Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
Videos
RetroGuy
Part 1 of 5: Boss Dr Rhythm DR-5 Video Tutorial (Tutorials: 1 to 4)
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
Build quality
-
The top panel is secured by a nut located under the tempo/data knob, complicating disassembly for maintenance or repairs.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings
73
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.
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
274
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
" 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. "
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
Most Popular Production & Groove
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
slo_oneGear IQ 41
-