Korg have announced the Kaoss Pad V, the latest evolution of their long-running touch‑controlled effects processor. This new unit expands expressive control with a redesigned dual‑touch pad that responds to two simultaneous gestures, allowing paired parameters to be shaped in real time for more dynamic, evolving effects.
SOS reviewed the very first Kaoss Pad KP1 back in 1999 - which you can read here.
Kaoss Pad V centres around a new dual-gesture control surface, enabling combinations such as filter and delay, pitch and reverb, or modulation and feedback to be manipulated through touch. This hands-on approach turns effects into an active performance element rather than a static setting, making the unit equally suited to live improvisation, DJ-style transitions and expressive studio processing.
Connectivity has been significantly expanded, with Mic, Line and USB inputs available simultaneously. A balanced microphone preamp supports vocal processing, while a dedicated high-impedance input allows guitars and basses to connect directly. An integrated USB audio interface simplifies recording, DAW integration and livestreaming, and a refined internal audio path is designed for low-noise, stable operation across different environments.
Kaoss Pad V also introduces a new Voice FX engine, offering harmonies, vocoder-style layers and pitch-based effects that can be controlled in real time, including the ability to drive external MIDI gear using vocal input. Built-in sampling and looping allow up to eight bars to be captured and overdubbed, with BPM-sync, slicing and Step Hold features supporting remixing and rhythmic performance.
Alongside classic Kaoss effects, the unit includes updated processing, extensive preset storage (200 factory and 100 user programs), SD/SDHC card support and deep customisation options, including pad LED behaviour.
Pricing & Availability
The Korg Kaoss Pad V has a street price of $649.99.
See the Kaoss Pad V in action at NAMM Booth #6802.
