Boss DR-55 Dr. Rhythm: The Unassuming Legend of Dark 80s Drums

We explore the somehow dark sound of the Boss DR-55 Dr. Rhythm, a drum machine that laid the foundation for dark and driving rhythms of the 80s. We explore its simple programming, classic analog sounds that capture that unmistakable dark character, and surprising features like acting as a master clock for other devices. Used by bands like The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, and Soft Cell, the DR-55 might bring that darkness behind their tracks.
Your subscription means a lot so, please don't forget to like, hit that subscription button, and turn on the notifications for more nostalgic explorations.
00:00 Introduction to Boss DR-55 Drum Machine
00:12 Boss DR-55 History: Evolution of a Classic
00:32 Roland TR Series vs. Boss DR-55: A Comparative Analysis
00:46 Programming and Sound Exploration of the Boss DR-55
01:33 Master Clock Functionality: Understanding DBS and CSQ Outputs
02:11 Battery Power: How Many Batteries Does the Boss DR-55 Require?
02:33 Is the Boss DR-55 Worth Buying? Pros and Cons
02:50 Genre Spotlight: Which Genres Shine with the Boss DR-55?
03:43 Quality and Legacy: Assessing the Build and Enduring Impact
04:06 Boss DR-55 Demo: Hear it in Action!
08:11 Nostalgic Explorer
Store: nostalgicexplorer.etsy.com
IG: / nostalgicexplorer_
#vintageaudio #boss #roland #drummachines #vintageaudio #demo #musichistory #DR55
Some sources used to make this video are:
retrosynthads.blogspot.com/20...
equipboard.com/items/korg-rhy...
www.vintagesynth.com/korg/rhy...
equipboard.com/items/korg-rhy...
www.dubsounds.com/kr-55-55b.htm

[@tailfixer5769]

Tadao Kikumoto Said"My first work of Roland was to make DR-55(For less cost of CR-78) Through this product, other staff trusted me and Mr.Kakehashi appointed me a leader of next drum machine project Later Mr.Kakehashi named it TR-808"

[@jimbotron70]

Indeed we can hear the spirit of CR-78

[@NostalgicExplorer]

He did a great job on both machines, both classics in a very different way.

[@chriswareham]

Great overview of this little marvel! The programmable trigger output is great for triggering a drum module like a Simmons Claptrap or modified Synare, which is what The Cure did for a radio session ("The Langham Session") when Lol Tolhurst was unavailable.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Thank you Chris! Is there a recording somewhere of that The Cure recording? It will be great to see t or hear it.

[@neonwind]

They were a great little machine. Simple Minds used one on there Reel to Reel/Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call albums.

[@martindewhurst2485]

Do you reckon that’s the machine on New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)? I love that rhythm

[@NostalgicExplorer]

All amazing albums but it is Reel to Real, isn't it?

[@lancegfoin9117]

Ah, this takes me back! 😁

[@woopeedyscoop1858]

ahh the cybergoth dance. i love it

[@NostalgicExplorer]

😎

[@keyboardkingpin]

Mannie Fresh said it was the first drum machine hey learned to program. Great video i love my dr-55

[@NostalgicExplorer]

That's a great machine to start learning to program. Thanks for watching!

[@Charlottesville798]

I have 2 of these.... V good!

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Because is not enough... How do you use them together?

[@DoctorCalabria]

I loved this indestructible little drum machine! I bought one in the 80’s (it was all I could afford at the time) and pared it with a Fostex 4 track cassette recorder. I made better beats than I ever did with much more sophisticated machines years later. Sometimes limitations spark creativity. I recently bought two more on eBay and I still love them. True nostalgia. QUICK TIP: The battery holder often disintegrates after decades but I found cheap aftermarket 3-D printed ones on eBay that work perfectly and the machine is as good as new, although the start stop buttons have faded a little bit. Thanks for the video.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Originality and workflow matter in music creation. Some producers embrace the limitations of DAWless setups, finding that spark of creativity. Ultimately, the choice comes down to what tools and sounds inspire you the most. I do love the limitations on this one, too.

[@dfreeman120]

Had one of these and wrote some killer tracks with it

[@NostalgicExplorer]

You should share them to give it a listen.

[@eancurtis9333]

Awesome

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Pure nostalgia!

