Boss Dr.Rhythm Rundown : DR-55, DR-110, DR-220A, DR-220E, DR-550, DR-660

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  • Опубликовано: 25 дек 2024

Комментарии • 136

  • @lagooncity39
    @lagooncity39 3 года назад +11

    Don't forget about the DR-5 Dr. Rhythm Section - the cheapest isomorphic MIDI controller you can get (plus the chord mode is pretty deep and really fun to use with an arpeggiator), it runs on batteries, and it has a wretched-in-a-good-way pitch to MIDI converter (with built in guitar tuner). The sequencer is kind of cool, too, like a cross between a DR660 and one of the earliest Yamaha QY series (the 10 or 20, not the good ones) - a bit more awkward than the 660 but not nearly as awkward as the QY10.
    Not exactly good but unique enough to easily be worth the $30 or $40 they went for a couple years ago, and I don't think they've gone up all that much since then.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад +2

      I was thinking about mentioning this in the video, but decided not to in the end. Thanks for the comment, I will pin it.

    • @lagooncity39
      @lagooncity39 3 года назад +4

      @@gwEmbassy It's a pretty weird machine, if nothing else it's a really space-efficient controller for entering notes into other sequencers since you get something like 4 octaves in about the same footprint as a DR660.
      Also the distorted guitar sounds are really funny.

    • @TeslaDanser
      @TeslaDanser 2 года назад +2

      Dr5 is great. That memphis rap scene used it a lot apparently. Another slept on piece of kit

    • @OPdbx
      @OPdbx 2 года назад +2

      I had one of these and it was pretty odd but certainly unique! As a guitarist it was cool to make chords based around guitar chord shapes

    • @stenio343
      @stenio343 Год назад +2

      Yes! the DR-5 and the DR-202!! i have both and still use them to this day 🎼🎵🎶🎹🎸🪘🥁🪕🎻🎺🎤🎧🎷

  • @dmasct1
    @dmasct1 3 года назад +5

    Seeing the evolution and orientations of that drum machines series was interesting. Thanks for that!

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад +1

      Happy you enjoyed that Mathieu!

  • @hughchapman5319
    @hughchapman5319 3 года назад +6

    Some great sounds in these classic units. The rim shot on the 55, the clap on the 110, the whole selection on both 220s

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад

      You are right, it’d be fun to see what tracks they’ve been used on.

    • @stockholm1752
      @stockholm1752 6 месяцев назад +2

      I have both of the 220s. I rarely use them, but I can’t give them up.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  6 месяцев назад +1

      @stockholm1752 they are very cute :)

  • @ababababeebababa
    @ababababeebababa Год назад +1

    Thanks for the taking the time to describe these vintage drum machines. Last year I bought the DR-880 and had a lot of fun with it. I think it exceeds any of these units,, but has only a limited selection of electronic drum kits (like 1 or 2). It has a high learning curve and found watching a $30 video tutorial from proaudioexp really helped a lot. I've found most youtube videos on it very lacking, esp. in showing the advanced capabilities on how to make songs and use ghost notes, etc. The DR-880 is also a pretty nice guitar amp built it, so a drum machine with auto bass and ability to jam along. Probably good for an old school one man band. The DR-880 is for those who want to take the time to piece together patterns into songs and it has the ability to chain together things to create a complete song, complete with intro, many types of fills and endings. The probability based notes and ghost notes are advanced features that make the 880 a more human-like drum machine, but the focus is on traditional kits more than modern drum kits.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад +1

      Hey there RockinChristmas! Thanks for popping by and giving your assessment on the DR-880. It’s interesting to hear how they’ve developed the line. Definitely sounds like a much more advanced product.

    • @ababababeebababa
      @ababababeebababa Год назад +1

      @@gwEmbassy I just discovered the DR-202 which looks pretty good, or good at many things the DR-880 isn't great at

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад +1

      The DR-202 is fantastic. I have a couple of videos on it.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад

      ruclips.net/video/eWQSkByRiGA/видео.html
      ruclips.net/video/9zCMb-WpE4U/видео.html

    • @ababababeebababa
      @ababababeebababa Год назад

      @@gwEmbassy I've found the DR-880 is obviously aimed at guitar players, maybe bass players ... for practicing and the "one man band" setups. I also think it's highly pattern based, so if you want to build your patterns and chain them together into complete songs, the DR880 would be great. I've also found it a bit lacking in techno, hip-hop and live performances. I feel the DR-202 or Akai XR20 s a great compliment to a lot of what the 880 isn't good at. I wish you had mute capabilities and fills on the fly ... but the 880 wants you to program that in ahead of time and then play along if you want. I have used the 880 to control external gear, and the bass parts through the JV-1010 (or similar sound module) sound great. I've also used he DR-202 for external gear and its similarly great on external gear and has has one additional channel the 880 doesn't.

