Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer
The KAOSSILATOR is an ultra-portable, pocket sized instrument that features Korg's world renowned synthesizer sound, along with innovative performance features. These include a touch-pad interface borrowed from the KAOSS PAD series, and one-hundred programs that can produce instant musical phrases by simply tapping or sliding a finger across the touch pad.
The instrument liberates non-keyboard players by providing a convenient way to create loops and phrases, while allowing untrained musical enthusiasts to enjoy an entirely new level of musical involvement and expression. Different scales can be selected and the phrases and sounds processed by the internal effects. Since the unit can operate on batteries, musical inspiration can be captured whenever it strikes, irrespective of location.
A special feature of the KAOSSILATOR is its ability to do loop recording. A phrase can be recorded with a specified number of beats (maximum eight beats or two measures), and played back endlessly. Once a phrase is captured, another sound can be chosen and recorded over the first. This can go on indefinitely, allowing the user to create ever more complex phrases. These in turn can be recorded to a DAW for further music creation.
- Touch-pad based phrase synthesizer
- One-hundred sound programs that combine Korg's modeling synthesizer engine with the effects from the KAOSS PAD series
- Two-octave note/pitch range accessed via the horizontal axis
- Vertical axis is assigned to parameters such as cutoff, feedback, or modulation depth
- Scale function that makes it simple to produce accurate pitches that match any musical context
- Gate Arpeggiator allows the user to produce specific patterns of notes in sync with the user specified tempo
- Loop Recording allows for recording a phrase with a specified number of beats (8 beats = 2 measures maximum)
- Loops can be stacked endlessly one on top of another
- Headphone output can be used to transfer loops into a DAW for further processing or to build more complex pieces
| Effects Type | Dynamic phrase synthesizer |
| Channels |
2 (stereo)
1
Please Note:Loop recorder will infinitely loop new patterns over previous ones for creating complex loops close |
| Effect Variations |
Synthesizer basses Synthesizer leads Natural instruments Chorded sounds Drum sounds |
| Presets | 100 |
| User Memory | No |
| Inputs | No |
| Output |
2 x RCA 1 x Stereo mini Headphone |
| AD/DA Conversion | D/A: 24-bit/48kHz |
| MIDI | No |
| External Storage | No |
| Display | 3 digit LED |
| Frequency Response | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Dynamic Range | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Noise | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 4.17 x 5.1 x 1.14" (106 x 130 x 29mm) |
| Weight | 5.43 oz (154g) - without batteries |
| Specialties |
Requires four AA batteries which provide approximately five hours of operation Optional AC adapter available |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 43 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (37)
- Portable (37)
- Responsive / good action (29)
- Pre-programmed music (28)
- Touch sensitive keys (24)
Cons
- Limited sound selection (11)
- No speakers (11)
Best Uses
- Electronic music (32)
- Travel (23)
- Accompaniment (22)
- Learning (15)
- Concerts (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (20), Novice (18), Professional musician (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
Hours/Days/Weeks/Years of fun!
Let me start off this review be stating that this product is not for everyone. While it is simple enough to use and intuitive enough that anyone can pick it up and start creating great...Read complete review
Let me start off this review be stating that this product is not for everyone. While it is simple enough to use and intuitive enough that anyone can pick it up and start creating great music with it, you really have to have a creative desire to continue using it. Even though this is an incredibly easy devise to pick up the ins and outs of it also isn't a shallow experience. There are a huge number of scales from which to choose and within each of these scales are a full 3 octaves from which to choose your key. You'll find yourself slowly but surely branching out into new scales and building a repertoire of which instruments and beats sound best with which scales and key's. I can say honestly that with minimal music knowledge I was able to produce some very catchy music after about 30 minutes of opening the box. Now comes the critique. I'm disappointed with the limited loop length. 8 beats is not enough room to make a complex loop. There is a mode that the Kaossilator can be put in to which allows recording of 16 beats. The is a slightly more advanced mode that may be used to "cut beats". In other words, any changes made to the loop length or BPM are recorded and also looped. It's a very tricky mode to work in and I have yet to master it. Another complaint is the note placement on some of the scales used. Sometimes the scales are not evenly spaced from left to right on the track pad. In some a displacement of 1/4 inch from the center can cause a change of 3 or 4 notes. However, a displacement of 1/2 an inch from the far right or left side might only cover 2 notes. This makes for a frustrating time when trying to play certain notes and not just free styling. This is most definitely not something you should get if you want to flawlessly reproduce your favorite electronic hits. You are more or less forced to create your own music. Not that this is a bad thing. Also, it's slightly sad that there is no way of saving a loop on the device once it is turned off. I've come up with a method to record my work on my computer using a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable to connect the headphone output of the Kaossilator to the microphone input of my computer. From there all you need to do is use the RCA line outs to plug the Kaossilator in to a pair of speakers to hear your work while you record it.
