Korg KR-55 Pro Users Manual

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Table of contents

 

Introduction.........................................................

2

Main features........................................................................................

2

About the Owner’s Manual.............................................................

2

Parts and their functions....................................

3

Top panel...............................................................................................

3

Rear panel..............................................................................................

6

Setup....................................................................

7

Connections..........................................................................................

7

About SD cards....................................................................................

7

Turning the power on/off................................................................

8

Quick Start...........................................................

9

Listening to the demo performances..........................................

9

Connecting and playing instruments.......................................

10

Playing and recording rhythm styles (Rhythm mode)........

11

Using the recorder function (Recorder mode).......................

13

Playing audio files and recording your performance (Player

mode)....................................................................................................

16

Rhythm mode....................................................

18

Registering a rhythm variation and tempo to the [M1]–[M8]

buttons.................................................................................................

18

Chain function...................................................................................

18

Metronome function.......................................................................

19

Count start function........................................................................

19

Tonal character when the tempo/playback speed is

 

adjusted...............................................................................................

19

Owner’s Manual

Recorder mode..................................................

20

Metronome function.......................................................................

20

Count start function........................................................................

20

Mark function.....................................................................................

20

Loop recording/playback function............................................

21

Exporting song data........................................................................

21

Importing an audio file...................................................................

21

Player mode.......................................................

22

Playlist function.................................................................................

22

Loop/auto-consecutive playback function.............................

22

Adjusting the playback speed.....................................................

22

System mode.....................................................

23

Making system settings..................................................................

23

Setting items......................................................................................

23

Formatting an SD card [M8] “Init”................................................

23

SD card test function “tESt”...........................................................

23

Appendix...........................................................

24

Voice name list...................................................................................

24

Data structure on the KR-55 Pro..................................................

24

Using a foot switch...........................................................................

25

Troubleshooting................................................................................

25

Error messages...................................................................................

26

Specifications.....................................................................................

27

KR-55 Pro Signal Path.......................................

28

E 1

KR-55 Pro Owner's Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the KORG RHYTHM KR-55 Pro. To help you get the most out of your new instrument, please read this manual carefully.

Main features

Rhythm Player function

You can enjoy jamming along with realistic live-recorded drum and percussion accompaniment.

Twenty-four different rhythm styles are built in. You can directly select these rhythm styles by using the buttons on the top panel.

Each rhythm style has two variations, and each of these variations contains three rhythm patterns: basic, fill-in 1, and fill-in 2. You can switch variations or rhythm patterns in real time as needed during your performance.

You can use the chain function to create the rhythm structure of an entire song so that it will play automatically.

Acoustage (surround) function

Acoustage technology provides an expansive, extra-wide sound field.

*Acoustage (Virtual Surround Technology by KORG) is Korg’s original and revolutionary virtual sound

technology for creating a unique personal acoustic space.

This technology offers an unprecedented and unique three-dimensional acoustic experience, when connecting stereo speakers to the OUTPUT L/MONO and R jacks. The playback system itself is acoustically analyzed, and optimizations are applied for that specific system so that its full potential can be realized.

Full-fledged mixer functionality

A mic input, two guitar inputs, and anAUX input allow multi-channel mixing.

You can apply a reverb effect to the inputs from the MIC IN jack, INPUT 1 jack, and INPUT 2 jack.

You can use an equalizer to adjust the tonal character.

Tuner function

You can tune while viewing a large and easily visible meter.

You can tune while listening to the pitch of an audible guide tone.

Recording function *1

You can create complete songs by recording chained rhythm styles along with your own performance.

You can record along with the playback of an audio file from an SD card.

The completed song data can be exported (written) as a standard audio file, and played back by a commercially available audio player or loaded into your computer DAW.

Player function *1

Standard audio files (WAV) can be played back from an SD card.

You can use the playlist function to play back your audio files in a specific order.A playlist you create can be used for background music or live performances.

You can change the playback speed of audio files.

Foot switch control

By using a VOX VFS5 foot switch, you can perform operational tasks without having to take your hands off of your instrument. This includes operations such as rhythm playback or beginning recording/playback while you play your instrument.

*1: You’ll need to insert an SD card into the KR-55 Pro.