  • @trevormalcolm4328
    @trevormalcolm4328 2 года назад +1

    Absolutely top video, I’m finally getting around to using the import sample feature on my TR-8s and needed to do some “homework” on the older Boss/Roland drum machines and I’ve found everything I need in one video! Deserves more views!

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад

      Pleased you found this useful Trevor :) Happy music making!

  • @sgriffett541
    @sgriffett541 2 года назад +1

    anytime a rundown gives me a glimpse into square pusher's production I'm in... thanks for this in depth content video

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад +1

      You’re welcome mate :)

  • @wolfunplugged
    @wolfunplugged 11 месяцев назад +1

    Hey thanks for this video, this was a very interesting voyage through Boss history. As you named it in the intro, the design is also a part of the thing, these machines promised something and had a haptic attraction.
    I would say I also still love these old machines….as a teenager I was always longing for a good drumcomputer but I had not the luck, to get the good sounding expensive machines. Mainly the crap ones.
    So here is my story:
    - About 1983 I bought my first drummy…a used Roland TR-606…unfortunately the device was defective and so the retailer took it back.
    - Short after that disaster I cleaned up and reorganized the whole cellar from my parents…in fact they gave me a job and so I was able to buy…tadaaa…the Amdek RMK-100 which was quite similar to the Boss DR-55. Amdek was a kinda predecessor of Roland I think, although the sounds were not that great (I was longing for real drums) I found the device quite cool because you could chain 8 Patterns and could do whole song structures.
    - My Bass player had the Boss DR_110 and I remember how jalous I was because it looked and sounded so cool….
    - About 1989 I bought the Roland TR 505, the dream of the real drums came true and I was quite happy with the unit, had a lot of good sessions with my music companion Andy.
    - Within the last two years I found again my still excisting love for drum machines. The Boss DR 880 I bought last year…but strangewise it did not touch me, although it is the flagschip. I resold it.
    - This week I bought the Boss DR 202….I love it and now I’m looking for ist counterpart the Boss SP 202…not easy to find it in a good shape and for a reasonable price…
    Anyways…I think the obsession will go on…I mentioned here only a part of my GAS aquisitions…
    But it’s true…the Boss machines a damn cool!

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  11 месяцев назад +1

      thanks for the cool comment :) I would like to try one of those Amdek units

  • @hughchapman5319
    @hughchapman5319 3 года назад +3

    Ahh that rim shot on the DR-55. Sounds👌with a healthy dose of reverb

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад

      It’s marvellous! Just a rim shot, but full of nostalgic feeling.

  • @butterbagboy
    @butterbagboy 2 года назад +3

    Super great video. The 550 mk2 is also my fave, but I also really like the 670 and it’s return to batteries is great.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад +1

      Not tried a 670, will look into that! Thanks for watching :)

  • @vbarr67
    @vbarr67 3 года назад +2

    Thanks for that interesting vidéo ! I played with my school's Dr-550mkII (and M-1) back in the 90s and I loved it too, the sounds where not too far from those of the Roland's SC-55 and derivatives ! But it really missed a MIDI OUT to bulk save everything... I was offered a Roland R-5 which was a lovely machine, very expressive and which I used as sequencer. Now I have a DR-770 which is very similar to the DR-660. I agree the chorus is an awkward addition :D And I'm impressed with your talent for mod'ing these machines, it's awesome !

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад

      I’m happy you liked the video :) I agree, it is a pity the Dr-550 does not have a MIDI output, it would make a big difference.
      I never tried a Dr-770, but I also heard it’s a lot like the Dr-660. I hope you get good use out of it :)

  • @PianoandKeysStudio
    @PianoandKeysStudio 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for this video. So Boss started making these when I was still in primary school - wow.
    I joined the Dr Rhythm bandwagon in 1994 with a DR-660 (which I think I had 3 of as the first two were stolen).
    Compared to the preset rhythms of my old Roland KR-500, I was amazed at how versatile the DR-660 was - how I could change the pitch, tone, volume, decay, panning and sends of each individual drum sound - made for some very unique patterns. Sold my last one in 1999 - for a DR-770, which was identical in function to the 660, but with more up to date sounds, more memory - and the dark blue / orange colour scheme... it was otherwise an identical box.
    I also had a DR-5 which enabled me to create some backing tracks with drums, bass and two other instrumental tracks. These sounded good, but it didn't have the versatile sound changing features of the 660 (percussion) or my XP-50/60 (everything else)... but together, they produced some great results for some gigs. I last sold both in 1999 and my DR-770 in the early 2000s. I was thinking of getting another 660 soon after, but then came Logic Studio...
    Good times...

