Vintage Synth Explorer

BOSS • DR-55 Dr. Rhythm

The DR-55 Dr. Rhythm was released in 1980 and was one of the first step-write-style drum machines, and it was the first rhythm machine in BOSS' successful Dr. Rhythm Series. It was small, inexpensive and easy to use - perfect for musicians at any level. Incredibly basic controls and sounds made this drum machine an instant hit among guitarists and other musicians looking for drum accompaniment to practice along with and even record into their home recordings.

The DR-55 could store up to six 16-step drum patterns plus an additional two 12-step patterns. The 12-step patterns allowed for 3/4 and 6/8 rhythms. A variation switch allowed you to, on-the-fly, alter the pattern playing. There were only four sounds in the DR-55 which included Snare Drum, Kick Drum, Rim Shot and Hi-Hat. The sounds are comparable to Roland's CR-series of rhythm machines as well as some of Roland's cheaper TR-machines (like the TR-505, TR-606). You can globally adjust the Volume, Tempo, Tone and Accent for the drum sounds.

Step-Mode programming was accomplished in a fairly basic manner: Switch the DR-55 into Write Mode and select a sound from the Sound switch, and use the Start button to place the sound and the Stop button to step through the 16 (or 12) beat pattern. Only Kick, Snare, Rim Shot and Accent could be placed in a pattern in step mode--the Hi-Hats could only be programmed as either Off, 8ths, 12ths or 16ths via the Hi-Hat switch. Primitive programming for sure, but very simple and effective.

Today the DR-55 may seem pretty useless. However it does have an authentic sense of nostalgia being BOSS' first DR-machine and quite a successful early programmable drum machine. You may not find a need for such an instrument today although it does make a great conversation piece!

VISITOR COMMENTS

Comments page 1 of 3

Click here to add a comment

Your Name:

Email Address:

Image verification:

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.

 

dPgn

Posted 432 days ago

I've read Sisters of Mercy used this unit as well in their early records.

Carl Schmidt

Posted 443 days ago

The CSQ and DBS sync jacks are output voltages, meaning the DR-55 can drive clock pulses, but not receive them. The footswitch is the only input. Incorporating one into a modern studio is difficult because midi and PPQN based sync mods require a fair amount of work. It's a shame because it really is a great sounding analog drum machine, very similar to a TR-606.

DivineChemical

Posted 452 days ago

I've got a bunch of samples from this machine. Sounds very nice!

nathanscribe

Posted 461 days ago

I notice the 'control' info has been updated since my previous comment - thanks VSE!

As of 8/08, users I know of include Adrian Utley (Portishead) and Joy Division/New Order.

nathanscribe

Posted 463 days ago

A couple of comments on the above:

Firstly, the sound of the DR-55 does not resemble in any way the TR-505! That's a digital machine; and the DR-55 is I think darker and rougher than the TR-606.

Secondly, the DR-55 does not have DIN sync. It does have two 3.5mm jacks that output trigger pulses on each step, and on accented steps. These allow it to clock compatible devices such as sequencers, arpeggiators or other drum machines.

It takes 4xAA batteries.

<321>