About the Owner’s Manual

The KR-55 Pro Owner’s Manual is organized as follows:

KR-55 Pro Quick Start Guide (printed material)

KR-55 Pro Owner’s Manual (PDF: this booklet)

Download the PDF from the following website. http://www.korg.com

Tip: We recommend that you read this manual while referring to the STAGEMAN 80 video manual. You can view this manual on the Korg website.

http://www.korg.com

Regarding data

Unexpected malfunctions caused by inappropriate operation can cause the contents of memory to be lost. Please save important data to other media for safekeeping. KORG INC. accepts no responsibility for any damages resulting from loss of data.

COPYRIGHT WARNING

This professional device is intended only for use with works for which you yourself own the copyright, for which you have received permission from the copyright holder to publicly perform, record, broadcast, sell, and duplicate, or in connection with activities which constitute “fair use” under copyright law.

If you are not the copyright holder, have not received permission from the copyright holder, or have not engaged in fair use of the works, you may be violating copyright law, and may be liable for damages and penalties. If you are unsure about your rights to a work, please consult a copyright attorney.

KORG TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FORANY INFRINGEMENT COMMITTED THROUGH USE OF KORG PRODUCTS.

*All product names and company names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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Korg KR-55 Pro Users Manual
1: GND
3: COLD
2: HOT

Parts and their functions

Parts and their functions

Top panel

1. Mixer section

2. Select section

3. Control section

3-b: Function buttons

3-c: Control buttons, VALUE dial,

3-a: Mode buttons

Display

1. Mixer section

MIC IN jack (XLR jack)

Connect a dynamic mic here.

Condenser mics are incompatible with the KR-55 Pro.

INPUT 1 jack, INPUT 2 jack

Connect a guitar, bass, or other instrument to these jacks.

TUNER button

Turns the tuner function on.

ACOUSTAGE button

Switches theAcoustage (wide) function on/off.

TheAcoustage function cannot be used while recording.

Turn theAcoustage (wide) function off when using headphones. The Acoustage function is optimal when connecting stereo speakers to the OUTPUT L/MONO and R jacks.

Power button

Turns the power on.

See page 8 “Turning the power on/off”

Note: The power button blinks rapidly if the batteries become low while the KR-55 Pro is running on batteries.

The KR-55 Pro has an auto power-off function. The auto power-off function automatically turns off the power when there has been no user input for a certain length of time (which you can specify). If the auto power-off function has turned the power off, simply turn it back on again.

Tip: You can specify the time after which the auto power-off turns the power off (see page 23 “[M3]Auto power-off function “APOF””).

MIC knob, peak LED

This knob adjusts the input level from the mic that’s connected to the MIC IN jack. To avoid signal clipping (signal that’s too loud) this knob should be adjusted so that the peak LED doesn’t light up when signal is being input at a high volume level.

(INPUT) 1 knob, (INPUT) 2 knob, peak LED

These knobs adjust the input level from the instruments that are connected to INPUTS 1&2. To avoid signal clipping (signal that’s too loud) each knob should be adjusted so that the peak LED doesn’t light up when signal is being loudly input.

The peak LED is shared by INPUT 1 and INPUT 2. If you’re using both input jacks, adjust the knobs for both INPUT 1 & INPUT 2.

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KR-55 Pro Owner's Manual

RHYTHM/PLAY knob

Rhythm mode: This knob adjusts the volume of the rhythm style or metronome.

Recorder mode, Player mode: This knob adjusts the playback volume of the recorder or player.

Note: Turning the knob all the way to the right produces unity gain.

REVERB knob

This knob adjusts the send level to the reverb effect. You can apply reverb to the signals from the MIC IN jack, INPUT 1 jack, and INPUT 2 jack.

By default, reverb is applied to the following inputs: MIC IN jack, INPUT 1 jack, and INPUT 2 jack. If you want, you can apply the reverb only to the MIC IN jack, or only to the INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 jack (see page 23 “[M2] Effect operation “EFF””).

BASS knob

This knob adjusts the tone of the low-frequency range.

TREBLE knob

This knob adjusts the tone of the high-frequency range.

VOLUME knob

This knob adjusts the overall volume.