In summary, the Kaossilator provides one with hours upon hours of fun. I only got mine about 2 weeks ago and i've probably logged about 20 hours of time on it. It's easy enough to use that you'll find yourself creating beats when you are on a break from work, or waiting for a new demo to load. But it's also deep enough that you'll spend 5 hour sessions recording your loops into your computer and editing what you have until you have a legitimate song. On the down side, it's nearly impossible to recreate other songs or your own songs flawlessly. The best one can do is get somewhat close. All told, this is an amazingly fun piece of equipment which provides an easily accessible outlet for your creative tendencies.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Fun toy
It's fun but it really takes a lot of practice to make music.
It's fun but it really takes a lot of practice to make music.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 43 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
Cons
- Can't Sample
- No Memory
- No Speakers
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Travel
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
This is great for making music on the fly. When I am traveling I like to be able to make music, but I can't carry around all the gear. This is a small, light device that is fairly versatile. Even though it lacks a few things, it makes up for them in weight and size.
Pros
- Portable
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
Cons
- Difficult to Use
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
It's fun but it really takes a lot of practice to make music.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great sound Quality
- Portable
Cons
- No ability to record
- No Speakers
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- Travel
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
I use my Kaossilator on the plane, or when im just lounging on the sofa, or whenever I feel like making some music. Its very easy to use and the touchpad is very responsive and allows for a multitude of sounds. the olnly thing that I would say to add would be the ability to save some recordings, maybe add an SD slot or compact flash even.. OTHERWISE Awesome product, fun and easy to use!
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- Travel
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
I bought the kaossilator to supplement jam seshes and to play around with using various recording hardware and software and it does exactly what I bought it for.
Pros: a variety of different sounds and synths, easy to use, compact/light, fun
Cons: knob feels like it could break easily, only loops 8 bars worth
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
I am a mobile DJ. I use the kaossilator to construct beats and loops for live performances. The quality of the sound produced is CD or as close to CD quality as you can get. Removing a specific layer in your loop could be easier, is about the only significant complaint. It could be mountable with clips or velcro.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- No keypad
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
I purchased the Kaossilator for personal use and ended up using it for some back up in a band I work with. It is Sooooo easy to use and play and the sound is top quality. The only thing I would like to have on it would be a direct entry keypad instead of the dial control but for the small price it's no big deal. Awesome little unit.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Pre-programmed music
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Travel
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
It's a toy... no, it's a learning tool...
Well, this device is so cool I'm going to buy one for both of my musician brothers. It is so much fun, and if you know a bit of music, the KAOSSILATOR could even become a musical instrument.
The Sounds Are Incredible: ranging from rich, deep basses to every electronic sound you can imagine. Filter sweeps, decay, reverb, LFO modulation, and more effects are all included in the programs that are played by the device. I contend that playing with the KAOSSILATOR will help you learn about these audio concepts. It will definitely be a ton of fun while you're at it!
Concerning the operation of the device, you have to be precise, really precise in your movements on the pad to get predictable sounds. It is possible, though difficult with some of the "programs" (combos of voice and modulation sources), to get predictable sounds. The random, unpredictable nature of the sounds produced might prevent the KAOSSILATOR from becoming a new seat in the orchestra, but it would sound really cool in trying.
I'm taking the KAOSSILATOR with me (along with the latest book I might be reading) whenever I might have some idle time. Plug in the headphones and dial up some electronic craziness! What a Blast!
Have Fun!
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- 8 beat loop limit
- Limited Sound Selection
- No midi out
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Music
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
This product is an great source of fun. A powerful little synth engine, this thing can do amazing sounds. Some of the synth programs are unreal. Being stuck to only 8 beats is a major limitation, also, not having a midi out is not good. For the price, this thing is amazing.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Price
- Responsive / Good Action
- Runs on batteries or AC
Cons
- Limited Sound Selection
- Short loop duration
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- Travel
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
I bought this based on reading some reviews and seeing it in action on YouTube. I didn't have very high expectations being a newbie in the music production arena that I'd be able to pick this up and do anything with it, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's loaded with sounds and some drum samples and is seriously addicting. I'm not sure I'd use this in serious music production, but it is fun when I need some creative time to myself and am just looking for something to give me some inspiration. The interface is super easy to learn to use and layering loops couldn't be easier. The fact that it runs on 4 AA batteries means I can take it on the plane for long flights, or toss it in my work bag for a lunchtime break.
