The CR-68 is a classic analog Rhythm Machine related to the famous CR-78. The CR-68 has the same sound set and rhythm patterns, but is not programmable and lacks many of the better features found on a CR-78. However the CR-68 does have breaks & fills, an accent that really livens up its beats, and a balance knob that can be used to weird-out the sounds a little bit. A much cheaper alternative to the CR-78 considering it is strictly limited to its preset patterns.

The CR-68 offers up the basic set of rhythms and sounds. There's 4 Rock, 2 Disco, Waltz, Shuffle, Slow Rock, Swing, Fox Trot, Tango, etc... The sounds are analog and include kick, snare, rim, hi-hat, cymbal, maracas, claves, cowbell and congas. These days the CR-68's sounds are often sampled instead, after which the machine itself may be kept around for use as a paperweight or book-end. It is used by Add N To (X).

4 VISITOR COMMENTS

DEMON

September 4, 2011 @ 4:21 pm

These machines go for serious money in Europe. People get Kenton MIDI put in and single outs done. I dont know how old the comments on this page are but a CR68/78 in mint condition goes for 700 UK Pound now. And that's somewhat more in USD. No wonder, they are even more analog sounding than the 808. Each beat or hit has a suble difference to them. The 909 sound cold and calculated compared to a CR68/78.

Daffy J

July 24, 2011 @ 11:56 pm

I picked a CR-68 up one summer as I drove a truck. I stopped at every pawn shop and army surplus. The CR-68 may well have been that summer's prize, it's done some great work for me. Interestingly enough, carved into the top as if done my a name tag engraver in block letters is the name "Herman." If you flip it over, engraved in the same style but in script is a big signature of one "George Stewart." I would really like to know where that unit has been and what it's seen. Bought it far south of Rusk, TX.

Universal Solder

December 9, 2009 @ 7:00 pm

The Compurythm CR-68 not allow you to create patterns.. :-)
Internal Midi - Separate Audio Outs - Din Sync are some mods available for this pretty box ! If you got time, you will pay around 100€ the rythmbox, same price for the mods : the thing is it! Analog sound from 1978, amazing hi-hats, punchy snare, breaks & fills are just FUN! With accent remember me a TR 808. Somebody can contest?
Regards

fod09

May 22, 2009 @ 4:18 pm

hahahahahhahahahahaha i got my cr 68 for 10 pounds in september 08
and thay are so so RETRO yet so futcher istic for thair time i love sampaling the kick and com pressing it then pumping it throo a sharp delay then re sampaling it ...............

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