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Description

The Boss DR-55 is a classic drum machine that holds a special place in the history of electronic music. Originally released in 1980, this device was the first of its kind from Boss, marking the dawn of affordable rhythm machines for budding musicians and producers. Known for its simple interface and distinctive sound, the DR-55 is a favorite among both vintage gear enthusiasts and modern creators seeking that authentic retro vibe.

The DR-55's analog circuitry is renowned for its warm, punchy drum sounds that have graced countless recordings across genres. With four built-in sounds—kick, snare, hi-hat, and cymbal—this drum machine delivers a straightforward yet versatile palette. Users can program up to 16 steps per pattern, allowing for creative and dynamic rhythm compositions. The machine's compact form factor and battery operation make it an ideal companion for live setups or studio sessions on the go.

Navigating the DR-55 is a breeze with its intuitive step-write programming method, giving musicians the ability to craft unique beats without the complexity of modern drum machines. The accent control feature adds an expressive touch, allowing users to emphasize particular beats for added dynamics.

Whether you're a collector, a synthwave artist, or someone exploring the roots of electronic music, the Boss DR-55 offers a nostalgic yet powerful drum machine experience.

Key Features:

  • Analog circuitry for authentic vintage sounds
  • Four built-in drum sounds: kick, snare, hi-hat, and cymbal
  • Step-write programming for easy beat creation
  • Accent control for dynamic expression
  • Compact design with battery operation for portability
  • Ability to program up to 16 steps per pattern

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model DR-55 Dr. Rhythm
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Made In Japan
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Analog
Polyphony 4 Voices

FAQs

What type of sounds does the Boss DR-55 produce?

The Boss DR-55 produces classic analog drum sounds including bass drum, snare, hi-hat, and rimshot, making it ideal for vintage electronic music styles.

Is the Boss DR-55 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Boss DR-55 is suitable for live performances, offering hands-on control and a simple interface that allows musicians to easily program and modify beats on the fly.

How many voices of polyphony does the Boss DR-55 have?

The Boss DR-55 has 4 voices of polyphony, allowing it to play four different drum sounds simultaneously.

Can the Boss DR-55 be integrated with modern music production setups?

While the Boss DR-55 is an analog drum machine from the 1980s, it can be integrated with modern setups using MIDI converters or by sampling its sounds for use in digital audio workstations.

What power supply does the Boss DR-55 require?

The Boss DR-55 requires a 9V battery or a compatible 9V DC power adapter for operation.

RetroSound

RetroSound

BOSS DR-55 "Dr.Rhythm" Analog Drum Machine (1979)

Video thumbnail for BOSS DR-55 "Dr.Rhythm" Analog Drum Machine (1979) by RetroSound

BOSS DR-55 "Dr.Rhythm" Analog Drum Machine (1979)

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Analogue Masterclass Episode 5 -Boss DR 55 by jon ryman

Analogue Masterclass Episode 5 -Boss DR 55

jon ryman

jon ryman

Video thumbnail for Boss DR 55 Dr. Rhythm Analog  Drum Machine Demo (HD) by Sound Provider / Leonard de Leonard

Boss DR 55 Dr. Rhythm Analog Drum Machine Demo (HD)

Sound Provider / Leonard de Leonard

Sound Provider / Leonard de Leonard

Video thumbnail for BOSS DR-55 "Truth" pattern by SynthMania

BOSS DR-55 "Truth" pattern

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Boss Dr.Rhythm Rundown : DR-55, DR-110, DR-220A, DR-220E, DR-550, DR-660 by gwEm’s gwEmbassy

Boss Dr.Rhythm Rundown : DR-55, DR-110, DR-220A, DR-220E, DR-550, DR-660

gwEm’s gwEmbassy

gwEm’s gwEmbassy

Video thumbnail for Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-55 - Drum Machine Sound-Demo (no talking) by Bonedo Synthesizers

Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-55 - Drum Machine Sound-Demo (no talking)

