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Korg unveils two new Kaoss family members, brings anarchy to your pocket

James Trew — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:38:00 EST

Two K-words we're almost always pleased to hear: Korg and Kaoss. Good, then, that the former has decided to make more of the latter -- the mini Kaoss Pad 2 (effects unit), and Kaossilator 2 (synthesizer), to be precise. Both new editions will slip in your pocket, and are dominated by that all-important X-Y pad. The mini Kaoss Pad 2 is all about effects, packing 100 programs, three memory slots, and MP3 playback (with pitch adjust). The traditional flanger, filter, delay, and reverb ear candy are also joined by looper, vinyl break, and ducking compressor.

But what good are effects without anything to, er, affect? Enter Kaossilator 2. It's a palm-sized synthesizer, with 150 onboard sounds and a PCM engine for drums. You can sample via a built-in mic, gate and arpeggiate sounds, and create layered textures with loops. Both can record your performance, save it to SD, or ~~impose~~ share with others via a built-in speaker. It's all peace and quiet, though, until April when the Kaossilator lands for about £168 ($260). The KPad, on the other hand won't hit the market until May, retailing at the same price. Full PRs after the break.

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Korg launches two new Monotrons, Duo and Delay: the clues are in the names (video)

James Trew — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 02:13:00 EST

Remember when Korg dropped a bomb with its pocket-sized-pocket-money Monotribe synth last spring? Well it's done it again, and this time with two analog boxes of badness to salivate over - the Duo and the Delay. Those aren't just cute names, either; both feature the same ribbon based sonic goodness as before, but the Delay packs a dub-tastic space delay, and the Duo rocks a second oscillator, for those juicy thick timbres. No word on price or availability just yet, but we're guessing they'll pop up for around the same as the original -- around $60 -- which is almost as pleasing to the ears as the Monotron's themselves. Check the videos after the jump to see / hear both in action.

Continue reading Korg launches two new Monotrons, Duo and Delay: the clues are in the names (video)

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Korg Monotribe has 1978 sound, modern mobility (video)

Sean Buckley — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:42:00 EST

Meet the latest in Korg's analog revival, dubbed the Monotribe -- a portable, battery-powered groovebox with an old heart. This eight step sequencer expands on last year's Monotron, using the same classic Korg M-10 plus M-20 analog filters and ribbon keyboard as its older, pocket-sized brother. The new unit kicks it up a notch with expanded VCO, VCA, VCF, and LFO controls, as well as three-part analog drums. It's also said to last up to 14 hours on six AA batteries, so you can take your beats to the beach or simply drive your neighbors batty; it's nice to have options. Check out the demo video above, or the hit press release after the break for details.

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Korg Monotribe has 1978 sound, modern mobility (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korg Wavedrum Mini makes music from your nervous tics (video)

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:35:00 EST

Can't stop banging out Rebecca Black's oh-so-infectious jams on your knickerbockers? Korg's Wavedrum Mini won't make Friday any less awful, but it could make your inexcusable actions a wee bit less annoying. The Q3-bound Mini crams the company's digital drum pad tech into a portable package with a built in speaker, and its myriad buttons let you choose from 100 different sounds including strings, synth tones, and a gaggle of percussion instruments. You'll also get 100 preset rhythms for those who prefer their instruments play themselves, but surely that's not you... right? Heck, there's even a loop function so you can build layer upon layer (upon layer!) of cacophonous noise. The best part, however, is the included sensor, which can be clipped to almost anything, turning your ceaseless toe tapping into bass hits. If you can't wait to see it in action, take a gander at the exceedingly long demo video after the break.

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KR1 DIY guitar / synth makes its debut at Castle Frightenstein

Joseph L. Flatley — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:25:00 EST

We've seen a few Zoybar-based behemoths since we were hepped to the modular guitar platform way back in '08, but few have caught our fancy like Kevin Rupp's KR1. Featuring a Korg Kaossilator synth, both the Pocket Pod and a wireless transmitter from Line 6, and the beloved Sanyo Pedal Juice battery pack, this bad boy can do double duty as both your ax and your backing band. But enough of our jabber jaw -- you want to see it in action, right? Check it out after the break.

