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PLUGIN & PRODUCTION GUIDE

KR-55C Drum Machine

Buy and download KR-55C Drum Machine by Cherry Audio, or browse other Drum Machine from Plugin Boutique today.

Cherry Audio PluginsDrum Machine4.8/5 at Plugin BoutiquemacOS 10.13 or above.Windows 7 or above (including Windows 11)
  • KR-55C Drum Machine from Cherry Audio for modern music production workflows
  • Useful for producers who want focused sounds, instruments, bundles or studio tools
  • Best evaluated by checking compatibility, included content and current Plugin Boutique terms
KR-55C Drum Machine – Plugin Boutique

FROM THE DEVELOPER

Cherry Audio Plugins

Explore more instruments, effects and production tools from this developer.

PRODUCER’S TAKE

Where does KR-55C Drum Machine fit in your setup?

KR-55C Drum Machine is a drum machine production tool from Cherry Audio Plugins. It fits sessions built around drum production and synth production.

What stands out: KR-55C Drum Machine from Cherry Audio for modern music production workflows; Useful for producers who want focused sounds, instruments, bundles or studio tools; Best evaluated by checking compatibility, included content and current Plugin Boutique terms.

Based on the currently verified product listing and cited sources.

GOOD FIT FOR
Drum productionSynth production

SOUND & WORKFLOW

What KR-55C Drum Machine brings to a session

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. 

Cherry Audio has flawlessly recreated the sounds of the KR-55 using various synthesis techniques, providing users with editable parameters such as tuning and EQ for each instrument. 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.

The original KR-55 was introduced in 1979 as a replacement for the simpler Mini Pops 35 and Mini Pops 120 drum machines. Although all of these models were preset-only with no option for user-programmed rhythms, the KR-55 represented a significant advancement. In 1982, the updated KR-55B version was released that came with a sleek new design and doubled the internal pattern memory. 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, Fad Gadget, Soft Cell, Cabaret Voltaire, Jean-Michel Jarre, and most famously in Joe Jackson's 1982 hit "Steppin' Out."

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

PRODUCER HIGHLIGHTS

The sounds and controls that matter

  • KR-55C Drum Machine from Cherry Audio for modern music production workflows
  • Useful for producers who want focused sounds, instruments, bundles or studio tools
  • Best evaluated by checking compatibility, included content and current Plugin Boutique terms
  • Part of the Cherry Audio catalogue on AudioByRay with related product navigation
  • Purchase path keeps the tracked Plugin Boutique listing available for final checks

CUSTOMER RATING SNAPSHOT

4.8/5

Based on 66 ratings at Plugin Boutique.

Checked September 7, 2026

PRODUCER FEEDBACK

What producers and users say about KR-55C Drum Machine

Visible review sample: 5★ × 5. This sample is shown as context and may not represent every rating.

Plugin Boutique supplies the rating. AudiobyRay groups recurring themes from the available review sample and does not republish full reviews.

Read all current reviews at Plugin Boutique ↗

DEEP DIVE

KR-55C Drum Machine in the studio

KR-55C Drum Machine review and buying guide

KR-55C Drum Machine is part of the Cherry Audio catalogue and is listed on AudioByRay for producers who want a practical buying overview before they move to Plugin Boutique. This page is written to support purchase research, not to replace the official product listing. The key question is whether this plugin solves a real workflow need in your own sessions and whether the included content, compatibility and current deal terms match the way you produce music.

Cherry Audio products are most relevant when you want realistic instrument parts, focused production tools or a bundle that reduces the need to buy separate products one by one. Before buying KR-55C Drum Machine, compare the product role with the instruments and effects you already own. A bundle can be strong value when several included tools will be used often, but it is less useful when most of the catalogue overlaps with your existing library.

For practical evaluation, start with genre fit and arrangement needs. Guitar, bass and instrument bundles should be judged by tone, articulation, playing style, DAW workflow and how naturally the sounds sit in a mix. If KR-55C Drum Machine is a broad collection, check whether the individual instruments cover different jobs or simply duplicate similar sounds. The strongest purchase is usually the one that fills a repeated gap in writing, production or arrangement work.

Compatibility is also important. Open the Plugin Boutique listing and confirm supported operating systems, plugin formats, copy protection, download size and version details. If you work across multiple machines, also check installation limits and whether the license terms fit your setup. AudioByRay keeps the tracked product link visible so you can verify current details before ordering.

When comparing KR-55C Drum Machine with alternatives, focus on speed and repeat use. A product that helps you finish realistic bass, guitar or instrumental parts faster can be more valuable than a larger collection that slows decisions down. If the product is a specialist bundle, ask whether it saves time in the exact styles you produce most. If it is a complete collection, check whether the wider range genuinely supports future projects.

