KORG KR-55 Pro: a Comprehensive Rhythm and Drum Machine

The new KR-55 Pro is a simple, multi-function rhythm machine with real recorded drum grooves and mixer/recorder functionality. Equipped with Korg’s “Real Groove Technology”, which uses actual data recorded from professional drummers at various tempos, the KR-55 Pro contains technology never seen before in a conventional drum machine. Packed with 24 high-quality rhythm styles, each fine-tuned to accurately reproduce the sound and experience of playing with a percussionist, this rhythm machine can provide simple, straight-forward drum tracking for musicians of any genre. Each style includes multiple patterns, providing accompaniment for endless recording, thanks to the sophisticated chain function.

Like/Follow us:
USA

UK

JAPAN

[DarrenGlen]

Glad he plugged in that microphone...the vocals sounded so much better with it plugged in

[thelifeproductions]

I like the simple layout and drum patterns- seems well suited for live peforamnce especially in a singer/songwriter type style

[finebalance]

And there you have it. Now you can replace your drummer, reduce your band's wage bill and eliminate the associated alcohol and physiological problems that drummers tend to have. Plus this thing won't try and run off with your girlfriend, so there's probably a market for it.

[TheTMontgomery]

Post purchase .
Machine is fair but limited.
Should have midi and the ability to program at least one bank of user patters even if one needed to attach a midi drum controller to access internal sounds.
A stereo input for keyboard players and individual effects adjustment for inputs would ideal.
As a modern take, it should have expanded the range of rhythms to include reggae and more world beats (Calypso soca zouk compa and afrocuban beats etc) especially in the unplugged percussion section.
Perhaps Korg can fix these on the version 2 and perhaps work with some modern drummers e.g. the Berkely percussion group on the beats which I mentioned.
For live performance using the foot pedal option gives great expressive options to solo artistes

[onasimp]

Live performance drum machine with XLR's and guitar amp simulation apparently. Pretty next level considering the only other option was that lame ass Digitech Sdrum pedal. Most people expecting to see a Maschine or MPC pad from Korg will complain they don't understand the gear. Live musicians and guitarist won't. This is a pretty new concept for performing without a drummer and needing even less gear on a gig and it's small as shit. The point of the video was to demonstrate that you can be a one man band with a guitar and this box. This isn't a f'n drumbrute it's not supposed to be.

[therealskinflutes]

Please put off the glorious KR-55 name from this thing!

[ageshero]

This is really really quite well designed an thought out, but does it have any other sounds?

[swampmarsh]

This looks like it'd be good for me small shows and open mics

[zibbybone]

For a modern PCM drum machine, it sounds good, but why be like Roland and reuse legacy monikers? Very misleading.

[johnk]

Bit of a a disappointment, I thought this was gonna be a remake of the classic analogue korg kr55 dm but with individual outs and a song mode.damn

[joelpavan]

Only two variations? Serious? How I use it in music with verse, chorus and bridge?

[ZombieTactics]

.... no way to sync it with anything. It's like nobody that designed these things has any clue how actual musicians might want to use them.

[jupitermarx]

Would this unit work with synthesizers as a backing track as one plays ?

[georgelewter]

This is like the Stageman 80 minus the amp and speakers. You can plug it into  a sound system of your choice. This makes it more portable. The Stageman uses "D" cell batteries and this uses "AA" batteries. Both come with adapters for AC operation. I love my Stageman 80 and use the Vox foot controller to control it.  I will be purchasing this one also.  Don't knock these until you try what they can do.  Read the PDF manual and you may be surprised!

[letMeSayThatInIrish]

If anyone ever understands the logic behind how synth companies name their products, please let me know.

[claytonlevibrown]

I'm sure moby already owns three.

[weeds]

will you please please please get some tutorials on line for this bought one for song writing....it seems really complicated and I am at this point disappointed...….there is no online support on youtube at present. I called korg for help but they did not return my calls!!….

[huntereastin]

How many stock drum sounds are there? I'd like something like this, mainly for foot controlling fills, but I'd prefer a sound more similar to a 909 (I'd be pairing it with a Microkorg and an Electribe Sampler). And are there midi outputs?

[momtnz]

Check out the new Drum Machine book RHYTHM MACHINES III by Alex Graham, packed with all the drum machines released from 1990-2017 (Excluding the Korg KR55 Pro Rhythm!). On Amazon NOW! As for this KR55 Pro, I was hoping for the sounds of the KR55 from 1982 with programmability, similar to the Roland TR-8 - but alas this is just another take on the Korg Stageman 80 and KR-mini, offering preset rhythms and no MIDI triggering option? I thought Korg were on the right lines with the Korg ARP Odyssey, MS-20 synth and going back in time to compete with Roland, but this is a disappointment for me (and others, going by 80% of the comments below).

[joctarr]

C'est difficile de trouver une explication en français