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.

Unlike sample-based instruments, Cherry Audio has emulated the Rhythm 55's tones through analog modeling. The Instrument Edit panel allows extensive parameter editing like tuning and EQ for each instrument, enabling a range of sonic possibilities far surpassing the original. 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.

Korg's "Rhythm 55," also known as the KR-55, was introduced in 1979 as a replacement for the simpler Mini Pops 35 and Mini Pops 120 machines. Although all of these models were preset-only with no option for user-programmed rhythms, the KR-55 represented a significant advancement. It featured 48 preset rhythms, 16 intro patterns, and 16 fill patterns. The flexible mixer section allowed users to easily mute or solo individual drum sounds, creating countless variations of the preprogrammed rhythms. Legendary early synth-pop producer Daniel Miller effectively utilized this on early Depeche Mode and Fad Gadget albums, where the KR-55 provided most of the percussion sounds while an ARP2600 synthesizer supplied the kick drums, triggered via the KR-55.

In 1982, Korg released the updated KR-55B version. This version came with a sleek new design and doubled the internal pattern memory to include 96 preset rhythms, 32 intro patterns, and 32 fill patterns. 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 and Fad Gadget, as well as Soft Cell, Cabaret Voltaire, Jean-Michel Jarre, and most famously in Joe Jackson's 1982 hit "Steppin' Out."

Cherry Audio and Tim Shoebridge have partnered to create a comprehensive introductory video that showcases the KR-55C, highlighting its pattern modes and exceptional sound design capabilities.

KR-55C 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

System Requirements

KR-55C is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats.

macOS Requirements: macOS Requirements: macOS 10.13 or above. 64-bit required. Native Apple M1 or greater processor support, including Ultra. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or M1 CPU with 8GB of RAM recommended. Hard disk space: 150 MB.

Windows Requirements: Windows 7 or above (including Windows 11), 64-bit required. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended. Hard disk space: 97 MB.

NOTE: Internet connection required for product activation