[Thanks, TK]

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KR1 DIY guitar / synth makes its debut at Castle Frightenstein originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korg rolls out slimmed down nanoSeries2 USB controllers

Donald Melanson — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:42:00 EST

Korg's original nanoSeries USB controllers may have garnered some mixed reviews when they were released back in 2008, but the company's now back with some new and improved models that seem to address at least some of those complaints. As before, the lineup includes three different models: the nanoKEY2, nanoPAD2 and nanoKONTROL2, which can either be used on their own or paired up together. In addition to a slimmer design for each, all three are available in your choice of black or white, and it sounds like Korg has moved away from the plasticky, QWERTY keyboard feel that plagued the previous models, with the nanoKEY2 in particular described as having the same "great-feeling 'touch' that Korg has developed for its professional MIDI keyboards." Still no word on pricing or availability, but you can find all the rest of the key details at the link below.

Korg rolls out slimmed down nanoSeries2 USB controllers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kaossonome rears its head; Guitar Center changes name to Arduino Center

Trent Wolbe — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:31:00 EST

Every time we turn around, there's another amazing new blinking, knobby, button-pressy little sound-maker making cute-weird-alien noises, lacing up our shoes or controlling our remote control cars for us, and it all seems to be Arduino's fault. That's fine by us.

Alexander Randon (his awesome, real name) has brought a devastatingly charming monster to the MIDI controller game in the Kaossonome - inspired, not-so-surprisingly, by Korg's Kaoss family and the minimalist Monome. It's a touchscreen laid on top of 256 LEDs, encased in a aluminum-wood-plexiglass box 8 chunky, push-button laced knobs. While none of these elements is particularly new, the whole package and execution just seems to kick things up a notch or two. Check out the green-glow mutant bassline after the break.

Continue reading Kaossonome rears its head; Guitar Center changes name to Arduino Center

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iPad apps: creativity unleashed

Paul Miller — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:32:00 EST

We love to create things: drawings, movies, photos, songs, and, on occasion, stunning literary imagery with the help of text styling. While Apple didn't necessarily blow us away with its offerings on this front for the iPad (no GarageBand, iPhoto, or iMovie, for instance), 3rd party developers are naturally happy to oblige. We were frankly surprised at some of the depth and functionality we discovered in the App Store, but while what we have here is a nice start, we're even more curious to see what sort of creativity these developers can coax out us with a few months of iPad experience under their belts and a better handle on the strengths and weaknesses of the system. For the time being follow us after the break as we run you through some of our existing favorites. Not enough apps for you? Check out some of our other roundups!

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iPad apps: creativity unleashed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korg debuts pocket-sized Monotron analog synth, and we want it (video)

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:04:00 EST

Don't take this the wrong way -- we're glad to be in Las Vegas with all our friends at CTIA, playing with new handsets from Samsung and Motorola. But as you know, we also love us some new music gear, especially when it sounds good -- so we wouldn't exactly mind being in Frankfurt for Musikmesse right now, either. Currently on display at Korg's booth, Monotron is a two AAA-powered, pocket-sized analog synth featuring a ribbon keyboard, VCO, VCF, and LFO controls, and the same analog filter found in the Korg MS-10 and MS-20 -- and it sounds great. Check it out in the gallery below and in the video after the break to see / hear the thing in action. Look for it in May for about $67.

