the gate arp function on the kpro

k0va5 · Post by **k0va5** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 10:04 am

i initially was sceptical about this after seeing videos on you tube, and it took a while to figure it out, and how to best use the gate function.

however..

now, im sold. 100 percent.

it allows for seriously complex creation of patterns on the fly. and its controllable, and repeatable much more easily than it seems at first.

the thing id noticed is if you make slow and deliberate rhythmical actions rather than flapping it about like a 1980s dj.. its fantastic

Mr36 · Post by **Mr36** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 1:33 pm

I agree. With some careful precision (which takes practice and I must admit I'm not there yet with it), it can be a very useful tool.
And although many people think the loss of the original Kaossilator's preset patterns and I even think they would have been nice to have included, it is a better way to go about things.

Many people complain about synths when they restrict the modifying and programming of sound parameters, leaving only the presets to play with, but then when freedom is presented to them, they complain about that too! No pleasing some people.

That's not a dig at anyone, by the way. Just a general observation.

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 1:48 pm

What actually were the preset patterns? did they involve octave jumping and such or were they just gate on/off patterns like on the Radias/R3/MicroKorg/a bit like Electribe sequencing?

Because, I understand they went for the slider approach to give you more control and not just using something someone else has programmed for your music, but maybe the 1-8 buttons could be set to gate on/off different steps in the pattern, like on the arpeggiator in the Radias, MicroKorg etc. That way would still give you a more 'pro' approach and more control, but enable you to create actual patterns.

Mr36 · Post by **Mr36** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 1:54 pm

Talking of those program buttons, I think they could have been made to do more. Like it would have been nice to be able to chop up loops like on the KP3, which, I believe, uses those buttons to do it. They could have been set to do that when in the shift+bank mode, where you can sort of do it with the dial.

The gate arp is good though. Whether just to use it to keep a straight riff in time, to be more precise and get patterns out of it or to be like the Japanese and be a bit mental with it.

bluemind · Post by **bluemind** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 5:49 pm

My quick try with the gate arp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRlExT3WncI

I'm still kind of hoping that the preset pattern would be there, because although it's highly expressive as it is, it would be nice to focus on one thing at a time. Now you must divide your attention to rocking the slider and trying to hit notes and recording it all.

samartin · Post by **samartin** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 6:07 pm

Nice work Bluemind,

Really good videos you got up there, you've certainly got to grips with the KPro quickly.

Will have to fave your vids as there's a few things I could pick up

)

bluemind · Post by **bluemind** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 6:25 pm

Thanks, I find the KOPro really fun to jam with, probably because I'm mainly a guitar player and improvise a lot, so it fits my mindset on how to work with music

If you have any suggestions about videos, feel free to ask.

samartin · Post by **samartin** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 7:11 pm

@bluemind, as you are a guitar player I'd love to see how you're going to combine the guitar with the KPro

bluemind · Post by **bluemind** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 7:30 pm

@samartin, that's a great idea, I'll record something with my guitar --> pod --> KOPro later

SMK · Post by **SMK** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 10:43 pm

Finally...someone who uses the arp slider correctly. Good job Bluemind.

I dont remember if this has been covered or answered already but does the Arp gat function work with incoming audio as well or only for the synth sounds?

bluemind · Post by **bluemind** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 11:55 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdaGCMNWdlE

Kaossilator Pro vs. Distortion guitar as samartin suggested

The gate arp only works for internal sounds and also for vocoders (and effects I quess...). It just basically taps the pad for you.

SMK · Post by **SMK** » Sun Apr 04, 2010 2:55 am

Nice Work! I can't wait to get mine.

xmlguy · Post by **xmlguy** » Sun Apr 04, 2010 4:02 am

I finally broke down and bought one. I wish I could blame it on the al-al-al-al-alcohol, but I was stone sober. What finally did me in was negotiating a final price of $350, out the door. I got a price match plus gift card promotion for a net 20% off. This damn economy has turned me into a skinflint miserly old bastard. I think I need to do a track to rattle the chains of Ole Jacob Marley and in tribute to the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge, as penance.

Yes, nice track blue mind!

samartin · Post by **samartin** » Sun Apr 04, 2010 10:25 am

Nice work bluemind, pretty damn handy on the ol' axe too!

Wish I started playing a musical instrument when I was young! Better late than never I say...

samartin · Post by **samartin** » Sun Apr 04, 2010 10:27 am

xmlguy wrote:I finally broke down and bought one. I wish I could blame it on the al-al-al-al-alcohol, but I was stone sober. What finally did me in was negotiating a final price of $350, out the door. I got a price match plus gift card promotion for a net 20% off. This damn economy has turned me into a skinflint miserly old bastard. I think I need to do a track to rattle the chains of Ole Jacob Marley and in tribute to the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge, as penance.

Yes, nice track blue mind!

At least the unit will take your mind off this damn economical climate!

Enjoy, it really is a great device, apart from the odd niggle/quirk...