The downsides are that you only get an 8 count loop, so your "songs" will get super repetitive very quickly, also there's not a good way to remove and add layers quickly/easily.
If you're looking for a tool to provide a bit of inspiration and also just to mess around with, you can't really go wrong with the Korg Kaossilator.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Responsive / Good Action
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
I use the product for personal fun. Making beats, and looping sounds. Whats so great about this product is you dont have to my a full fledged musician to be able to use it. You just need to be able to count to a beat.
I highly recommend this product for the not so Pro or even Pro!!
Pros
- Awesome
- Easy to Use
- Fun
- Near-infinite
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Feels a little plasticy
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
All I know, is that I love electronica music and can hear, feel, and move to it well. Although I have never been "Good" at playing music, this little yellow guy allows me to be as creative as I want with a limit that seems endless.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- Travel
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
The Kaossilator is smaller and thinner than I expected which is very cool for taking with you. the optional power adapter is a good call although I've gotten hours and hours out of the 4AA batteries as well. Already thinking of buying another to add extra layers to my mixes. great fun.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Concerts
- Learning
- Travel
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
In terms of what this product does, I don't have a whole lot to say that others haven't already. The features are absolutely great! The sounds and effects that come preloaded are extremely diverse and will keep you busy for a while. The looping/arpeggiator/scale/tempo options make it so easy to change moods on the fly.
However, I feel that I was somewhat unique in my purchase of the Kaossilator because I bought it mostly to accompany my music recording, instead of being the main event. A lot of the other reviews that I have read complained that this synth quickly turned from instrument to toy when they got bored with looping the same sounds. Instead, it has been a great accompaniment to fill out my acoustic recordings. When you are adding the Kaossilator as a new layer to your existing music, it is definitely a powerful instrument and not a toy. Great job Korg! I love it.
Pros
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
The number and quality of features is excellent at this price. Well built, uses NIMH rechargeables (4xAA), and has a decent manual. Most of the patterns and voices seem best suited to rave/dance/hip-hop, but this is a very flexible device and even a rocker can find useful stuff in there. Not recommended as your main drum machine, but has some limited capability there.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
Cons
- Limited Sound Selection
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
I use the Kaossilator for creating loops with recording software. It's intuitive to use, sounds great and is a blast to use. My only gripe is I wish it recorded longer loops and had more sounds.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Fun
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- Travel
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
i use this little machine to rercord with ,its got every thing you need ,best thing is no fighting among band members its only me now.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
This product is used on its own and in combination with other synths that I own to create some of the most amazing pieces. I love that it has so many different options for sounds, and how easy it is to work. The only con would be not having a grid like work area to help place where certain tabs are in relation to the sound that you are playing. That would help to go back and hit the same spot for more consistency
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Travel
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
My boyfriend is one of those people who taps and drums on everything. EVERYTHING. I got him this so that he could occupy his hands and drum/tap away while making a better sound than banging on whatever is near him. He loves it, and it's saved my sanity!
It has a TON of different sounds and capabilities, and has potential to provide endless entertainment. He mostly uses this as a toy, not for any DJ'ing, mixing, or whatever else, so we have no idea how it is for those purposes... but it's still amazingly fun to play with!
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
- Travel
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
good settings
touch enabled
great memory settings
portable
wireless
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
Cons
Best Uses
- Concerts
- Electronic Music
- Travel
Comments about Korg KO1 KAOSSILATOR - Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer:
I am a serious non-professional electronic sound experimentalist and a total Korg fanboy. This little doohicky run direct or through Kaoss has given me hours of pleasure and I expect it to be a persistant part of my arsenal for all time.
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Batteries & Power
- Price: $1.23
- CAD 1.26
- Price: $9.99
- CAD 10.22
Cables
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- Original: $9.95
- Save: $0.99
- Price: $8.96
- CAD 9.17
Headphones
- Price: $59.99
- CAD 61.38
Effects Processors
- Price: $99.99
- CAD 102.30
What's in the Box
- 4 x AA Batteries
- One (1) Year Warranty
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