2. Select section

The functions of these buttons will change depending on the mode that’s selected.

buttons

Rhythm mode: select the rhythm style or metronome sound. If the chain function is on, these buttons indicate the rhythm style that is played.

Recorder mode: select the metronome sound that is heard when the metronome is on.

Player mode: select the audio file to play back.

Tuner function: indicate the pitch. See page 10 “Using the tuner function”.

buttons

Rhythm mode: These buttons blink to indicate the playback position of the currently selected rhythm style. When

the chain function is on, you’ll use these buttons to check the location where the rhythm style is registered. You can also use these to register a favorite rhythm variation and performance tempo, and recall it instantly (memory function).

Recorder mode: Registers the position of the song data (see page 20 “Mark function”).

Player mode: Use these buttons to select a folder inside the inserted SD card.

(see page 24 “Folder and file structure”).

System mode: Select system setting items

Tuner function: Sound a guide tone (see page 10 “Using the tuner function”)

3. Control section

3-a: Mode buttons

button

Selects Rhythm mode. In Rhythm mode you can play back 24 different rhythm styles. You can also record your own performance along with the chained rhythm styles.

See page 11 “Playing and recording rhythm styles (Rhythm mode)”

See page 18 “Rhythm mode”

button

Selects Recorder mode. In Recorder mode you can make a new recording, overdub onto an existing recording, or use loop recording.

See page 20 “Recorder mode”

button

Selects Player mode. In Player mode, you can play audio files from the SD card. You can also record your own performance along with the audio file playback.

See page 16 "Playing audio files and recording your performance (Player mode)"

See page 22 “Player mode”

button

Selects System mode. In System mode you can check the status of the system and adjust settings for the overall system.

See page 23 “System mode”

Tip: If you press the [SYSTEM] button and the [Count Start] button simultaneously, you enter Demo mode (see page 9 “Listening to the demo performances”).

3-b: Function buttons

button

Rhythm mode: Turns the chain function on/off (see page 18 “Chain function”).

Player mode: Turns the playlist function on/off (see page 22 “Playlist function”).

button

Recorder mode, Player mode: Turns the metronome function start/stop.

To change the time signature of the metronome, hold down the [Metronome] button and turn the VALUE dial.

See page 19 “Metronome function”

4

Parts and their functions

button

Recorder mode: Switches the loop function on/off. When the loop function is on, the region specified by the Mark function can be played as a loop, or recorded. (see page 20 “Mark function”, page 21 “Loop recording/playback function” ).

Player mode: Turns the loop/auto-consecutive playback function on/off. If the loop/auto-consecutive playback function is on, you can play one file or all files as a loop or consecutively. (see page 22 “Loop/auto-consecutive playback function”).

Tip: You can choose from several types of functions when the loop/auto-consecutive playback function is on.

button

Rhythm mode, Recorder mode: Turns the count start function on/off. If this is on, playback or recording will start after a two-measure count. Use the VALUE dial to specify the tempo of the count (see page 19 “Count start function”).

Note: If you’re overdubbing, you need to select the tempo that matches your song.

Tip: In Rhythm mode, use the RHYTHM/PLAY knob to adjust the volume of the count. In Recorder mode the volume is fixed, and cannot be controlled by the RHYTHM/PLAY knob.

Tip: If you want the count to be other than a 4/4 time signature, change the time signature (see page 19 “Count start function”).

button

When you insert an SD card, the button is lit. When you press the button, the display shows the remaining available recording time. In System mode, this button accesses the SD Card Test function. (see page 23 “SD card test function

“tESt””)

button

Recorder mode: After recording in Recorder mode, this button reverts to the state prior to recording (button lit up). Press the button once again to return to the state after recording (button unlit).

button

Rhythm mode: If the Chain function is on, this button deletes all rhythm styles that are assigned to the currently selected chain.

Recorder mode: Deletes the currently selected song

Player mode: Deletes the currently selected audio file

Press the [Delete] button until it lights, and then press the [Set/OK] button to execute the deletion.

button

Recorder mode: From the currently selected song data, exports (writes) an audio file that can be played in Player mode.

