Korg Kaossilator Pro - SonicLAB Review

The big brother of the original Kaossilator comes with high expectations.
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[@Topdoginuk]

Im exp delivery of this Kaossilator today! I've never used one before so, I'm open to suggestions as to where to start. I've got Mixcraft 5 DAW and I was hoping to create some tracks with a steady beat and add vocals. I think it sounds awkward to get creations from this Kaos Pro via its SD card and into the DAW! Is it easy? Do ya recon I cud create a track worthy of selling once I've mastered this &, would I need to use a MIDI keyboard to add extra sounds?

[@PKUltra]

What do you use to get the sound going straight out of the box? I just ordered mine and I don't really have much experience

[@justinkinter8651]

love the overdub when you say "sd card" around 4:47 lmao

[@ricardovallin5725]

Justin Kinter didn’t even notice the first time 😂

[@lilbigman777]

Could you connect the Kaossilator Pro to the RC-30 loopstation?

[@TheZriderz]

Question? Would this be good with a maschine mikro im new to the electronic beat world and just bought a mikro? Also whats best for hip-hop, is it decks? Or syths?

[@Brain4Zombie]

Hi, does the Kaossilator Pro comes with a power supply or do you have to buy it separately? It won't run from betteries after all I've read, or? Thanks for the video and reviews. I will have a closer look at the Kaossilator at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt and think I will buy it... as a big brother for my original Kaossilator :)

[@sonicstate]

I dont know about the update, one would assume or hope so. Yes USB can be used to access both the SD card and the contents of the memory. USB can mount the SD card and also be used to communicate directly with the Kopro and use it as a MIDI device over USB

[@abattlescar]

So, if I bought this would I pretty much be set for audio mixing right out of the box? Or would I need other software or hardware?

[@lacherlichcateaster4538]

If only I'd seen this before I bought one....Mainly because if you set up a loop and it won't "sync" (as you rightly say) then what's the point? It's like having a brilliant drummer who'll just play at his or her own tempo - amazing beats, but no joining in...ah well...bought it now.

[@samartini1]

Thanks for the review, one question, if Korg did implement new features, such as MIDI control you talk of, can this be done via a firmware update? Also saving samples, is it only via the SD card? Is it not possible to export via USB? I pre-ordered my unit 24 days ago and gagging for it! The unit that is...

[@sonicstate]

Well I dont have the KP3 nor have we reviewed it. But I would think that this will work better as a looper as that is its primary function. I dont know if the KP3 has much sample ram, and presumably only a single loop

[@udleveret]

Do you have to get the KOPRO plugged into your PC/MAC and map it through Logic everytime you will play "real" notes with MIDI on your MIDI keyboard, or do you just have to map it once and then it don't need to be plugged into a PC/MAC, and how do you save the map then? I really think to get a Kaossilator Pro, but if I can't play its tunes through a MIDI keyboard, I'm not sure to get one...

[@ChrisMutchJones]

@matbest so youre saying its NOT possible on the KOPro?? do you know anything along the same lines that this could be done on then? because this is the only thing holding back the KOPro for me...

[@zeeanemone6482]

what is the limit of recording a line in track.. like in terms of .. time playing a guitar part? I know it is 16 beats, but what about slower bpm? then if I speed bpm after recording does the guitar get meddled with?

[@sonicstate]

I dont know if its publicly available yet, but the KOPRO editor allows you to export and import. RE: Flash Memory

[@ObamaJoker]

Best Kaossilator vid to date. Much thanks. One question; I know you explained it pretty well, but I am not getting the part where you triggered the Kaossilator loops with the keyboard. Are you saying that you cannot connect a trigger directly to the Kaossilator to do this and you must assign each individual loop to a different key as well? Thank you

[@leNotstrom]

Can you record a loop and apply an fx at the same time? And does a loop instantly loop, once the recording is finished? Means...does the KP3 switches automatically from record into play, or do you have to trigger a loop first?

[@egghead4117]

I just bought a used one of these from Guitar based on this video. Ten years later. That's the sign of a quality review.

[@razgoldstein6531]

just bought one too!

[@cresshead]

does the Kaossilator Pro+ now recognise note data from a keyboard going to the midi IN on the Kaossilator Pro+?

[@piyusha5448]

nope

[@FunkigaMoses]

I have a question, can you somehow record a sound , for example my guitar, and then use the Kaossilator pro vocoder on the loop I've recorded?

[@daeser1]

Say you over-dub on one of the lower ABCD pads, how do you delete one of the over-dubs without wiping out all the sounds recorded to it? They do not come with memory cards right? Where can you buy them? Also, the protective sheet that comes with it is way too small and slides around as you drag your fingers over the pad. Anyway of avoiding that without removing the protective pad? How do you bring up the filter, looper, delay and pitch? And these effect all assigned pads?

