Korg Rhythm KR55 (1980)

A totally new redesigned analog drum machine from previous KR-33 with more sounds and patterns.

Later in 1982 the Kr55 has been updated to B version: the Kr55B which features more patterns memory.

DRUM MACHINE main panel features 9 knobs, 16 push buttons, 3 bank selectors, 2 buttons and a lever switch for swing function.

Back panel terminal connectors:
- signal out at impedance high / low
- start / stop footswitch input for KORG S-2 (dual footswitch)
- fill-in footswitch input
- jack for trigger out pulses at +5V.

 

 

SOUND system manages 6 analog voices with mix level.
The Rhythm 55 "classic" generates 10 analog percussive instruments:

 

bass drum	rimshot / cowbell / claves (shared)
snare	tom / conga (shared)
cymbal	hihat

 

 

SEQUENCER there is just a minimal control on te 16 patterns available with a few options: TEMPO, INTRO FILLS or SWING. The swing function should be used only for Jazzy rhythms, on other patterns it acts weird creating a wobbling effect.
SYNC the trigger Out can sync other devices, and the nearby switches sets 1 of the 5 Tempo available dividers including: Kick drum / whole note / 4th / 8th / 16th.

 

disco	rhumba	jazz	swing
chacha	mambo	beat	beguine
pop	foxtrot	march	bossanova
rock	afro	enka	rock

 

SOME MODDING:
- separate outputs
- sync input modification.

separate outs added.

Sync input synchronizes the KR to PPQ clocks or slave to other drum box

 

 

RELATED FAMILY:

	KR 55B Updated version with double presets and different case color, dark-grey outfit closer to eighties design. Basically it is the same machine, some patterns are a little different VIDEO
	KR-33 first of the series with less sounds, patterns and no mix sections VIDEO
	KPR-77 last analog from the series, way to difficult to program
	Korg Kr-mini modern version from 2013, also with preset but adds built-in speakers. The machine is full digitalVIDEO

 

AUDIO DEMO

patterns demo jarre o fun with synth AKAI AX80

VST PLUGIN / SAMPLED VERSION there are some free and commercial samples set:

	name	price	link	demo
	waveshaper	sample pack free light version commecial version
	hyperreal	FREE		N/A
	dubsound	$$ commercial		N/A
	forgottenkeys	$$ commercial		N/A

Soundcloud demos:

VIDEO CLIP SELECTION Demonstration Analog Drum Machine with synth Korg MS-20

KORG KR-55 MANUAL

KR original bag