Player mode: Imports (loads) the currently selected audio file into Recorder mode.

button, button

Rhythm mode: Use these buttons to edit the chain, or to register/deregister memories.

Recorder mode: Use these buttons to OK/cancel operations such as registering a mark, deleting song data, or exporting.

Player mode: Use these buttons to OK/cancel operations such as editing a playlist or importing an audio file.

Note: If an error message is displayed, the [Set/OK] button blinks. Press the [Set/OK] button to clear the error and return to the previous display.

• 3-c: Control buttons, VALUE dial, Display

button

Enters the record-standby state. From the record-standby state, press the [ ] button to start recording. You can record the external audio input from a mic or guitar, and the rhythm style played in Rhythm mode.

Rhythm mode: Your performance is recorded along with the rhythm style playback.

Recorder mode: Your performance is recorded. Your performance is also overdubbed onto the recorded song data.

Player mode: Your performance is recorded along with the playback of the audio file.

In the record-standby state or during recording, the three LEDs in the left of the display operate as the recording level meter.

, buttons

Rhythm mode: If the Chain function is on, these buttons move the position where you will edit the rhythm style.

Recorder mode: These buttons move the recording/ playback position within the song.

Player mode: These buttons move the playback position within the audio file.

button

Starts/pauses playback or recording.

Rhythm mode: Starts/stops the rhythm style playback.

Recorder mode: Starts/pauses song data playback.

Player mode: Starts/pauses audio file playback.

Note: If the LED above the [ ] button is blinking, this indicates that the data is being prepared. Please wait.

, ( ) buttons

Rhythm mode: Specify a fill-in for the currently selected rhythm style.

In the record-standby state, these buttons select the recording-destination song number.

Recorder mode: Select song data.

Player mode: Select an audio file. If the playlist function is on, you can hold down the [VAR] button and use these

5

KR-55 Pro Owner's Manual

buttons to switch between playlist banks.

In the record-standby state, these buttons select the recording-destination song number.

() button

Rhythm mode: Switch variations for the currently selected rhythm style. If the Chain function is on, this button returns to the beginning of the chain.

Recorder mode: Stops song data recording or playback, and returns to the beginning of the song.

Player mode: Stops audio file playback, and returns to the beginning of the song.

button

This button specifies the ending of the rhythm style or the tempo. To set the tempo, press this button several times. You can also press this button to hear the sound that’s assigned to the metronome.

Rhythm mode: When the rhythm is playing, this button switches to the ending pattern of the rhythm style. When the rhythm is stopped or when the metronome is on, this button specifies the tempo.

Recorder mode: Sets the tempo of the metronome when the metronome is on.

Player mode: Returns the playback speed to the original setting.

System mode: Displays the names of the system items.

Tuner function: Changes the tuner’s guide tone.

VALUE dial

Rhythm mode: Adjusts the tempo of the rhythm style or metronome (48–240).

Recorder mode: Changes the tempo of the metronome when the metronome is on (48–240).

Player mode: Changes the speed of audio file playback (-25%–+25%).

The VALUE dial is also used when changing various other settings.

Display

The display shows various types of information such as the tempo of the rhythm style or metronome, the playback speed of an audio file, the song data number or audio file number, the playback position, the values of various settings, the note name for the tuner function, and error messages.

Song LED

This is lit up if the display shows a song data number or an audio file number.

Pos. LED

This is lit up if the display shows the current position in the chain function of Rhythm mode or the playback position of song data or an audio file.

Edit LED

This is lit up if you are editing or viewing various settings.

Tempo LED

This is lit up if the display shows the tempo of a rhythm style or the metronome.

REC Level LED

In the record-standby state or during recording (when the [ ] button is blinking or lit), the three LEDs at the left including the Song LED and Pos. LED operate as the

recording level meter. The top LED (Song LED) indicates the peak, and will light when the input is excessive.

Adjust the recording level so that the top peak LED flickers occasionally.

Note: If the display is showing something other than the content described above, these LEDs will be unlit.

Rear panel

1

2

3

4

5

7

6

1. DC 9V jack

Connect the includedAC adapter (DC 9V) here.

2. jack (stereo mini jack)

Connect your headphones here.

You must connect a stereo plug to this jack. No sound will be output if you connect a mono plug.