[@kelfar]

I was reading the manual regarding saving/loading wave loops. However, the manual is not very clear in how each loop is saved. I know that you can have 4 loops for the four pads. Can I save presets that contain the 4 loops? For example, Preset 1, 2,3, etc.. _________________

[@flyingnukes]

What is the factory reset for both units?... kpro..my synth patterns just moved??.. don’t think I did it and same with my kp3.. things moved.. still there but rearranged… help please.

[@Demonicfire11]

would it be possible for you to somehow further explain how to assign the notes on a midi controller so that i can control the sounds from the koassilator with the midi controller?

[@gilster60]

hey i was thinking of buying one of these or the KORG Kaoss Pad KP3 can you tell me what the difference is between these two and what i need to hook it up to a keyboard and if it needs to be a special kind of keyboard or any other info you think i would need to know

[@PigVladWolfiii]

Nick, you would benefit by updating this review by incorporating the RetroKits dot com RK-002 smart MIDI cable, with firmware made specifically for the Kaossilator Pro. All info on the RetroKits website.

[@smurflogik]

Does the X-Y pad only output midi data based on an X-Y axis or can the individual columns be mapped as faders? how about all the little rectangles? can they be mapped as individual buttons?

[@sonicstate]

@MistRHobo Woah there! Thats not true. Maybe with the KP3 but with the Kopro, you can record your loops and thats it, the effects are added whilst recording - depending on the patch and the way the X/Y plays, but if you are working with external audio, then there is no effects available. As far as recording, it does auto loop to the set number of beats, if you keep playing in record, it will overdub and keep doing so

[@JPmusicbox]

In your opinion, what would be a better choice, the Kaossilator Pro, or the KP3?

[@petemcneil4973]

2018 just got mine! sorry but i think its fits well in any Home .

[@brothermonk24]

Does it still have the original sounds from the first kaossilator? great video, really did help!

[@IntouchMusic]

Omg I didn't even realise you could extend the loop to 16 bars haha.

[@80iesDude45]

same here ;-)

[@justenwhite7288]

BPM limitations blow though. I wanna have a really long and slow pattern, but under 120bpms, the Kaossilator limits the bars to 8. Even slower, 50 and under to 4.

[@daneguitarist1]

so you can load in loops can you just load in specific sounds somehow? is there a tutorial video for that, I just ordered mine, and I usually use a DAW and make my own sounds id love to use those instead of whatever is loaded on the pad.... altho there are some cool effects for sure

[@biotechno100]

i dont really see the advantage of inputing a loop created in a DAW as not like you can change it only overdubb on it isnt it?? also can you sample any audio input ive only just got mine and i suck at the moment, but say you like a riff in a song from a mp3 or cd can you just record it while its playing or do you have to cut it so its not longer/bigger than 4 measures?? also if you create 4 banks with all the sounds you need to make a track, can you arrange and chop using the downloadable editor

[@teddym2808]

What does the plus offer over the pro? Just curious

[@leNotstrom]

Nice...but no comparison with the sister...the KP3. So i still don´t know if i want this or the KP3. Which would be better as a looper?

[@deepeightyeight]

i stil don't understand if i can midi out note and play an external synth or a virtual instrument... i mean using the kaossilator pro as a keyboard... anyone did?

[@SeanCrowne333]

If you could choose just 1 between the kp3 and kaosilator which would you choose?

[@rodvaldes]

I have tried both, and as an owner of a kp3 i could easily say i find more interesting and flexible the kp3 than the kaossilator, even do they do share some functions like sampling capabilities, usb, midi, etc. I use mine together with a nordlead2x and its great.

[@RosssRoyce]

Question: does it support odd beat phrases/patterns? Like 7 beats, 5beats??

[@eivkra]

I noticed that you used an M-audio axiom in the Un-boxing video. Why not create a preset in Enigma (axiom's midi program) that allows you to do the same as you did in Logic (play notes with the keyboard) but the Enigma Files can be shared much more easily. if not please make a video showing how you did it ..

[@charliejordan438]

What do you have this hooked up to?

[@matbest]

So is it possible to change the BPM without changing the pitch? The original Kaossilator could do this. Won't the microtonal changes introduced by the tempo change leave you unable to overdub musically?

[@Bear049]

Good review did you check your flash memory there is a difference in write and read speeds try using a class 6 memory its faster. There are several classes yours maybe class 2 or 4 so write speed will be slower.

