January 28, 2024 – NAMM/Banaheim: The “In The Air Tonight” Machine Emerges
At NAMM 2024’s Banaheim satellite event, Behringer unveiled their take on the legendary Roland CR-78—the analog drum machine that provided the iconic sound for Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” and countless other classics. The RD-78 represented another addition to Behringer’s systematic recreation of Roland’s drum machine legacy, following their successful clones of the 808, 909, and 606.
The prototype showcased authentic analog circuitry reproduction, including the original coils and LC filters that gave the CR-78 its distinctive character. Behringer promised 14 original drum sounds with mix parameters, 34 rhythm patterns with variations, and 10 independent analog outputs—features that would transform the vintage workflow into modern production capability.
February 2025 – Pre-Order Phase: Factory to Dealers
By February 5, 2025, Behringer announced that RD-78 units were shipping from their factory to dealers. This milestone meant retailers like Thomann and Sweetwater could finally accept orders, with the RD-78 priced at $199/€179. However, the announcement came with the familiar Behringer caveat: initial batches would be limited, and availability would remain challenging.
Thomann began accepting pre-orders with an 8-10 week delivery estimate, reflecting the production realities of analog circuit recreation. The individual outputs feature—allowing separate processing of each drum sound—emerged as a particularly compelling upgrade over the original vintage unit.
Present Day – European Launch: In Stock and Firmware Enhanced
The long wait for European customers has ended. The Behringer RD-78 is now in stock at Thomann for €179, though batch sizes remain unknown and quick sellouts are expected based on Behringer’s historical patterns.
Coinciding with wider availability, Behringer released firmware version 1.0.16, addressing several accuracy and functionality issues:
Firmware 1.0.16 Improvements:
- Refined Rhythm Patterns: More accurate reproduction of original CR-78 patterns
- Enhanced Variation Patterns: Improved authenticity in pattern variations
- SynthTribe Integration: Full pattern editing capability through Behringer’s app
- Improved Guiro Sound: More natural and classic tone matching the original
- Free Download: Available immediately for existing RD-78 owners
Final Specifications: Vintage Soul, Modern Connectivity
The completed RD-78 delivers comprehensive recreation of the 1978 original with contemporary enhancements:
Core Features:
- Authentic reproduction of original Roland CR-78 analog circuitry
- 14 original drum sounds plus additional clap sound
- 34 iconic rhythm patterns with fill-in, rolling, and break variations
- 10 independent analog outputs for individual sound processing
- 16-step drum sequencer with real-time pattern switching
- Pattern chaining capability for full songs up to 250 bars
- 16 step buttons with LED indicators
- 18 controls and 29 switches for comprehensive parameter access
Modern Connectivity:
- MIDI and USB implementation
- Multiple sync options (USB, MIDI, Clock, Internal)
- SynthTribe app integration for pattern editing
The Clone Evolution: From Prototype to Production Reality
The RD-78’s journey from NAMM prototype to European retail availability illustrates Behringer’s methodical approach to vintage recreation. The two-year development cycle allowed for authentic circuit recreation while adding modern features that enhance rather than compromise the original concept.
The firmware improvements demonstrate ongoing commitment to accuracy, with updates addressing the kind of subtle timing and tonal details that separate authentic recreation from superficial copying. The SynthTribe integration particularly stands out, providing modern editing capabilities without disrupting the hands-on workflow that made the original CR-78 appealing.
Market Impact: Accessibility Meets Authenticity
At €179, the RD-78 makes the CR-78 sound accessible to musicians who couldn’t afford vintage units or weren’t willing to deal with vintage reliability issues. The 10 individual outputs provide flexibility that the original lacked, allowing modern production techniques while preserving authentic analog character.
The European availability represents a significant milestone for producers seeking that specific CR-78 character in contemporary productions. From Phil Collins-style gated reverb applications to modern electronic music contexts, the RD-78 provides access to sounds that have been expensive and unreliable to obtain through vintage gear.
Availability Reality: Limited Batches, Ongoing Demand
Current European availability through Thomann at €179 comes with typical Behringer caveats. Batch sizes remain undisclosed, sellouts are expected quickly, and restocking timelines can stretch weeks or months. For interested buyers, immediate action is recommended over waiting for potentially better availability later.
The firmware update requirement for optimal performance means new owners should prioritize updating to version 1.0.16 immediately upon receipt. This update addresses several accuracy issues and provides the SynthTribe integration that maximizes the unit’s creative potential.
Ready to capture the sound of “In The Air Tonight” and beyond? The Behringer RD-78 is available now at Thomann for €179, bringing authentic CR-78 character to modern productions—but availability windows remain typically brief for Behringer analog recreations.
About Me
Hi, I’m Canoy Dang. I grew up in Granada and now living in Málaga, in the south of Spain. Sound has always played a central role in my life — from early home recordings to the deeper, ongoing exploration of the modular synth world. Modular, semi-modular, and desktop synthesizers have become my main tools for expression, experimentation, and sometimes, simply for getting lost in the process.