The safe buying route is simple: read the current listing, compare related Cherry Audio products, check compatibility, then decide whether the product solves a recurring production problem. Discounts can make the timing attractive, but the better reason to buy is that KR-55C Drum Machine improves your workflow, fills a sound gap or reduces time spent searching for usable parts.

In short, KR-55C Drum Machine is worth considering when it gives you instruments, tones or bundle value that you will actually use in productions. Use the AudioByRay page as a shortlist, then use Plugin Boutique for the final price, license and compatibility confirmation.

If you are unsure, test your decision against a real session: would this product help you write a part, finish an arrangement or replace a weaker tool in your current library? If the answer is yes, KR-55C Drum Machine deserves closer attention. If not, compare it with another Cherry Audio option before buying.

For producers building a more complete instrument setup, the best value often comes from tools that cover multiple arrangement roles without losing focus. That is why bundles need extra care: check the included products, the styles they serve and whether each item contributes something different to your workflow.

Who should consider KR-55C Drum Machine?

KR-55C Drum Machine is mainly worth shortlisting when the product matches a repeated production task rather than a one-off curiosity. Mixing, mastering, repair, vocal processing, monitoring and creative sound design tools all create value in different ways. A mastering product should make final balance decisions clearer. A repair product should save takes that would otherwise need editing or re-recording. A creative effect should add movement or character without forcing the mix to work harder than necessary.

Before you buy, think about your current bottleneck. If you already have several tools for the same job, the question is whether KR-55C Drum Machine is faster, clearer or more reliable than what you use now. If you are filling a gap, check that the feature set covers the specific work you do most often. Producers working for clients should also consider recall, preset management, CPU use and how easy the interface is to explain during revisions.

For value comparison, open related Cherry Audio products and look for overlap. Suites and bundles can be excellent when most included products support your daily workflow, but they can be expensive if only one or two tools will be used. Single products are easier to justify when they solve a clear problem, integrate cleanly with your DAW and reduce the number of manual steps in a session.

Also check the practical details on the Plugin Boutique page before making the final decision. Confirm supported macOS and Windows versions, plugin formats, authorization method, upgrade rights, resale limits, included presets or modules, and whether the deal is a full license, upgrade, crossgrade or subscription-related offer. These details can change, so the tracked purchase page is the safest place to verify the current terms.

Use the final product page checks to confirm the current license, platform support and deal terms before purchase.

For AudioByRay publication QA, this page also documents the practical decision route a buyer should follow before clicking through. Read the manufacturer notes, compare the Plugin Boutique listing, confirm what is actually delivered, and only then treat the product as a serious shortlist item. That extra check matters because names, bundles, credit packs, upgrade paths and compatibility details can change over time.

If the product involves credits, online access, cloud processing or a service component, evaluate it differently from a normal downloadable effect. Confirm how credits are consumed, whether the workflow depends on an internet connection, how quickly audio can be routed, and whether the result fits your production schedule. For traditional plugins, focus more on format support, CPU use, presets and recall. In both cases, the final listing remains the source for current purchase terms.

Sources and fact-check
  1. Cherry Audio manufacturer page on Plugin Boutique
  2. KR-55C Drum Machine product page on Plugin Boutique
  3. Cherry Audio Plugin Boutique catalogue reference

STUDIO COMPATIBILITY

Will it run in your DAW setup?

OS support

  • macOS 10.13 or above.
  • Windows 7 or above (including Windows 11)

Studio computer requirements

  • KR-55C is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats.
  • macOS: 64-bit required.
  • macOS: Native Apple M1 or greater processor support, including Ultra. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or M1 CPU with 8GB of RAM recommended.
  • macOS: Hard disk space: 150 MB. 
  • Windows: 64-bit required.
  • Windows: 3.4 GHz Quad-Core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended.
  • Windows: Hard disk space: 97 MB.

Install and activation

  • NOTE: Internet connection required for product activation

BEFORE YOU INSTALL

Manuals, installers and official support

NOTE: Internet connection required for product activation

PRODUCER FAQ

Common setup and workflow questions

Which operating systems can run KR-55C Drum Machine?

macOS 10.13 or above. Windows 7 or above (including Windows 11)

What does KR-55C Drum Machine need from my studio computer?

KR-55C is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats. macOS: 64-bit required. macOS: Native Apple M1 or greater processor support, including Ultra. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or M1 CPU with 8GB of RAM recommended. macOS: Hard disk space: 150 MB.  Windows: 64-bit required. Windows: 3.4 GHz Quad-Core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended. Windows: Hard disk space: 97 MB.

How do I install and activate KR-55C Drum Machine?

NOTE: Internet connection required for product activation

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