Korg has debuted the Kaoss Replay, a self-contained performance tool for musicians, performers, and producers. It features the well-known Kaoss Pad and Effects, expanded sampling capabilities and DJ controls.
While all that may sound great on paper, especially with Korg’s lathered-up, over-the-top marketing speak on their website, the real question that arises is: How does it compare with Roland’s SP-404 mkII?
Korg Kaoss Replay
The easiest way for electronic musicians to get their music onto Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, Tidal, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pandora, Twitch & much more! Click the banner above or the Go Button to save 7% off of your signup! GO!
Roland SP-404 mkII Killer?
Korg Kaoss Replay Specs:
- Kaoss Pad Effects » 128 types
- Microphone Effects » Tone, Delay, Reverb
- Number of projects » 100
- Trigger pads » 16 (supports velocity) × eight banks
- Hot cue » Max. 12 (per trigger pad)
- Number of simultaneous plays » 16
- Audio specifications » Linear PCM (48 kHz/16 bits)
- Recording functions » Sampling, resampling: Max. 30 min. / Live Rec: Max. 100 min.
- Audio input » LINE/PHONO IN jack: RCA pin jack (Select LINE or PHONO.); PHONO GAIN switch (LO/HI); MIC IN jack: Standard phone jack (6.3 mm, monaural TS); Exclusive for Dynamic Microphone; AUX IN jack: Stereo mini jack (? 3.5 mm); Mix directly to LINE OUT.
- Audio Output » LINE OUT jack: RCA pin jack; HEADPHONES jack: Standard stereo phone jack (6.3 mm)
- Controller input » FOOT SW jack: Standard phone jack (? 6.3 mm, TS) * Connect the optional PS-1 or PS-3.
- USB jack » microB (MIDI, Audio (IN x 2ch, OUT x 34ch (48 kHz/16 bits
- External storage » microSD card, microSDHC card (32GB Max) Class10 or higher, UHS-I (U1)
- Product dimensions » 185?W?×284?D?×56?H?mm
- Product weight » 2.0 kg
- Power supply » DC 5V/3A
New DJing Features
Kaoss Replay targets the DJ performance market with essential DJ tools onboard, eliminating the need for external gear. Precise beat-matching, playback quantization, hot cues, monitoring, and dual faders, all complemented by the fun Kaoss FX, makes Replay, according to Korg, “the ultimate portable DJ rig.”
Kaoss Replay introduces an advanced sample playback and sampling system
Powered by USB-C and equipped with on-board connectivity, Kaoss Replay introduces an advanced sample playback and sampling system with 128 sample slots (16 pads x 8 banks) for each of up to 100 projects. Encased in an aluminum chassis, the Replay builds on the previous Kaoss products with 128 new Kaoss FX. These encompass practical filters, delays, and reverbs to modulation effects, Loopers, vocoders, and synth effects. In addition, Kaoss Replay offers new vocal effects that complement any genre and performance, ranging from subtle vocal correction to precise pitch tuning.
Automating your effects is with the Pad Motion function or by simply holding the desired position using Touch Hold mode. Furthermore, the FX Release function ensures smooth transitions, integrating your effects into your musical composition. With a dedicated MIC Input, Kaoss Replay simplifies the process of playing, performing your tracks, and engaging in improvisation with creative sound effects. Featuring 16 velocity-sensitive pads, Kaoss Replay accommodates up to 128 slots divided across 8 banks per project, with support for up to 100 projects, storable on a microSD card.
Enhanced by a dual group assign system and dedicated faders, along with BPM detection, sync, and quantization capabilities, as well as the onboard sample trimming functionality, coupled with the 12-point Hot Cue triggering system, the Replay enables samples to be truly “played” musically and creatively during live performances.
