The KR55 was, for its time (1979), an advanced preset rhythm drum machine with up to 96 preset rhythm patterns! These patterns cover the whole gamut of presets (Waltz, Samba, Rhumba, Bossa Nova, Tango, Slow Rock, Swing, Rock, etc.). The KR55 also featured a "swing beat" control to add a variation to the groove. Each drum sound's level can be individually adjusted for each pattern. It can also be externally controlled via footswitch jack for the Start/Stop and Intro/Fill switches. The KR55B was a black-chassis version released a few years later in 1982 with twice as many rhythm patterns. It has been used by Jean-Michel Jarre, Trio and Depeche Mode.

hector

September 17, 2008 @ 8:18 pm

I highly recommend picking up one of these if you see one, great, great sound, sure, you can't program them, but there's enough presets to choose from all with individual instrument volume control to suit taste. Nice and crisp hats and disco style patterns all triggering your korg synth too. I have the KR-55B model which apparently has twice the presets than the first model, which I'm not sure about seeing how visually they have the identical amount of buttons/knobs on the front? Any ideas?

bill

August 15, 2008 @ 11:16 pm

it may be limited but it has its charm.
i mean it has been sampled to death and despite its lack of programabiltiy it has seen new life in the last decade .

<54321>

 

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