Gallery: Monotron Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer

Continue reading Korg debuts pocket-sized Monotron analog synth, and we want it (video)

Korg debuts pocket-sized Monotron analog synth, and we want it (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korg Sound On Sound sneers at multitrack recording, offers unlimited tracks

Vlad Savov — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:48:00 EST

Multitrack digital recorders might not be front and center of the gadget lover's mind right now, but slap that "unlimited" modifier in front and all of a sudden interests are piqued and ears prick up. Korg has made official its new Sound On Sound Unlimited Track Recorder, which will do exactly what its name suggests while keeping each overdub separate for future modification or retuning. You'll be able to fit up to 26 track hours on a 16GB MicroSDHC card and a dedicated guitar input is available alongside mic and line-in ports. Another useful-sounding feature is Sound Stretch, which should allow you to alter speed to between 25 and 150 percent of the original recording without altering pitch. Price is tentatively set at £230 ($375) for a March 2010 release.

Korg Sound On Sound sneers at multitrack recording, offers unlimited tracks originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korg Kaossilator Pro makes its NAMM debut

Joseph L. Flatley — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:53:00 EST

Since the original Kaoss pad was released in 1999, Korg has been steadily improving the thing, adding crazier effects, more features, and earning the undying love of Brian Eno in the process. The Kaossilator, released a few years later, took the same X-Y controls and wide array of effects and added a synthesizer. What's this, then? Just in time for NAMM 2010, the Kaossilator Pro features 200 sound banks, a vocoder, loop recording with four loop banks, gate arpeggiator, the ability to limit the X-Y pad's note range to certain keys / scales, Librarian Editor software for managing samples on your Mac or PC, and more. Look for it for £355 (approximately $575) this March. PR after the break.

Update: US product page is up, and lo and behold, this beaut's only $399 stateside.

[Thanks, Nick!]

Continue reading Korg Kaossilator Pro makes its NAMM debut

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Korg Nanokey controller repurposed into MIDI foot pedal

Darren Murph — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST

Korg's Nanokey MIDI controller is pretty awesome in its own right, but using it with your feet gets a little difficult under "normal" conditions. We can't say for certain why Marc Fischer decided to convert his perfectly good control board into a MIDI foot pedal, but frankly, that's beside the point. The point is he did it, and he did it with just a bit of ingenuity, some wooden blocks for risers and a bit of Plexiglas to cover up the missing keys. Hit the read link if you're interested in doing something similar, and feel free to ask the man himself where that gorgeous shag carpet came from. Kinky!

[Via MAKE]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Korg Nanokey controller repurposed into MIDI foot pedal originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS, Korg DS-10's formant synthesis used to create Daft Punk vocals, general awesomeness

Joshua Topolsky — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 23:28:00 EST

You know, sometimes at Engadget, we feel compelled to cover a story not because it's particularly new, or newsy, or relevant to the topics of the day. Sometimes, you just have to cover something because it's amazingly cool. Enter this completely awesome video from the musician Denkitribe, wherein the DS, Korg DS-10 software, the software's formant synthesis, and the natural talents of said musician are used to replicate the vocals from Daft Punk's hit "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger." There's not much we can put in text which this doesn't lay out in song. Check the whole thing after the break... you'll thank us later.

[Via Technabob]

Continue reading DS, Korg DS-10's formant synthesis used to create Daft Punk vocals, general awesomeness

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Gaming

DS, Korg DS-10's formant synthesis used to create Daft Punk vocals, general awesomeness originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 23:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: KORG places an iPhone pocket in its microSAMPLER, calls it a day

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST

The kids over at Korg are a savvy bunch -- they know that the best way to perk up jaded bloggers (such as ourselves) is to somehow attach an iPhone to their device. Unfortunately, what we thought at first glance was an innovative/insane new way to make music on Apple's flagship handset turns out to be, in fact, little more than a sampler with a pocket for your media player and a 1/4-inch audio input. While we have you here, however, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that, as samplers go, this one is pretty awesome. Featuring a 37-key keyboard, a number of sample modes (including autonext mode, which auto-magically slices a beat into individual hits, not unlike Propellerhead's ReCycle), a preset sound library, 21 KAOS-driven multi-parameter effects, and a USB cable for managing sounds on your Mac or PC (with the included Editor Librarian software), this could be the perfect companion for the microKORG that's already collecting dust in your bedroom. Of course, Korg wouldn't be able to sell this thing at Guitar Center without a heavy-handed, borderline silly promo vid ("Suddenly... you receive a gift... FROM YOUR OWN MIND... in the form of: THE PERFECT BEAT") which we highly suggest you check out after the break. Yours now for $750.