Bonedo Synthesizers

Bonedo Synthesizers

Video thumbnail for BOSS DR-55 | Synth Quest Episode 1 by madFame

BOSS DR-55 | Synth Quest Episode 1

madFame

madFame

Video thumbnail for Boss DR-55 Dr. Rhythm: The Unassuming Legend of Dark 80s Drums by Nostalgic Explorer

Boss DR-55 Dr. Rhythm: The Unassuming Legend of Dark 80s Drums

Nostalgic Explorer

Nostalgic Explorer

Video thumbnail for Boss DR-55: Circuit Bending a Classic Drum Machine by Stephen McLeod

Boss DR-55: Circuit Bending a Classic Drum Machine

Stephen McLeod

Stephen McLeod

Reviews

PROS

  • Classic, bright, deep, punchy sound

  • Simple programming, even for beginners

  • Useful for learning timing with footswitch compatibility

  • Can be synced with other clocks as master or slave

  • Offers unique, glitchy pattern switching

  • Ideal for both live sets and home practice

  • Modifiable for enhanced functionality

  • Provides a sinister, austere sound palette

  • Legendary status among vintage gear

CONS

  • Some find the bass drum sound annoying

  • Limited sound variety compared to newer models

  • Not fully programmable, limiting creativity

  • Can arrive in poor condition due to lack of pre-sale checks

Critic Reviews

Meet Depeche Mode’s first live drummer: the Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-55

musictech.com

The Boss DR-55 is a charming relic from the early days of programmable drum machines, celebrated for its sturdy build and nostalgic appeal. While it lacks the versatility and user-friendliness of later Roland models, this vintage piece excels as a historical artifact rather than a modern studio workhorse. With limited voices and basic programming capabilities, it offers a quaint simplicity that harks back to the analog era. However, its lack of contemporary synchronization options makes it less practical for today's musicians. Ideal for vintage enthusiasts and collectors, but not for those seeking cutting-edge features.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
hat_and_cross

Great!

It's my primary drummer, no complaints. Simple, straight to the point, and legendary drum machine.

jimmarchi1

hahahaha

I bought this for peanuts when no one wanted them because they're not really programmable and really just used it for home practice. It actually sounds kinda cool like a Roland CR and I find myself sampling loops from her quite a bit to be the backbone of dance tracks. There's a fuzzy warmth to the kick that I really kinda love. I don't think these are terribly affordable these days, but they should be. Boss made enough of them!

max_mars

Boss DR-55

This was the 1st drum machine I purchased new- way back, in the day. It has been a real workhorse, and I use it primarily for triggering Korg SQ-1 sequencers with my Paia 4700 modular setup. The only mod I have done is to change the knobs for easier sighting.

jimmarchi1

awww, man, this was my first drum machine, still have it... I think I bought intending to use it as a glorified metronome for practicing guitar and working on song ideas, but as I got more into synths I started to embrace its wonkiness....

jordansynth

Very portable, stripped down CR-78!

Essentially the foundation of the CR-78; the kick, rim, snare and hats are the same but are also the only voices of the DR-55 (the 78 has way more). For how small the unit is and how great it sounds, I believe it is an extremely useful drum machine to have around (especially if modded with sync-in).

ministerstwoantykultury

Simply but...

I like it very much! perfect for live sets...

jimmarchi1

such an underrated old machine, especially for thumping 4 on the floor with other machines

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Squarepusher uses Boss DR-55

Squarepusher

Bassist, Music Producer

Squarepusher & AFX

...
Verified via The Creators Project

In this The Creators Project documentary called "Meet Squarepusher", 1:09 into the video, a really old and abandoned Boss DR-55 can be spotted in Tom Jenkinson's house.

See how Robin Guthrie uses Boss DR-55

Robin Guthrie

Guitarist

Cocteau Twins

...
Verified via Robinguthrie

In the first paragraph, 13 lines down, on his official website, Robin Guthrie discusses his use of the Boss DR-55 drum machine.

