Korg Kaoss replay - Misunderstood but not useless!

Korg released Kaoss Replay months ago but I didn't get my hands on it until just recently.
Let's go over it and let me show you a few ways I'll use it in the future.
This is a highly misunderstood unit that people expected to be an SP-404 killer. It's not. At all.
I figured out some really cool ways to use it for what it is though and I'll add it to my live rig! Even though it's not a unit for everyone, partly because of the price, I think it serves a purpose and I'm pretty excited about what this will add to my live beat sessions in the future.
Btw... It does need a few more updates and massive price drop.
Not hating it though... Definitely not.
#korgkaossreplay #korg #beatmaker

[@TheSakuraGumiLTD]

Micro USB is like customizing your super car with Wish products

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah. It feels like adding usb-a on the next iPhone.

[@DesertNinjaX]

USB C all the things!

[@VJFranzK]

Micro USB is like... Putting an 8 Track player in your Electric Car

[@tylon2999]

Well Korg can be strange.

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

It’s kinda a bit drunk gansta...like someone leaving the company got their last “Fuckyou” in by slipping that into the design

[@jimshannononsounds]

Great review Accurate. This device looks/sounds interesting. For something in the same form factor as the 404, the price should at least come down to that level.

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah, that would’ve been an easier sell for Korg. The form factor really backfired on them.

[@milk_bath]

Despite agreeing with your conclusion, I find your reasoning a bit faulty. Rings are all the same form factor, should they all cost the same too?

[@artisans8521]

​@AccurateBeats Agree to disagree, this is a DJ tool. To me it is a DJS1000 and an RMX1000 unit in one. Form factor is more related to the CDJ's and XDJ's and looking from that perspective it fits the bill. Problem for Korg.....DJ's are about as conservative as EBU officials. If it doesn't say Pioneer (or Allen & Heath) on the box it cannot be a DJ tool, right? A Denon 6000 series has literally twice the performance of a CDJ 3000 at half the price (a single Denon is a 2 Channel affair)....and comes with motorized platters, for a few dollars more. By the way, have you checked the back of a Pioneer or Allen &Heath mixer lately (just making fun, dissing Sweeds is somehow very popular in my country nowadays and I know you have). Indeed nice guilded cinch terminals so that makes sense also. So Korg (and Mr. Klein) made a serious error of judgement, but as you frequently say "it is what it is". The SP404 crossed the line from Dj tool to musical instrument in the early naughties, when "real" samplers were so expensive most budding (aka starving) musicians had to sell their kidney (or deal dope) to own one. So the poor SP202 and 303 were mistreated as musical instruments (not by Dilla, Roland). Not so the Korg.

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

The only folks I’ve seen demoing it were sent it...RRRREEEEAAAALLLY intrigued by it as a live tool but it’s been hard to gauge its application and usage cases honestly so this was a refreshing later visit. Korg could do themselves some real favours allowing more open access to their design teams as they’re clearly brilliant but make such obtuse choices I’d LOVE to hear their thoughts and processes

[@carolscarlett3161]

I think it looks fun to use really 😊

[@djkanyon]

No problem with the device at all. I would absolutely love to have Replay at my collection, it's cool and useful (long time Korg Kaoss series fan since my times of DJ-ing). It's just... well let's be honest... it's twice the price of 404 (And when it came out originally in was more than a grand). There's no bad gear, just bad prices.

[@AccurateBeats]

Well said! It’s strange when something like this comes along…

[@730productionsllc]

Sounds real interesting to pair it with my SP but not for that price.

[@dandman2k11]

awesome for effects, sounds like it would be great for dj's maybe even replacing a desk

[@bobbyrohr]

People can have different opinions about the price. But for me it is the ideal effect and looping device at the end of the Elektron / MC-707 and Novation Peak chain. I really love the workflow and don't know of any device that could do it better. I wouldn't want to give it away anymore. Even better since firmware version 2. I don't miss a sequencer, I have that on all other devices. And I don't think it's comparable to the SP-404, it has a different purpose and is much more complicated to use for me. Kaoss Replay - I love it. :-)

[@Epicfuzz]

I mean you can use the cue buttons as slices for a sample and you can save those slices and the sample to one pad. That intrigued me big time. The ability to have a sample and slices all on one pad…you can have a ton of samples and slices all accessible. If you are producing for sample heavy genres like Plunderphonics, that would be a dream.

