A USB MIDI controller with sixteen velocity-sensitive trigger pads, made for rhythm programming and DAW control.
Overview
The Korg PadKontrol is a MIDI controller , built around sixteen illuminated, velocity-sensitive trigger pads. It works in the studio or on stage, and it's aimed at making rhythm tracks and controlling software instruments or external MIDI gear in real time. There is no keyboard. Everything runs from the pads, plus an X-Y pad, two assignable knobs, and an assignable pedal jack. It connects through USB and MIDI ports, supports Korg Native mode, and lets you customize what each pad does - note messages, control changes, and transport commands.
Specifications
| Product type | MIDI Controller |
| Trigger pads | 16 illuminated, velocity sensitive |
| Control elements | X-Y pad, 2 assignable knobs, assignable pedal jack |
| Pedal function | Assignable to send note or control change message |
| Pad transmission | Fixed or variable velocity output |
| Assignable controls | Pads for transport or control switches, knobs, X-Y pad for control change messages |
| Special functions | Flam, Roll, Hold |
| Display | 3-digit LED (7-segment) |
| Memory | 16 user scene memories, 30 preloaded scene templates |
| Model number | KPC-1 |
| Dimensions | 314 x 234 x 55 mm |
| Weight | 0.96 kg |
| Power requirement | 9V AC adapter or 9V DC center negative (conflicting sources) |
| Connections | USB, MIDI connections |
| Included accessories | USB cable, CD-ROM |
Design
The layout centers on the sixteen trigger pads, which give immediate feedback for beat programming and performance. The front panel also carries an X-Y touchpad, two rotary knobs, and a 3-digit LED display for parameters. It's built to plug straight into DAWs and soft synths. It has no onboard sound generation, so all the control is hands-on.
Context
, the PadKontrol entered the market as a competitor to other pad-based MIDI controllers like those from Akai and M-Audio. It targeted producers and performers who wanted a pad-centric interface for software instruments and rhythm sequencing. Its Roll and Flam functions gave instant rhythmic variation.
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