Cherry Audio has unveiled its latest virtual drum machine, the KR-55C. The company describes it as a feature-packed plugin that modernizes the classic “Rhythm 55” KR-55A and KR-55B drum machines from the late 70s and early 80s, blending vintage appeal with contemporary flexibility and advanced sound design capabilities. A spokesperson commented that “KR-55C is designed to empower musicians, producers, and beatmakers with powerful groove-building tools at an unbeatable price.”
The original KR-55 was introduced by Korg in 1979. It featured 48 preset rhythms with intro and fill patterns, along with flexible, albeit limited, mixer controls. In 1982, Korg released the KR-55B, which sported a sleek new design and doubled the onboard patterns. The KR-55 made a significant impact in the music industry, with renowned artists like Depeche Mode, Fad Gadget, Soft Cell, and Jean-Michel Jarre incorporating it into their music. It is particularly remembered for its use in Joe Jackson’s hit song “Steppin’ Out.”
The Cherry Audio KR-55C retains all 240 original patterns, intros, and fills from the KR-55A and KR-55B models. The plugin goes further by adding 200 all-new rhythm and sound presets, including genre-specific instrument kits that push the boundaries of sound design. Whether users are aiming for the vintage vibes of the post-punk era or the modern textures of EDM, KR-55C offers a versatile array of sounds.
Unlike sample-based instruments, KR-55C emulates the original tones through analog modeling. The instrument panel provides users with the ability to fine-tune each sound with parameters for EQ, tone, tuning, and decay. The mixer section allows for per-instrument control over levels, panning, muting, soloing, and effects routing.
With its X0X-style programming interface, KR-55C simplifies beat creation and modification, allowing users to program 16- or 24-step patterns in real time or through step mode. The song mode enables users to chain up to 99 patterns across 99 steps, making it easy to build complete compositions directly within the plugin for future recall.
The plugin also includes an effects panel offering studio-quality processing for each sound. With simple routing toggles, users can apply overdrive, flanger/chorus, delay, and reverb to individual drum elements. A global compressor and limiter are also available to ensure polished, professional results.
KR-55C integrates seamlessly into any DAW, with features such as individual outputs for each drum sound, drag-and-drop MIDI export, and full automation capabilities, providing maximum flexibility in any project.
In addition to KR-55C, Cherry Audio is releasing the Pattern Theory for KR-55C expansion (available separately). This preset pack introduces 100 additional patterns across 10 categories, pushing KR-55C’s advanced voice editing, effects, and pattern chaining to new creative heights. The pack is available exclusively at cherryaudio.com for $9.99, making it a perfect complement to KR-55C.
KR-55C is priced at just $49 and is available from cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide. The plugin supports AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats for both Windows (7 or above, including Windows 11) and macOS (10.13 and above), with native support for Apple Silicon. A free 30-day demo is also available for users to try before they buy.
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