BACKGROUND
Boss Dr Rhythm Dr-55 was the first drum machine from Roland with the name Boss 1979. The retail price list for a Dr-55 was back in January 1st 1982 $195. Dr-55 became the original for all Dr Rhythm machines!
DESCRIPTION
Dr-55 has four sounds, one mono output and can be controlled with control pulses from outside (DBS or CSQ). DR-55 is powered by4 1,5 battery (6V).
- Snare
- Rimshot
- Bassdrum
- Hihat
- No Hihat
- 8th
- 16th
- 6 patterns with 8th and 16th quantized notes
- 2 patterns with 12th quantize notes
There are controllers for:
- Volume (master volume)
- Tempo
- Toneo-cntrol (common filter)
- Accent
- Start
- Stop
TRIGGERS
There are two 8th inch jacks triggers:
-
DBS Jack 1/8" pulse +5v, 8ms - used on Roland gear that handle triggers
-
CSQ Jack 1/8" pulse +4v, 10ms - used by Roland stuff that isn't made any more (the 100M sequencer?). CSQ = Computer SeQuencer
A trigger is sent on every 16th note for which you've programmed an accent.
There is also a Foot switch 1/4" for FS1
DR-55 MANUAL
- Dr-55 Back Panel Manual
- Boss Dr-55 manuals are available here: The Vintage Store Around The Corner
REVEWS
From June 1980 Keyboard Magazine:
"The Boss DR-55 Dr. Rhythm is a compact programmable rhythm unit. It allows you to program six 16-step rhythms and two 12-step rhythms. Each of these rhythms can contain up to three independently programmed percussion sounds: snare, rim shot, and bass drum. To these can be added programmed accents and hi-hat. The programming is done with two controls. One produces a beat and the other produces a rest, as the rhythm is moved through its 16- or 12-step cycle. An accent knob controls the volume of the accents added to the program, and a tempo control varies the speed of the playback. The start/stop function can be activated by a remote foot switch, and a jack is provided for synchronizing the Dr. Rhythm with a digital sequencer. The unit is battery powered. The rhythms remain intact in memory when the unit is turned on and off and even while batteries are being changed. Price is $199.50."
Our Dr Rhythm Dr-55
SAMPLES
Complete kit from Dr-55, with Kick, Snare, Rimshot & HiHat.
Format: Wav, mono, 44.1 K
LINKS