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Average Price: $113

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$150

$601+

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Description

The Boss DR-550 MkII Dr. Rhythm is a classic drum machine that holds a special place in the hearts of electronic musicians and DJs alike. Known for its reliability and versatility, the DR-550 MkII provides a wide range of rhythms and beats that cater to various musical styles. This drum machine is a favorite for both studio production and live performances due to its high-quality PCM sound engine, which delivers crisp and dynamic drum sounds that cut through any mix.

Equipped with 91 unique drum sounds, including an array of kicks, snares, and cymbals, the DR-550 MkII offers you the flexibility to craft intricate rhythms. Its intuitive interface allows for easy programming, so you can quickly create and edit patterns. The machine features 64 preset patterns and 64 user patterns, giving you the ability to store and recall your custom creations. Designed with portability in mind, the DR-550 MkII is compact and durable, making it a reliable companion for on-the-go musicians.

Key Features:

  • High-quality PCM sound engine for dynamic drum sounds
  • 91 unique drum sounds including a variety of kicks, snares, and cymbals
  • Intuitive interface for easy rhythm programming
  • 64 preset patterns and 64 user patterns for custom creations
  • Compact and durable design ideal for both studio and live settings

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model DR-550 MkII Dr. Rhythm
Year 1992 - 1999
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Output
Number of Pads 12 Pads
Polyphony 12 Voices

FAQs

How many drum sounds are available on the Boss DR-550 MkII?

The Boss DR-550 MkII features 91 drum sounds, providing a wide range of percussion options for creating diverse rhythm patterns.

Does the Boss DR-550 MkII have MIDI capabilities?

Yes, the Boss DR-550 MkII includes a MIDI output, allowing you to connect it with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded musical possibilities.

Is the Boss DR-550 MkII suitable for live performances?

The Boss DR-550 MkII is compact and portable, making it suitable for live performances where space is limited, and its 12-voice polyphony ensures complex rhythm patterns.

Can the Boss DR-550 MkII be powered by batteries?

The Boss DR-550 MkII can be powered using an AC adapter or batteries, offering flexibility for both studio and portable use.

What kind of display does the Boss DR-550 MkII have?

The Boss DR-550 MkII is equipped with an LCD display, which helps users navigate through its features and settings easily during programming and performance.

Sid hyperstellaris

Sid hyperstellaris

Boss DR-550 MK II Dr. Rhythm Drum Machine Demo & Manual

Video thumbnail for Boss DR-550 MK II  Dr. Rhythm Drum Machine Demo & Manual by Sid hyperstellaris

Boss DR-550 MK II Dr. Rhythm Drum Machine Demo & Manual

Sid hyperstellaris

Sid hyperstellaris

Video thumbnail for BOSS DR-550 mkII custom rhythms 12/21/2017 by SynthMania

BOSS DR-550 mkII custom rhythms 12/21/2017

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for BOSS DR-550 MK II Dr. Rhythm TR-808 Electro Beats Demo by DJ Shoji

BOSS DR-550 MK II Dr. Rhythm TR-808 Electro Beats Demo

DJ Shoji

DJ Shoji

Video thumbnail for The Boss DR-550 Mark II : My Favorite Drum Machine by Tech Review Guy

The Boss DR-550 Mark II : My Favorite Drum Machine

Tech Review Guy

Tech Review Guy

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss DR-550 MkII Dr. Rhythm.

Features and functionality

  • Users find programming challenging and note a lack of MIDI OUT, limiting integration with other gear.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Suitable for punk/post punk and industrial genres, though not ideal due to limited tweakability.

    Source
  • Volca Kick is recommended for industrial music, providing dark bass lines alongside its kick sounds, making it a versatile secondary device.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report punchy drum sounds but express frustration with programming complexity and limited sound customization options.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users prefer sampling DR-550 MkII sounds into more versatile machines like the Elektribe for easier manipulation.

    Source
  • DR-660 is considered a superior alternative with better UI, designed by Roger Linn, offering both acoustic and electronic kits with onboard reverb.

    Source
  • Alesis SR-16 is praised for its durability, MIDI out, and realistic sound, surviving physical damage and power mishaps, making it a reliable choice for industrial music.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Boss DR550 MkII (SOS Aug 92)

muzines.co.uk

The Boss DR-550 MkII is a budget-friendly drum machine that nearly doubles its sound library from its predecessor, making it an enticing option for musicians. With 91 excellent 16-bit samples, including classic TR808 and TR909 sounds, it offers a lot for its price. However, the lack of velocity-sensitive pads and tuning capabilities might disappoint some users. Also, its MIDI functionality is basic, and the machine's memory is still reliant on outdated tape storage. Despite these drawbacks, its portability and sound quality make it a strong contender in the budget drum machine market.

positive

Boss DR550 MkII & DR660 Drum Machines (MT Oct 92)

muzines.co.uk

The Boss DR-550 MkII drum machine offers affordability and portability with its compact design and battery option, making it a practical choice for on-the-go rhythm sketching. However, it struggles to compete with rivals like Yamaha's RY10 and Alesis' SR16 due to its limited sound palette and lack of modern features like real-time song recording and extensive polyphony. While it delivers the classic Roland sound, its specs feel outdated against the competition's richer offerings. Ideal for beginners or budget-conscious users, but those seeking more versatility might look elsewhere.

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Genre Usage

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

1 alternative for Boss DR-550 MkII Dr. Rhythm, curated by the Equipboard community.

Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-660

$250.00

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