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Re: midi looping, synths, and kaossilators



I don't have any experience with the  kaossilator, but I own a Kaoss Pad II since 2004, so my experience with this kind of products is just related to the KPII.


I have always expounded on this list that I am dreaming of a "Midi Looper". With all the functions of an EDP, but.. not audio based. Reasons? Cos the thing about a synth loop (pre-programmed) is that it can still be tweaked, either by hand, or by LFO sweep
/modulation routings.

I do routinely "audio loop" my synths. (a doepfer modular system, a Korg MS2000 and the trusty GR30 guitar synth) but for "synth lines" Ive always pre-programmed them, either via the onboard modulation sequencer of the Korg, or a variety of analog sequencers I have for the modular (the best being called, weirdly "Mobius")

The Korg is VERY tweakable, so a relatively standard patch can easily be quickly manipulated to "fit in" with the current improvisation.

But theres my problem / wish.

TO HAVE ALL AVAILABLE; WHERE ALL FACTORS BOTH NOTES AND TIMBRE CAN BE FREELY IMPROVISED, LIVE, AND LOOPED.

So to be able to improvise the synth loop notes.

So, to the questions:

The Kaosilator PRO.
How is it to play..?
Is it a proper "Instrument"
Can I play it, and get what I imagine.. or is it basicaly random (within a key and scale)???
KPII has synth sounds too, but not very useful for me. Yes, you play within a key (don't know if the Kaossilator Pro allow to switch key and scale..., better checking the manual), but the fact is that IT is like playing a theremin. And it is good in that department, if you are looking to that kind of sounds, but have to say that it's not allow you to really play melodies...
So it's not a "proper instrument", IMO, neither really "random".

Supposing I have some guitar loops going .. and I imagine a growly distorted acid bass to pop in for 3 notes, then silent for 4 bars.. then loop...
OR...
Can I quickly loop a little string section,
OR, can I hear a Xylophone in my head, and within a few seconds, select a patch, and add some twinkles?

And Tech questions..
How is it at following midi clock?
Better checking the manual here and see what it really allow to do.
My KP sends midi clock out, but it can't work as master clock: it just sends out midi messages (PCs and CCs), ALL using the same MIDI channel.

When used as a controller for another synth, is all information sent on 2 axis?
Can I map X to pitch on an external synth (Im thinking my Korg) and the Y to filter cutoff on the external synth? (If my external synth allows this.. which I dont know.. have to find the manual.)
Again: better checking the manual(s) !
KP sends information on Y and X axis, but do you need to address those info trough different midi channels or the same  ?
Do you want to get control over different machines ?

Is the midi loop on the Kaosilator SENT out the midi out, making it a midi sequncer/looper for an external synth..
And finally,
Whats the on-board audio loopers like?
Don't really know about those features, sorry.

Just a question: why the Kaossilator and not the last Kaoss Pad version (4, maybe) which seems to me a more "complete" tool ? I think it can work like a synth too.

-f


IF ALL GOOD...

For Sale:

Red Sound Federation synched Multi effects
Insanly good loop mangler, delay, filter, chopper and very psychedelic multi band panner, all syncable...

Boss Dr Groove 202 (with built in 2 track sequencer)
Previously used to automate 2 EDP´s

(or swap for a Kaosilator Pro of course...)


Mark





 

--
Mark Francombe
www.markfrancombe.com
www.ordoabkhao.com
http://vimeo.com/user825094
http://www.looop.no
twitter @markfrancombe