Conference napalm::commusic_v1

    not the greatest???
    
    64 good (great??)sounds
    100 preset patterns
    100 memory locations
    8 songs in memory at once
    resonable amount or programmability for the sounds, including pan,level
    color, decay etc.
    small size
    etc...etc
    
    and under $250.00
    
    I've had mine about a year, using it as part of a midi band setup.
    And have no major complaints...
    
    wish list?   slightly bigger , or repositioned tempo +/- buttons,
    pattern change via midi program change command, backlit display.
    
    It's not an R8, but it didn't require a second morgage either.
    
    Good luck and enjoy,
    Gary

    I've had mine since last October and overall, I'm real pleased with it.
    Since I'm a drummer, I use it mainly for inputting transcriptions from
    Modern Drummer to practice with, or playing along with triplets and such.

    Dale

The DR-550 has one fatal flaw:

The lack of velocity sensitive pads

I'd say it's a good drum machine *new* for the money,  but
Alesis HR-16 machines (with velocity sensitive pads) can
be had for less $200 or less these days, used. 

-T

    Thanks for the input.....as soon as i got it i had second thoughts but
    i now feel much better.  it's the first one i've ever used.  i used to
    "play" drums years ago so i got one.  i'm still learning how to use it
    and i'm sure i'll continue to do so.
    
    again, thanks for the input
    
    regards
    
    sal
    

    FWIW, when I had a TR-505 I often played it from a velocity-sensitive
    keyboard and bagged using the pads.  For me, velocity-sensitive pads is
    not a major benefit.  The pads on the 505 are not velocity-sensitive,
    but it responds to velocity (about 64 levels) over MIDI.  I suspect the
    same for your box.
    
    Steve

    
    Re: .-1
    
    Point well made.
    
    The 505 can't however be programmed via MIDI (I.E. from
    a velocity sensitive keyboard) so you have to use
    some sort of outboard sequencer. This isn't a problem
    for those of you using MIDI, but for those of us, not
    (myself included), having velocity sensitive pads is
    a real plus. I don't know if the '550 acts the same 
    as the 505 with regard to programming. 
    
    My comments are not meant to "slam" the '550, BTW, I'm
    sure it's a good box. 
    
    Lastly, FWIW, I'm still using a TR-505 ;^(
    
    

    Since this is the first time i've ever used a drum machine, other than
    the obvious, how else have you used it......
    
    I'm trying to find out ways to incorporate it into "DJ'ing".  2 CD
    players, mixer, amp(s) etc.
    
    I also have a Macintosh II computer....
    
    Any suggestions, ideas
    
    thanks in advance
    
    sal
    

    I just picked up a used DR550 to use when I practice playing my guitar.
    These are awesome little machines, IMO.  It's given me alot of
    inspiration on playing new riffs and styles on my guitar.  Before I got
    the drum machine I found myself always playing in basically the same
    tempo and rhythm, never really expanding.  This drum machine has given
    me so many ideas that I can't decide what I want to try first!  I feel
    like my guitar playing is going to be improving at alot more rapid pace
    now.
    
    Alan

    A new program for Atari ST posted to MIDILIB.

    --> MIDIBEAT

    This is a drum sequencer designed to be used with the Boss DR-550 drum
    machine, but will likely work with others as well.  The patterns and
    songs are actually stored on ST diskettes, since the DR-550 has no
    sysex features.

    Directory A$:[MIDILIB.TOOLS.ATARI.MIDIBEAT]

    MIDIBEAT.DOC;1	MIDIBEAT.TOS;1 

    							Brian