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Description
The Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55 Drum Machine is your ultimate companion for dynamic music creation and engaging jam sessions. This rhythm machine captures the essence of live performance with 24 live-recorded drum rhythms that seamlessly integrate variations, fills, and endings, making your practice and rehearsal feel like a concert. Designed to accommodate multiple musicians, the KR-55 features an XLR mic input, two instrument inputs, and a line input, allowing up to four people to connect and create simultaneously.
Whether you're laying down tracks solo or jamming with friends, the KR-55's multitrack recording capability ensures no idea is lost. Capture your creativity directly to an SD card and explore new musical horizons. The built-in tuner and 3-band EQ allow you to fine-tune your sound, while the reverb effect adds that professional touch to your recordings. And for an immersive experience, the Acoustage Virtual Surround Technology envelops you in a rich, stereo soundscape.
With flexible power options, you can take the KR-55 anywhere, powered by batteries or a 9V adapter. Seamlessly chain patterns to create complete songs or use a footswitch for hands-free rhythm control. Whether you're a budding musician or a seasoned pro, the Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55 Drum Machine is a versatile and inspiring tool to elevate your musical journey.
Key Features:
- 24 live-recorded drum rhythms with variations, fills, and endings
- XLR mic input, two instrument inputs, and line input for up to four musicians
- Multitrack recording to SD card
- Built-in tuner and 3-band EQ
- Reverb effect and Acoustage Virtual Surround Technology
- Battery or 9V adapter powered
- Chain patterns to create complete songs
- Footswitch compatibility for hands-free control (sold separately)
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | KR-55 Rhythm 55 |
| Finish | Cream |
| Year | 1970s |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Drum Machines |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Polyphony | 12 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of sounds can I expect from the Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55 Drum Machine?
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The Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55 Drum Machine offers a range of classic analog drum sounds typical of the 1970s, including kick, snare, hi-hat, and toms, ideal for vintage and retro music styles.
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How many preset rhythms does the Korg KR-55 offer?
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The Korg KR-55 provides 48 preset rhythms, covering a wide range of musical genres, from rock and pop to Latin and jazz, making it versatile for various musical applications.
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Is the Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55 Drum Machine suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55 is suitable for live performances, offering reliable analog sound and easy-to-use controls, making it a favorite for musicians seeking authentic vintage drum machine sounds on stage.
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Can the Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55 be integrated with modern recording setups?
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While the KR-55 is an analog drum machine from the 1970s, it can be integrated into modern setups using audio interfaces to capture its unique sound for digital recording.
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Does the Korg KR-55 allow for user-programmed rhythms?
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No, the Korg KR-55 does not support user-programmed rhythms; it relies on its 48 built-in preset patterns for rhythm variations.
Videos
AnalogAudio1
KORG RHYTHM 55 KR-55 Analog Rhythm Box 1979 | HD DEMO
KORG RHYTHM 55 KR-55 Analog Rhythm Box 1979 | HD DEMO
AnalogAudio1
Korg Rhythm 55 Analog Vintage Drum Machine Demo (KR-55 )
Sound Provider / Leonard de Leonard
Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55 Demo
MGK Tutorial
Reviews
PROS
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Classic 80's drum sounds, ideal for vintage music creation
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Presets mixable for complex rhythmic variations
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Variable swing through a pot for dynamic beats
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Secondary rhythm variations add busy patterns
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Trig out feature for syncing with other machines
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Modifiable for MIDI and individual voice outputs
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Used by iconic musicians like Jean-Michel Jarre and Depeche Mode
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SHUFFLE function and volume faders for detailed sound control
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Hi-hats sound complex, akin to Roland TR-808/606
CONS
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Non-programmable, limiting creative control
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Requires modification for trig in or MIDI functionality
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Rhythms not mixable like earlier Korg models
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55 Drum Machine.
Features and functionality
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The SD card slot is likely intended for storing tracks rather than playing samples, as inferred from user discussions and official usage demonstrations.