[@user-gt1mt7nc4r]

I bought kaoss replay in Japan for 500 US dollars and enjoy it every day. KRP has fun that SP404 and MPC one don't have.The potential is high. Have a nice day

[@AccurateBeats]

Thanks for sharing!

[@VJFranzK]

How? Used ones can't be that cheap, yet

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

You took a gun with you?

[@djyua9157]

Hold off on Japan???👀

[@s-CRY-ed]

Been waiting for this kind of content to come out. I can’t wait to get my hands on this machine

[@Koopakid917543]

I've been on the fence about buying a 404 mk2 since they came out. When I saw this, with the kaoss name, I was instantly intrigued. After watching one video I realized eh, it's really not what I thought it was especially at that price point. I do like it, but I don't think id ever buy one

[@VJFranzK]

7:30 - Is there a way to keep those Stem launches locked to the tempo? (and what about changing their relative volume on the fly?)

[@jaimeross7507]

WE Hooked up Our VHS movie Player to the RCA Jacks......and Watched The Wizard of OZ🪄👠 on it.

[@izraelservantofalmightygod]

You are spending your money and your free time right

[@tylon2999]

First review to get it right. Your right about the price but since my KP-3 went belly up and I also got better price I bought it. I own more Korg products than the other manufacturers and they put some dubious products on the market, but at least they are trying something new. Disappointed they're no new effects. I wonder if they are going to release a new Kossiloter with the same form. If it has a proper arp they will have my money.

[@technodrone313]

i looked at the teenage engineering thing then the 404 then this then back to the 404 and im pretty damn happy especially with the looper patch.

[@artisans8521]

Nice review Accurate. It's a DJ tool......and a good one. But not fornmusic production. It can ve done, but it isn't what it's meant for. I use an S8 and the Remix decks. A Replay would make sense. BTW miss Lionclad uses a 4 channel Kaospad in her livesets. So check her out for inspiration.

[@tylon2999]

I used it in the pre fx of my Xone 96 and the signal is a little to hot for playing tracks but works fine in post but that's not the way I work, but it's fine is my production set up, in general the sound is equal the price.

[@SabcatPrinting]

If it did a bit more… such as a 4 or 8 track loop sequencer, with sample clip/loop recording synced to measures lengths (im talking SP808 functionality) it would be great. I guess its really useful for DnB live performances, experimenting with effects all the way through the set.

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah, it’s a bit strange, right? A lot of improvements could be made here… I hope some things will be added in a future update but I’ll still find a good use for this in my live rig. Adding live effects on electronic music is never a bad idea. Let’s see if Korg manages to improve on the kaoss replay or not. It’s just a pretty specific product as it is right now.

[@VJFranzK]

So it doesn't have a 4 track looper like the Kaoss 3 did... 15 years ago?? They really should add this with a SW update. Many KP3 users thought of it as a Looper more than an Effect.

[@christianwheeler8386]

Way too expensive

[@asynchronicity]

Exactly

[@wiidlbeetle3857]

Agreed

[@Bass_Levelz]

Definitely overpriced

[@va941]

Yeah, just like every other piece of kit ever been😂...well...the SeqTrack is actually hiting a sweet spot.

[@sona_rium]

Nice, video. I think most people understand what that device is, it's simply not for them, nothing wrong with that. If Korg wanted to target DJ then they should have marketed that device properly to DJ. Does that device supports Pioneer sync? Serato sync? Serato integration? NO.

[@maikvanrossum]

So it’s a new version of the Kaoss Pad with the 1-shot capabilities of the SP404 build in…?

[@AccurateBeats]

It can also sample. Somewhat… and edit… Somewhat. But you’re pretty close to the truth here.