[@eancurtis9333]

@@NostalgicExplorernew orders everythings gone green the Dr 55 provide the back beat and the drummer played on top of it ... I own one and couldnt write 1 thing 😩

[@NostalgicExplorer]

@@eancurtis9333 Also Truth which is one of my favorite tracks. You can't write on it because it is not working well? This machine is not too complicated to fix.

[@stephanvenner2939]

The real identity of Dr.Avalanche.

[@JimmyHandtrixx]

dr A was an evolving identity...not just this drum machine

[@tubthump]

Still have mine!

[@NostalgicExplorer]

It's a keeper even if it is a simple machine. I also love the design.

[@tubthump]

@@NostalgicExplorer yes it looks very cool. And a keeper? I’ve had mine since 1981!

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Isn't it amazing that a machine that was built almost 50 years ago is still working? Probably that's some of the big reasons why vintage gear is wanted, because it is made to last.

[@eyoung1683]

now about $300 used

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Yes, not as cheap as they used to.

[@HiGlowie]

So much gear has become overpriced.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

@@HiGlowie Yes, it gets harder and harder to find a synth or drum machine at a good price.

[@wolfgangdevries127]

Had a Boss DR-110 Dr. Rhythm 😊

[@NostalgicExplorer]

I will be making a video soon about the one.

[@wolfgangdevries127]

​@@NostalgicExplorer nice, look forward to it

[@stockholm1752]

Monday Voices.

[@bryanscarboddi1210]

I will stick with my TR-808🤖🥁🤖😁

[@NostalgicExplorer]

No comparison, the 808 is a beast. This is like a third cousin of the 808. Cheers!

[@djgreenhornet2892]

🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@NostalgicExplorer]

🎑

[@RaquelFoster]

I've come close to getting a DR-55 many times. I love the aesthetic. But it's really bad. It's nearly useless because it's impossible to sync without a lot of mods unless you make it the master, and any setup where you've got a DR-55 as the master clock is pretty insane. It's super tedious when your master clock isn't sending constant clock and MIDI start/stop to other things. People really struggle to find uses for these things.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Yes, I take this machine more of a piece of history. I love the sounds and the actual build of the machine but I rather create some patterns and record into audio rather than trying to sync it. I really admire how bands in the past use it for live shows.

[@krispysox]

I had a DR-550 lol.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

And what happened to it?

[@krispysox]

@@NostalgicExplorer It's all a bit hazy, but I'm pretty sure I sold it. I hope they're not worth a fortune today ;)

[@theouterplanet]

@@krispysoxdang bruh

[@stephenfrancis303]

Im just a love maceen

[@toonvandenplas]

There seems to be a lot of clock noise coming from your unit. It shouldn't have that.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Yes, I have to do an intense cleanup, I never open it but noticed that the sound was odd. Cheers!

[@streetwithoutjoy]

It rips, I've owned two of them- should never have sold the first one :(

[@NostalgicExplorer]

We all have stories about machines that should have never been sold. I have many of those stories.

[@streetwithoutjoy]

@@NostalgicExplorer First time I bought one- 85usd mint in box, next time....a lot more and needed the start/stop switches rebuilt😅 I don't regret getting one again though.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

@@streetwithoutjoy we never feel bad getting one back even if it is not in pristine condition. I hope you are enjoying it!

[@streetwithoutjoy]

@@NostalgicExplorer no regrets here, especially since I also have a Roland SH-09 again

[@NostalgicExplorer]

@@streetwithoutjoy Awesome! Cheers

[@outaspaceman]

Soundmaster SR-88 was better..

[@chriswareham]

The Soundmaster ST305 Stix maybe, but the SR88 snare is terrible compared to the one on the DR55. The SR88 one is all soft white noise with no attack or tuned component.

[@outaspaceman]

@@chriswareham yeah, that’s my kind of thing..? Which I now use Fixed Filter Banks to imitate.. But totally with you on the Stix..👍

[@maxine2798]

I had one of those that died. I binned it rather than fix it. I’m still not sure if it was fixable or not

[@johndo9648]

Had one of these. Really barebones rytm machine. And sounds are really boring and nothing special. 😊

[@NostalgicExplorer]

It is pretty basic, but if you are looking for a particular sound for your music, this one is very recognizable. Cheers!

[@chriswareham]

The sounds become much punchier when run through a guitar amplifier, which is how The Cure recorded their one. I've done the same with a borrowed Fender Twin Reverb, and it sounds fantastic.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

@@chriswareham That sounds amazing! I have done it through an Ampex MX-10 and a Space Echo 201 and love the sound of it.