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад +1

      Thanks for these cool memories! You had TWO DR-660s stolen? Crazy. The DR-660 must have been incredible value back then.

    • @PianoandKeysStudio
      @PianoandKeysStudio 2 года назад +1

      @@gwEmbassy Yep. The first was left with a Yamaha MDF-1 disc unit I used to save my DR-660 rhythms - in a DSS office when I was living in Fulham, London in 1994.
      The second was stolen along with a Yamaha QY-300 in an East End pub 4 years later. Unsurprising I suppose - it was a great little machine that could pack a creative punch.

  • @lundsweden
    @lundsweden Год назад +2

    I've had quite a few Boss Drs, the Dr-55, Dr-110, Dr-220A and the Boss Dr-550 mk2. My favorites were the Dr-110 and Dr-550 mk2.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад +1

      Interesting! Thanks for sharing your favourites. Very good choices to be honest :)

  • @rodmorrison47
    @rodmorrison47 Год назад +1

    I still have my original 55 and 550 (also my favourites of the bunch) and I've just negotiated to get my old 220A back so I'm a happy camper.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад

      excellent :) you have taste!!

  • @analoq
    @analoq 3 года назад +2

    Nice rundown. I was thinking of picking up a DR-550 as a basic drum machine to have, ended up with an Alesis SR-16 I found at a pawn shop.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад +1

      How do you like that SR-16?

    • @analoq
      @analoq 3 года назад +1

      @@gwEmbassy I can see why it had such enduring popularity; gives all the basics, doesn’t over complicate, and though dated, the samples and patterns are usable.

  • @FairchlldMusic1
    @FairchlldMusic1 3 года назад +1

    Merry Christmas Gwem! Thinking about adding the 220e to my Dr-110 and run them synced with the triggers

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад +1

      That will work well :) Merry Christmas!!

  • @Torter23
    @Torter23 Год назад +2

    Still have my DR-55 from way back. I always wondered if the sounds are the same circuits from the CR78 because they sound so similar. And actually, how close those are to the 606. I like the snare on those three.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад +1

      I would also like to compare to a CR-78

  • @gelatinous6915
    @gelatinous6915 2 года назад +1

    Love me some 55, 110, and 220. Can't say I care for the other ones.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад

      Somehow I find them all likeable. The first ones do have more character though.

  • @richardbuckley4881
    @richardbuckley4881 3 года назад +2

    DR-550 for the win, so many classic sounds.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад

      It’s a sweetheart that little box :)

  • @Trioptic3D
    @Trioptic3D Год назад +1

    How did you manage to keep the buttons from fading all these years? You can still easily ready all the printed symbols. Great video! Thanks for sharing. I have the Dr. 202

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад +1

      they are indeed a little faded on my unit!

  • @hb-fc3jj
    @hb-fc3jj 3 года назад +1

    Decent vid, the DR-660 very much reminds me of my old Roland R-70.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад

      It looks a lot a like. I’ve never tried an R-70.

    • @hb-fc3jj
      @hb-fc3jj 3 года назад +2

      @@gwEmbassy
      Would recommend if you ever get the opportunity.
      Really well spec'd machine, every sound has attack, decay, nuance, extreme pitch shifting (+/- 480 cents), it's got a great 'multi' mode where you can play the pads chromatically. Plus editing functions which are proto-Elektron p-lock esque. Decent reverbs, stereo delay, chorus and flanger. I used to arrange entire tracks on it before I could afford a synth. Also got the 909ish MIDI sequencing capabilities for external gear. The sounds range from ethnic percussion and jazz brush kits to mondo 80s gated kits and most of the 808 kit + 909 kick and snare. For a 90s rompler it's great, strong in built punchy compression a la DR550.
      Mine's stashed in the loft, might get it out (fnar) one night soon.