[@maikvanrossum]

@@AccurateBeats maybe #Korg could save it by implementing a step sequencer, using the pads as Elektron style steps with parameter locks. It would be great if its processing power would be capable of your suggested multi FX setup and separation. So for (pre-)recorded loops and the stereo inputs. That would make it more of a great performance effects unit.

[@bendecker7342]

Need a Mark II balanced TRS I/O

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

No fx buses is pretty sad. Can it do layered keygroups

[@BosleyBeats]

Great video. There’s a lot of hate out there and I’m looking for some new tools to help in sound design and production for a new immersive project I’m building. I purchased the last one of these from an online retailer, they are all mostly on back order for months; so it must have some value. Going to see how it plays out. Thanks for an honest review and use case. Appreciate it

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

This is one of those machines where you just wait like 2 years and get it at a much lower price lol. Kind of like the Pioneer Toraiz SP-16

[@kafkawilde4604]

Great stablemate for sp404mk2 but would only buy it at 500 🇬🇧 pounds

[@kisho2679]

does it beat the Octatrack for live mangling?

[@GuayusaPure]

Mpc one does most of it and even more for half of the price apart from those faders

[@InkyDaCaT]

Its an odd one this.... perhaps DJs would have been really interested a few years back, and if they dropped price maybe it would be successful?

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah, who knows really? It is a pretty strange device but I’m sure its a perfect fit some someone out there.

[@steveharrington8952]

Oh Accurate Beats, I have so much respect for you having watched your videos for years but I would urge you to reconsider the Korg Replay once you go deeper with this machine. For starters, the FX routing can be split in several ways - try pressing Shift + FX Target. Compared to many current and new devices the screen on this one is really good. Also, many haters say there is no included sequencer (which is true) but Korg Replay plays so nicely over MIDI including cc's. So far I have paired this with Digitakt 2 - awesome and MC-707, again great stuff. I really don't care that so many people miss the point because I think this is a reassuringly expensive addition to my setup. Peace Trueyorky! 🙂

[@ElGuatequero]

Mate its not hating, the machine its amazing and don't need a sequencer per se, but for what offer its too expensive for what others do. Its that easy.

[@asynchronicity]

"reassuringly expensive" Hahahahaha, okay...🤔🤨

[@jamesbond339]

I massively agree on the price being too high. I get it when you look at other DJ specific external samplers (DJS-1000) or effects units but it's still too much for this space given everything else that is available. It's odd to call it a one trick pony because of effects, given you can do sample playback. When I look at the guitar pedal world, looping from SD provided samples is a luxury and not a staple. It's just in this weird in between world and then has to live with that price tag.

[@AccurateBeats]

True!!! And from my perspective - as a sample based producer with Maschine, MPC’s and SP’s all over the place… The sampling, editing and loping functionality here just doesn’t hold up in comparison. I guess it all depends on where you come from. This is not a bad device for what it is. People just got their expectations all messed up.

[@jamesbond339]

@@AccurateBeats 1000% I view it as an add on to an established studio. This shouldn't be anyone's first, second, or only purchase :). Also it could be cheaper!! I subscribe to most of the people that did day 1 and I was like "I don't think it does what you think it does".

[@AccurateBeats]

Facts! This could be a good addition to a studio or a pretty great addition to a live setup - never the first purchase! That’s what I should’ve said in my video! It’s funny you say that! I felt the exact same way when I saw most of the vids. This might be one of the most misunderstood gear releases ever… The form factor immediately put them in the wrong bracket and the price just isn’t right. Thanks for sharing! We’re really on the same page here!

[@melodywave3]

the kp3 was already overpriced for what it delivered, the price is just insulting considering the rmx-1000 is cheaper

[@jamesbond339]

Rmx-1000 doesn’t have sample playback, cue points, as many effects, and is basically out of stock at all major retailers

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah, the rmx doesn’t really compare but I get the point. The pice is definitely the biggest issue here

[@VJFranzK]

The Looper made KP3 worth it! (And now, the huge number of used ones make it quite available.)

