| Synth Name: | Kaoss Pad |
| Synth Manufacturer: | Korg |
| Synthesis Type: | Several preset synth and drum voices; granular synthesis |
| Oscillator: | User Samples; PCM for preset synth voices |
| Filter: | Multiple |
| Left Control: | FX Release; FX parameter ‘Hold’ |
| Lfo: | Multiple LFO options, waveforms and combinations of LFO with other effects |
| Keyboard: | none - XY-pad |
| Velocity: | no |
| Aftertouch: | no |
| Memory: | 4 Memory Slots and read/write to SD card |
| Ext Control: | Supports multiple configurations as a MIDI Controller for external hardware. MIDI configurations (e.g. X-Y pad configuration) can be stored as Program Files on SD media. |
| Sample: | 4 sample slots with unlimited overdub/resampling |
| Fx: | 150 |
| Dates: | Introduced in 1999. Current Hardware iteration/redesign (“KP3”) released in 2006, VST Software version released on November 2022. |
| Price: | ~$400 |
| Sequencing: | Yes, sample/pad sequencing available via MIDI; “Pad Motion” available locally to create brief effect automations. Extensive resampling options also allow for sequencing/resampling (or “bouncing”) different sounds and effect combinations to new sample slots. |
| Send/Return Capability: | Yes, via “Direct”/“Return” slide switch. “Return” allows the Kaoss Pad to be used on a mixer’s Send/Return bus |
The Kaoss Pad is a sampler and audio effects processor launched by Korg in 1999.[1] It allows users to record and process audio and apply various effects using an X-Y touchscreen. It has been used by artists including Radiohead, Muse and Brian Eno.
The Kaoss Pad allows users to sample and loop audio and apply effects such as pitch-bending, flange, distortion, and delay using a touchscreen. According to the Guardian, while its effects technology was not new, the Kaoss Pad was distinguished by its intuitive design: "Anyone can pick one up and in a matter of seconds get the hang of it."
The British producer and musician Brian Eno, an early adopter of the Kaoss Pad, described it as "a way of taking sounds into the domain of muscular control" as opposed to working with computers: "It takes you into a completely different place, because when working with computers you normally don't use your muscles in that way."
Radiohead use a Kaoss Pad on performances of their 2000 song "Everything In Its Right Place" to manipulate Thom Yorke's vocals into a "glitching, stuttering collage". Matt Bellamy of Muse, described by the Guardian as "undoubtedly the Kaoss rock star", uses touchscreen MIDI controllers built into his guitars to control Kaoss Pads.[2] Other users include Brian Eno, the singer Bryan Ferry and the beatboxer Beardyman.