3. FOOT SW jack

Connect a VOX VFS5 foot switch (commercially available) here.

You can use the foot switch to play rhythm styles and perform other operations without having to put down your instrument (see page 25 “Using a foot switch”).

4. AUX IN jack (stereo mini-jack)

Connect an electronic instrument or other audio source here. You can perform along with rhythm styles played back by the KR-55 Pro or with music from your audio player. Use the controls of the connected device to adjust the volume level.

5. OUTPUT L/MONO, R jack (mono phone jack)

Connect this to an external device such as a powered monitor speaker.

6. SD card slot

Insert an SD card here (see page 7 “About SD cards”).

7. Battery cover

Install sixAA batteries. You can use either alkaline batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries.

6

Setup

Setup

Connections

The following illustration shows a typical connection example for the KR-55 Pro. Connect your equipment as appropriate for your needs.

Before connecting anything, turn off the power or minimize the volume to all devices. Careless operation could damage your speaker system or cause unexpected malfunctions.

If you connect a mic or an acoustic guitar, acoustic feedback could occur depending on the position of the mic or acoustic guitar or the volume of the KR-55 Pro. If this occurs, take the following steps.

Move the external speaker away from the mic or acoustic guitar.

Change the direction of the mic or acoustic guitar.

Adjust the volume of the KR-55 Pro.

About SD cards

SD cards that can be used with the KR-55 Pro

The KR-55 Pro can use the following types of SD cards: SDHC (UHS-I) 4 GB–32 GB recommendation.

Inserting or removing an SD card

1.Make sure that the power is off.

2.Insert the SD card into the SD card slot located on the rear panel of the KR-55 Pro until you hear the card click into place.

3.To remove the SD card, push it inward until you hear it click; then release your finger.

4.The SD card pops out slightly, allowing you to remove it.

Note: For details on how to properly handle SD cards, refer to the manual included with your SD card.

Be sure to insert SD cards all the way, taking care that the card is oriented correctly. Do not force a card into the slot.

Do not insert or remove an SD card while the power of the

KR-55 Pro is on. If you do so, the internal data or the data on the SD card could be lost, possibly rendering the SD card unusable.

Formatting (initializing) an SD card

An SD card that has been used with a computer, mobile phone, or digital camera cannot be used with the KR-55 Pro in that state. Before such an SD card can be used, it must be formatted by the KR-55 Pro.

You should also format the card in the following cases.

If the display shows the error message (“Err-Crd-***”) at start-up .

If the display shows the error message when playing or recording a song.

Formatting an SD card

Before you can format the card, you must stop recording or playback.

Note: Make sure that the SD card is inserted.

1.Press the [SYSTEM] button to enter System mode (the button lights).

2.Press the [M8] button (the button blinks).

The display indicates “Init(Initialize), and the [Set/OK] button blinks.

3.To format the card, hold down the [Set/OK] button for approximately one second.

During formatting, the display's “Init” indication and the [SD Card] button will blink.

When formatting has ended successfully, the display indicates “End”.

If an error occurs, the display indicates “Err.” If you want to try formatting the card again, repeat the procedure from step 2.

When you format an SD card, all data on the card is lost. If the card contains data that you want to keep, back it up on your computer before you format the card.

Testing whether recording can be done on an SD card

There are some SD cards onto which the KR-55 Pro cannot record. You can test whether a certain card can be used for recording. Refer to “SD card test function “tESt”” on page 23.

About recording time

1 Gbyte of memory allows approximately 100 minutes of recording; i.e., each minute of recording occupies approximately 10 Mbytes.

Note: These recording times are approximate.As the number of songs on the card increases, the maximum recording time decreases slightly.

Note: The recording times listed above are for the first recording of a new song. If you overdub, the used capacity is the total time that was actually recorded.

Viewing the time available for recording

Tip: Here’s how to view the time that is available for recording on the current SD card.

1.Press the [SD Card] button. Here you can check the free capacity of the SD card.

The display indicates “Sd:Fr** (free capacity).”

If the free capacity is more than one hour, the display indicates 1h, 2h, ... etc.

If the free capacity is less than one hour, the display indicates 59...00.

