Cherry Audio’s KR-55C is a supercharged, best-of-both-worlds software emulation that combines features from two lesser-known drum machines of the post-punk era: Korg’s “Rhythm 55” KR-55A and KR-55B.

KR-55C boasts all the rhythms from both models, for a total of 240 factory patterns, intros, and fills. Additionally, it adds 200 original patterns and kits that cover a wider range of genres.

KR-55C’s user interface shifts based on whether the A or B model is selected and includes extra pages that let this beatbox “step out” even further. It features a familiar X0X-style 16-button layout for step-editing and real-time pattern programming, as well as a song mode for chaining up to 99 patterns. 

Cherry Audio has flawlessly recreated the sounds of the KR-55 using various synthesis techniques, providing users with editable parameters such as tuning and EQ for each instrument. The mixer and effects sections allow for separate processing of each sound, with features including panning, mute/solo, overdrive, flanger/chorus, delay, and reverb. It also includes a bus compressor and limiter for master amplitude control. KR-55C offers DAW-friendly features such as auto-sync, drag-and-drop MIDI export, individual outputs, and complete automation capabilities.

The original KR-55 was introduced in 1979 as a replacement for the simpler Mini Pops 35 and Mini Pops 120 drum machines. Although all of these models were preset-only with no option for user-programmed rhythms, the KR-55 represented a significant advancement. In 1982, the updated KR-55B version was released that came with a sleek new design and doubled the internal pattern memory. The patterns and fills were also revised, with very few identical patterns shared between the KR-55A and KR-55B.

The KR-55 has been used by many artists, including Depeche Mode, Fad Gadget, Soft Cell, Cabaret Voltaire, Jean-Michel Jarre, and most famously in Joe Jackson’s 1982 hit “Steppin’ Out.”

Features

• Includes all of the original preset rhythms from both the KR-55A and the KR-55B, resulting in a total of 240 factory patterns, intros, and fills
• 200 additional rhythm and sound presets, including new kits of instruments matched and tuned to specific genres, with patterns that demonstrate each of the sounds in sequence
• Instrument panel for mild or extreme sound editing with Parametric EQ, Tone, Tune, and Decay settings for each instrument
• Familiar X0X-style 16- or 24-step pattern programming
• Flexible pattern and instrument copy-and-paste capabilities
• Swing percentage setting
• Real-time step entering via Trigger button
• Unlike original, all sounds are independently addressable in user pattern mode
• Easy to use Song Mode with up to 99 patterns and 99 steps per song
• External MIDI sound triggering with velocity sensitivity and user-assignable note mapping
• Mixer panel with independent level, pan, and solo/mute for each instrument
• Effects Routing Matrix with easy-to-use toggle buttons to apply effects to individual instruments in any combination
• Effects panel with studio-quality effects for separate processing of each instrument sound, including overdrive, flanger/chorus, delay, and reverb
• Effects panel also includes a colorful and fun global master compressor and a global bus limiter
• Drag-and-drop export function allows simple mouse-drag conversion of patterns to DAW MIDI tracks (plug-in version) or Standard MIDI Files on the desktop (standalone version)
• Individual outs plug-in version for independent processing of each instrument in a DAW
• Super accurate DAW sync
• User-adjustable oversampling control
• Complete MIDI control and DAW automation for all controls, with easy-to-use MIDI learn and mapping (Preset and Global)
• Cherry Audio’s popular Focus zoom-in feature, as well as standard UI zoom and resize via drag
• Complete documentation available directly online from the instrument or in downloadable PDF format