KORG has released KAOSS Replay 2.0, a free update that they say takes the devices’ workflow and performance to a new level.
Here’s what’s new in KORG KAOSS Replay 2.0:
- New KAOSS Effects: With over 200 KOASS programs, almost double the previous number.
- Updated Vocoder Programs: Fine-tuned and unified scale across Vocoder programs.
- Expanded Sampling & Looping: Sample, play, or loop up to 16 pads simultaneously. Version 2.0 introduces extended loop ranges, expanded Quantization settings, added time signatures, Sampling Precount, improved sampling target selection, metronome support, and more.
- Intuitive Workflow: Minimize menu-diving and focus on your music. Quickly check pad details, adjust audio levels on-the-fly, and utilize play modes and group assignments for DJ sets and improv sessions.
- Enhanced Functionality: Enjoy customizable wallpaper display, extended data file compatibility, and more features for enhanced music-making.
KORG KAOSS Replay 2.0 is available now as a free update.
This device seemed to be panned by critics upon its release. Perhaps this update will endear it to a new audience. To be clear, most of the reviews I watched were from the beat making community, and I admit that they may not be the target audience of a device like this, in spite of it looking inspired in part by the SP-404mk2.
There being so much room for improvement / additions, I wonder if Korg released this device to be milked until the hardware runs out? Roland is playing a long game with the 404 MK2, and it feels like Korg felt this icon of theirs can be dragged down a similar road…
I very much doubt it.
I really like Korg, however they don’t have a good track record of updates for their products.
Just look at the Electribe 2 and the SQ-64 sequencer.
I really like the Electribe 2 (I hated the SQ-64) but it could’ve been so much better with firmware updates.
Cool to see Korg releasing free updates for existing users. Elektron and Novation are the companies to beat on this, IMHO.
I would also add Arturia and Roland to that list too.
What Arturia have done with the Microfreak has been amazing.
Also, Roland’s updates to the MC-707 and TR8S have massively improved those machines imo.
korg for me have gone down the drain for me recently with the synth and electronic music orientated products- just not comptetive in the more serious music maker market, and are letting their marketing department do the heavy lifting… a quick summary:
electribe 2 – worse than the prior ESX model in many ways, most notably the mad flaw of very audible power supply noise through the outputs, and sample management from the early 00s.
drumlogue – hardly a competitor to elektron or roland in drum machine department, and even tho it has its own analog engine, cant hold a candle to drm / perkons / sy-1
prologue – good sound, layout and clear UI with their innovative multi engine but hardly a flagship polysynth due to its vanilla LFO
opsix – i always welcome new approaches to the incredibly un-intiutive field of fm synthesis but seriously they could have more or less copied yamaha dx200’s approach and had a field day. digitone took big inspo from korg’s own DS-8 with their simpler algorithms to great effect.
modwave – great engine with fantastic possibilities but convoluted and time consuming to program good sounding patches compared to more serious analog synths
wavestate – a preset engine solely, also pain in the ass in programming department
sv2 stage piano – more expensive than nord and not as good as an organ, electric piano, clav etc.
korg gadget – took too long to add in auv3 support, and people like me already have a apps covering the synth territory needed to write music on an ipad.
finally korg kaoss replay… significantly overpriced, and lacks the charm of the older models. they could have just made a kp3+ with upgraded converters (original were bad, low output) and improved sampling workflow, but instead tried to put in features from 404 series and failed at both being an effects device with sampling features OR a bread n butter drum machine with effect features…
ironically their best new product seems to be the new microkorg, which appears to be a straight upgrade of the OG based of loopop’s preview, but not going as far synthesis/features wise as prior synths like the R3, which was essentially a big brother to the the microkorg in many ways.
To add some nuance to the Korg-bashing here: I recently got myself a 2nd hand Volca Sample for like 50 euros. Even if you pay the retail price of 150 euros, it is SO WELL WORTH the money!
Incredible workflow, incredible operation. Amazing UI.
I know, it has nothing to do with that KAOSS thing, I tried to understand how that would fit in my workflow, but nothing happened
Just update the price and make it 399€ like the old kaoss pad and I will buy one.
Exactly this!
In the UK it’s £900
That’s more than double a Roland SP-404 MK2 and £300 more than a MPC One!
It’s stupid pricing from Korg.
as the kids say its way too “extra”
nobody wants a kaos pad groovebox/mpc-lite
The pricing is not stupid as it is more of a pro performance product than the SP404 or MPC One.
As a longtime Kaoss Pad user, I would have jumped on a modernized KP4 that concentrated on live looping and effects for $599 in a heartbeat. Seems like a huge misstep to me, but I likely would have bought one at that price point.