Korg PadKontrol USB Drum Pad Studio Controller, White

by Korg

Product Features

• 16 velocity-sensitive Trigger pads with LED illumination X-Y pad
• Two assignable knobs Assignable pedal jack
• 7-segment, 3-digit LED
• 16 user scene memories and 30 preloaded scene templates
• AC adapter (optional)

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 15 x 3 x 11 inches ; 2.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 10 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000KLLCGA
• Item model number: PADKONTROL
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,423 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

The Korg padKONTROL joins their expanding line-up of MIDI studio controllers. Adding another dimension beyond traditional keyboard control, the padKONTROL is the most expressive and versatile pad controller ever! In addition to accessing drum sounds and samples, the padKONTROL can also control soft synths and effects, trigger loops and video clips, and even act as transport controls for DAW software programs. Combining an assignable X-Y touchpad that also provides for natural-sounding flams and rolls, sixteen great-feeling illuminated trigger pads, assignable knobs and a footpedal input, the padKONTROL provides unsurpassed evocative control. The padKONTROL is ideal for creating natural, organic sounding drumbeats. Each of the sixteen pads can be individually assigned a note number and MIDI channel so you can control a single drumkit or map it to control different devices in your setup at the same time. Eight different dynamic curves are available for each pad, or you can set each pad to its own fixed level. This allows you to set up certain instruments to feel as you like, and others to always play the perfect velocity, no matter how you strike the pad. You can also set up multiple pads to play the same drum but at different fixed velocities, giving you varied but predictable performance every time. No matter how you set them up, you’ll appreciate the great feel of the pads. They respond well no matter where you strike them, not just in the center like many other systems. So you can freely play the pads with both hands, hit the edges or the center and get responsive, musical results – every time!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best of its kind, August 5, 2008

By 

Greg A. Tirevold (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Korg PadKontrol USB Drum Pad Studio Controller, White (Electronics)

The KORG padKontrol has only one purpose and that is to make the use of its input pads easy, flexible and reliable. The included manual is very thorough and explains every aspect well. The included editor software called Librarian, lets you program the entire pad very easily and requires little instruction, it is mainly click the image on the padKontrol on the screen and then set its parameters.

The pads are really what sets this unit apart though as they will register a hit even when they are struck on an edge or corner. If you've got sloppy fingers and are triggering things accidentally then just adjust the velocity curves to dial back the sensitivity. The pads light when the trigger which is a nice way to instantly see that you have a successful input. They can be set as momentary on/off or as toggle types. In toggle mode they act more like a switch where one hit turns it on and a second hit turns it off which is useful for sending MIDI events that you may want to remain "ON" longer than a split second like the momentary trigger gives.

The other buttons also light up as they are used which gives good feedback. The knobs are solid and have a very smooth action to them. The feet on the bottom of the unit are really sticky, not in a glue or tape sort of way, but rather in a it stay where you put it despite tapping away at it like mad. The touch-pad allows some very cool roll/flam effects but takes some practice to use well, it can also be reassigned to other functions.

Mine came with software samples from several manufacturers in the box. I am especially pleased with the one from Pianoteq and KORG's own M1Le synth engine. Those were unexpected, are very functional and have me thinking of actually upgrading them to their respective full versions.

KORG is a top tier name and this unit lives up to the reputation. Do not settle for cheaper imitations, you can see a big difference in quality.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great sensitivity!, July 7, 2010

By 

blackwolf - See all my reviews

This review is from: Korg PadKontrol USB Drum Pad Studio Controller, White (Electronics)

I found the midi setup in ableton to be a bit of a pain when mapping to drum kits, but otherwise really enjoyed the sensitivity of the pads themselves. Along with the on the fly flam, roll, and hold per pad setup, mapping effects to the x-y pad I had a whole different sound in comparison to my midi keyboard. The light effects for each pad as well as velocity control make me feel more in touch with my sets, as well as make it a bit more fun for shows.

Not being DAW guru I still have a lot to learn about this pad, but find it worth the price and would recommend as a necessary in terms of drum pads. I believe BOSS makes a similar pad, but I've never used it so I don't have much of a comparison otherwise. I've heard back and forth reviews about KORG's nanoPad so I decided to step it up and go with their full version, hence my purchase.

Needless to say I'm pleased with my purchase and the new capabilities offered.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A steal!, April 15, 2010

By 

Eranspira (Jerusalem, Israel) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Korg PadKontrol USB Drum Pad Studio Controller, White (Electronics)

I had high hopes from this controller (or should I say Kontroller) and it stands up to the task!

the individual 4x4 pad grid is not too big to move around in real time performance and not too small so you know what you are doing.

a red indicator lights up under each square when you press it and I found that to give great eye response in situations where you can't hear everything.

The controllers themselves are very sturdy and durable. you get a velocity indication when you hit the pad on the 3 digital numbers on the top left corner which is also a nice touch.

XY pad is a great add-on to this pad and very much worth the extra money.

The entire controller is super customizable yet super easy to use. you can change banks with a turn of a dial and every botton can be customized.

I am very happy with it. I get great feedback from it in real time.

highly suggested!