[@sonicstate]

Thats a good idea, some MIDI controllers will allow you to send MIDI CC from the keys so that would work yes. I do show how I did it in the video, if you visit our site, there's the Logic Song I created for download too

[@englishhermit]

Top notch video. The lack of decent MIDI functionality is a real drawback. It would be great if MIDI performance data could be recorded into a DAW for editing and playback. I'm not so worried about playing it from a keyboard, that's not what it was designed for. As for saving performances to SD card and then into the DAW via the Editor, it's right cludge. Why not just record the audio directly into the DAW a voice at a time?

[@udleveret]

You map the notes on your computer to the KOPRO by using a program, but how does the KOPRO know that? I really don't understand it... :/

[@Lukaswhoplaysthebass]

hey. anybody could explain precisely on how to map MIDI messages and convert to CC to the kaossilator with a daw or a translator? i saw some people with a MIDI solution event processor plus doing it or using the BOME MIDI translator but it's very difficult to understand to me. it looked easy for @sonicstate to do this out of his DAW. is it possible to do this out of FL STUDIO ? anybody help please I'm completely stuck on this question since months lol

[@janacushman5436]

Thanks for the video. I am currently trying to find any information on connecting the microkorg and kaossilator together. Any insight? Thanks!

[@Kaossilation]

the effects work on the loops, right? and/or the input via mic/line in ?! great to have effects... so sad that they missed the midi in. but still a must buy....

[@rmannion16]

Are you able to use that USB port in the back as a MIDI cable like you can with some keyboards?

[@mrgroundaxe]

is it possible to connect a tyros to the synth?just with line ins?and without software? so i can create loops on my keyboard and save it in a bank in the kaossilator

[@afr3ak]

it looks so difficult to connect a external midi keyboard with the sound of the kaossilator via logic... i know nothing about midi data cc notes... could you make a tutorial how to set this function in logic step by step? would be so cool!

[@dvdspelerr]

what do the firmware upgrades from the Korg website do?

[@samartini1]

Thanks Sonicstate, I did find it in the end, not long after posting the problem. Always the way eh!? Thanks again...

[@hatchetinhead]

Very informative under the hood look - thanks Nick! why put midi in/out in if you are not going to implement note data and no song start is just careless. cmon Korg, you say you are listening...firmware update?

[@ChrisMutchJones]

i have a kaossilator pro and i want to be able to tap tempo my own loops from my DAW without altering the pitch...anyone know how i could do this?

[@dylanmsterling4]

@ZombiePopshot What are you talking about? You can plug in ANYTHING into the RCA, or 1/4 inch jack. Also, the Kaoss Pad 3 can be used for effects and sampling a keyboard.

[@FunkigaMoses]

I can't download the Kaossilator Pro editor, how come? Thanks in advance!

[@dudewhosaysarrh]

@mynmyself I know, I own a micron and an SH201 as well, so i know the capabilities of those synths. What I like about the K pro is its looping capacity, the drum sounds and the synth basses, especially the emulations of the old analogue monophonic synths. The Korg allows me to create basslines and backings on the fly, so I can use my micron e.g .for leads and the SH201 for pad sounds or I can use it to create jamtracks to practise and improve my guitar playing.

[@NANOPUNK]

guys !! I cant believe it that yo have not covered KP3 yet ! please find some time and do a review on it ! thanks for all the good stuff, peace

[@sharmofficialwebsite]

MIDI misery MIDI compatibility was one of the main features we thought would improve the Kaossilator, so the arrival of MIDI ports on the Pro got us seriously excited. Unfortunately, it doesn't support standard note data. The X-Y coordinates are instead sent and received as CC values, meaning that if you want to play the internal synth instruments using a MIDI controller or DAW you'll need to find a way of converting notes to CC. DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[@TheMaskCovers]

Can you use the pad to control effects within a DAW such as a gate that work on an XY axis?

[@Kaossilation]

WOW - GREAT REVIEW! A volume for the programm!?! YEEEAR - now we can use all sounds! btw: I found a way to loop 6/8 5/4 and so on for the kaossilaor (see my channel), that might still work on the KPRO...

[@rODIUMuk]

replaying a melody, IE for live performnace is almost impossible. Also, it would great if you alter each loop banks volume after recording, but you cannot. Another Thing I'd like to add, is the fact that when you export your loops and sample banks it doesnt do it at the temo that you have them on the Kaossilator! It exports them at the value you recorded them, and not the one at which you are exporting it as. This is REALLY confusing. Can anyone enlighten me on this please?!

[@sonicstate]

@yamazakikuro Yeah, I said CF card - d'oh! And I'd have gotten away with too, if it wasn't for you meddling kids!

[@MrTunes-ws8yo]

another top notch review from nick and the sonic state team. thank you!

[@Beatprisoner]

I always enjoy Nick's video reviews. Same with this one. Great, thanks.

[@Juiceboxdubstep]

@pabalino2008 theres not a "instrument input" .. but theres plenty of ways to play a guitar through it.. just not really sure why you'd want to do that... the kp3 effects processor would probably be better for that... or a pedal board...

