Roland TR-55
Transistor Rhythm (1972)

Vintage drumbox from the first seventies features classic 100% analog circuits with preset patterns.

The TR-55 is the average model between models Tr-33 and Tr-77.

DRUM MACHINE Main panel features 13 push buttons, 3 knobs, 1 selector and 1 electrostatic touch pad for pattern start-stop.

Back panel terminal connectors:
- main analog out low impedance
- main out analog high impedance
- start/stop pedalswitch input.

VOICE TR55 manages 6 channels polyphony.
The voice board generates 6 analog percussions but these cannot be really edited but a simple balance mix between: bass / snare + hihats / maracas

- kick - snare - conga (x2 hi low) - hihats - claves DOWNLOAD FREE SAMPLE SET Tr55 analog board

PATTERNS there are 10 preset rhythm patterns:

- waltz - ballad - slowrocK - rock n roll - beguine - chacha - mambo - samba - bossanoa - rhumba

 

EDIT 14 variations split in 2 banks A-B alters the rhythms with different instruments:

A- 2 BEAT: bass drum, bass + snare, foxtrot 1, swing 1, march and parade B- 4 BEAT: bass drum, bass + snare, foxtrot 2, swing 2, swing 3 and tango.

SYNC tempo can be set directly by potentiometer, doubled with UP TEMPO button.

It is not possible to externally sync (or trig) the frequency.

 

 

MODIFICATION

Found this weird modded TR55 on the web, by "staccato du mal" but no other info on the owner /modder. FEATURES: TRIG INS, AUDIO OUTS, VOICE CANCEL, MASTER CLOCK OUT, MASTER CLOCK IN

 

 

RELATED FAMILY:

TR-33 previous model Tr-66 desktop model TR-77 improved 55 version

 

GALLERY: