Korg Rhythm KR-55 / KR-55b
![korg kr55](korg-kr55.jpg)
Country: JAPAN
Weight: n/a
Dimensions: n/a |
trend price : 400€ |
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Korg Rhythm KR55 (1980)
A totally new redesigned analog drum machine from previous KR-33 with more sounds and patterns.
Later in 1982 the Kr55 has been updated to B version: the Kr55B which features more patterns memory.
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![korg rhythm 55](main1.jpg) |
![presets edit](kr-5.jpg) |
DRUM MACHINE main panel features 9 knobs, 16 push buttons, 3 bank selectors, 2 buttons and a lever switch for swing function.
Back panel terminal connectors:
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signal out at impedance high / low
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start / stop footswitch input for KORG S-2 (dual footswitch)
- fill-in
footswitch input
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jack for trigger out pulses at +5V.
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SOUND system manages 6 analog voices with mix level.
The Rhythm 55 "classic" generates 10 analog percussive instruments:
![kr 55 tech](kr55-korg.jpg)
![kr 55 internal](funk.jpg)
bass drum |
rimshot / cowbell / claves (shared) |
snare |
tom / conga (shared) |
cymbal |
hihat |
![kick](kick.jpg)
SEQUENCER there is just a minimal control on te 16 patterns available with a few options: TEMPO, INTRO FILLS or SWING. The swing function should be used only for Jazzy rhythms, on other patterns it acts weird creating a wobbling effect.
SYNC the trigger Out can sync other devices, and the nearby switches sets 1 of the 5 Tempo available dividers including: Kick drum / whole note / 4th / 8th / 16th.
![sequencer](seq.jpg)
![list patterns](preset.jpg)
disco |
rhumba |
jazz |
swing |
chacha |
mambo |
beat |
beguine |
pop |
foxtrot |
march |
bossanova |
rock |
afro |
enka |
rock |
SOME MODDING:
- separate outputs
- sync input modification.
![kr55 separate outs](mod1.jpg)
separate outs added.
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![Sync in modification](mode2.jpg)
Sync input synchronizes the KR to PPQ clocks or slave to other drum box
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![kr 55 internal](korg-kr-55.jpg)
RELATED FAMILY:
![kr55b update](kr55b.jpg) |
KR 55B Updated version with double presets and different case color, dark-grey outfit closer to eighties design. Basically it is the same machine, some patterns are a little different VIDEO |
![kr33](kr33.jpg) |
KR-33 first of the series with less sounds, patterns and no mix sections VIDEO |
![krp77](kpr77.jpg) |
KPR-77 last analog from the series, way to difficult to program |
![korg kr mini](korg-kr-mini.jpg) |
Korg Kr-mini modern version from 2013, also with preset but adds built-in speakers. The machine is full digitalVIDEO |
AUDIO DEMO
VST PLUGIN / SAMPLED VERSION there are some free and commercial samples set:
Soundcloud demos:
![kr-55-pic](jr-55-pic.jpg)
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![original scan](thumb1.jpg)
![original scan](thumb2.jpg)
![original scan](thumb3.jpg)
![original scan](kr-55-picture.jpg)
![original scan](kr-55bag.jpg)
KR original bag
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![manual](../../../../../icon2/up.gif)
- poweful sound
- patterns
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![manual](../../../../../icon2/down.gif)
-No programming
-sync must be modded
-swing is weird
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![comment](../../../../../icon2/smile/cool.gif)
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REVIEW "I do love that punchy sounds! Ok it is not programmable but, it is great!." |
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"There may be lot of rhythm machines on the market, but the Kr-55 is the one machine with soul". Korg ad |
all snapshots*, sounds, texts copyright Polynominal.com / Eric Pochesci
* but kr55 bag from ebay auctions
korg kr55 4.0 out of 5 based on 13 ratings.
price €300