Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $94

Budget/Beginner

$399

$900+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Meet your new rhythmic partner, the Boss Dr. Rhythm Dr-5, a versatile drum machine that goes beyond expectation. Perfectly crafted for musicians seeking to enhance their creative toolbox, this powerhouse offers a comprehensive selection of 174 diverse percussion sounds alongside a plethora of instruments like guitars, basses, keyboards, strings, horns, and synths. The Dr-5 isn't just a drum machine; it's a complete rhythm section in a compact package.

Whether you're a guitarist, composer, or live performer, the Dr-5 is designed to be your ultimate companion. With its 4-track composer, you can layer beats and instruments seamlessly, while the MIDI In/Out functionality ensures easy integration with your existing gear. Need a band in a box? The programmable backing band feature lets you experiment with different styles and genres effortlessly.

For guitarists, the Dr-5 offers an external pitch function to trigger internal sounds directly from your guitar. Plus, the built-in tuner and amp simulator make it an indispensable tool during jam sessions or live performances.

Embrace a world of creativity with 64 drum kits (48 preset and 16 user) and 400 patterns (200 preset and 200 user), providing endless possibilities to craft and customize your sound. Whether you're writing new songs or looking to breathe new life into old ones, the Boss Dr. Rhythm Dr-5 is the perfect addition to any musician's collection.

Key Features:

  • 174 percussion and instrument sounds
  • 64 drum kits (48 preset / 16 user)
  • 400 patterns (200 preset + 200 user)
  • 4-track composer for layering
  • MIDI In/Out for external device integration
  • External pitch function for guitar-based triggering
  • Built-in tuner and amp simulator

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model DR-5 Dr. Rhythm
Finish Black
Year 1990s
Made In Taiwan
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Polyphony 19 Voices

FAQs

What kind of sounds can the Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-5 produce?

The Boss DR-5 features 64 drum kits and 256 instrument sounds, including guitars and keyboards, making it versatile for creating complete backing tracks.

Is the Boss DR-5 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Boss DR-5 is designed for both studio and live use, with MIDI capabilities allowing it to be integrated into live setups for dynamic performances.

How does the Boss DR-5 connect with other equipment?

The Boss DR-5 includes MIDI input and output, facilitating easy integration with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded functionality.

Does the Boss DR-5 support polyphonic playback?

Yes, the Boss DR-5 supports polyphonic playback with up to 19 voices, allowing for complex arrangements and layered sounds.

Can the Boss DR-5 be used with a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Boss DR-5 can be used with a MIDI controller, thanks to its MIDI input, enabling more hands-on control over its sounds and sequences.

RetroGuy

RetroGuy

Part 1 of 5: Boss Dr Rhythm DR-5 Video Tutorial (Tutorials: 1 to 4)

Video thumbnail for Part 1 of 5: Boss Dr Rhythm DR-5 Video Tutorial (Tutorials: 1 to 4) by RetroGuy

Part 1 of 5: Boss Dr Rhythm DR-5 Video Tutorial (Tutorials: 1 to 4)

RetroGuy

RetroGuy

Video thumbnail for Boss DR-5 Pattern Your beats by Fred Collis

Boss DR-5 Pattern Your beats

Fred Collis

Fred Collis

Video thumbnail for Blue Monday Tutorial (Boss Dr. Rhythm Section DR-5) by fredturd

Blue Monday Tutorial (Boss Dr. Rhythm Section DR-5)

fredturd

fredturd

Video thumbnail for Boss Dr. Rhythm Section DR-5 - A short demo showing the first 20 rock backing presets by RaveTracks

Boss Dr. Rhythm Section DR-5 - A short demo showing the first 20 rock backing presets

RaveTracks

RaveTracks

Video thumbnail for Boss DR5 Review - Dr Rhythm Section by The InterGalactic Federation

Boss DR5 Review - Dr Rhythm Section

The InterGalactic Federation

The InterGalactic Federation

Video thumbnail for Boss DR-5 demo by cjr71244

Boss DR-5 demo

cjr71244

cjr71244

Video thumbnail for How to use the BOSS DR 5 by David Shelton

How to use the BOSS DR 5

David Shelton

David Shelton

Reviews

PROS

  • Mimics legendary Roland drum machine sounds effectively

  • Unique chord mode for easy complex chord recording

  • Excellent for 808 samples, with punchy and easy-to-use sequencer

  • Brilliant clap sound in kits, versatile across rhythms

  • Simplifies setup for music production

  • Clear sound quality with versatile options

  • Good piano sound, with adjustable volume and speed

  • Durable; has a long lifespan even with extensive use

  • Dated but distinctive 90s instrument sounds, ideal for acid house and IDM

  • Can sequence external gear with just 4 tracks

CONS

  • Instrument sounds considered dated by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss Dr. Rhythm Dr-5.

Setup and maintenance

  • The backup memory battery is soldered onto the motherboard, requiring careful desoldering to replace, with caution advised to avoid overheating the lithium battery.

    Source
  • A thin-bladed screwdriver can be used to carefully pry off battery tabs to avoid excessive heat exposure during removal.

    Source

Build quality

  • The top panel is secured by a nut located under the tempo/data knob, complicating disassembly for maintenance or repairs.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have difficulty accessing the board due to the intricate design, particularly around the stereo and MIDI outputs that hinder panel removal.

    Source

Critic Reviews

BOSS DR5

soundonsound.com

Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-5 is a guitar-friendly, self-contained music composition tool with a broad range of sounds and an innovative interface that appeals to guitarists. While it's not a replacement for a full MIDI setup, it's budget-friendly and can kickstart a songwriting career. The interface, however, is button-heavy and requires manual reading to master. The guitar-like layout presents a learning curve, particularly for chord playing. The absence of MIDI thru, a separate power adapter, and reliance on a manual are drawbacks. Overall, it's a versatile gadget for guitar-playing songwriters who appreciate its unique design and functionality.

Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
P

Punchy roland sound

This drum machine is great for the 808 samples the sequencer is very easy to use and has a punchy sound the instrument sounds are dated but they have their own 90s sound. It's great for acid house and braindance/idm. You can easily sound like early autechre and some aphex twin because most samples are from same from the r8. The clap on most kits like the 808 is brilliant and goes well in any rhythm.

parrishxsmith

versatile and punch

versatile and punchy. one of my first drum machines that got me into music. I recommend everyone this drum machine if you need to minimise your setup

chon_dublin

One of my all time favourites, have owned several over the years!

Most excellent machine. Does it all with just 4 tracks, can sequence external gear even! Great sounding Drum kits onboard!!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rafael Anton Irisarri uses Boss Dr. Rhythm Dr-5

Rafael Anton Irisarri

Music Producer

...
Verified via Headphone Commute

" My very first piece of gear is how I got involved composing music in the first place. I bought a Boss DR-5 when I was a teen and a really crappy 4-track Tascam portastudio cassette recorder. The DR-5 was a drum machine that also included a sequencer and few sounds like piano, synths, etc. All very terrible, but it was all I could afford and a fun way to start composing my own music. "

See how Tommy Wright III uses Boss Dr. Rhythm Dr-5

Tommy Wright III

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this 2017 interview (5:05) with All Def Music, Tommy Wright III names the Boss DR-660 and DR-5 as the go to machines for himself and others in the Memphis scene.

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. Rhythm Dr-5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Boss Production & Groove

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    slo_one
    slo_one

    Gear IQ 41