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.

tony cromie

June 24, 2009 @ 1:37 pm

also used by hall & oats..on private eyes.

Jake Five

June 10, 2009 @ 10:20 pm

Some other groups that used this fantastic machine:

Tara Cross
Absolute Body Control
DO-PO
Steve Fisk
Three To Forgotten
Burlesque
Psychic Youth
Sauveur Mallia
Systematics
Metal Y Ca
Petticoats
Lunapark

Analogue Crazy

January 17, 2009 @ 5:17 pm

Depeche Mode used a KR-55 for the drums on the 'Some Bizzare' version of 'Photographic'. Very distinctive sounding drum machine, with its mettalic sounding hi-hats.

abe

December 5, 2008 @ 7:54 am

Hmm .. seems like anything that doesnt have midi gets rated down by this site ....Hook up this baby to your other premidi synths through the trigger out get on stage and play live .

[beep] ingoldman

October 22, 2008 @ 10:00 am

The swing on/off button of the 55 is in the 55B integrated in the swing poti as push/pull button. In that place the 55B has the A/B Button.

<54321>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (Required.)

Email Address: (Required, not published.)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

Posting Rules:
Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

I have read and understand the posting rules.