[Via SlashGear]

Continue reading Video: KORG places an iPhone pocket in its microSAMPLER, calls it a day

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio

Video: KORG places an iPhone pocket in its microSAMPLER, calls it a day originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XA-LM1 LessonMaster audio recorder throws a guitar tuner, microSD card reader into the mix

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:56:00 EST

Voice recorders always seem like no-brainer gifts for musicians, but sound quality (in all but the pricier units) is generally pretty lacking, and lets be honest here -- rarely do you find yourself humming a tune that doesn't turn out to be something you heard on a TV commercial. But what do we know -- maybe you're the next Don Fagan, and you need a high quality recorder at hand whenever and wherever inspiration may strike. JVC Japan has given this some thought, it seems, and they've gone and packed the XA-LM1 LessonMaster stereo mics, a digital audio recorder supporting either PCM wave files (48kHz/16bit) or MP3s (up to 192KB), 2GB microSD card, 23mm speaker, metronome, and a chromatic tuner. Unless you can read Japanese the tuner might be of limited use to you, but then again this could be a good excuse to learn. Look for it in early October for around ¥26,250 (€195).

[Via Engadget Japanese]

Continue reading XA-LM1 LessonMaster audio recorder throws a guitar tuner, microSD card reader into the mix

Filed under: Portable Audio

XA-LM1 LessonMaster audio recorder throws a guitar tuner, microSD card reader into the mix originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget's recession antidote: win a KORG KAOSSILATOR and a copy of Matt & Kim's album "Grand"

Laura June — Mon, 04 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff or companies stop sending things. Today we've got something really special for our musician-readers: a KORG Kaossilator Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer, and a copy of Matt and Kim's album, Grand. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Hooray for free stuff! More information -- and another photo -- after the break.

Huge thanks to Korg for providing the gear!

The rules:

Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too.
You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) KORG Kaossilator and one (1) copy of Matt and Kim's album, Grand.
If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
Entries can be submitted until Monday, May, 4th, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Full rules can be found here.

Continue reading Engadget's recession antidote: win a KORG KAOSSILATOR and a copy of Matt & Kim's album "Grand"

Filed under: Announcements

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KORG DS-10 synthesizer up for pre-order in America

Darren Murph — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:22:00 EST

DS owners in Japan have been enjoying the spoils of the KORG DS-10 synthesizer for over half a year, but at long (long!) last, we Americans are about to receive equal treatment. The game itself, which is graciously priced at just $29.99, is now up for pre-order on GameStop's website. The listed ship date is February 9th, but we wouldn't go betting the farm on that being entirely accurate. Nevertheless, we're down to counting days and hours rather than months and weeks before we'll be able to shove a synth in our pockets without paying import prices. Huzzah!

[Via Joystiq]

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

KORG DS-10 synthesizer up for pre-order in America originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korg nanoSERIES USB controllers unboxed, previewed

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST

The Korg nanoSERIES line of miniature USB controllers we had a look at a few months back has finally seen the light of day, and much to our chagrin, reviews are mixed. MusicRadar singles the nanoPAD out for praise, saying the twelve drum pads feel good and the X/Y pad is a useful addition, but they seem less impressed with the nanoKONTROL and nanoKEY. The site says the faders on the former feel "short and decidedly plasticky," while they compare the keys on the latter to those of a QWERTY keyboard. If you're still interested, the nanoKey will run you £49 ($90), and the nanoKontrol and nanoPad will be £59 ($109) each. Look for these guys starting in October, and hit the read link for more details and pics.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

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Korg's nanoSeries shrinks your music studio

Joshua Topolsky — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:35:00 EST

Korg really wants you to downsize your studio with its new lineup of miniature controllers, dubbed the nanoSeries. The diminutive set includes the nanoKEY (a 25-note, velocity sensitive keyboard), the nanoPAD (12 trigger pads and a touch-sensitive X/Y touchpad), and the nanoKONTROL (a mini-mixer with nine faders, nine knobs, 18 switches, and playback controls). The modular, lilliputian gear connects via USB and are all bus-powered, though we're hoping they've got other power options so the devices can be daisy-chained. No word on pricing or availability, but you'll know when we do.

