Kaossilator 2

Korg Kaossilator 2 (KK2), the second iteration of Korg's mini-synth Kaossilator, is a dynamic phrase synthesiser with new and improved features; notably a speaker output, two-track loop function, sharper Electroluminescent display and memory card storage.  Generally, sound presets worked fine though on occasions, one volume output overpowered the other during transition between loops/sound effects.  Do handle mounting tab of the rear case carefully as it might break.  There were reports of others breaking.  Mine has held out thus far but it looks fragile.

I found myself using KK2 more often due to its hand-held portability. You can record your entire track for more sonic mangling later.  Switching between sound genres is fast and easy (press "Snd" followed by +/-).  Similarly, you can press "Arp" followed by +/- to change arpeggiator patterns.  I liked the Sound Kits better, they provide a fast and easy way to get a rhythm going.  Menu-diving is necessary to change arpeggiator patterns.  Speaker output could use a little more oomph.  The 8-beat per bar loop is a start but soon becomes a sore limitation once you delve into longer variations.  Some regard KK2 as toy-grade but I think it is a synthesiser device proper, but barely. Combine it with Korg Mini Kaoss Pad 2, you might have something to contend with.  Overall, it is a fun gadget that feels and sounds great but would have no place in a more serious studio setup.

Quality/Build: 7/10

Functions/Features: 8/10
Sound Quality: 7/10
Star Factor: 7/10

Main Specifications

• Programs: 150
• Program Categories: Lead (25), Acoustic (10), Bass (30), Chord (25), SE (20), Drum (15), Drum Patterns (25)
• Scales: 35 
• Key Range: ±12
• Gate Arpeggiator: 50 patterns
• Sampling Frequency: 48 kHz
• AD/DA Conversion: 24-bit linear 
• Input connectors: Mic Input (stereo mini jack type) 
• Output connectors: Headphone Output (stereo mini jack type)
• Data Storage: microSD card (512MB - 2GB) microSDHC card (2GB - 16GB) *SDXC card cannot be used.
• Power Supply: AA batteries (alkaline or Nickel-Metal Hydride battery) x 2. 
• Optional AC adapter-ready (DC4.5V – available from Korg)
• Battery Life: Approx. 5 hours (Power Saving: On, with Nickel-Metal Hydride battery)
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 76 mm x 128 mm x 25 mm / 2.99” x 5.04” x 0.98”
• Weight: 105 g / 3.75 oz. (without batteries)
• Options: AC adapter-ready (DC4.5V – available from Korg)
• Accessories: Owner’s Manual, AA batteries x2 (for verifying operation)

Arturia Minibrute

Arturia Minibrute

The Arturia Minibrute is one cool piece of instrument born amid the recent renaissance of modern analogue synthesisers.  Its pure analogue signal path gives out great monotones.  Takes about ten minutes to warm-up.  Perhaps it can be considered a basic synth with its limited number of voltage control and low-frequency oscillators.  As first analogue synth, I spent a substantial amount of time to get acquainted and the time was well spent.  I do recommend it to someone keen to start using analogue synths.  To understand more, check out fundamentals of synthesis at Moog.

The enclosures are made of aluminium and robust in a "chunky" way.  Minibrutes feel weighted and are made to last.  On my unit however, Pulse Width-Envelope Amount knob had no traction feel though it still functions.  A minor defect there.  The aftertouch keys had a good feel to them.  Arturia's clever use of swing steps, octaves and time sequences, etc provided users a little more value.  One highlight is Brute Factor (BF), which I gathered to work more or less like an "overdrive".  BF effect is very telling on sound generated.  My advice then, is to use it sparingly.  In future, I would connect Minibrute to other modular gear using Control Voltage for more sonic brute-ness!

