Here’s why Behringer’s RD-9 drum machine still hasn’t been released

Behringer RD-9
(Image credit: Behringer)

Behringer’s RD-9 - a reboot of Roland’s TR-909 drum machine - has been in the works for what seems like an eternity, but it’s still a no-show in stores. Now, just too late for 909 day - which is probably appropriate - Behringer has told us why.

Apparently, it all relates to a MIDI sync issue that still needs fixing in Behringer’s RD-8 808 clone, which has been available for some time now. The RD-8 and RD-9 share much of the same firmware, and it turns out that a rewrite of this is required to sort the problem.

Commenting on the delay, Behringer says: “We apologize to keep you waiting but we simply don’t compromise on quality,” which is admirable in one respect but also slightly perplexing when you consider that the RD-8 was released with the MIDI sync problem.

Anyway, the positive news is that, once the firmware update has been completed, the RD-9 will be released - this update will also add integration with Behringer’s SynthTool app and various other improvements.

There’s no timeframe on when all of this will happen, but we’ll let you know when we have further details.

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Ben Rogerson
Deputy Editor

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.