Korg KP3 KAOSS Pad Dynamic Effects Processor and Sampler

The Korg KP3 KAOSS Pad is a real-time effects processor and sampler built around Korg’s iconic XY touchpad interface, designed for DJs, electronic musicians, and live performers who want hands-on control over complex effects. By simply touching, sliding, or tapping the illuminated pad, users can manipulate multiple effect parameters simultaneously in real time, making it a highly expressive performance tool.

First introduced as part of the KAOSS PAD series, the KP3 combines multi-effects processing, sampling, looping, MIDI control, and performance automation into a single compact unit. It is widely used in DJ setups, live electronic performances, and experimental sound design workflows.

XY Touchpad Real-Time Control

The signature feature of the KP3 is its X-Y touchpad, which allows intuitive manipulation of multiple effect parameters simultaneously. Movement across the pad directly changes sound characteristics in real time.

• Touch-sensitive X-Y control surface
• Real-time multi-parameter effect manipulation
• Visual LED feedback grid
• Intuitive performance workflow
• Designed for live improvisation

Wide Range of Effects

The KP3 includes a large library of professional-grade effects covering filters, modulation, delays, spatial processing, and creative sound transformations.

• Approximately 128 effect programs
• Filters, EQ, and isolators
• Delays and reverbs
• Flanger, phaser, and modulation effects
• Vocoder and synth-style effects
• Lo-fi and distortion effects
• Beat-synced and tempo-based processing

Integrated Sampling and Looping

The KP3 also functions as a sampler, allowing users to capture audio and manipulate it instantly through effects and performance controls.

• 4 sample banks
• Loop and one-shot playback
• Real-time sampling from line or mic input
• Resampling capability (including effects)
• Sample editing and start-point adjustment
• Slice and loop manipulation functions

FX Release and Pad Motion Functions

Performance tools are built into the KP3 to make transitions smoother and enable repeatable live gestures.

• FX Release for smooth effect tails
• Mute function for stutter-style effects
• Pad Motion recording of XY movements
• Hold function for freezing effects
• Program memory recall (8 slots)

Tempo Sync and BPM Control

The KP3 supports tempo-based effects and synchronization for DJ and live performance environments.

• Auto BPM detection
• Tap tempo input
• MIDI clock sync support
• Beat-synced delays and LFO effects
• Stable integration with DJ setups

MIDI and USB Connectivity

The unit can function as both an effects processor and a MIDI controller for external hardware and software environments.

• MIDI In/Out connectivity
• USB connection for computer integration
• External controller capability
• Software editor/librarian support
• Studio and live hybrid use

Audio Inputs and Outputs

The KP3 supports multiple audio sources, making it suitable for DJs, vocal processing, and instrument effects.

• Stereo line inputs (RCA)
• Microphone input
• Stereo outputs (RCA)
• Headphone output
• Flexible routing for live setups

Key Features

• Real-time XY touchpad effects controller
• 128 built-in effects programs
• Integrated 4-bank sampler
• Loop and one-shot sample playback
• Pad Motion and FX Release functions
• Tempo-synced effects engine
• MIDI In/Out and USB connectivity
• 8 program memory slots
• Microphone and line input support
• Compact performance hardware design

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Multi-Effects Processor / Sampler
• Model: Korg KP3 KAOSS Pad
• Effects: ~128 programs
• Sampling: 4 sample banks
• Audio Conversion: 24-bit / 48 kHz
• Inputs: Stereo RCA line, microphone input
• Outputs: Stereo RCA, headphone output
• MIDI: In / Out
• USB: Yes
• Storage: SD card support
• Program Memory: 8 user slots
• Dimensions: 211 × 226 × 48 mm
• Weight: 1.3 kg

The Korg KP3 KAOSS Pad is a landmark performance effects unit that combines tactile XY control, sampling, and real-time processing into a single expressive instrument. Its intuitive interface and wide range of effects make it a staple in electronic music performance, DJ setups, and creative sound design environments.

Weight: 1.3 kg