Quality/Build: 8/10

Functions/Features: 8/10
Sound Quality: 7/10
Star Factor: 7/10

Main Specifications

• Monophonic synthesizer
• 100% Analog Audio Signal Path
• Steiner-Parker Multimode Filter (LP, BP, HP and Notch)
• Voltage Controlled Oscillator with Sub-Osc
• Oscillator Mixer (Sub, Sawtooth, Square, Triangle, White Noise, Audio In)
• LFO1 with 6 waveforms and bi-polar modulation destinations
• LFO2 with 3 vibrato modes
• Brute Factor™ delivering saturation and rich harmonics
• Ultrasaw generating shimmering sawtooth waveforms
• Metalizer bringing extreme triangle harmonics
• Two ADSR Envelope Generators
• 25 note Keyboard with Aftertouch
• Rugged Aluminium Enclosure
• External Analog Audio Input
• CV In/Out controls: Pitch, Gate, Filter, Amp
• MIDI In/Out with 5-Pin DIN connectors
• USB MIDI In/Out
• 1/4” Audio Output and 1/4” Headphone Output
• Gate Source Selection: Audio Input, Hold, Keyboard
• Arpeggiator:
  • 4 Modes of Arpeggiation
  • 4 Octave Range Control
  • 6 Time Divisions
  • Swing Control

Korg Kaossilator

Korg Kaossilator

The Korg Kaossilator is a highly portable phrase synthesiser. It is straightforward to use and easily one of the classics of budget synth-sound making.  Borrow or buy one to have a go at it, they are very affordable and fun.  The next iteration, known as the Kaossilator 2 is now available and has added features such as speaker output, recording to memory card, microphone input and new built-in sounds, etc.  To further enhance its capability, the Kaossilator is often paired with its sibling device, an effects processor known as Korg mini-KP. Similar to the mini-KP, the input panel is designed for our fingers and is often not precise.  The arpeggiator patterns also does not standout.



Overall, I should think it is a keeper, one device that you could reach out to that still surprises you with "unexpected" sounds, especially when we are running low on ideas "what to use next".

Quality/Build: 8/10

Functions/Features: 6/10
Sound Quality: 6/10
Star Factor: 6/10

Main Specifications

100 totally playable synth programs, including: 
o Preset drum/bass grooves with flexible effects 
o Fat synth lead sounds 
o Acoustic instruments like trumpet, digeridoo, sitar, and more 
o Tap-able drum voices 
o Extra thick and juicy basses 
o Complete chords with filters and other effects 
o Space-age sound effects to send your loop beyond the cosmos 
o Adjustable scale and key functions 
o Layer an unlimited amount of sounds together 
o FIX function allows you to create an “undo point,” in case you need to re-record a layer 
o Built-in gating arpeggiator with 50 different patterns 
o 4x AA Battery operation for total portability (optional AC adapter available)

Korg mini-KP (Kaoss Pad)

Korg mini-KP

Korg mini-KP (Kaoss Pad) comes under a product line of portable devices from Korg, famed for making devices that are both fun and simple to use.  It is basically an effects processor, and often paired in use with its sibling, the Korg Kaossilator (a phrase synthesiser) to mangle/manipulate sounds/effects.  

The mini-KP feels sturdy to hold and offers comfortable use.  However, with time, I found the mini-KP used less often than Kaossilator.  The input panel was designed for fingers and thus it performs poorly when precise inputs are required.  Some users have resorted to using a stylus and a 4 x 4 grid paper.


Yes you get get some really "whacky" sounds/effects, but the number of times you hear yourself saying "wow, that is nice." is few and far in between.  That said, a determined user can still creatively incorporate the sounds/effects effectively into their music.  We are discussing "old-tech" here because the next-generation of Kaossilators have arrived and they feature improved functionality such as memory card recording and speaker, etc.

Quality/Build: 8/10
Functions/Features: 5/10
Sound Quality: 6/10
Star Factor: 5/10

Main Specifications

100 dynamic effects with adjustable depth, including:
o Multiple types of smooth, great-sounding resonant filters
o Decimators and grain-shifters to totally mangle your sound
o Looping effects that repeat and manipulate audio phrases
o BPM-synced effects like delays and LFO-based filter sweeps
o Synthesizer programs with X/Y control of pitch and filter
o Combination effects such as delay + reverb
o Two memory buttons to store your favorite presets
o Tap button for syncing BPM-based effects to the incoming audio
o FX Release function adds a BPM-synced delay ”tail” to sounds so they gradually fade away when you release your finger from the pad
o “Direct” or “Send” modes allow you to connect the mini-KP anywhere in your setup
o Hold function allows you to remove your finger from the pad, while maintaining the effect
o Battery operation for total portability (optional AC adapter available)

What is a DJ / Music Producer?

