VR-55 DrumComputer
Key Features
- Recreates the kick, snare, rim, and hi-hat voices associated with the Boss DR-55 drum machine.
- Adds a cymbal sound sourced from a modified DR-55 unit for another percussive color.
- Three duplicated kit layers let producers stack the core drum voices into denser custom combinations.
- Per-voice level, pan, decay, and tune controls shape each part of the kit independently.
- Distortion, delay, reverb, sub, tape, and vinyl effects bring processing inside the instrument.
- A multi-LFO, amplitude-range controls, and high-pass/low-pass filtering broaden the vintage drum palette.
- Runs as a VST, VST3, or AU instrument in compatible Windows and macOS hosts.
Description
VR-55 DrumComputer is a SampleScience virtual instrument that recreates the four-voice character of the Boss DR-55 drum machine in a modern plug-in. It supplies kick, snare, rim, and hi-hat voices, plus a cymbal sound taken from a modified DR-55 unit.
The kit is repeated across three layers, so producers can combine versions of the core sounds for thicker or more tailored electronic percussion. Individual voice controls cover level, pan, decay, and tune, while the interface also includes low- and high-pass filtering.
Six onboard effects add distortion, delay, reverb, sub, tape, and vinyl treatments without leaving the instrument. A multi-LFO and amplitude-range controls extend the sound-shaping options beyond a straight vintage recreation.
There is no built-in sequencer, so patterns need to come from the host DAW or another MIDI source. That makes it best suited to producers who want the compact, deliberately limited drum palette while keeping programming in their existing workflow.
The developer lists VST, VST3, and AU editions for Windows and macOS. Its creator-controlled Gumroad page is currently published at $0, with an optional pay-what-you-want contribution.
Video Preview
Frequently Asked Questions
Which drum sounds does VR-55 DrumComputer include?
The core instrument recreates the DR-55 kick, snare, rim, and hi-hat voices. SampleScience also includes a cymbal sound extracted from a modified DR-55 unit.
Does VR-55 DrumComputer include a sequencer?
No. The developer notes that this version does not include the original-style sequencer, so it is intended to be triggered and programmed from a DAW or other MIDI source.
Can the drum sounds be layered?
Yes. The drum kit is replicated three times, which lets you layer sounds into a more customized and punchier drum mix.
What processing is built into the instrument?
VR-55 includes distortion, delay, reverb, sub, tape, and vinyl effects, along with a multi-LFO, amplitude-range controls, and high-pass/low-pass filtering. These tools are for shaping the kit after its basic voice selection.
