OVERVIEW
With padKontrol, Korg introduces their version of the drum pad controller. Like most of their products, Korg one-ups the competition here, adding more features than their competitors. In addition to the 16 velocity sensitive drum pad controls, the key feature of the padKontrol is the additional X-Y pad (similar to one on the Kaospad) which when used in conjunction with the drum pads, adds further control and expression.

FEATURES
The X-Y pad adds real-time control of both flam and roll timing and dynamics. Moving from left to right increases the speed of the roll, or the distance between the "flammed" notes. Moving up increase the volume of the roll, or the second note in the flam. This is a highly expressive and intuitive way to produce these natural drum techniques. With an optional footswitch, you can even add real "kick" drum parts, or close a open hi-hat.

Further Control: Drums are just the beginning. A MIDI message can be assigned to each pad, and they can be set for momentary or toggle operation. In addition to sending a value as the pad is touched, a specific value can be sent as the pad is released, so they can be used like buttons or switches to control any function on your soft synths and DAWs.

Based on Korg's KAOSS technology, the X-Y pad can be assigned to control any two continuous controllers in real-time. You might set the X Axis to control pitch bend on a synth while the Y Axis controls reverb depth. Or set them to control filter cutoff and resonance, or multiple delay parameters for evocative and expressive performance and mixing possibilities.

Two assignable knobs provide continuous control of two other MIDI parameters. You can easily invert the values sent from any of these controllers so you can quickly adjust them to your needs. Even the footswitch input can be set as a momentary or toggle switch for any parameter. Like the X-Y and trigger pads, the pedal also can send a specific release value.

Visual Indicators: Whenever you strike a pad or move a controller the built-in display shows what message or value is being sent, giving you accurate confirmation of what you're doing. The pads have a striking visual behavior, which will move you to visually groove along with your playing. Pads assigned to notes light up when struck and then shut off. Pads assigned to CC messages stay lit to show their status. Three variations of the Illumination mode cause the trigger pads to light up in unique patterns. Two begin when a trigger pad is struck, and a third starts automatically when the padKONTROL sits idle for a few minutes.

Management: Once you have all the controllers set the way you like, you can save the entire set of assignments as a "User Scene." Sixteen User Scenes are available in the padKONTROL itself, and they can be quickly selected using the pads. In addition, thirty preset scenes are included, designed to instantly match the padKONTROL to some of the most popular music software programs. The padKONTROL also comes with free Editor/Librarian software. Using the computer's graphic capabilities, the Editor/Librarian software makes it easy to create, store and organize vast libraries of scenes and "scene sets."

The padKONTROL comes with a special dfh SUPERIOR drum kit plug-in instrument from Toontracks, created to work exclusively with this controller. This 260 MB drum kit features multiple velocity levels, and a variety of microphone positions - 2,700 samples in all - so you can start laying down beats as soon as you get it out of the box!

OUR OPINION
The padKontrol is the most powerful drum pad controller available. The addition of the X-Y pad controls, the ability to add a footswitch, and the illuminated indicators, are unique features that enable you to get the most feel and flexibility out of your controller. And with Korg's reputation for quality, you know you are getting a machine that's built to last. Recommended.

- 16 velocity-sensitive Trigger pads with LED illumination
- X-Y pad
- Two assignable knobs
- Assignable pedal jack*
- Korg K25 MIDI Controller
- 16 user scene memories
- MIDI In/Out
- USB (type B)
- Windows XP or OS X 10.2 or later - 12.36" (W) x 9.21" (D) x 2.17" (H)
- 2.12 lbs

- USB cable
- CD-ROM containing padKONTROL Editor/Librarian software etc.
- CD-ROM containing dfh SUPERIOR Korg Edition drumkit

reviewed by the mgmnt