Korg KPR-77

Korg KPR-77 Image
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The KPR-77 was Korg's answer to the TR-606 drum machine. Like the 606, the KPR-77 is basically an analog machine. Its sounds consist of bass, snare, two toms, open and closed hi-hats, accent and (switchable) cymbal/clap. Each drum sound's level can be individual mixed via the sliders. Unfortunately the KPR does not sound nearly as nice as the 606 can. But it has a simple LCD programming display sort of like what the TR-505 sports.


It holds up to 48 patterns (3 groups of 16) and two songs. A pattern can hold up to 32 steps. Like the TR-606, the KPR can be battery operated and REQUIRES batteries for retention of your programmed drum patterns and songs when it is turned off! Fortunately a casette out lets you store its memory to tape for offline storage. The KPR-77 has DIN SYNC IN/OUT as well as Tom trigger outs (like the 606) for external control and triggering. However, Korg's DIN Sync is not the same as Roland's DIN Sync. When syncing Roland and Korg gear via DIN sync, they will work however the Korg machine will run at 1/2 the tempo/speed of the Roland unit. This is because Korg uses a 48 ppqn (parts per quarter note) DIN standard whereas Roland's is 24 ppqn. This can be corrected with several devices which will translate 24-48 sync, such as the Korg KMS-30.

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Demos & Media

Korg KPR-77 How To Initialize and Record a Pattern
by
123synthland
Audio Clip 1 A short loop using some of its sounds.
ManualFantastic analogue drum machine, but difficult to use without the manual. This is a detailed set of instructions covering all the features of the sequencer!

Specifications

Polyphony - 6 voices
Sounds - bass, snare, hi/low toms, open and closed hi-hats, accent and (switchable) cymbal/clap
Controls - Tempo, Volume, Level per drum part and Accent
Patterns - 3 Banks x 16 patterns (48 total)
Songs - Two
Keyboard - None
Effects - None
Control - DIN SYNC (48ppqn) IN/OUT, Trigger Outs from Toms
Date Produced - 1983

Resources

Images from Perfect Circuit Audio.

Additional information provided by DAC Crowell.