[@mmattcisterna5591]

It would be usefull to play songs like muse or radiohead? I mean, al rock?

[@RSBlastoise383]

@hyperpmp did they? im not sure they did. they use custom touch pads and such but idk

[@samartini1]

Anyone know where to download the software to convert the Pro samples into WAV/AIFF and vice versa!? I'm stumped and waiting on confirmation to access the Korg forums!

[@dysamoria]

Thanks for the overview and for the notes about midi.

[@Heineken1712]

Great Review, and I'm totally with your opnion about the midi thing. i hope taht korg puts out an update or something to make it possible.

[@BryanKlein]

Just purchased the kaos pro and the kp3. Looking forward to hooking them up to my Axiom 61 and playing with them. :)

[@Driftless91]

Could you possibly make a video explaining how to set midi up with Kaossilator. I'm trying to get it set up with my MicroKorg and am having some difficulties

[@Green_Phosphorus]

I like the second long clip of Backdrifts at the beginning.

[@dylanmsterling4]

So can I use the x/y midi input in logic? Because having a touch pad hooked up to some parameters in logic would be so epic for making dubstep :D

[@electricbeatmachine]

I have the same MIDI clocking trouble with my KP3. It doesnt stay in sync when it recieves PLAY messages. Thankyou for covering this. Looking forward to more videos

[@dudewhosaysarrh]

@Juiceboxdubstep You can use it as a simple drum machine and create basslines with it Yo can also sample a short guitar riff and play solos over that, so the Kaossillator pro makes a great tool for practise and jamming. Moreover you can use t use some vocoder fx to get a ring modulator sound out of your guitar. I use it a lot for laying down basslines and drumtracks. If I want to get an analog synth sound out of my axe, i use an EHX microsynth though.

[@madmanmerrill]

Does this have built in speakers?

[@Bear049]

Nice review I noticed the slow upload times for the flash drive it maybe the flash speed drive you have try using class 6 flash the othere's are slower at writing data

[@consciouscoma85]

thanks ,you showed me things i never saw on other demos .

[@Nedover]

can you connect this to the ns6? please answer

[@FunkigaMoses]

I don't really get the beatmapping right, can someone please help me?

[@Zomby__]

@decendeded He says that you can not use a MIDI keyboard to play notes through the KP! He hooked his up to a computer and found different MIDI values to represtent notes and then hooked his keyboard up to the computer.

[@matbest]

So is it possible to change the BPM without changing the pitch? - The original kaossilator had this basic ability, yet its removal renders that knob pretty useless if you are playing live. E.G. You are playing with someone and they ask you to change the speed but that introduces microtonal changes sound awful.

[@bernardheckmandwike5226]

crazy. you can sync it with a daw ? i hit play on logic and this does nothing. sad that

[@lechu89]

@grymmtymm soo.....could u show them? i spent 4 h on fixing that and nothing...

[@sonicstate]

@skwerlfish33 No, its the same sample CD sample that they used.

[@raptorekpl]

Best review ever. Seriously. Answered all my questions. Thanks.

[@pedrok60]

Easy to use?

[@planetmusicsamos]

i own the original and i think ill buy this one too....massive improvement ..

[@BenG9C9]

8:08 Well said on the KOPro/MIDI controller interface! I hope they include a feature in the next generation.

[@cresshead]

excellent review, good to see that it's not capable of hooking up to a keyboard in your review...was wondering about that so knowing it doesn't will halt me wasting money on upgrading from my kaossilator to a pro version,,,will be looking for a synth instead now like a microXL or juno di

[@nkosazanaandtheevolutionarys]

Thanks for the kick ass tutorial bro. I hope to create my first bro - hemian rhapsody song on my Kaossilator,not just fumble...albeit fun to fumble, I needed to get professional reggae outta this box asap... your simple to the point and classical training led point by point explanations are perfect for a former band nerd turned 25 yrs of reggae bandleadin types like me. This machine is still amazeballs. Compared to the long winded manuals on midi stuff plus they're obsolete if you wanna upgrade ur OS. Yuck. Don't wanna be computer dependent but still use that for your studio productions ? This is for you.

[@enigmarickyrick2409]

Im getting that! How Much??????????????

[@sonicstate]

@nomadikindustries Well, to be fair, it never was intended to be that way, just would be pretty cool if it did.

[@cruzwthme09]

i just bought this same product and this video reallllllllllllllllyyyyy helped me out thanks man!!!

[@shredingpow11]

Could you hook up a roland Tds 30/20 electric drum set to this? Maybe play a beat, loop it, then use the kaoss pad in real time?

[@jean-pierrelegrand2780]

very good demonstration .