Forgotten Keys Maestro Rhythm King MRK-4

Forgotten Keys has updated its Maestro Rhythm King MRK-4 drum machine sample library for Native Instruments Kontakt.

The Maestro MRK-4 is I think a rather strange-looking drum machine from the 1970s. I’m still trying to fathem the logic behind the four white rhythm selectors!

It features intro/fill patterns and rather refined cymbal sounds. It is analogue of course and employs inductor coils to generate the drum sounds. This machine also appeared in a different form as the built-in rhythm unit in some top-of-the-range Lowrey organs of the period.

The Kontakt re-creation included two bonus sounds from the Maestro Rhythm ‘N Sound G2 kindly provided by one of my customers.

Maestro Rhythm King MRK-4 features

  • 10 multi-sampled sounds.
  • 16 re-created rhythms (combinable) plus two intro/fill-ins.
  • Kontakt interface with Setup tab with volume, pan, tune and mute for each instrument, randomisation controls and customisable note and output routing.
  • Plus, two bonus sounds from the Maestro Rhythm ‘N Sound G2.

The sample library costs £3 GBP. Requires Kontakt 4.2 or above, full version.

More information: Forgotten Keys