Boss Dr Rhythm DR-55 User Manual

BOSS DR RYTHM DR-55

FACTS

Model Boss Dr Rhythm DR-55
Type Drummachine
Synthesis Analog
Manufactured 1979
Number ?
Our Serial 079200
Polyphony 4 voices
Oscillators 4 VCO
Filter VCF

Memory 8 patterns with 3 different hihat (16th, 8th or no hihat)
Keyboard

Sound Smooth analog
Good for Analog drum sounds
Less good for Acoustic drum sounds
Miscellaneous No MIDI, but possibility to sync via DBS

DESCRIPTION

The original for all Dr Rhythm machines! Boss Dr Rhythm DR-55 was the first drummachine
from Roland with the name Boss 1979. The retail price list for a Dr-55 was back in 1st of
January 1982 $195. It 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).

Dr-55 including three programmable sounds:

- Snare

- Rimshot

●

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BOSS DR RYTHM DR-55

FEATURES
DR-55

Dr.Rhythm is an extremely small and compact programmable rhythm machine. Sixteen different rhythm patterns can
be
loaded into the memory, and will be retained even when the power switch is turned off. Each rhythm pattern is
divided
into sixteen steps with each step loaded one at a time for quick and accurate loading.

The three rhythm sounds are: bass drum, snare drum, and rim shot.
A standard pattern hi hat sound can also be added to each rhythm.
Accents can also be programmed into each pattern. Other machines
such as a sequencer or synthesizer can be used with Dr. Rhythm.

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BOSS DR RYTHM DR-55

OPERATION

PLAY Mode.

Standard rhythm patterns were loaded into memory at the time of manufacture so that Dr. Rhythm is ready to

use right out of the box.

1. Set the controls as shown in the drawing. ([#6] to 1/8 note hi hat, [#7] to A/B Variation,
[#8] to play mode.)

2. Press START [#11] to start the rhythm and STOP [#12] to stop it.

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BOSS DR RYTHM DR-55

OPERATION

Write Mode

Writing a rhythm into memory will erase any previous rhythm pattern written there, so be sure that the

RHYTHM SELECT [#10] and VARIATION [#7] switches are set as desired before writing new patterns.

With Dr. Rhythm, each measure is divided into sixteen steps (or twelve steps). Rhythm patterns are written

into memory separately for each sound, one step at a time for one (or two) measures. For the purposes of

writing rhythm patterns, the patterns should be thought of in terms

of sixteenths. In other words, think of :

as being:

To load this pattern. press [#11]for a 1/16 note and [#12] for a Rest.

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BOSS DR RYTHM DR-55

Names and Functions of the

Controls

[#1] VOLUME Control/POWER Switch
The VOLUME control [#1] also serves as the POWER switch. Turn the
VOLUME control [#1] fully counterclockwise to turn the DR-55 off.

NOTE: The POWER switch function is interlocked to the OUTPUT jack [#14].
If there is no connection at the OUTPUT jack [#14], the DR-55 can not be turned on.

[#2] TEMPO Control
Controls the tempo of the rhythm when played.

[#3] TEMPO Indicator LED

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BOSS DR RYTHM DR-55

USING EXTERNAL DEVICES

1. Using the CSQ-100 Digital Sequencer.

A. DBS jack [#15] is connected to the CSQ-100 STEP INPUT jack.
The CSQ-100 will advance one step each time the DR-55 advances one
step. (one step = sixteenth note).

B. CSQ jack [#16] is connected to CSQ-100 STEP INPUT jack.
The CSQ-100 will advance one step at each point where an accent is programmed.
If the position of RHYTHM SELECT [#10] is changed at the end of each measure.
twelve measures of different melody rhythm can be played.

If the CSQ jack [#16] is connected to the CSQ-100 GATE INPUT jack,
the CSQ-100 GATE REWRITE mode can be used for programming rhythm
patterns loaded into the DR-55.

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BOSS DR RYTHM DR-55

CHANGING BATTERIES

When the batteries have become one year old, or when the
tone color of the percussion sounds begins to deteriorate,
the batteries should be replaced. If the new batteries are
inserted within approximately three minutes of removing
the old batteries, the rhythm patterns contained in the
memory will remain intact.

TO REPLACE:

1. Turn off the POWER switch [#1] ; remove the screw and open the lid.

2. Being careful of the wires, remove the battery case from the
compartment and un-snap the connector from the battery case.

3. Replace the old batteries with new batteries; OBSERVE POLARITY.

4. Re-connect the connector.

5. Being careful not to pinch the wires, replace the battery case
in its compartment.

6. Close the lid and replace the screw.

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Back To the Index

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BOSS DR RYTHM DR-55

Standard Rhythm Patterns

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