Korg KR-11 - User Manual

The Korg KR-11 is a compact rhythm box designed for musicians to create and play rhythm patterns. It serves as an owner's manual for the device, providing comprehensive instructions on its operation, features, and maintenance.

Function Description

The KR-11 is a versatile rhythm box that allows users to select and play back a wide variety of rhythm patterns across different genres, including Blues/R&B, Rock, Island, Jazz/Latin, EDM, Country, 3/5/7, 16 Beat, and 8 Beat. It also features a metronome function for practice and timing. Users can set the tempo, add fill-ins to accentuate rhythm breaks, and incorporate a swing feel for a syncopated sound. A key feature is the ability to create new rhythm patterns, either by building upon existing patterns or starting from scratch. The device also supports finger drumming using its 1-14 buttons and FILL 1/2 buttons as pads, with preregistered percussion sounds. Pedal switches can be connected to control various functions, such as playback, stopping patterns, inserting fill-ins, controlling tempo, or triggering pad sounds. The unit includes a demo mode to showcase its rhythm patterns.

Important Technical Specifications

Patterns: 126 preset patterns (9 genres × 14) and 14 user patterns.
Fill-ins: 2 types of fill-ins per pattern.
Metronome: Beats from 0, 2-8; Rhythms include quarter notes, eighth notes/triplets/triplet swing, sixteenth notes/sixteenth-note swing.
Tempo: Adjustable from 30-252 bpm.
Jacks: Headphones/line out jack, FOOT SW 1 jack, FOOT SW 2 jack, DC 9V jack.
Power Supply: Four AA-size alkaline batteries (sold separately) or AC adapter (DC 9V, sold separately).
Battery Life: Approximately 18 hours (varies depending on batteries and conditions of use).
Current Consumption: 1300 mA (peak value).
Speaker: 3 W x 1.
Dimensions (W x D x H): 160 x 115 x 44 mm / 6.30" x 4.53" x 1.73".
Weight: 279 g / 0.62 lb (not including batteries).

Usage Features

Pattern Playback: Select patterns using the genre selector and 1-14 buttons. Tempo can be adjusted with the tempo knob or TAP button. Patterns can be switched during playback.
Fill-in Function: Add fill-ins by pressing FILL 1 or FILL 2 buttons during playback.
Pre-count: Set a count-in before rhythm playback, with selectable sounds (side-stick or closed hi-hat) and 2 to 8 beats.
Swing Feel: Adjust the swing depth from S-0 (no swing) to S-6 (75.0% swing) for eighth notes and sixteenth notes.
Metronome Usage: Select beat, rhythm, and metronome sound using 1-14 and FILL 1/2 buttons. Tempo is adjustable.
Pad Play Mode: Use 1-14 and FILL 1/2 buttons as pads for finger drumming with preregistered drum kits. Drum kits are genre-specific.
Reference Tone: Play sine wave reference pitches (C4-C5 range) from 430-450 Hz in pad play mode by selecting METRONOME genre.
Pattern Creation: Record new rhythm patterns by overdubbing on existing patterns or creating from scratch. Quantize and swing settings are configurable during recording.
Saving Patterns: User-created patterns can be saved to one of the 1-14 user locations.
Pedal Switch Control: Connect Korg PS-1 or PS-3 pedal switches (sold separately) to control playback, fill-ins, tempo, or trigger pad sounds. Functions can be assigned to each pedal switch.
Global Settings: Adjust pad velocity sensitivity (0-15), metronome volume for recording (0-15), and auto power-off time (disabled, 1H-4H).

Maintenance Features

Battery Installation: Requires four AA alkaline batteries. Instructions for correct polarity and removal of depleted batteries are provided. A "bAtt" indicator blinks when batteries are low.
Auto Power-Off: The unit automatically turns off after a period of inactivity (default 1 hour), which can be disabled or adjusted in global settings.
Factory Default Reset: All settings, including user patterns, pedal switch assignments, and global settings, can be restored to factory defaults. This involves a specific button combination during power-on.
Troubleshooting: The manual includes a troubleshooting section for common issues such as the unit not turning on, no sound, noise, or unresponsive MODE button or pedal switches.
Power Management: Always turn off the unit before connecting/disconnecting devices or replacing batteries. Avoid turning off power during data writing or initialization.