Cherry Audio KR-55C : A Modern Emulation of the Classic Korg KR-55
Cherry Audio has built a reputation for resurrecting vintage synths and drum machines in software form, and their latest release, the KR-55C, brings back one of Korg’s most underappreciated rhythm machines. Originally released in 1979, the Korg KR-55 was a unique alternative to the programmable drum machines of the time. Instead of step sequencing, it relied on a preset-based rhythm engine, offering 24 built-in patterns that could be combined in creative ways. While it never reached the same legendary status as the Roland TR-808 or LinnDrum, the KR-55 had a distinct analog character that found its way into early electronic music, indie rock, and even pop productions. Artists like Jean-Michel Jarre, Depeche Mode, and Trio used it to inject warm, organic drum sounds into their tracks. Today, the KR-55 remains a cult favorite, but finding a well-maintained hardware unit is a challenge—not to mention its complete lack of MIDI or modern connectivity. That’s where Cherry Audio’s KR-55C comes in. This fully digital recreation captures the groove, tone, and quirks of the original machine while adding modern production conveniences like MIDI sync, DAW integration, and expanded sound-shaping options. Unlike basic sample packs of vintage drum machines, the KR-55C uses advanced circuit modeling to emulate the non-linearities, saturation, and dynamic response of the original hardware. Whether you’re making synthwave, lo-fi hip-hop, indie electronic, or vintage-inspired pop, the KR-55C brings back the gritty, old-school drum machine feel with zero maintenance and full digital flexibility.
Cherry Audio KR-55C : A Modern Emulation of the Classic Korg KR-55
What is the Cherry Audio KR-55C?
A Faithful Emulation of the Korg KR-55
What’s New: Modern Features for Today’s Producers
Alternatives to Consider
Is This the Plugin for You?
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links, which means Internet Tattoo may receive a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.
What is the Cherry Audio KR-55C?
Cherry Audio has made a name for itself by bringing classic synths and drum machines into the digital age, and the KR-55C is its latest deep-cut revival. This new plugin is a faithful software recreation of the Korg KR-55, a 1979 analog drum machine famous for its organic, preset-driven grooves. Unlike programmable drum machines of the time, the KR-55 came loaded with fixed rhythms—funk, rock, bossa nova—that musicians could switch between, making it an accessible alternative to Roland's TR series. The original hardware was quirky, non-MIDI, and had a raw, punchy analog sound that still holds up today. With its warm, lo-fi drum tones, the KR-55 found its way into the hands of artists like Jean-Michel Jarre, Depeche Mode, and Trio, giving it an enduring cult status.
Cherry Audio’s KR-55C isn’t just a static emulation—it’s been modernized for today’s producers. Running as a VST, AU, AAX, and standalone application, it seamlessly integrates into modern DAWs while retaining the hands-on simplicity of the original. It’s the perfect tool for lo-fi beatmakers, synthwave producers, and electronic musicians who love vintage drum machines but don’t want to deal with aging hardware. Whether you’re after classic preset grooves or looking to process it through modern effects, the KR-55C promises an easy way to inject retro drum machine charm into any track.
A Faithful Emulation of the Korg KR-55
Cherry Audio isn’t cutting corners when it comes to authenticity. The KR-55C is built with detailed circuit modeling that captures the analog character of the original machine. Unlike modern sample-based drum machines, the KR-55’s sounds were generated by discrete analog circuits—something Cherry Audio has painstakingly recreated. The result is a raw, slightly unpredictable quality that gives the KR-55C an edge over more sterile digital recreations. The groove factor is also key—Cherry Audio has ensured the original swing and timing quirks are fully intact, which is crucial for getting that signature KR-55 feel in your beats.
The plugin comes loaded with all 24 original rhythm patterns, covering everything from rock and funk to samba and waltz. These aren’t rigid loops—you can layer, tweak, and chain them together to create dynamic, evolving grooves. The sound is warm, punchy, and full-bodied, making it perfect for lo-fi hip-hop, synth-driven indie, and classic electronic music. If you’ve ever wanted to add a tape-saturated, vintage drum machine to your productions without hunting down an expensive hardware unit, the KR-55C delivers the real deal in software form.
What’s New: Modern Features for Today’s Producers
While Cherry Audio stays true to the original KR-55, they’ve also added modern features to make it more practical for today’s workflows. Unlike the 1979 unit, which was strictly preset-based, the KR-55C includes adjustable tuning, decay, and tone-shaping controls to fine-tune each drum sound. This is a huge improvement, as the original machine had a distinct sound but lacked any real customization. Now, you can tweak it to better fit your mix—whether you want short, snappy kicks or a more resonant snare tone.
The KR-55C also integrates seamlessly into DAWs, something the original could never do. With full MIDI sync, pattern chaining, and multi-output routing, you can process each drum hit independently through your own effects chains. It even includes built-in saturation and compression, giving you an instant warm, analog-style punch without needing external processing. These additions make the KR-55C not just a nostalgia piece but a legitimately useful drum machine plugin for producers who want vintage groove with modern flexibility.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to the KR-55C’s vintage charm, but want something a little more offbeat or programmable, there are a few great options. D16 Group’s Drumazon and Nithonat recreate the Roland TR-909 and TR-606, offering that raw, analog-modeled punch with more tweakability. For those craving something with KR-55-like presets but more flexibility, Sugar Bytes’ DrumComputer offers an AI-driven drum engine that turns vintage inspiration into something new and unexpected.
Cherry Audio has been steadily expanding its drum machine lineup, and the KR-55C isn’t their only vintage-inspired rhythm machine. Their CR-78 plugin revives another classic preset-based drum machine—the Roland CR-78, famous for its use in tracks by Phil Collins, Blondie, and Gary Numan. Like the KR-55C, the CR-78 plugin faithfully recreates the original’s analog-generated drum sounds while adding modern enhancements like MIDI sync and expanded controls. If you love the nostalgic, organic feel of preset-driven drum machines but want a slightly different flavor, the CR-78 plugin offers another essential vintage drum sound—this time with that unmistakable Roland character.
Is This the Plugin for You?
The Cherry Audio KR-55C is a love letter to a lesser-known but highly characterful vintage drum machine, bringing the organic, preset-driven grooves of the original KR-55 into the modern DAW environment. It’s a fantastic pick for producers who love vintage drum machines but don’t want to deal with the hassle of sourcing, maintaining, or syncing old hardware. The immediate, no-fuss workflow makes it great for synthwave, lo-fi hip-hop, indie electronic, and retro-inspired pop, where its warm, slightly imperfect drum sounds can add a unique groove. The expanded controls and DAW integration make it far more practical than the original unit, though it still stays true to the KR-55’s limitations, which could be a drawback for those looking for deep sound design or step sequencing.
If you’re after a fully programmable drum machine, the KR-55C might feel restrictive, as its preset-based approach is more about embracing a fixed vintage sound than tweaking things from the ground up. However, if you love the idea of a forgotten rhythm machine brought back to life, with all its quirks and charm intact, Cherry Audio has delivered another thoughtfully crafted, nostalgia-rich plugin that fits beautifully into modern productions. It’s not trying to be a do-it-all drum machine—it’s bringing back a specific, underappreciated piece of music history, and for the right producer, that’s exactly what makes it exciting.
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links, which means Internet Tattoo may receive a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.