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| Getting Ready To Install My New RS-9 Rhythm Sequencer |
Sequencers for Eurorack are very popular and one of the largest European players has flexed their manufacturing muscle to create a programmable percussion powerhouse for a stunning low price, but is it good?
The RS-9 Rhythm Sequencer is a Eurorack module that borrows heavily from other Behringer drum machines to bring you a programmable synthesizer module with precision beat control. Unlike other drum machines this one contains no sound generating sources; instead you must provide external sound modules which are triggered by the RS-9 brain via Eurorack patch cords. You also are responsible for providing a power supply, 3U rackmount frame or other suitable powered-enclosure to house the RS-9.
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| RS-9 and Syncussion with Space FX and Four Channel Mixer |
To create sounds I paired the RS-9 with three other Behringer synthesizer modules, the Syncussion which provides two independent synth-percussion voices, the triple-oscillator semi modular 2600 rack mount synth and various Eurorack voices in my System 15 Boog modular. Patching up sounds and experimenting with weird tones, drones and echos was a lot more fun than trying to program rhythms on the RS-9.
PROGRAMMING
I’ve never been a fan of the way programming works on the Behringer drum machines and the RS-9 takes this a step further; I don’t like it. The 4x4 layout of the step buttons is awkward to follow and leaves me wondering why they chose this since there is enough physical space available for a traditional 16-button layout; it’s obvious the designers did not ask me ;-)
The Quick Start Guide (user manual?) is really a joke (most of Behringer’s manuals are pretty useless beyond providing specifications and control layout). Thankfully there are several useful videos on YouTube about how to use the RS-9 and a few of those got me making some slamming beats. I hope Behringer steps up their user guides for gadgets that have deep programming like the RS-9. Nothing kills the music muse like having to burrow into documentation and dig for programming clues and nuances.
EURORACK GOODNESS
In the struggle to find some good things to say about the RS-9; I like the Eurorack size and was glad to see it is only 52 hp in width. For a large programmable digital module the current draw is fairly minimal with only 350mA pulled on the +12 bus.
The 3.5mm TS output jacks are all DC coupled so there should be no problem triggering percussion synth voices from other manufacturer’s.
Everything on the module functions well and if you’re comfortable with programming other Behringer drum machines then you’ll be right at home on this one. Once the RS-9 is bolted into your Eurorack frame it has a nice solid feel.
RS-9 SPECIFICATIONS
- Eurorack power supply current draw: +12V 350mA/-12v 20mA
- Width: 52 hp
- USB In/Out: USB-C
- MIDI In/Out: 5-pin DIN
- Weight: 1.12 lb
LIKES
- Compact physical size
- Low current draw
- Full size DIN MIDI in and out jacks
- All front panel jacks
- Solid mechanical feel in use
- Bargain price
DISLIKES
- No internal sounds
- Awkward control layout
- Poor documentation for a very “DEEP” product
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| Rear of RS-9, click to enlarge |
Like other Eurorack modules the rear of the RS-9 is open, raw circuit boards, and these are covered with little surface mount digital chips; I mention this and caution inexperienced users, DON’T TOUCH THE CHIPS ON THE PC BOARDS. My least favorite Eurorack design feature is the open back of the various modules, all brands have this same shortcoming, it’s not unique to Behringer. In Eurorack systems the enclosure you install a module in provides the the rear back surface of the module you install.
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| Inside Rack: Rear of Syncussion (upper), RS-9, FX and Mixer (lower) |
EPILOGUE
I know a lot of people are fans of Eurorack sequencing because they want to get away from DAW involvement. This percussion sequencer should help satisfy creators who want to ditch their computer and play with a standalone Eurorack rig. USB-C in and out provides a standard connection for interfacing with a computer or synchronizing to a larger system.
If you have the synthesizer voices to create the sounds, then this module might be exactly what you’re looking for to put your beats in order.
Thanks for reading High on Technology and Good Music To You!
©2025 by Mark King, it’s NOT OK to copy or quote without written permission
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| Click to enlarge |
