KORG DDD-1
Dynamic Digital Drums
Low serial number: #1502
Vintage: 1986

This was my first of many drum machines; I am the original owner - and I still love it - unfortunately, it's time to part.

Here's what you need to know:
  • all the contact were recently cleaned for full functionality;
  • electrical cord was replaced some time ago;
  • there are minor paint scratches - none of which affect the sound;
  • the unit has never been dropped;
  • all ROM card slots work <recently tested>
  • I never had a RAM card, therefore, in theory, it should work (should you find a RAM card to use)
  • all outputs work (multi-out, stereo, mono)
  • tape in & out work (used it many times at the recording studio - remember not to record sync too loud)
  • and the most important thing to note, the internal memory battery will need to be replaced. This is an easy task for someone with basic electronic / soldering knowledge.
    Please refer to this link for reference and instructions. 
  • NOTE: If you decide to go forward with the battery replacement, I will not be held accountable if things go wrong. If you have any doubts, please see a qualified technician.
  • Original owner's manual included

Now to the fun stuff:

The Korg DDD-1 drum machine released in 1986. This unit was the flagship rhythm unit from Korg at the time, which could be expanded with up to 4 ROM cards of additional sounds, as well as a functioning sampler with an added RAM card. This machine features basic drum sounds that can be tuned, and assigned to any of the 6 extra outputs. Additionally, the DDD-1 has full MIDI capabilities, tape in/out for saving, metronome, and clock outputs. The Korg DDD-1 was a monumental drum synth in it's day and is still highly regarded for it's sounds and sequencer.

During its hey-day, the KORG DDD-1 was Teddy Riley's go to drum machine - credits include:

Classical Two - Raps New Generation
Johnny Kemp - Just Got Paid
Keith sweat - I Want Her
Kool Moe Dee - Go See the Doctor
Guy LP

Public Enemy also used it... Before there were dedicated sampling machines, musicians used the sampling capabilities of drum machines. Public Enemy made extensive use of a Korg DDD-1 drum machine.

Public Enemy - Rebel Without a Pause
Public Enemy - Yo! Bum Rush the Show

Architecture

Type: Digital

Synthesis: ROM, Sampling

Pattern Notes:
+100 patterns

Songs

+10 Songs

Sounds Per Pad

Sounds Per Pad: 1

Sources: ROM

Sampling: 12 bit, One Shot (Phrase)

Sampling Notes: +Samplig option allows for 13,6 / 23,1 Khz for a max time of 3.2 seconds if DSB-1 sampling board installed

Polyphony & Tuning

Polyphony: 18

Tuning: Standard

Modes: Polyphonic

Storage

Patterns User: 100

Songs User: 10

Storage: Internal, RAM Cartridge, Tape

Case

Case: Desktop

Controls: Buttons, Pads, Start / Stop Pedal, Sliders

Display Type: LCD, Backlit

Display Count H: 16

Display Count V: 2

Dimensions (WxDxH): 411 x 263 x 65 mm

Weight: 3.2 kg

MIDI / Sync / Trigger

Audio Outputs: 1/4" Phone Jack, Mono Out, Stereo Main, Stereo Headphone

Audio Output Count: 10

Inputs: 1 x1/4" Input

MIDI Ports: IN, OUT

CV Ports: Trigger Out

Power: 7 w

Production

Released: 1986