[Thanks, Tom]

Update: Looks like the Nano Pad, Nano Key, and Nano Kontrol should be available by this October, starting at somewhere around $100-120 US. Thanks, Tosse.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

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KORG DS-10 synth turns Nintendo DS into instrument of awesomeness

Donald Melanson — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:32:00 EST

There's already been quite a few musicians (and would-be ones) brought into the Nintendo DS fold thanks to apps like Jam Sessions, but it looks like there could soon be another wave flocking to the popular handheld, with the official, Korg-approved DS-10 synthesizer from AQ Interactive now headed for the DS in Japan. As you can see for yourself in the video after the break, like Jam Sessions, the synthesizer is anything but a game, with it boasting two patchable virtual synths with two oscillators each, a drum machine, a sequencer, and a full range of effects, to name but a few features. You'll also apparently be able to wirelessly link up several systems to play together or simply exchange sounds and songs, although you'll apparently have to make do without MIDI support. Needless to say, we'll keep you posted on any word of a release 'round these parts, but in the meantime, you can look forward to this one hitting Japan in July for ¥4,800, or just under $50.

[Via Create Digital Music, thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading KORG DS-10 synth turns Nintendo DS into instrument of awesomeness

Filed under: Gaming, Portable Audio

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$3000 piano mod reminds George Clinton of the mothership

Omar McFarlane — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 02:43:00 EST

Resourceful tinkerer "Proximasolaris" has put together a piano mod that would make even some Samic owners a bit envious. Retrofitting a Korg Triton Extreme, hiding two monitors behind a motorized cabinet, and placing a slew of blue LEDs and other mechanics, he managed to put $3,000 worth of gadgetry into an old fashion vertical piano. While it is not the first modification we have seen like this, you should still click on through to see the vid of his tricked-out instrument -- go ahead, bask in the glory of what's possible with a little extra loot and 250 solid man hours.

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$3000 piano mod reminds George Clinton of the mothership originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 02:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Music Thing: Korg's Kaoss Pad 3

Tom Whitwell — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 13:22:00 EST

Each week Tom Whitwell of Music Thing highlights the best of the new music gear that's coming out, as well as noteworthy vintage equipment:

Yes, it does look like the control panel from a TIE fighter. Yes, it could be a useful part of a Darth Vader Halloween costume. This is the Korg Kaoss Pad 3, announced this week after a leak on Music Thing. Kaoss Pads are fairly cheap digital effects/sampling boxes, but what makes them special is the interface -- a backlit touch-sensitive X-Y pad. When you move your finger over the pad, it changes the sound, tweaking delay time, shifting pitch, scrubbing a sample backwards and forwards. The first Kaoss Pad was introduced in 1999 as a DJ tool (even the new KP3 has only phono ins and outs) and pretty soon it started getting namechecked by the cool kids. Radiohead used them live to recreate studio effects, seen very clearly in this YouTube clip. Meanwhile, Brian Eno was collecting the things: "Kaoss Pads... are a way of taking sounds into the domain of muscular control," he said, as he does. "If you have a few Kaoss Pads in line, like I do, you can really start playing with sound itself, with the physical character of the sound." The KP2 arrived in 2002, with a bit more memory , a few more effects, and a more gig-ready aluminium case. The KP3 is again the same idea, but with still more memory, a USB connection, and SD card so samples can be stored and a crazy pixellated display which can, for no apparent reason, display scrolling text messages. UK Price is £315, and it should be in the shops in October.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

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