R-100 Digital Drum Machine © 1987 Kawai.
The Kawai R-100 was a professional-grade digital drum machine designed for studio and live electronic music production. It used 12-bit PCM samples at 32 kHz, offering a set of 24 onboard drum and percussion sounds. It featured velocity-sensitive pads, extensive MIDI implementation, and a powerful built-in sequencer capable of pattern and song chaining. Positioned above the simpler R-50, the R-100 became known for its solid build quality, detailed sequencing capabilities, and distinctive late-1980s digital drum character.
8 velocity-sensitive pads
24 internal 12-bit PCM drum samples
32 kHz sample rate
100 pattern memory + 100 song memory
Up to ~3500-note sequencer capacity
Individual outputs (multi-out routing to mixer)
MIDI IN / OUT / THRU
DIN sync + tape sync options
Real-time and step programming
Pad parameter editing (level, tuning, panning, sensitivity)
The R-100 is widely considered one of Kawai’s most advanced 1980s drum machines, competing with Roland and Yamaha units of the same era.
It uses 12-bit PCM samples, giving it a characteristic crunchy but punchy 80s drum texture.
It includes velocity-sensitive pads, which was relatively advanced for 1987.
It was often used in industrial, EBM, early house, and pop production due to its strong individual outputs and tight sequencing.
The R-100 was the “big brother” of the R-50, offering more outputs and deeper editing control.
It includes extensive rear-panel connectivity (individual outs, sync I/O, MIDI, footswitch inputs), making it unusually studio-flexible for its time.
Modern producers often sample it for its raw, dry, punchy drum character rather than its original workflow.