Let's Rock!

What is a DJ (DeeJay/Disc Jockey):- usually defined as a person who selects, plays, and often comments on recorded music, as on a radio program or at a discotheque, etc.  A person playing his own created music is more of a performer than a DJ.  


Music Producer - usually defined as a person who creatively guides/directs the process of making music. Typically competent as arranger, composer, musician and songwriter.

However, lines between the two are sometimes less distinct, e.g. a DJ who performs with "live" elements, typically in order to add excitement to the music, is not playing "existing" music.  In fact, some of the superstar DJs of today are also talented music producers.

Hence, it is not a case to excel at either music production or DJ-ing.  These two are complementary fields in music world.  To dabble in them would likely yield synergistic outcomes for most folks.  The satisfactions to getting thumbs up on your music production and/or getting the crowd enjoying themselves at an event must be something to experience.

Pioneer DDJ-SX

Pioneer DDJ-SX

Pioneer DDJ-SX is my first DJ Mixer-Controller.  My purchase was made after weeks of fact-finding and research.  The SX is the product of a joint development between Pioneer and Serato.  It is very well-built and has most essential functions a DJ would want covered.  It also received many positive user reviews and I could understand why after using it myself.

Titled by Pioneer as "The Performance DJ Controller", the DDJ-SX performed how it should be.  The pads are velocity-sensitive and feels nice to touch. Knobs and Faders are not wobbly and worked a treat.  EQs have no kill switches though.  The jogwheels are reasonably large and with the stock crossfader, decent scratch-mixing can be achieved.  However, at launch, Serato DJ (default software) was plagued by bugs (mostly the annoying-kind) and has substantially fewer FXs (effects) built-in compared to its major rival Traktor Pro.  However, Serato DJ's interface and workflow works well and feels natural.

The SX not only looks but also performs great.  I am very satisfied with my purchase.  I look forward to new Pioneer/Serato DJ updates, to gain new functions with the machine such as additional sampler pad triggers, gate effect and improved software stability, etc.

Quality/Build: 9/10

Functions/Features: 8/10
Sound Quality: 9/10
Star Factor: 9/10 

Main Specificaions

Software	Serato DJ
Input Terminals	CD x 2(RCA), combined LINE/PHOTO x 2(RCA) MIC x 2(XLR&1/4inch combined PHONE x 1, 1/4inch PHONE x 1)
Output Terminals	MASTER OUT x 2(RCA x 1, XLR x 1) BOOTH OUT x 1(1/4inch PHONE) HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT x 2(front 1/4inch phone, MiniPin)
Other Terminals	USB B terminal x 1
Frequency Range	20Hz ~ 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.003% or less
S/N Ratio	105dB(PC)
Supplied AC Adapter	Power source AC100V 50/60Hz, rated output DC5V
External Dimentions	664mm(W) x 70.4mm(H) x 357mm (D)
Weight	5.8kg

First Foray

Always love music - all genres and types except for Jazz/R&B/Heavy Metal. Just a matter of preference. Most people I know, would acknowledge that music is universal, transcending across cultures, beliefs and differences. How wonderful..

Voila! It occurred to me one day, that instead of listening to good music from others, why not get into some music-making myself? I remember the days how DJs were so awesome and cool, and was a persona/profession one can only aspire to be. In today's digital age, the progress of technology and competitive cost of manufacture had given access to formerly expensive DJ/music equipment and know-hows to the masses.

For certain I am not musically talented. DJ-ing and music-making can be pursued as a hobby. Nothing like a groovy beat to get you going. As with my other hobbies, I do not set any goals/objectives to attain. This way, I venture at my own comfortable time and space. Okay ~ it is time to make some sonic waves!