WNAMM13: Updated Kaossilator

US Korg debuts the Kaossilator Pro+ Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer/Loop Recorder 24/01/13

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Korg says that the new Kaossilator Pro+ is packed with 250 programs, including more of the cutting-edge synth sounds that Korg is known for. THey tell us that, like all Kaoss-based products, this versatile new instrument offers creative musical possibilities and intuitive control over multiple parameters simply by moving a finger across the X-Y touchpad. Here's the details directly from Korg...

Sixty two of the onboard sounds have been inspired by current musical genres, including familiar leads and synth basses, along with sound effects for DJ use. Also of note are the 26 drum sounds that have been especially enhanced. Updated drum PCM includes sounds from Korg's acclaimed Wavedrum percussion synth for greater performance variety. With a single Kaossilator Pro+ users can perform hip-hop, chiptune, house, dubstep, new disco, electro, reggaeton, and drum 'n' bass, or they can create their own genre.

Loop Recording can be set for up to four measures (16 beats), and performances on the Kaossilator Pro+ can be recorded into the four onboard internal Loop Recorder Banks. By adding (overdubbing) additional sounds one at a time, inspired looped phrases can be created ranging from minimal to fully orchestrated. The four infinitely loop-able banks can be combined, muted or un-muted, their volume adjusted, and their loop lengths changed - making live performance and arranging easy and fun for everyone.

The Kaossilator Pro+ provides line inputs and a mic input to allow recording of external audio sources as well. This makes it easy to add a vocal, or additional audio to any loop phrase created on the Kaossilator Pro+.

User-friendly Key and Scale features ensure that even beginners can play notes that will match the song being performed. Players can choose any of 35 scales, ranging from popular scales such as chromatic, major pentatonic, and minor blues, to unusual scales such as Spanish, Ryukyu, and Raga. Then by using the Key setting to specify a musical key or "root," users can play perfect solos without wrong notes. In addition, the Note Range can be set to a narrow range to ensure that melodies will be played accurately as intended, or to an extremely wide range to allow unexpected phrases to emerge.

The built-in gate arpeggiator patterns can automatically generate phrases and beats by simply moving a finger across the touchpad. The pad LEDs light up along the path of the user's finger, allowing users to perform with ease, even on a dimly lit stage. The four loop recording LEDs have been updated to a new, more intuitive illumination pattern–they now light red during recording and green during playback.

MIDI IN/OUT jacks and a USB port provide easy control over external MIDI devices. Loop data and user settings such as programs can be stored on an SD/SDHC card. The Kaossilator Pro+ Editor provides librarian functionality for loop data as well as a MIDI assignment editor.

Pricing and Availability:

The Korg Kaossilator Pro+ will be available April 2013 for a U.S. Street price of $399.99.

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