"Synth-pad"/"Noise Box"/"That Box Wot Makes Noise and Lights"

[AB Editor]

Afternoon,

What do you call one of those pads which seem to play samples? Is that a drum machine?

They look quite fun. Are they easy to use? What computer program would you use with them - to map the sounds I mean?

For those who really don't know what I am talking about there is a version (or two) of them in the video:
.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1htNKK_6hQ

[Ankou]

cant youtube, but it could be a sampler.

i have one of these which i have for sampling (sound and beats) and creating loops. its a bit dated now but its easy enough to use.

http://www.loopers-de...m/tools/sp808/808.gif

[AB Editor]

Would I need any PC tech to work it? Could I just layer up from any input?

[Ankou]

to be honest, if you get a decent enough piece of music making software and soundcard etc you wont really need the hardware. most pc systems have sampling stuff built in. plonking around on an instrument or drum machine makes it more fun, but results are generally the same.

i use mine with midi and audio leads through my synths/sound system.

try the free download versions of say ... fruityloops etc to see if it could be your thing before spending any dosh.

[AB Editor]

I've seen one of those before, I remember being amazing by watching Thom Yorke use one on his voice, not sure for what song, probably from Amnesiac though?

Ankou:
"plonking around on an instrument or drum machine makes it more fun"

Yep. Also I find it fairly tedious playing with things on the computer. Ideally I'd make noises, edit "in real life" and then just do a recording onto PC (in which case I can use Audacity?).

I'll try fruity-loops, you never know, I might "get" it.

What would be quite nice is something where I can program noises to keys on the keypad, and record them as played? Anyone know of anything like this?

[AB Editor]

THAT ^^^

I will get some of them :)

Any other suggestions?

[jaydj]

http://www.youtube.co...w0bsA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU_rG0w0bsA&feature=related

[AB Editor]

I've actually used one of those before. Good fun, but they wanted £600 for it! Might go rummage around some kit this weekend, see if someone can sell me something.

[AB Editor]

Evening. Thought I would check out some Korg stuff on eBay. Came across this: http://www.ebay.co.uk...6abd8706#ht_992wt_283 superb description.

[AB Editor]

The Korg Kaossilator Pro looks like what I'm after, a fairly interesting piece of kit.

I've watched a few videos on the subject, including some "first go" videos. Like the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTzPUHvi5eo