[@jatsajatsa]

Hey man. I sent you a mail the other day (with a question). Did you get a chance to look at it? 🙏

[@AccurateBeats]

Hi! Yes, I saw that but forgot all about it... You should now have my reply and the files you mentioned attached to the email :D

[@jatsajatsa]

@@AccurateBeats 🙏

[@asynchronicity]

As a long time Korg fan I would nevertheless say this is for people with more money than brains and more cocaine than talent.

[@GlitchComputer]

I just can't over the usb C that's used for power but NOT for data and no dedicated power supply....like...why?

[@AccurateBeats]

Right?! I've seen companies making a lot of strange choices over the years but this has to be one of the worst. Sure... You can do most things from the SD card and don't ever really use the usb micro but still. It just doesn't make sense

[@crowfoot7355]

4:11 4:13 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@jayephbee]

Don’t think it’s for me. I got the KP3 a long time ago and I use maybe 5 fx on it.

[@matthewgaines10]

Nope...this isn't a problem of expectations. The problem is Korg did a poor job of building a device at an affordable price that is targeted to it's core market. Not only that but at the same time, they completely ignored making a device that eould be in demand by the broader market. They made their own thing and the people didn't follow their lead. Who did their market research is rather curious.

[@dolo747]

Micro usb automatic deal breaker.

[@VagPoop_]

RCA output? lmao

[@Syntox]

This has zero reason to exist. Korg is on a weird trip right now.

[@adamsvendsen1252]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too expensive

[@milkweedreflections]

Yeah, its cool for what it is, its just comically overpriced.

[@AccurateBeats]

Can’t argue much with that.

[@artisans8521]

​@@AccurateBeatsI can, but see another comment. It could replace DJS and RMX by Pioneer. In that case it is dirt cheap.

[@730productionsllc]

Not for 1k

[@konxxxq]

価格が問題。

[@robertsylvester9421]

Nope

[@Mikepepp2]

BIG NO FOR ME. They could have made a new electribe 3 with this. And they failed again . All most of us wanted for years was a new electribe with sample banks ,and the polyphony to match . I would have bought 2 but nope 👎

[@koalemos1679]

Oh look, another Not-A-Good-Electribe from Korg. Meh.

[@TK-hz4ss]

Its ridiculously overpriced, and the i/o is such a turn off that it just exacerbates the price even more. Its like Korg is beligerantly trying to get a rise out of everybody by saying " we got something really cool here, for a ridiculous price, and even more ridiculous hardware outfitted on it, whatchya think?" Its like discovering a column-shift automatic on a tinted out 5.0 litre mustang done right up until you open the door.....

[@DeathTrapProductions]

Korg R&D needs to retire. Aint no one paying 1k for these especially with that antiquated i/o. Gonna be pushing as many as they can out to influencers though. At least someone is winning 😂

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

The pricing is done by another (international) department and I’m betting there are some serious disagreements between them

[@pirateradioFPV]

So, a one trick pony for the people who make more money than have common sense 😁

[@djkanyon]

golden

[@danielscott7985]

Nah this is trash

[@Dr4gnDr0p]

Buy an mpc live 2 or one for less than that and have a box that does multiple things instead of a thousand bucks 1 trick pony

[@EmpathicRebel-mn8ee]

I'm sorry but this is for djs on the tours, for programming whilst using on their sets. Period yes it worth 1000, considering mixers are ridiculous, and for Pioneers CDJs are mad price just for fucking one of them lole €5000 to 6500 for a pair of them. so for a DJs price, it's nothing. For a producers price yeah expensive.

[@sona_rium]

Pioneer prices are definitely ridiculous. Back when people were mixing CD, Pioneer had a technology that helped stabilize CD players so that they wouldn't skip or something. However, now that the CDJ don't even play CD anymore, well they have no advantage over Denon.

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

Yeah I really understood this to be a live performance tool, but so many demoes seem to be bedroom jockeys knocking out rote beats and whinging about their Digitakt