Korg KPR-77
Programmable Rhythmer (1983)

 

The Korg's commercial response to the portable Roland TR-606: an analog drum machine with programming and sync options.

DRUM MACHINE Main panel features a liquid crystal display, 16 pads (not dynamic), 13 buttons and 7 mixer sliders.

Rear panel terminal connectors:
- main stereo outputs
- 1 separate out for snare/claps channel
- headphones out
- 2 trig outputs (pulses +5V)
- start-stop pedalswitch input
- sync IN / OUT
- tape interface.

Power supply 9V external PSU ) or 4 X 1.5V batteries

VOICE processor uPD-7603-065 manages up to 6 channels polyphony and generates 8 analog percussions:

 

kick	snare	open/close hh
claps	cymbal	tom (x2)

 

SEQUENCER works in 2 recording modes:
- realtime record
- step entries.
Some various sequencer edit functions:
- accent for each instruments
- flam repeat for tom1 & 2
- 4 different resolutions: 16th, 16th triplet, 32nd and 32nd triplet
NOTE: The sequencer is probably one of the most complicated ever made, and this could refrain anyone to use this machine- almost impossible to use without the manual nearby.

 

SYNC internal clock range is 35 to 208 BPM or external tempo using DIN sync at 48 PPQ.
The 48 PPQ standard is different from the 24 widely used by Roland in machines like tb-303 or TR-808.
For correct tempo match it is possible to use a clock synchronizer like the KMS-30.

 

MEMORY:
- 48 basic rhythm patterns
- 32 steps for each pattern
- 2 4/4 measures of 16th notes
- 6 chain banks
- 256 measures fo each chain bank
Memories is retained if batteries are fitted, you have 5 minutes for switching before total memory lost! patterns can be saved to magnetic tape using the appropriate interface.

 

MODDING many freaky guys made some interesting radical modification to the machine for a better sound tweak. Here's some pictures below to get an idea: pic by magicmess.co.uk

 

RELATED FAMILY:

KORG KR-55 can be considered as the previous model. Not programmable but widely more appreciated than the successor.

 

VST PLUGIN / SAMPLED VERSION there are some free and commercial samples set:

	name	price	demo
	wave alchemy	FREE big sample pack	n/a
	Music machine	FREE basic sample pack	n/a

 

AUDIO DEMO

	drum pattern demo
	we need more KPR-77 demo. Want to contribute? UPLOAD

YOUTUBE VIDEO CLIP SELECTION video 1 video 2 video 3

KORG KRP77 MANUAL

Korg KPR-77 SERVICE MANUAL / SCHEMATICS

original brochure

original brochure

original brochure

carry bag (pic ebay)

Korg KPR-77 FOR SALE CHECK OUT EBAY OFFERS