What's New on the Red and Yellow Kaossilator 2?

iluvchiclets · Post by **iluvchiclets** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 11:35 pm

Hi everyone,

I have been enjoying my Kaossiltor for a while now, and I am still intrigued by the new "2" version.

I see there is a lot of talk about what's "wrong" with the new yellow version, but I am curious what has been improved? I understand that:

- There is no 16 bar "crack"
- There is no Undo Function
- There are now two loops you can cross between

What else is new and improved sounding on these units? Are the drum samples much better (or less electronic sounding?)

Any positive points would be appreciated. The physical changes I think I can work around, I just don't know if it's worth selling my old one for the new one if they sound the same.

Thanks in advance for reading!

MisterP · Post by **MisterP** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:37 am

You can "undo" things in a way. You can save your loops, then revert to saved if you don't like an added part. You can also audition a layer on a second track, then merge the two tracks via the "audio recorder"
function.

I can't help with the sound quality question. If you look at reviews, I think the sound is said to be improved.

I read that the arpeggiator may be less versatile than the KO1s but I cannot confirm this.

iluvchiclets · Post by **iluvchiclets** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 1:07 am

Thanks MisterP,

That sounds very interesting - I was not aware of the Audio Recorder function. I will have to research that.

Another point I forgot about the new Kaossilator 2 - the ability to save loops. That is a big improvement.

I guess my main interest is just how improved the 2 model is...I can probably learn to work with any format or interface, but how measuredly improved are the effects and samples in the new Mini KP2 and the Kaossilator 2?

...I may have to overcome my shyness and ask a store to open one up for a demo! I have had a lot of fun with my original Kaossilator, but I found it to be a bit sonically limiting sometimes.

necroscope · Post by **necroscope** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 1:37 am

I suggest that you, and pretty much everyone who feels limited by the KO2 try hooking it up to a multi-track recorder which can easily be downloaded from various places.

Yes I know that really isn't the purpose of the unit, and it's mainly focused on a portable experience. And it's definitely a lot of fun that way.

But if you use it with an outside recorder you are free of all of the limitations and can do amazing things with it.

As for upgrades, well you know about the audio recorder which is fun.

I think the crossfader is a pretty big upgrade, and of course having two tracks to record on.

I can't really comment on the sound comparison, but I can tell you that there are 150 sounds on here and I believe the KO1 only had 100.

Another way you can kinda do an undo is to build up the same loops separately on each track. Use 1 as an experimental track and 2 as the final. Once you're satisfied erase 1 and start building that up. Yes it's limited, but it's a workaround. There is also the file saving thing that has already been mentioned.

My only two issues are that you can't adjust the levels of volume on each effect and that you are limited to 8 beats per loop...but again, multi-track!!

I absolutely love mine, despite some of the negative comments going around. I advise you to just watch every video you can on youtube of people actually playing one, that's the best way to get an idea of what you can do with one.

iluvchiclets · Post by **iluvchiclets** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:35 am

Thank necroscope,

I understand what you are saying - I do own an 8 track digital recorder. I am happy and determined to work within the limitations of the two units, and the fact they are battery powered means I can play anytime, anywhere! So small and portable.

I understand the Kaossilator format. I am just unsure whether an upgrade from the original Kaossilator is needed...

Very cool about about 150 programs! I downloaded the manual and the Audio Recorder looks really interesting too. Onboard mic, audio player, it looks really nice.

I have synthesizers with sequencing to do complete songs, but there is something refreshing about working within the parameters of such a tiny machine. I appreciate the comments everyone has made, I am excited to go try one out now. I think that's the only way my ear can decide if there is something I can't live without.

necroscope · Post by **necroscope** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 4:21 am

To me the 2 tracks alone make it a huge upgrade.

The mic/recording input, crossfader and extra sounds are just the cherry on top, and when you consider those working together with two tracks you've got something pretty amazing.

But yes by all means, try one out for yourself if you can.

TheoW593 · Post by **TheoW593** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 6:05 pm

The drums sound GREAT

iluvchiclets · Post by **iluvchiclets** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 8:04 pm

To me the 2 tracks alone make it a huge upgrade.

The drums sound GREAT

Just what I like to hear!