    • @hb-fc3jj
      @hb-fc3jj 3 года назад +1

      You can layer sounds too. And 2 additional outputs, one of which was really handy for triggering the arpeggios on my old Juno6 (RIP) by assigning short click/rim sounds

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад +1

      Sounds like a great box, I’ll check out some videos on it!! Thanks for the tip :)

    • @hb-fc3jj
      @hb-fc3jj 3 года назад +1

      @@gwEmbassy
      www.muzines.co.uk/articles/roland-r70-drum-machine/1018
      This original review gives a good overview of its capabilities, there aren't that many yt vids about it alas.
      Maybe I will do one in the future, will put it on my procrastination list ; )

  • @iamyourfuture808
    @iamyourfuture808 Год назад +1

    Another great video MR.G ! can i ask, on the DR550mk2 , are the kits pre set or can you create your own?

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад +1

      you can make your own, and indeed should!

    • @iamyourfuture808
      @iamyourfuture808 Год назад +1

      @@gwEmbassy excellent! thank you

  • @TheBroDotTV
    @TheBroDotTV 3 года назад +1

    Great video Gwem!!!

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад +1

      Cheers Aaron :)

    • @TheBroDotTV
      @TheBroDotTV 3 года назад +1

      @@gwEmbassy I hadn't finished the whole thing yet but what I saw so far was great. Really loved it!!

  • @jaywyse4720
    @jaywyse4720 2 года назад +1

    Great video!

  • @klinkske
    @klinkske 3 года назад +2

    Nice job. I forgot i owned that 220e once. Roland should bring back the big lcd screen on the drum stuff... like 707 etc and i repeat, seperate outs :)

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад

      I would love to see a big 707 style screen again !

  • @sclr
    @sclr 3 года назад +2

    i think its worth mentioning that the 660 has bass sounds in it. there were many ghetto house songs done completely on the 660. also it has issues, or some of them do. mainly the screen going out.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад

      That’s true about the bass sounds, thanks for mentioning!

  • @tarkdundar6336
    @tarkdundar6336 2 года назад +3

    What do u think about dr880?

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад

      I’ve never tried one actually, so it wouldn’t be fair to comment!

  • @ZenMountain
    @ZenMountain Год назад +1

    Are the samples on the DR220A included on the DR550MKII? I own a DR550MKII but would love to have a DR220A... would it be completely redundant? Very useful video. Thanks!

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад +1

      I don’t think they are exactly the same, but there are some similar sounding hits.

    • @ZenMountain
      @ZenMountain Год назад +1

      @@gwEmbassyThanks!

  • @RosalvoParadella
    @RosalvoParadella Год назад +1

    Tenho uma Boss DR660 que está com o display "morto" há algum tempo. Queria muito consertar. Troquei os capacitores smd da placa mãe, mas não adiantou.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад

      Too bad about the display :( maybe you get a broken unit to take the parts from?

  • @autoy
    @autoy 3 года назад +1

    Very nice, DR-55 is such a little cute drum machine. Would you mind sharing the sync24 mod you did? Thanks.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад +2

      Happy to : www.artefacts.nl/products.html

  • @respobabs
    @respobabs Год назад +1

    Had a DR-660. Loved it. MIlked it for all it was worth. Still felt it was a bit trebly or over-detailed in the high end though.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад +1

      it definitely has its own sound

    • @respobabs
      @respobabs Год назад +1

      @@gwEmbassy Loved the PHATT demo BTW, burned it to CD back in the day. Listenable start to finish, a solid album.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад +1

      oh wow, pleased you have that :) That was a good one!

  • @wadehunter8113
    @wadehunter8113 3 года назад +1

    The case candy for the DR-55 I grabbed a few months back also came with the original mini catalog of BOSS products in Japanese. The graphics are amazing.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  3 года назад

      Oh my!!! So cool 😎

  • @mybestselamvideoselamvideo126
    @mybestselamvideoselamvideo126 2 года назад +1

    Hi what about
    Boss dr 770 do you have any info where can I find...?..thanks

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад

      I’ve never tried a DR770. I guess you can find one on eBay though.

  • @UnitedPebbles
    @UnitedPebbles 5 месяцев назад +1

    the Alesis SR 16 does not have a battery compartment? Sooo the Nippon Dr 110 is as not good? I thought it sounded the best? also most expensive version on eBay?
    O I just need it for back up for variation if I am on the road. Currently using uhm the other brand. Very solid
    Far out, Dep Mode. 55.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  5 месяцев назад

      Not sure about the Alesis SR16!

