The all-new padKONTROL joins Korg's 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!

Streaming Video Demo
padKONTROL was introduced at the NAMM Show in January, 2006. Click here to see video highlights of the event.


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.


Beat It!
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!

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.

Kontrol it!
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 renowned 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.

See it!
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. The great feel of the trigger pads and the Illumination mode work together synergistically to catapult your performance to a higher intensity level than ever before.

Manage it!
Thankfully, 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.”

Software Bonuses
The padKONTROL comes with a special dfh SUPERIOR drum kit plug-in instrument from Toontracks , created to work exclusively with your versatile 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!

So that you can instantly enjoy the padKONTROL, it comes with KORG's new Creative Control Pack CD-ROM stuffed with special versions of some of the hottest software titles around.

The Creative Kontrol Pack 3 consists of seven of the most in-demand software titles, configured for use with Korg’s innovative microKONTROL, KONTROL49 and padKONTROL USB-MIDI controllers. You get Ableton’s “Live Lite 6 Korg Edition” – a lite, yet surprisingly powerful version of their cutting-edge loop-based audio/MIDI sequence software. “Reason Adapted 3.0 for Korg” – a special configuration of Propellerhead’s award-winning workstation software with a ‘virtual rack’ of synthesizers and effect processors, “UVI Korg Edition 2” – a special version of Ultimate Sound Bank’s plug-in software with over 800 MB of drum kits and other sounds. In addition, you get some new software Applied Acoustics Systems’ “Lounge Lizard Session” – a physical modeling electric piano synthesizer including Rhodes and Wurlitzer sounds, “Ultra Analog Session” – an easy operating analog modeling synthesizer of Applied Acoustics, Modartt’s “Pianoteq lite Korg Edition” – great performance physical modeling piano plug-in synthesizer, and “M1 Le” – a lite and special version of Korg’s epoch-making workstation synthesizer “M1” now available in software version.

Futhermore, now these software titles support Intel Mac, and included new template scenes for controlling these software titles from the microKONTROL/KONTROL49/padKONTROL. With this enhanced power, Creative Kontrol Pack 3 adds strong support to your PC-based musical creations and performances. (more info)

Specifications subject to change without notice