate the RD-78’s ease of programming with MIDI integration, making it suitable for live gigs without the worry of damaging vintage equipment.

    Source
  • The RD-78 is considered ideal for Deep House due to its sound characteristics, appealing to producers within this genre looking for specific tonal qualities.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners find the RD-78’s sound "punched up," particularly the kick, compared to the original CR-78, which often required studio enhancement for fuller sounds.

    Source
  • The Cyclone BeatBot TT-78 is noted for lacking the original CR-78's punch, making the Behringer RD-78 a preferred alternative for those seeking closer tonal authenticity.

    Source
  • The RD-78 is compared to the Korg Volca Beats for its primitive sound, with the latter being praised for its fun and immediate use, despite not being an exact CR-78 clone.

    Source

User experience

  • The RD-78's design is polarizing; some users appreciate its aesthetics, while others criticize it for lacking the elegance of the original CR-78's design.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The expected price range for the RD-78 is around $130, similar to the RD-6/TD-3, making it an affordable option for analog drum sound enthusiasts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Behringer RD-78 Drum Machine Offers Updated Take On Roland CR-78 – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

While the Behringer RD-78 aims to modernize the beloved CR-78 with updated features like MIDI support and a 16-step sequencer, it struggles to impress across the board. Critics note its lack of modular patch points and question its overall sound quality, suggesting it falls flat compared to its predecessors. Although it offers a decent range of sounds and connectivity options, the consensus is that it's more of a nostalgia trip than a groundbreaking tool for contemporary music production. If you're a die-hard fan of the original CR-78, this may pique your interest, but others might find it outdated and uninspired.

negative

Behringer RD-78: The CR-78 Clone That Makes Purists Grumble and Budgets Rejoice - AudioNewsRoom (ANR)

audionewsroom.net

Behringer's RD-78 is a budget-friendly homage to the iconic CR-78, offering vintage sounds with modern updates for just $199. While purists may scoff at its plasticky build and deviation from the original, its 15-voice analog engine, USB connectivity, and step sequencing make it a compelling option for those prioritizing functionality over authenticity. The RD-78 is like a TikTok cover of a classic hit—fun and accessible, but unlikely to satisfy die-hard fans of the original. Perfect for musicians who want retro vibes without the vintage price tag.

The RD-78 – Behringer's recreation of the “granddaddy to all drum machines”, the Roland CR-78 – has finally arrived

musictech.com

Behringer's RD-78 drum machine is a nostalgic nod to the iconic Roland CR-78, bringing vintage vibes back with its true analogue circuitry and expanded features at a budget-friendly $199. It captures the essence of the original with additional modern tweaks like a clap sound and enhanced connectivity. However, while it successfully emulates the classic '70s and '80s drum sounds, it may not eclipse the more sought-after 808 in the hearts of beatmakers. A solid choice for retro enthusiasts, but not a groundbreaking innovation.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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bklyn

Mind Blowing How Good This Sounds!

I knew Phil Collins used the original Roland CR-78 on the 'In The Air of Night' record, and I knew J-Dilla used it on a few records, but I never knew that I wanted one until Cherry Audio released their plugin version, which I must admit is amazing.

The thing is, on Reverb, the Roland CR-78 goes for anywhere from $1,800 to $5,000 and I'm not going to spend that much on a drum machine that could die on me and I will have to spend thousands on servicing. Thankfully, six months ago, Behringer announced that they were releasing the RD-78, so I pre-ordered it immediately!

I already own the RD-6, RD-8, and RD-9, all of which I'm very happy with, so this was a no-brainer for me.

Behringer never misses. The RD-78 sounds INCREDIBLY GOOD!

I you have an opportunity to buy this drum machine, don't hesitate!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Freddy Fresh uses Behringer RD-78 Analog Drum Machine

Freddy Fresh

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video by Freddy Fresh titled "Rock Jam RJ-561 Keyboard (Goodwill find $14.95) with various effects," the Behringer RD-78 Analog Drum Machine can be seen at 1:18, positioned above the mixer and next to the BigSky pedal.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Behringer RD-78 Analog Drum Machine, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

RockJam RJ561
RockJam RJ561 Portable & Arranger Keyboards
1
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Roland Boutique TB-03 Tabletop Synthesizers
1
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Roland AIRA TR-8 Drum Machines
1
Behringer RD-9
Behringer RD-9 Drum Machines
1
Strymon BigSky
Strymon BigSky Reverb Effects Pedals
1

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