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Arturia DrumBrute Impact vs Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer is cheaper at $229. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Arturia DrumBrute Impact or Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer is the cheaper at $229.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Arturia DrumBrute Impact Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer
US price $299 $229
BrandArturiaBehringer
Released2018-082022-03
Sound engine Fully analog synthesis, 10 fixed analog voices Analog 808-style synthesis with a custom-cloned BA662/V662 VCA chip
Voice count 10 16
Sequencer steps 64 64
Sample playback No No
Onboard effects Output distortion (bypassable), per-step/per-instrument 'Color' drive/snap/crack shaping, Swing, Pattern Looper and randomness generator Automatable dual-mode filter, Wave Designer sound-shaping
Output count Master out + 4 optional individual outs (Kick, Snares, Hi-Hats, FM) + headphone 11
Midi support Yes Yes
Battery powered No No
Pad count 8 0

Sources — Arturia DrumBrute Impact: arturia.com (verified 2026-08-01). Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer: thomannmusic.com (verified 2026-08-01).

What's the difference between the Arturia DrumBrute Impact and Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 9). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Sound engine: Arturia DrumBrute Impact Fully analog synthesis, 10 fixed analog voices vs Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer Analog 808-style synthesis with a custom-cloned BA662/V662 VCA chip
  • Voice count: Arturia DrumBrute Impact 10 vs Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer 16
  • Onboard effects: Arturia DrumBrute Impact Output distortion (bypassable), per-step/per-instrument 'Color' drive/snap/crack shaping, Swing, Pattern Looper and randomness generator vs Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer Automatable dual-mode filter, Wave Designer sound-shaping
  • Output count: Arturia DrumBrute Impact Master out + 4 optional individual outs (Kick, Snares, Hi-Hats, FM) + headphone vs Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer 11
  • Pad count: Arturia DrumBrute Impact 8 vs Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer 0

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