Behringer today shared this hands-on demo of their new RS-9 Rhythm Sequencer, a Eurorack trigger sequencer based on the sequencer of their RD-9 drum machine.
The Behringer RS-9 Rhythm Sequencer features 10 individual outputs and full USB/MIDI control, so you can use it to trigger any external drum module or modules.
Features:
- Rhythm sequencer based on RD-9, specifically designed for live performance
- 10 drum channels with additional parameters and global accent capability
- 10 trigger, 10 accent and 1 CV outputs to control external sound modules
- Powerful 64-step drum sequencer supports poly-meter, step-repeat, note-repeat, real-time triggering, track-mute and track-solo
- Live recording, editing and playback of CV automation
- Storage of up to 16 songs and 256 patterns, all of which can be imported/exported during playback for unlimited songs and patterns
- Pattern Mode allows arrangement of patterns into full songs and setting number of repeats per song part
- Song Mode allows chaining songs together for live sets and expanded compositions
- Unique Auto Scroll feature enables improvisation in all modes
- MIDI In/Out plus USB implementation for synchronization and connection to external devices
- Sync options include USB, MIDI, Clock and Internal for versatility
- Encoder for editing parameters such as Tempo, Swing, Probability, Flam
- High-visibility LED display for easy editing of program parameters
- Eurorack specs: 52 HP, 350 mA +12 V, 20 mA -12 V
Pricing and Availability:
The Behringer RS-9 Rhythm Sequencer is now shipping from the factory to retailers, priced at $149 USD.
Would love to see someone who knows this stuff break down a guesstimate of what it costs to produce something like this and then sell is for $149… wow.
The most expensive parts are the user interface. You can bring the cost down a lot by using membrane style buttons like Behringer does, but in order to do that you need to have the production volume to manufacture them in large quantities. They also probably buy those keyboard style switches in huge volumes since they use them in quite a few of their products. The electronics for a sequencer like this are pretty inexpensive by comparison, can use a $1 microcontroller and some buffers for the outputs.
Well,
Step 1: have your own factory in china…
Around $499 usd + 3-4 months or daily work if you go for a DIY-ish home made sequencer with a humble user interface. It is my estimation. Definitely worth it imho.
Good point, this is something I’ve wondered about too.
Music Tribe, run by Uli Behringer, owns both the Behringer & Cool Audio brands. Cool Audio makes the chips used in Music Tribe products, along with supplying chips to other companies. From what I understand, this has included Dave Smith Instruments & Elektron, not sure about the current state of play though.
https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2020/07/08/behringer-clones-curtis-cem3396-analog-synth-on-a-chip/
https://ask.video/article/new-articles/curtis-family-speaks-out-against-behringer-synth-clone-plans-using-cem3340
https://www.coolaudio.com/
Wouldn’t be surprised if those sales to external companies has offset the cost of supplying chips within the Music Tribe group. They’re cheap because of economies of scale & minimal risk.
Then there’s a little paranoid thought in the back of my head that wonders about the long term plan for Behringer: Undercut the market, remove competitors, jack up prices.
At least that paranoia seems baseless looking at other Music Tribe brands. Wasn’t aware that Tannoy are owned by MT. They’re not a huge brand for monitors & aren’t making aggressive moves for market growth (self interested motivation- I own a pair of Gold 7s & quite like them).
They make so much of the stuff in-house that they can maximize scaled production and use parts across different units. Ex. those keys are exactly the same as the RD-9, the jacks/knobs/7-segment LED are all things they just make themselves and have on hand.
The downside of that is that if you don’t like something they use on one machine, you’re probably going to find it on a lot of other products they make. I have an RD-9 and a few other Behringer products and I don’t really care for those rubbery buttons. They work fine, but I’d just prefer something with a bit more tactile feedback (a microswitch and hard plastic button cap).
What it costs for who is a better question. Behringer uses economies of scale that are orders of magnitude more cost efficient than a boutique synthesizer company, so it may not cost much if they’re worked out their components across models and the purchase quantities are large enough.
This is such an impressive bit of kit for the price, totally undermined by the aggressively uncool intro
I’ve seen that video about TE KO2’s fader issue. Few MPC keys pads not working for a few buyers when it first came out, Maschine + and a ton of those units just not working or not registering rendering them inoperable (I got one, was replaced).
I understand why Behringer has a reputation for crap gear many years ago but what I cant say I’ve hears of anythig post Neurtron being crap and breaking down. Maybe I just havent heard but im in the circles and its silent on that point. How much “non-breakdown” gear would they need to release for that reputation to change or is this just politics at this point?
How long have the older Behringer units lasted? There are generally no moving parts inside so that’s good but what about the knives and such?
Would this serve the same purpose as the beatstep pro? Im looking for sequencer to control 4 synths but not sure if this is as feature rich as the beatstep. Thank you.
If you are the kind of person who furnishes your home with dollar store furniture then this is absolutely for you.
I’m pre ordering. 😉
Oops they did it again.
Looks really cool beans. If it was made by MakeNoise I would pay upward of $7500 for it.. there’s something about the kool graphics and font they use that just makes me empty my bank account like a deranged oil baron.
I’m happy that Patrick is back. He’s their best presenter.
(With respect and RIP to DC)