Hello. Just a few words about the Korg Kaossilator 2 dynamic phrase instrument: It's sweet! There are over 100 different instruments built in to this handheld unit which is only slightly bigger than a deck of playing cards. There are synth instruments, guitars, basses, drum sets, percussion, etc. that the user can access and manipulate. Use it as a standalone instrument, or treat it as an idea generating musical sketchpad that can inspire you toward new compositions and musical approaches.
The "K2" is playable through a touchpad interface that allows you to crudely play "notes" and adjust volume parameters. Being as this is a black screen on which you are tapping and dragging your fingers to alter the sound, finding the precise spot where a note can repeatedly be played is a little difficult. Maybe a grid pattern could be added that would roughly estimate where notes are and what various effects are possible with sliding your fingers across the touch screen.
That being said, there is a lot of cool sound packed into this little box. Try out the various synth leads, traditional instruments such as trumpets, kalimbas, piano, a Mellotron influenced "tape flute", guitars, or drum kits and percussion.
Another nice feature is a looper function which allows you to lay down some musical patterns and then play another sound over the top of it. Soundscapes created in this fashion can then be saved to an optional microSD card you can add to the unit. There is a headphone jack for playing in private but a word of warning. You may get lost in the rich, lusterous tones. There is also a mic in, 1/8" jack for adding an external microphone. The unit also has its own built in mic. Vocals can thus be added over other loops you have previously created. Nice.
We haven't used the K2 in a live setting but it would definitely be capable of adding some interesting flourishes to a live performance environment.
The Korg Kaossilator 2 should keep you busy for some time to come. Go check it out!
