Behringer BMX drum machine debuts at $459

Behringer introduces the BMX drum machine, a modern reinterpretation of the classic Oberheim DMX drum machine. Renowned for its use in iconic tracks like The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” and Madonna’s “Holiday,” the original DMX was launched in 1980 and became a staple in digital drumming.

The Behringer BMX retains the vintage sound of the DMX but includes updated features such as analog filters, an 8/12-bit engine, digital effects, and modern connectivity options like MIDI and USB MIDI. With 24 velocity-sensitive pads, the BMX offers enhanced playability alongside an LCD screen.

Priced at $459, Behringer’s new drum machine allows for pre-orders, with shipping expected to commence in May 2026. The launch of the BMX signifies Behringer’s commitment to preserving classic sounds while incorporating contemporary advancements, making it accessible to both new users and seasoned enthusiasts.

The Oberheim DMX, launched in 1980, holds a significant place in the history of electronic music as the second commercially available digital drum machine, following the Linn LM-1. Its introduction marked a pivotal shift in music production, providing musicians and producers access to programmable drum patterns with digital precision.

The DMX became particularly notable for its role in popular music, being used on notable tracks such as The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” and Madonna’s “Holiday.” These uses underscore its pervasive influence in shaping the sound of the 1980s. The ability to create lifelike drum patterns made it a staple in recording studios and live performances, and its legacy continues to inspire modern drum machines like the Behringer BMX.

Behringer’s BMX pays homage to the DMX’s enduring influence while integrating modern technological enhancements, ensuring the classic essence of the DMX is maintained for contemporary users. This blend of historical significance and modern innovation keeps the spirit of the Oberheim DMX alive in music production today.

The Behringer BMX drum machine integrates an 8/12-bit engine that preserves the original sounds of the Oberheim DMX. It features analog filters and digital effects, providing a blend of vintage and modern sound capabilities. The device includes an LCD screen for easier navigation and control. The interface is equipped with 24 velocity-sensitive pads, enhancing the player’s expressive input.

The BMX employs an eight-voice architecture, permitting independent level and pan adjustments per voice. There are eight independent analog outputs, allowing for flexible routing of audio signals. The 64-step drum sequencer supports poly-meter, step-repeat, note-repeat, real-time triggering, track-mute, and track-solo functions. It includes both Pattern Mode and Song Mode, which facilitate organizing patterns and transitions during live performances.

Connectivity is robust, featuring MIDI In, Out, and Thru, along with USB MIDI. Additional I/O options include a ¼-inch stereo output, headphone out, three trigger outputs, sync in/out, eight channel outputs, and a line input. The Behringer BMX drum machine can store up to 16 songs and 256 patterns, making it suitable for extensive production setups. Priced at $459, it offers considerable functionality and versatility, with initial shipments starting in May 2026.

The Behringer BMX drum machine is equipped with a 64-step drum sequencer that allows for intricate pattern creation and manipulation. This sequencer supports features such as poly-meter, which enables the use of multiple time signatures, and is capable of both step-repeat and note-repeat functions. These features allow users to create dynamic and complex sequences with ease. Real-time triggering further enhances live performance capabilities by allowing users to trigger sounds instantaneously.

The BMX also includes Pattern Mode and Song Mode, which are designed for organizing drum patterns and transitioning between them seamlessly during performances. Pattern Mode allows users to arrange individual sequences, while Song Mode provides the capability to string these patterns together to form complete compositions. This flexibility is complemented by track-mute and track-solo functions, which let users isolate or silence specific tracks, offering greater control over the output.

In terms of storage, the Behringer BMX can hold up to 16 songs and 256 patterns. This storage capacity is ample for handling multiple projects or live sets, making the BMX a versatile tool for both studio and live environments. These features collectively make the Behringer BMX a powerful instrument for both creative sound design and performance applications.

Behringer presents the BMX as a clone of the Oberheim DMX that updates the original with modern specifications while keeping the price below the original DMX. The BMX is not an exact remake and incorporates updated elements for contemporary use, including analogue filters, an 8/12-bit engine, digital effects, an LCD screen, MIDI support, and 24 velocity-sensitive pads. The unit also offers an eight-voice architecture with independent level and pan per voice, eight independent analogue outputs, and a 64-step sequencer with performance features such as poly-meter, step-repeat, and note-repeat.

A prototype of the BMX was teased in March 2023. The unit is available for preorder and the first units are scheduled to ship in May 2026. The listed price for the Behringer BMX drum machine is $459.

The Behringer BMX drum machine is presented as a modernized clone of the Oberheim DMX, incorporating updated specifications such as analogue filters, an 8/12-bit engine, digital effects, an LCD screen, MIDI support, and 24 velocity-sensitive pads.

It features an eight-voice architecture with independent level and pan per voice, eight independent analogue outputs, and a 64-step sequencer with poly-meter, step-repeat, note-repeat, real-time triggering, track-mute, and track-solo functions.

The BMX can store up to 16 songs and 256 patterns and provides Pattern Mode and Song Mode for arranging patterns and transitioning between sequences.

Behringer teased a prototype in March 2023, the unit is available for preorder at a listed price of $459, and first units are scheduled to ship in May 2026.

I/O includes MIDI In, Out and Thru, USB MIDI, a ¼-inch stereo output, headphone out, three trigger outputs, sync in/out, eight channel outputs, and a line input.