Which KAOSS should I go for?

deception217 · Post by **deception217** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 5:01 am

Hey all, for the past few weeks I've been having a tonne of fun with the iKAOSS (currently using it on an iPhone).

That got me interested at Korg's Kaoss pads. I'm not looking at spending a fortune on equipment, I'd be happy enough to just made some simple sounds, and just have general fun with it.

So I'm here seeking some advice on what KAOSS pad would be best for me to go for?

Thanks for any advice.

probert · Post by **probert** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 9:04 am

kp3 is easily the most versatile and fun. a basic knowledge of rhythmic theory will help a lot. its a really easy piece of equipment for what it can do.

chad9477 · Post by **chad9477** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 3:41 pm

I agree completely, just be aware that the kp3 is primarily an effects processor, not a sound generator. If you have another sound source (audio from your iPhone is an option, or a CD/synth/etc.) then the kp3 will work well for mangling its beats and adding beat-sync'd efx.

Bowmoney · Post by **Bowmoney** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 3:52 pm

but it sounds like you want something that makes sounds...the kp3 and other kaoss pads are for adding effects...if you want to MAKE sounds, I would suggest the kaossilator, kaossilator pro, or new kaossilator 2....those are synths with loopers, not effects pads

hazabikit · Post by **hazabikit** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 8:55 pm

AFAIK the new Kaossilator 2 won't be out until May this year.

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 10:38 pm

Check out some youtube videos to see the differences and usage of the various kaoss devices

kaossilator/Kaossilator Pro (for sound generation...very similar to iKaossilator)

mini-kp/KP3 (for effects and sampling(only the KP3 samples)

You should try each of them to see what works best for you. Most music stores will let you demo them. If money is not an issue, obviously look at the KPro or KP3, as they are vastly superior to the Kaossilator and mini-kp...but there are certain features that the smaller models have that might make them more desirable...

Since you already have the iKaossilator, you could in theory get a mini-kp or KP3 and route the audio from the iK into either. Doing so really enhances the very limited sound palette of the iK. On the other hand, I have found that playing the iKaossilator pales in comparison to using the real thing (Kaossilator, KPro)...maybe its just me but the tactile sensation of using a real pad as opposed to a screen makes a huge difference. Also the sound banks of the hardware versions are definitely better than the iK's.

deception217 · Post by **deception217** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 2:42 am

Thanks for the advice guys, going to have a look at some youtube vids, and maybe try get my hands on a KAOSS in a store.

In terms of the Pro, I assume you save to an SD card?

probert · Post by **probert** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:15 am

if you want to make sounds dont limit yourself to what a kp can do. make them however you want and load them into the kp3 sampler and manipulate them further that way.

EnjoyRC · Post by **EnjoyRC** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 11:47 am

hazabikit wrote:AFAIK the new Kaossilator 2 won't be out until May this year.

It starts arriving in stores today 2/7/2012.

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:51 pm

hazabikit wrote:
AFAIK the new Kaossilator 2 won't be out until May this year.

It starts arriving in stores today 2/7/2012.

Those are just preorders. The sites that are selling them state that orders placed will start shipping in spring.

EnjoyRC · Post by **EnjoyRC** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 10:22 pm

roblabs wrote:
hazabikit wrote:
AFAIK the new Kaossilator 2 won't be out until May this year.

It starts arriving in stores today 2/7/2012.
Those are just preorders. The sites that are selling them state that orders placed will start shipping in spring.

Yes.. you are correct. I didn't think about mine being a pre-order.