Korg KP-3 KAOSS PAD - Touch Sensitive, Realtime Effects Generator / Controller with Sampler and Editing Software for Mac OS X and Windows XP

128 Effect Programs

Includes essential effects like filters, delays, reverb and flanging, along with specialty effects that include grain shifter, decimator, a vintage analog style filter with a tone-bending drive circuit, and expanded EQ

Programs are selected by turning a knob and assigning them to up to eight program memory locations, each with a recall button

A HOLD switch allows for freezing an effect in its current position, making it easy to capture a perfect setting or to rhythmically change the sound by drumming on the pad

FX Release adds an adjustable delay tail when removing a finger from the pad. In addition to being a creative performance tool, the feature also prevents the abrupt dropping out of the effect while transitioning from one setting to another

Synthesizers and Vocoders

Loaded with synthesizer sounds including analog synthesizer programs and ethereal ambiance-type sounds

Also included are vocoder programs that are great for MC or vocal processing, or adding vocoder effects to program material

BPM Effects

The delay time or the LFO rates of modulation effects such as pan, phaser or flanger can be synchronized to the beat with the unit's programmed BPM effects

An auto BPM function detect the speed of an input source, or alternatively the BPM can be adjusted manually or by tap-tempo

The KP3 can also send and receive tempo information via MIDI clock. This allows the unit to detect BPM information from a turntable for example, and in turn provide MIDI clock to other devices down the line

Sampling with Effects

The KP3 can record both looped phrases and one shot samples from an external source

Four sample keys

Loop samples can be up to four measures (sixteen beats) long, at 73 BPM or above. Eight beats is the maximum number that can be sampled for tempo values lower that 73. If the tempo is 39 BPM or lower, the maximum number is four

Resampling allows sampling external audio sources through the internal effects, or capturing the entire output of the unit as a new sample

Time-Slicing chops a sample into separate parts

Pad Movements

Pad movements are remembered exactly and any complex pad movements can be played back, instantly reproducing the original effect sounds

A MUTE function can be used to cut the input sound, leaving only the reverb or delay "tail," or muting can be rapidly switched on/off in time with the rhythm

Operation and Connection

Turntables, CD players and musical instruments can be easily connected

A microphone input is perfect for processing vocals or for use as a wild MC toolbox

MIDI IN and OUT connectors allow a computer-based or stand-alone sequencer to record and playback subtle movements traced on the pad for flexible production and remixing possibilities. The MIDI OUT connector also allows for controlling other synthesizers and MIDI gear

Light and Style

The pad lighting system places sixty-four individual LEDs in an eight by eight grid under the pad, providing visual cues as to the current program, held position, etc. It can even scroll a custom message across the pad

The unit is also built to travel with a heavy-duty, die cast aluminum chassis and a bold, slim-line design