Source -
The KR-55 allows for time signature changes by pressing multiple buttons simultaneously, despite being a non-programmable drum machine.
Source
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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The KR-55 is primarily used by acoustic guitarists and bassists for live accompaniment, as highlighted in official Korg videos, signaling its target audience.
Source -
The KR-55 is seen as more valuable in its "B" version due to additional rhythm presets, making it desirable for varied musical applications.
Source
User experience
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Enthusiasts hoped for a modernized version of the KR-55 but felt let down by the reissue failing to meet those expectations.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 9 Ratings
1294
Exploring the vintage charm and unique features of a classic analog rhythm box
The Korg Rhythm 55 (KR-55) is a non programmable analog rhythm box from 1979. The KR-55 and its little brother KR-33 were the successors of the Korg Minipops series. Same knobs as on the MS/PS-series. The sound of the hi hats is more complex - similar to those on the Roland TR-808/606.
The KR-55 has some special features: a TRIG OUT jack including several triggering modes, SHUFFLE function and volume faders for the most drum sounds.
The rhythms are not mixable like on earlier Korg rhythm boxes (Minipops series). TEMPO and VOLUME controls. It was used by Jean-Michel Jarre (Magnetic Fields) and Depeche Mode (Speak and Spell) among others. It has a very characteristic sound - it sounds fantastic!
122
Amazing retro beat machine. Punchy snare drums.
I use this machine for early synth pop recreation. A la Speak & Speel
1312
Pure analogue drums
Added MIDI and individual outputs
Artist usage
Add artist
Mentioned in the booklet of "Equinoxe".
Along this video we can see Yannis Philippakis using this drum machine to set the drums of 'Daffodils' (Mark Ronson).
In the YouTube video titled "Bootsy Collins Tours His Incredible Home Studio 'The Boot Cave,'" at timestamp 21:26, Bootsy Collins is seen demonstrating and discussing the Korg Rhythm 55 (KR-55) Drum Machine in detail. The video, provided by Reverb, showcases Bootsy's extensive collection of musical equipment in his home studio.
Depeche Mode album gear discussion on 1981 album: "I SPOKE TO VINCE CLARKE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND HE TOLD ME THE DRUM MACHINE USED ON SPEAK AND SPELL WAS A KORG KR55 PRESET MACHINE .THE BAND USED JUST THE SNARE AND HIGH HATS SOUNDS FROM. THE BASS DRUM WAS GENERATED FROM AN ARP 2600 SYNTH WHICH WAS SYNCHED TO THE MACHINE AND AN OLD ROLAND MC4 MICROCOMPOSER SEQUENCER. SO THERE THE ANSWER IS!"
You can see Trentemoller using a Korg KR-55 at the 9:20 mark.
In this Twitter picture, one can see Galantis using a Korg Rhythm 55.
These days Ocasek busies himself while at home with a TEAC 88 8-track tape machine connected to a Sound Workshop 1280 B board in turn hooked up with two Orban 622B equalizers (the board is also equipped with its own parametric equalizers. For keyboards he swears by his Prophets and Roland Jupiter 8. using a Korg Lambda for orchestral coloring and often calling in an assortment of little Casiotones for reinforcement. He probably has more drum machines than anything else-both the old Linn LM-1 Drum Computer and the new LinnDrum. a Korg KR 55, five Roland units (including a TR808. CR8000 and a Dr. Rhythm), some old Univox rhythm gizmos and a drum machine yanked out of a Hammond organ "that has the Liverpool beat." the kind of insect clicking you hear in organ shops in suburban shopping malls.
@1:27 Joe Jackson reveals that this was the machine used on Steppin' Out
"All of the music is recorded in one take – apart from the fact that all of the instruments require the clocked master pulse (often coming from a Roland system 104 or TR 606 or Korg KR 55)..."
Another one of my favourite drum machines is also shown here: the Korg KR-55, which has the most killer, driving preset patterns and in my opinion the best snare drum sound of all time.
Album Usage
The Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55 Drum Machine has been featured on the following albums:
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 Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55 Drum Machine, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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