Korg's "Rhythm 55," aka KR-55A was originally introduced in 1979, replacing the far more spartan Mini Pops 35 and Mini Pops 120 machines. Though all of these were preset-only, with no ability for user-programmed rhythms, the KR-55 was still a large step forward, featuring 48 preset rhythms, 16 intro, and 16 fill patterns. Historically, the Roland TR machines of the late 70s and early 80s get a lot more attention, but the KR-55 sounds great, and its flexible mixer section allowed easy muting and soloing of drum sounds, resulting in endless variations of the preprogrammed onboard rhythms. Legendary early synth pop producer Daniel Miller used this to great effect on early Depeche Mode and Fad Gadget albums, where the KR-55 was used for the bulk of percussion sounds while an ARP2600 synthesizer provided kick drums - triggered via the KR-55.
In 1982, Korg released the updated KR-55B version. Along with some cosmetic alterations, the internal pattern memory was doubled to include 96 preset rhythms, 32 intro, and 32 fill patterns. The patterns and fills were also updated, with almost no identical patterns shared between the KR-55A and KR-55B versions.
The KR-55 has been used by many artists, including the aforementioned Depeche Mode and Fad Gadget, as well as Soft Cell, Cabaret Voltaire, Jean-Michel Jarre, and perhaps most famously on the 1982 Joe Jackson hit, "Steppin' Out." We felt the KR-55 had been overlooked in the annals of synth/drum machine history, so we've given it the full Cherry Audio treatment! Cherry KR-55C includes ALL of the rhythms of both versions for a whopping 144 patterns, 32 intros, and 32 fills, with UI appearance changing with KR-55A or KR-55B selection. Naturally, we added user rhythm programmability with a familiar x0x-style 16-button interface. KR-55C's sounds have been recreated using analog circuit modeling with a variety of user editable parameters including parametric EQ for every instrument. The unique effects section enables separate processing of each instrument sound, including overdrive, flanger/chorus, delay, and reverb. Finally, the master effects section includes a colorful and fun bus compressor and separate bus limiter for master amplitude control.
Terminology in this manual, so we're all on the same page:
A pattern refers to one of the built-in (Pattern Mode set to Preset) or user-created rhythm patterns (Pattern Mode set to User). A beat refers to a step number within a rhythm - for example, "beat 1" would be the first step in a pattern. For clarity, we'll avoid using "beat" to refer an entire rhythm pattern.
Also, italicized text generally refers to a specific control on the front panel, such as the Measure or Inst Select controls.
Pre-Purchase Demo Mode
If you haven't purchased the full version of KR-55C, it will run in demo mode. All functions will work, but inharmonic tones will occasionally sound (the LED next to Demo in the top toolbar will illuminate when the ugly tones are sounding). We've also added a handy button to make purchasing easy, so you've got no excuse! Of course, all the demo stuff disappears once KR-55C is purchased.
Technical Assistance
Cherry Audio's unique online store and automatic updating should make operation a smooth experience, but if you run into any issues or have questions, you can discuss issues online at the Cherry Audio forums.
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