The all-new padKONTROL joins Korg’s expanding line-up of MIDI studio controllers. Adding another dimension beyond traditional keyboard control, the padKONTROL is the most expressive and versatile pad controller ever!

In addition to accessing drum sounds and samples, the padKONTROL can also control soft synths and effects, trigger loops and video clips, and even act as transport controls for DAW software programs. Combining an assignable X-Y touchpad that also provides for natural-sounding flams and rolls, sixteen great-feeling illuminated trigger pads, assignable knobs and a footpedal input, the padKONTROL provides unsurpassed evocative control.

Beat It!

The padKONTROL is ideal for creating natural, organic sounding drumbeats. Each of the sixteen pads can be individually assigned a note number and MIDI channel so you can control a single drumkit or map it to control different devices in your setup at the same time. Eight different dynamic curves are available for each pad, or you can set each pad to its own fixed level. This allows you to set up certain instruments to feel as you like, and others to always play the perfect velocity, no matter how you strike the pad. You can also set up multiple pads to play the same drum but at different fixed velocities, giving you varied but predictable performance every time.

No matter how you set them up, you’ll appreciate the great feel of the pads. They respond well no matter where you strike them, not just in the center like many other systems. So you can freely play the pads with both hands, hit the edges or the center and get responsive, musical results – every time!

The X-Y pad adds real-time control of both flam and roll timing and dynamics. Moving from left to right increases the speed of the roll, or the distance between the “flammed” notes. Moving up increase the volume of the roll, or the second note in the flam. This is a highly expressive and intuitive way to produce these natural drum techniques. With an optional footswitch, you can even add real “kick” drum parts, or close a open hi-hat.

Kontrol it!

Drums are just the beginning. A MIDI message can be assigned to each pad, and they can be set for momentary or toggle operation. In addition to sending a value as the pad is touched, a specific value can be sent as the pad is released, so they can be used like buttons or switches to control any function on your soft synths and DAWs.

Based on Korg’s renowned KAOSS technology, the X-Y pad can be assigned to control any two continuous controllers in real-time. You might set the X Axis to control pitch bend on a synth while the Y Axis controls reverb depth. Or set them to control filter cutoff and resonance, or multiple delay parameters for evocative and expressive performance and mixing possibilities.

Two assignable knobs provide continuous control of two other MIDI parameters. You can easily invert the values sent from any of these controllers so you can quickly adjust them to your needs. Even the footswitch input can be set as a momentary or toggle switch for any parameter. Like the X-Y and trigger pads, the pedal also can send a specific release value.

See it!

Whenever you strike a pad or move a controller the built-in display shows what message or value is being sent, giving you accurate confirmation of what you’re doing. The pads have a striking visual behavior, which will move you to visually groove along with your playing. Pads assigned to notes light up when struck and then shut off. Pads assigned to CC messages stay lit to show their status. Three variations of the Illumination mode cause the trigger pads to light up in unique patterns. Two begin when a trigger pad is struck, and a third starts automatically when the padKONTROL sits idle for a few minutes. The great feel of the trigger pads and the Illumination mode work together synergistically to catapult your performance to a higher intensity level than ever before.

Manage it!

Thankfully, once you have all the controllers set the way you like, you can save the entire set of assignments as a “User Scene.” Sixteen User Scenes are available in the padKONTROL itself, and they can be quickly selected using the pads. In addition, thirty preset scenes are included, designed to instantly match the padKONTROL to some of the most popular music software programs.

The padKONTROL also comes with free Editor/Librarian software. Using the computer’s graphic capabilities, the Editor/Librarian software makes it easy to create, store and organize vast libraries of scenes and “scene sets.”

Software Bonuses

The padKONTROL comes with a special dfh SUPERIOR drum kit plug-in instrument from Toontracks, created to work exclusively with your versatile controller. This 260 MB drum kit features multiple velocity levels, and a variety of microphone positions – 2,700 samples in all – so you can start laying down beats as soon as you get it out of the box!

The padKONTROL also comes with the Creative Kontrol Pack Vol. 2, an impressive collection of music software from leading creators in the field.

Specifications:

Controllers:

• 16 velocity-sensitive Trigger pads with LED illumination
• X-Y pad
• Two assignable knobs
• Assignable pedal jack*

*requires a separately sold DS-1H or PS-1
 
Display:

• 7-segment, 3-digit LED

Memory:

• 16 user scene memories
• 30 preloaded scene templates

Connectors:

• Pedal
• MIDI In/Out
• USB (type B)
• Power supply jack (DC9V)

Power Supply:

• DC9V
• AC adapter (optional)
• USB bus power (when using the USB connector)

Current Consumption:

• When using USB bus power: approximately 150 mA (maximum 180 mA)
• When using an AC adapter: approximately 150 mA (maximum 180 mA)

Dimensions:

• 12.36” (W) x 9.21” (D) x 2.17” (H)
• 314 (W) x 234 (D) x 55 (H) mm

Weight:

• 2.12 lbs. / 960 g

Included Items:

• USB cable
• CD-ROM containing padKONTROL Editor/Librarian software etc.
• CD-ROM containing dfh SUPERIOR Korg Edition drumkit
• Software license agreement

System Requirements Windows:

• Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition / Professional / x64 Edition
   

Computer:

• Computer with a USB port, satisfying the operating requirements of Windows XP (USB chipset made by Intel Corporation is recommended)
• *Driver software for Windows XP x64 Edition is beta-version.
   

System Requirements Macintosh:

• Operating System: Mac OS X 10.2 or later
   

Computer:

• Apple Macintosh computer with a USB port, satisfying the operating requirements of Mac OS X

padKONTROL options:

• AC adapter
• DS-1H Damper Pedal
• PS-1 Pedal Switch
   
  

• KORG Sound Inspiration event @ The Metro Centre!

  The M3 has landed, the R3 has arrived, so come along to the Korg Sound Inspiration event @ Dolphin Music Gateshead, on Thursday 8th November, to discover the power behind Korg’s new next-generation products.

• Björk Rocks Coachella Festival...with a Lemur!

  No, not the wide-eyed animal, but the eye-catching, revolutionary MIDI Controller by Jazz Mutant.

• NAMM 2007: Korg Introduces the next generation of Mobile Recorders

  Future-proof digital recording is here With the pristine fidelity and ultimate flexibility of 1-bit technology, the new, surprisingly affordable MR-1 and MR-1000 Recorders ensure that your location recordings and final masters are never obsolete.

• Part 3: Section 2: MIDI Controllers (without keys)

  It’s fair to say that whatever your keyboard playing skills there is a controller out there for you, as we’ve already seen in section 1 of this part of our computer music guide. But what if you don’t want a keyboard? Or what happens if you already have a keyboard and just want some extra controls to manipulate your music software? Fortunately there are many MIDI controllers without keyboards that will fit your needs.