Note: In System mode, the display indicates “tESt” and the SD card test function is selected.

About the write protect setting of an SD card

SD cards have a write protect switch that prevents the data from being overwritten accidentally and lost. If a card is protected, you can’t save or delete data on it, use it to record with the audio recorder, or format the card.

If you need to perform these procedures, you must first set the switch to its original position.

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KR-55 Pro Owner's Manual

Turning the power on/off

The KR-55 Pro can use either anAC adapter or batteries.

Using the AC adapter

Use only the includedAC adapter. You risk causing a malfunction if you use any otherAC adapter.

1.Make sure that the power of the KR-55 Pro is off.

Check that nothing is shown in the display, and that the buttons are unlit.

2.Connect the DC plug of the AC adapter to the DC 9V jack located on the rear panel.

Pay attention to the orientation of the jack when making this connection.

3. Connect the plug of the AC adapter to an AC outlet.

Be sure to use anAC outlet of the correct voltage for the adapter.

Using batteries

Batteries are not included. You must purchase them separately.

1.Remove the battery cover from the rear panel.

2.Install six AA batteries, either alkaline or nickel-metal hydride, taking care that each battery is oriented in the correct polarity as shown in the illustration.

3.In System mode, specify the type of batteries that you’re using.

See page 23 “[M1] Battery type “batt””

If you switch to using a different type of battery, be sure to specify the correct battery type in System mode.

Mic

Guitar, bass, etc.

Electronic musical instrument, etc.

DC plug

INPUT 1/INPUT 2

MIC IN

to an AC outlet

SD card

AC adapter

VOX VFS5

Headphones

Powerd monitor speaker

8

Quick Start

Replacing the batteries

Replace the batteries when the power button blinks.

As the batteries run low, you might hear noise or interruptions in the sound.

Unusable batteries should be removed immediately. If unusable batteries are left installed in the unit, they may leak, causing malfunctions. You should also remove the batteries if you don’t plan to use the unit for an extended time.

Be sure to replace all six batteries together as a set. Do not mix fresh batteries with used batteries in the same set.

Turning the power on

Note: If a device is connected to theAUX IN jack, turn its power on before you continue.

Note: If you’re using an SD card, insert it into the SD card slot before you turn on the power (see page 7 “About SD cards”).

1.On the top panel, set the VOLUME knob to the minimum level (far left).

2.On the top panel, hold down the power button for at least one second to make the button light.

When the KR-55 Pro finishes starting up, it is ready to produce sound.

3.Turn on the power of the external equipment that is connected to the KR-55 Pro’s OUTPUT L/MONO and R jacks, such as powered monitor speakers.

4.Adjust the volume on the external output device and on the KR-55 Pro.

Turning the power off

Never turn off the power or disconnect theAC adapter during recording, while data is being converted, or while data is being written to the system.

Doing so may make the KR-55 Pro malfunction, or damage the data on the SD card. If the data on the SD card has been damaged, format the card.

1.If recording or playback is occurring, press the [ ] button to stop.

2.Hold down the power button for one second or longer until the button blinks.

After a time, the power button and display indication will go dark, and the KR-55 Pro will shut down.

Use caution when turning off the power!

To turn off the power of the KR-55 Pro, you must press the power button located on the panel. (When you do this, the KR-55 Pro saves its data.)

Never disconnect theAC adapter or remove the batteries while the power is on.

Quick Start

This quick start section explains the basic functionality of the KR-55 Pro. Start by reading this chapter to understand the basic functions; then read the subsequent chapters to delve in deeper.

Listening to the demo performances

The KR-55 Pro contains demo song data. Let’s start by listening to the sound of the KR-55 Pro.

2

4

3

11

1.Simultaneously press the [SYSTEM] button and [Count Start] button to enter Demo mode.

The [SYSTEM] button and [Count Start] button blink, and the demo song plays.

The top panel buttons light in synchronization with the demo song.

2.Use the VOLUME knob to adjust the volume of the demo song.

3. You can press the

] or

] buttons to play the

previous or next demo song.

 

4.To exit Demo mode, press any one of the mode buttons

[RHYTHM], [RECORDER], [PLAYER], or [SYSTEM].

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