| name | kaossilator-v2 |
| description | Use when working with the Korg kaossilator 2S dynamic phrase synthesizer — X-Y touchpad, 150 programs, 50 arp patterns, loop recording, audio player, master recorder, microSD storage, and USB MIDI on Linux. |
| version | 1.0.0 |
| author | Hermes Agent |
| license | MIT |
| metadata | {"hermes":{"tags":["instrument","synthesizer","kaossilator","korg","midi","loop"],"related_skills":[]}} |
Korg kaossilator 2S — Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer
Hardware
| Spec | Value |
|---|
| Dimensions | 76 × 128 × 25 mm |
| Weight | 100 g (without batteries) |
| Power | 2× AA batteries or DC 4.5V |
| Storage | microSDHC (up to 16 GB) |
| USB | Type C (charging + data) |
| Touchpad | X-Y position sensing, slider-style |
| Display | OLED (program, tempo, loop data) |
| Connectors | MIC IN (stereo 1/8"), PHONES (stereo 1/8"), DC jack |
Internal speaker — auto power-off when headphones connected.
When to Use
- Playing phrases on an X-Y touchpad with real-time parameter modulation
- Loop recording performances via MIC IN or internal mic
- Selecting from 150 programs across 7 categories (Lead, Acoustic, Bass, Chord, SFX, Drum, Pattern)
- Using the 50-pattern arpeggiator with swing
- Playing back audio files (WAV/MP3) from microSD
- Recording a full performance to microSD as WAV (Master Recorder)
- Using built-in scales (26 total: Ionian through exotic scales) with selectable root note
Programs
150 programs across 7 categories:
| Category | Range | Key Use |
|---|
| LEAD | LD.001–025 | Melodic phrases, synth leads |
| ACOUSTIC | AC.026–035 | Pianos, Rhodes, organ, guitar |
| BASS | BS.036–065 | Basslines with filter/distortion |
| CHORD | CH.066–090 | Poly chords, pads, vox |
| SOUND EFFECT | SE.091–110 | Percussion hits and hits |
| DRUM | DR.111–125 | Full drum kits (808, 909, etc.) |
| PATTERN | PT.126–150 | Pre-programmed drum patterns |
Full program table with X/Y axis assignments: references/programs.md
Shared Korg program data (all products): korg-programs.md — load via skill_view(name='hermes-music-sampling', file_path='references/korg-programs.md')
Controls
| Element | Function |
|---|
| VALUE slider | Select program / adjust parameters |
| snd button | Recall Program Select screen |
| arp button + indicator | Toggle arpeggiator / access arp parameters |
| REC button | Loop recording |
| PLAY button | Loop playback |
| new button | Create new loop / access functions |
| Lock button | Lock controls to prevent accidental touches |
| Volume buttons | Adjust master / audio player volume |
Loop Recording
- REC button to start/stop — records via MIC IN or internal mic
- PLAY button to play recorded loop
- Variable loop length (not limited to 8 beats like V1)
- Edit: trim, adjust start point
- Import/export WAV (16-bit 44.1 kHz / 48 kHz stereo) from/to microSD
Scales
26 scales: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian + exotic (Arabic, Spanish, Gypsy, Egyptian, Hawaiian, Balinese Pelog, Japanese Miyakobushi, Ryuku, Chinese) + interval scales (Whole Tone, 3rd, 4th, 5th, Octave) + special (Bass Line, Combination Diminished, Melodic minor, Major/minor Pentatonic, Raga variants).
Select root note C–B across octaves.
Audio Routing
MIC IN: stereo mini input for external sources. Direct monitoring: input + effect mixed at output. CLIP indicator if input too hot.
Linux USB MIDI
Class-compliant. amidi -l | grep -i kaossilator to detect.
amidi -p hw:X,Y,Z -d