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Average Price: $699

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$601+

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Description

For those seeking to add a touch of nostalgic groove to their music, the Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55B Drum Machine brings the classic rhythm sounds of the late '70s into the modern era. This drum machine is renowned for its analog sound that captures the warmth and authenticity of vintage drum machines. Ideal for DJs and musicians alike, the KR-55B is perfect for both live performances and studio sessions, offering a diverse range of preset rhythms for various musical styles.

The KR-55B Drum Machine features 48 built-in rhythm patterns that cover a wide array of genres, from traditional rock and pop to reggae and Latin beats. Each pattern can be customized with additional fills and variations, providing flexibility and creativity for your compositions. The intuitive control panel ensures ease of use, allowing you to effortlessly adjust tempo, volume, and add effects to craft your perfect sound.

With its classic design and robust build quality, the KR-55B is not just a tool but a piece of history that fits seamlessly into any setup. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55B Drum Machine offers a reliable and versatile rhythm solution.

Key Features:

  • 48 built-in rhythm patterns covering various genres
  • Customizable fills and variations for each pattern
  • Intuitive control panel for easy adjustments
  • Authentic analog sound characteristic of vintage drum machines
  • Ideal for live performances and studio use

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model KR-55B Rhythm 55B Analog Drum Machine
Finish Gray and Blue
Year 1980s
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Analog
Polyphony 12 Voices

FAQs

What are the main differences between the Korg Rhythm 55 and the KR-55B drum machines?

The Korg Rhythm 55B offers twice as many presets as the original 55 model, providing more variety in rhythms. Both models have low noise floors and deliver high-quality analog sound.

Is the Korg KR-55B suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Korg KR-55B is suitable for live performances, offering a robust build and a variety of preset rhythms that can be easily integrated into live sets.

How many voices can the Korg KR-55B drum machine produce simultaneously?

The Korg KR-55B is capable of producing 12 voices simultaneously, allowing for complex rhythm patterns and rich sound textures.

Does the Korg KR-55B drum machine allow for user-created patterns?

The KR-55B primarily focuses on preset patterns; however, users can combine these presets in creative ways to achieve unique rhythmic compositions.

What type of sound generation does the Korg KR-55B use?

The Korg KR-55B utilizes analog sound generation, which is known for its warm and authentic drum tones, making it a favorite among enthusiasts of vintage sound.

RetroSound

RetroSound

KORG Rhythm 55B KR-55B Analog Drum Box (1982)

Video thumbnail for KORG Rhythm 55B KR-55B Analog Drum Box  (1982) by RetroSound

KORG Rhythm 55B KR-55B Analog Drum Box (1982)

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for KORG Rhythm 55B Complete Demonstration KR-55B by Funktrainer

KORG Rhythm 55B Complete Demonstration KR-55B

Funktrainer

Funktrainer

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55B Drum Machine.

Features and functionality

  • The Korg KR-55B includes a trigger out that sends signals on 8th or 16th notes, useful for syncing with arpeggiators on compatible synths.

    Source
  • The KR-55B has more rhythm options compared to the original KR-55, making it more desirable for creating diverse patterns.

    Source
  • The KR-55B’s patterns are stored in an EPROM, which prevents users from combining presets, a capability found in many other analog drum machines.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Use a 1/4" cable to connect the KR-55B's trigger out to sync an arpeggiator on synths like the Poly 61 or Juno, noting the S-trig vs. V-trig differences.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The uniPulse mod can be installed for modern MIDI sync, though it's considered pricey by some users.

    Source
  • Individual outs can be added to the KR-55 for creating new patterns by delaying channels, although this modification is not standard.

    Source

Comparisons

  • KR-55B's S-trig output contrasts with Roland’s V-trig systems, affecting sync performance; a simple cable modification can address this compatibility issue.

    Source
  • The original KR-55 is preferred over the 808 and 606 for early '80s sounds due to its crisper and punchier tones that cut through mixes better.

    Source
  • The Roland CR-8000 allows combining two patterns in software to mimic older drum machine functionalities, unlike the KR-55 which does not support pattern combination.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Historically, KR-55B was often the tempo master in setups, requiring musicians to manually align other instruments to its beat.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jordansynth

The early new-wave drum machine.

A very useful analog drum machine from Korg. The sound is different than Roland's offerings from this period with a harder edge to the tone and far more diverse preset patterns (especially on the KR-55b). It is much like the CR-78 in that it is a nice mix of 70's and 80's analog. It isn't programmable in any way but there are so many preset patterns that you can always find something interesting to base a track off of.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how BT uses Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55B Drum Machine

BT

Music Producer

BT and Tommy Stinson

...
Verified via Photo

the KR-55B can be seen in this Instagram post

See how Dam-Funk uses Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55B Drum Machine

Dam-Funk

Music Producer

Master Blazter

...
Verified via YouTube

Cited at 1:25 in the presented video.

See how Sharooz uses Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55B Drum Machine

Sharooz

...
Verified via YouTube

sharooz takes future music on a studio tour

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-55B Drum Machine, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
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Oberheim Matrix 6 Synthesizers
1
Korg ARP Odyssey
Korg ARP Odyssey Synthesizers
1
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
1

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