Korg aren't exactly known for their DJ products. Granted - the KAOSS pads have found favour amongst DJs, but they're not full on DJ fodder. So when they come out with a series of DJ mixers, you'd be forgiven for not necessarily sitting up and taking notice. But then you see them, it's incredibly hard... well let's leave it at that. The Korg Zero series were first seen at NAMM and heralded as an orgasm inducing product and quite rightly so . But that's not enough for Korg - hell no. They had to go and make mixers with KAOSS pads built in, with the 2 and 4 channel KM202 and KM402 respectively.
Some Korg words:
A DJ mixer with an integrated KAOSS PAD opens new creative doors.
With the innovative KAOSS pad, you manipulate effects using the tip of your finger. The unique touch-pad changes multiple effect parameters at once to create unique timbres. The simple and intuitive interface has made the KAOSS PAD one of the most popular effect processors in the world.
The two-channel KM-202 and four-channel KM-402 combine the KAOSS Pad’s effects and interface with a pristine 24-bit digital DJ mixer complete with adjustable crossfader. Their streamlined design and integrated KAOSS PAD sets a new standard for an integrated mixer/effects processor, allowing a style of mixing and performing with effects that is unequalled. With one hundred effect programs, a “PROGRAM MEMORY” key for quick save and instant recall of your favorite programs, an “FX RELEASE” function that keeps delay and reverb tails intact through preset changes, and a “KAOSS” button for assigning the KAOSS PAD to each channel, The new KM-402/KM-202 are ideal choices for every type of DJ wanting to incorporate effects into a performance, no matter where the stage is.
Integrated effects
The KM-402/KM-202 integrate one hundred powerful effects from the KP3 KAOSS PAD, all with the unique fingertip control that made the KAOSS PAD famous. The effects range from filters, phasers, delays, and reverbs, to unique effects such as a real-time looper and synth section.
The included presets combine simple elements such as delays and filters in ways you’ve never imagined to provide a wealth of inspiration. With the KOASS Pad’s unique ability to “touch” your effects, the KM-402 / KM-202 provide a new interface to effects that will take DJing to the next level.
EQ innovation
EQ manipulation is a staple of DJ performance. In response to this need, the KM-402 / KM-202 take advantage of full-digital processing to provide six different EQ types to suit any sound, from powerful high-pass filters, to unique “Hyped” and “Isolator” EQ curves. Each channel has a dedicated three-band EQ (Hi/Mid/Low) that responds in different ways according to whatever EQ curve is currently selected via a simple six-position selector.
These EQ types have been created based on the opinions of numerous famous artists, and include EQ curves that cut only the low-frequency region while boosting the mid-range, as well as extremely drastic EQ types that use the knobs as isolators for each frequency band. This capability means that the EQ knobs are now a core element of your DJ performance, and take advantage of the integration with the KAOSS effects to create performances that use EQ in a new and unique way.
Fader perfection
As you’d expect from a full-featured DJ mixer, long throw faders and cue controls let you set the mix and lock your beats in real time while cueing silently through headphones.
Cross-fader response is as personal as the DJ holding it. The adjustable cross-fader curves and calibration function let you set up the mixer to your personal style. Whether you’re mixing dual decks, triggering from a laptop or integrating other sound sources, the KAOSS Mixer adapts to your style and personal touch.
With the innovative KAOSS pad, you manipulate effects using the tip of your finger. The unique touch-pad changes multiple effect parameters at once to create unique timbres. The simple and intuitive interface has made the KAOSS PAD one of the most popular effect processors in the world.
The two-channel KM-202 and four-channel KM-402 combine the KAOSS Pad’s effects and interface with a pristine 24-bit digital DJ mixer complete with adjustable crossfader. Their streamlined design and integrated KAOSS PAD sets a new standard for an integrated mixer/effects processor, allowing a style of mixing and performing with effects that is unequalled. With one hundred effect programs, a “PROGRAM MEMORY” key for quick save and instant recall of your favorite programs, an “FX RELEASE” function that keeps delay and reverb tails intact through preset changes, and a “KAOSS” button for assigning the KAOSS PAD to each channel, The new KM-402/KM-202 are ideal choices for every type of DJ wanting to incorporate effects into a performance, no matter where the stage is.
Integrated effects
The KM-402/KM-202 integrate one hundred powerful effects from the KP3 KAOSS PAD, all with the unique fingertip control that made the KAOSS PAD famous. The effects range from filters, phasers, delays, and reverbs, to unique effects such as a real-time looper and synth section.
The included presets combine simple elements such as delays and filters in ways you’ve never imagined to provide a wealth of inspiration. With the KOASS Pad’s unique ability to “touch” your effects, the KM-402 / KM-202 provide a new interface to effects that will take DJing to the next level.
EQ innovation
EQ manipulation is a staple of DJ performance. In response to this need, the KM-402 / KM-202 take advantage of full-digital processing to provide six different EQ types to suit any sound, from powerful high-pass filters, to unique “Hyped” and “Isolator” EQ curves. Each channel has a dedicated three-band EQ (Hi/Mid/Low) that responds in different ways according to whatever EQ curve is currently selected via a simple six-position selector.
These EQ types have been created based on the opinions of numerous famous artists, and include EQ curves that cut only the low-frequency region while boosting the mid-range, as well as extremely drastic EQ types that use the knobs as isolators for each frequency band. This capability means that the EQ knobs are now a core element of your DJ performance, and take advantage of the integration with the KAOSS effects to create performances that use EQ in a new and unique way.
Fader perfection
As you’d expect from a full-featured DJ mixer, long throw faders and cue controls let you set the mix and lock your beats in real time while cueing silently through headphones.
Cross-fader response is as personal as the DJ holding it. The adjustable cross-fader curves and calibration function let you set up the mixer to your personal style. Whether you’re mixing dual decks, triggering from a laptop or integrating other sound sources, the KAOSS Mixer adapts to your style and personal touch.
Visually, they're a tad odd looking. Sporting a white and green colour scheme, there's nothing quite like them in the market place right now. And the 2 channel KM202 looks like it needs a whole lot more going on than actually is. I guess it's a manufacturing thing really. Sadly, I didn't get a chance to play so I can't tell you what it's like. I sense a Korg Fest brewing.
The Zeros
Since their surprise launch at NAMM, the Zeros, especially the Zero4, have commanded much attention from the DJ world. The Zero4 has hit the market doing just about everything anyone can think of that can be done with a 4 channel mixer. Effects per channel plus master effects, 6 types of EQ, looping, gating, Firewire and MIDI make this probably the most desirable mixer on the market right now.
Seeing how seamless the Zeros are with your computer, you can control many of the features from the supplied Zero utility. All the curves can be edited and uploaded directly to the Zeros. And just so you know - the Zeros have a TKD Pro Fader - high quality CCP fader in the same vein as the Pro X Fade but without the tension and lag adjustment.
I was given a demo that I recorded but the sound is terrible so if you're reading this Tatsuki - make me a really cool demo that we can post up here - like your Youtube one but with audio right from the mixer.
And the upside of having Firewire and a built in sound card in the Zero4 and 8 is that they're both Traktor Scratch certified, which does rather make these even more desirable, if not essential purchases for someone wanting a 4 channel beast.
Taking a look at the pictures, you'll see that the 4 channel line faders are held in by 4 screws. This can only mean 1 thing - rotary kit right? There's no other reason I can think of for it. Hear our cry Korg!
And Zero2? I didn't ask about that one but it's logical. Just lop off 2 channels and it's done. We can but hope.
On 04-04-2007 15:25, Gyro commented...
40 comments to this story