Some time ago now, I was let loose with a Korg Kaossilator. Far from being a new device, this has been about for a good while now, and has been seen with the likes of The Flaming Lips all the way to Lily Allen. If you don’t know what one is, then the simplest way to describe it is a synthesizer in a small box. Or, once you start using it, hardware heroin. In fact, this device so engrossing, it could be the gadget that makes the partner finally give you the ultimatum.
The device is simple to use. The pad at the bottom is touch sensitive, and the knob in the top centre is used to select the sound. Once you have selected your sound, move your finger about the pad to control the pitch or effect, or both. The Kaossilator has one hundred sounds including drum patterns, sound effects, and everything in between. There is also an arpeggiator for the perfect techno riff.
Had that been all it did, it would still be fun, but it lets you record up to eight bars of what you are doing, then overdub on top of that as much as you like. This allows you to build up some pretty good sounding grooves. And best of all, you don’t need to be Paul Oakenmold to use it. It makes it all very accessible for anyone to have a go. You don’t need the cash of a top producer to own one either, as you can pick one up for just over £100.00.
Running either from a power adaptor, or batteries, means you can take this small marvel with you wherever you go. You can output your creations either from the headphone jack, or the twin phono jacks at the top. Although there is no MIDI, you can still output to a computer, and record into your sequencing software if you happen to have Cubase, or Ableton for example. However I found that a copy of Audacity will do just fine for making the next club hit.
If you want to learn more, have a look on youtube. If you have one, lucky old you. And if you have not got one, you will want one.