Pocket-sized sample scratcher - Please, Korg, make one.

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MozartVonRobot
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Pocket-sized sample scratcher - Please, Korg, make one.

Post by MozartVonRobot »

I like my KP3. I like the idea of a touchpad for messing with samples. It's nifty.
But one thing I wish it had is the ability to sample a one-shot and then scratch it. I know there are CDJ's that play MP3's and there are midi DJ controllers, et.c., but these are all somewhat expensive and often tough to carry around with a bunch of other equipment.

Here's an idea.
Imagine something the size of a Kaossilator or Mini-KP, with these functions:
Record one-shot samples from sound input (record while button is pushed, stop when button is released).
Play said one-shot samples through sound output.
Adjust pitch (speed) of said one-shot samples.
Store and load samples. (Internal memory? SD card?)
Scratch said one-shot samples with finger on touch pad (perhaps y axis for scratching, x axis for fader).
Adjust scratch sensitivity (how far the sample moves in relation to one's finger).
Adjust simulated motor strength (how long it takes for the sample to regain normal speed after finger is released).
Adjust fader shape (from soft fade to sharp cut).
Ability to scratch a second beyond the start and end of the sample (for scratching back and forth over the start and end points).

No looping, no BPM, no multi-track, no extra effects, no midi, no cd, just this basic sample scratch device with a touch pad, a wheel, a few buttons, sound in- and outputs (could easily be mono), and a card slot (or just internal memory if that's easier). It probably wouldn't have to be the highest bitrate either. Whatever is cost-efficient and doesn't sound too terrible to use in a live setting.

I'm no engineer. I don't know what might make this idea impossible or difficult, but it seems to me that there's no reason why Korg hasn't already created something like this no-brainer of a concept. Who wouldn't want one of these for their portable set? This would be awesome as a complement to a Kaossilator and Mini-Kp, for example, or in my case a complement to the MicroSAMPLER and KP3.
You could even dance around with it while doing a scratch solo if that's what you're into.

It might be a bit "phony" or something to want to scratch without records, but turntables are hard to carry around, and you can't really bring them on the bus along with other equipment. This would be a perfect portable alternative, and a great way to instantly scratch your own sounds right after recording them. And hopefully it would be a good deal cheaper than a CDJ. Who wants to spend a whole bunch of money on an expensive CD player when all you want to do is scratch samples right after recording them?

Please, Korg, make it. I'm not saying it has to be exactly like I described, this is just what my imagination came up with. It doesn't even have to be a touch pad if there are more practical ways to pull it off. As long as it's tiny, inexpensive, and can be used for recording and scratching samples, I'm buying one.

Anybody who agrees with me? Anybody who disagrees? Anybody who sort of agrees but has better ideas for an inexpensive portable sample scratcher?

Here's what one might look like:
Image

ETA: Maybe this should be in the KAOSS forum or somewhere else? In that case, I apologize and approve of moving the thread.
Mr36
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Post by Mr36 »

My guess is that there is an iPhone app that can do what you want.

And for any company to produce something so simple and limited would be crazy. Are you sure there's not an effect on the KP3 that can do what you want?
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X-Trade
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Post by X-Trade »

on the min-KP there is a tape looper with FF/RW patch which might produce similar results. Also a Vinyl looper. I imagine there should be something similar on the KP3.
Current Gear: Kronos 61, RADIAS-R, Volca Bass, ESX-1, microKorg, MS2000B, R3, Kaossilator Pro +, MiniKP, AX3000B, nanoKontrol, nanoPad MK II,
Other Mfgrs: Moog Sub37, Roland Boutique JX03, Novation MiniNova, Akai APC40, MOTU MIDI TimePiece 2, ART Pro VLA, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40.
Past Gear: Korg Karma, TR61, Poly800, EA-1, ER-1, ES-1, Kawai K1, Novation ReMote37SL, Boss GT-6B
Software: NI Komplete 10 Ultimate, Arturia V Collection, Ableton Live 9. Apple OSX El Capitan on 15" MacBook Pro
MozartVonRobot
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Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 3:28 pm

Post by MozartVonRobot »

There is the "Vinyl Looper" effect on the KP3, but it's terrible for scratching, as it only simulates slowing down and changing the direction of the sound, but there's no speed up, and no way of grabbing onto the sound in realtime and rhythmically scratching it. It's far too unresponsive to use for scratching. The equivalent of dragging a record slowly back and forth with an elastic strip.
iPhone, huh? I don't have one of those, but if there's a good and responsive sampling&scratching app for it, perhaps I should look into it...
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