See how Moby uses Boss DR-55

Moby

Music Producer

Hanzel und Gretyl

...
Verified via YouTube

is featured at 0:32 in the video

See how Stewart Copeland uses Boss DR-55

Stewart Copeland

Singer, Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this photo of Stewart Copeland's "hotel rig" (or "suitcase studio") from around the Synchronicity tour, featured in the Police Vintage gallery section of his website.

From Down Beat magazine May 1984 issue:

On the road Copeland figures out his new charts on his "suitcase studio" - a Yamaha HandySound HS-5O1 polyphonic mini-synth, a Casio PT2O monophonic mini-synth (that also plays chords), a BOSS Dr Rhythm, the Scholz Rockman (for studio effects), a Fostex X-15 Multi-tracker cassette recorder, Sanyo C mini-monitor speakers, and Sony headphones, plus a Fender Stratocaster for that dose of heavy metal.

See how Stephen Morris uses Boss DR-55

Stephen Morris

Drummer, Keyboardist

Joy Division

...
Verified via Photo

In this interview, Stephen is asked what his first drum machine was. "It was just after [recording Joy Division's album] Closer that I got the first affordable programmable drum machine, the Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-55 and that was on the early New Order stuff like 'Truth.' I think there's even a version of In A Lonely Place we did with the drum machine, it didn't work out too well."

See how Todd Terje uses Boss DR-55

Todd Terje

Music Producer

Terje, Todd & Prins Thomas

...
Verified via MusicRadar

“I like the Boss DR-55 for the sound; I can get good samples out of it".

See how Thomas Dolby uses Boss DR-55

Thomas Dolby

Singer, Keyboardist

Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club

...
Verified via Muzines

Percussion/drum machines

Simmons SDS-V module + suitcase/seven pads; Boss DR-55 for "basic patterns".

See how Andrew Eldritch uses Boss DR-55

Andrew Eldritch

Singer, Drummer

The Sisters of Mercy

...
Verified via The-sisters-of-mercy

"If we can remember rightly, it had only four sounds: kick, snare, rimshot and hi-hat. One mono output, of course. For programming, it had an eight-beat stave, and sequencing was performed by switching on the fly between the few patterns it would hold in RAM. The DR55 had no non-volatile memory or offload facility for storing these patterns when the power was off. Still, reprogramming it was quick enough, as it held so little. It certainly sounded primitive, the biggest problem being the inability to separately treat the sounds of kick and snare, which lacked any kind of attack... unless one turned the volume up to excruciating levels, which of course one did. It didn't sound bad, exactly, just ... primitive. "

See how Chris Carter uses Boss DR-55

Chris Carter

Keyboardist

Throbbing Gristle

...
Verified via Boing Boing

The gear is... (Left side - top down): Boss PH-1 phaser pedal, Simmons ClapTrap, Roland SRE-555 Chorus Echo, Roland SH-7 Synth, Boss DR-55 Dr.Rhythm, Roland CSQ 100 sequencer, Roland CR-78 CompuRhythm.

See how Lol Tolhurst uses Boss DR-55

Lol Tolhurst

Drummer, Keyboardist

The Cure

...
Verified via Twitter

"In this post on Twitter, Lol Tolhurst mentions that he played the keyboard for the first time on the track "One Hundred Years," and the Boss DR-55 was used for the drum part.

See how Juan Atkins uses Boss DR-55

Juan Atkins

Music Producer

Cybotron

...
Verified via MusicRadar

If you had to pick a favourite bit of gear from over the years, what would it be? "That would have to be the Roland DR-55 drum machine. It was the most quantum innovation that ever happened. If I had to pick one machine, that would be it. Being able to program a drum machine was a huge thing."

See how Arthur Russell uses Boss DR-55

Arthur Russell

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via FACT Magazine

Per Fact Magazine, April, 2013:

‘Some Say’ now appears on Wilde Calm Records as a hand-stamped run of 500 vinyl copies, featuring a b-side rework by Pocketknife using the BOSS Dr. Rhythm DR-55 drum machine, a machine famously used by Russell.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss DR-55, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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janoschmoldau

janoschmoldau

Gear IQ 121

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