# Kaoss Pad

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> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Kaoss_Pad.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaoss_Pad
> Source revision: 1296972221
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{{Short description|Audio effects unit}}
{{One source|date=July 2024}}
{{Redirect|KP3|the album by Katy Perry|Prism (Katy Perry album){{!}}''Prism'' (Katy Perry album)}}
{{Infobox synthesizer
| image = KAOSS PAD.JPG
| image_caption = Korg Kaoss Pad KP3
| synth_name = Kaoss Pad
| synth_manufacturer = [Korg](/source/Korg)
| synthesis_type = Several preset synth and drum voices; granular synthesis
| polyphony = 
| timbrality = 
| unison = 
| oscillator = User Samples; PCM for preset synth voices
| filter = Multiple
| attenuator = 
| left_control = FX Release; FX parameter ‘Hold’
| lfo = Multiple LFO options, waveforms and combinations of LFO with other effects
| keyboard = none - XY-pad
| portamento = 
| velocity = no
| aftertouch = no
| memory = 4 Memory Slots and read/write to SD card (2GB Max)
| 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 in 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](/source/Sampler_(musical_instrument)) and [audio effects processor](/source/Effects_unit) launched by [Korg](/source/Korg) in 1999.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/mar/09/whats-that-sound-kaoss-pad|title=Hey, what's that sound: Kaoss Pad|last=McNamee|first=David|date=9 March 2011|website=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)|language=en|access-date=22 August 2018}}</ref> It allows users to record and process audio and apply various effects using an X-Y [touchscreen](/source/touchscreen). It has been used by artists including [Radiohead](/source/Radiohead), [Muse](/source/Muse_(band)) and [Brian Eno](/source/Brian_Eno).

== Features ==
The Kaoss Pad allows users to [sample](/source/Sampling_(music)) and [loop](/source/Loop_(music)) audio and apply [effects](/source/Sound_effect) such as [pitch-bending](/source/Pitch_shift), [flange](/source/Flanger), [distortion](/source/Distortion_(music)), and [delay](/source/Delay_(audio_effect)) using a [touchscreen](/source/touchscreen).<ref name=":0" /> According to the ''[Guardian](/source/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."<ref name=":0" /> 

The British producer and musician [Brian Eno](/source/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."<ref name=":0" />

== Users ==
[Radiohead](/source/Radiohead) use a Kaoss Pad on performances of their 2000 song "[Everything In Its Right Place](/source/Everything_in_Its_Right_Place)" to manipulate [Thom Yorke's](/source/Thom_Yorke) vocals into a "glitching, stuttering collage".<ref name=":0" /> [Matt Bellamy](/source/Matt_Bellamy) of [Muse](/source/Muse_(band)), described by the ''Guardian'' as "undoubtedly the Kaoss rock star", uses touchscreen [MIDI controllers](/source/MIDI_controller) built into his guitars to control Kaoss Pads.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Varian |first=Ethan |date=2011-09-13 |title=Manson MB-1 Guitar is Muse Guitarist Matt Bellamy's Secret Weapon |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/manson-mb-1-guitar-muse-guitarist-matt-bellamys-secret-weapon |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=[Guitar World](/source/Guitar_World) |language=en}}</ref> Other users include Brian Eno, the singer [Bryan Ferry](/source/Bryan_Ferry) and the beatboxer [Beardyman](/source/Beardyman).<ref name=":0" />

==See also==
*[Korg Kaossilator](/source/Korg_Kaossilator), a Korg synthesizer with a Kaoss Pad interface

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://korg.com Korg.com]

{{Korg}}
{{Portal bar|Electronics|Music|border=yes}}

Category:Samplers (musical instrument)
Category:Grooveboxes

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Kaoss Pad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaoss_Pad) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaoss_Pad?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.