  • @donjoseph73
    @donjoseph73 2 года назад +2

    I got the 660 in 92 and there is a update sheet for a error in the machine. I like to jam guitar to it. But I honestly felt it was complicated or it just sucked. New is was $500.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад +1

      I get why you felt that. You don’t get very far with the 660 without reading the manual.

  • @BernardLermite82
    @BernardLermite82 Год назад +1

    What about the DR-880? :)

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад

      I don’t have one of those, but if you donate one I will feature it :)

  • @MrAlexeiGil
    @MrAlexeiGil 2 года назад +1

    I have a dr rhythm 550 MKII as well but Its not much use as I can't sync it to my behringer td3. the notes of the td3 pattern trigger the drum sounds over the top of the drum pattern and it just makes a mess. help me if you can

    • @MrAlexeiGil
      @MrAlexeiGil 2 года назад +1

      Literally solved this a moment after posting this, after two years of trouble, I think the midi in my particular unit is just a bit stuffed

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад

      I’m pleased you got this sorted Alexei

  • @davidrickard9869
    @davidrickard9869 5 месяцев назад

    You missed the DR 880 but great vid man

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  5 месяцев назад +1

      thanks David, I didn’t want to get as modern as the DR880

  • @MrByteYT
    @MrByteYT Год назад

    Did I miss it? Why do you prefer the OG 550 over the mkii?

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад +2

      I prefer the Mk2 for sure :)

  • @thespiritofdjordja
    @thespiritofdjordja 7 месяцев назад +1

    I really regret selling my dr110 the clap was so good

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  7 месяцев назад

      agreed, one of the best analogue claps

  • @RunOfTheHind
    @RunOfTheHind 2 года назад +1

    I sold a 55 in the mid 00s for a tenner, lolz.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад

      Oh my!! Someone got a deal! :)

  • @leewightman8619
    @leewightman8619 Год назад +1

    Dam the 660 looks like an mpc

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  Год назад

      it’s like an MPC junior

  • @crankenstein
    @crankenstein 9 месяцев назад +1

    Boss DR-202?

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  9 месяцев назад

      that’s a Dr Groove not at Dr Rhythm :) :)

  • @TeslaDanser
    @TeslaDanser 2 года назад +1

    I gots me a dr670. I love it haha

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад

      Nice one! :)

    • @TeslaDanser
      @TeslaDanser 2 года назад +1

      @@gwEmbassy the only downside is lack of swing control but it may be 'swung' by something external, must try it out. Oh and it lacks 909 hats,i think. Between my 505 and 670 i essentially have 505,808,909, and cr78 or whatever that old one is called. Love your channel btw. You're a gear secret agent, unassuming yet so knowledgeable. Thanks for your content

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад +1

      Sounds like a cool setup, I like digital drum machines.
      Happy you are enjoying the channel, it’s a little difficult at times to summon up the motivation to record a video, so comments like this really help!

    • @TeslaDanser
      @TeslaDanser 2 года назад +1

      @@gwEmbassy no problem. Glad to be a Gwembasador

  • @KickzNBeatz
    @KickzNBeatz 8 месяцев назад +2

    No 880? 😅 just kidding. Thank you for this video!

  • @感謝します-f4y
    @感謝します-f4y 2 года назад +1

    👍👍👍

  • @weipulee
    @weipulee Год назад +1

    do you havd DR-880.

  • @808music3
    @808music3 7 месяцев назад +1

    Dr220 are quite cheesy with its sounds. Nearly all brands started to compete with the market share in the 80’s.

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  7 месяцев назад

      I guess the 80s was a cheesy time in some ways!

  • @nicolaaszeven
    @nicolaaszeven 2 года назад +1

    Not super affordable anymore 😅

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад +2

      Bah :) I doubt my little channel makes much difference

    • @nicolaaszeven
      @nicolaaszeven 2 года назад +1

      @@gwEmbassy don't underestimate your reach! Nice vid.

  • @VincentsVideoVisions
    @VincentsVideoVisions 4 месяца назад +1

    No marmite, 0/10 video

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  4 месяца назад

      understandable. thanks for this feedback

  • @chrisrichardson2813
    @chrisrichardson2813 2 года назад +1

    ...Great clip !!! ...and a bit of a 'memory lane' trip for me ...as I owned a Dr-55 ...and a Dr-220E ...sadly sold a long time ago (...at the time to buy a brand new Yamaha RX-7 ...that's also long gone)

    • @gwEmbassy
      @gwEmbassy  2 года назад

      You’re welcome Chris. Never tried an RX-7, but I hear good things!