Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer – What does it mean?
Have you ever wondered what the term “Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer” actually means? This is the phrase which manufacturer Korg uses to describe its revolutionary pocket synthesizer the Kaossilator. Having searched the internet high and low this seems to be a description invented by Korg’s marketeers and is a unique term used only for this unique little product.
So let’s break it down. Three words – dynamic, phrase and synthesizer. We all know what a synthesizer is. According to Wikipedia a synthesizer is “an electronic instrument capable of producing a variety of sounds by generating and combining signals of different frequencies” so no surprises there. As for the words dynamic phrase my guess is as follows.
The Korg Kaossilator doesn’t generate just single notes or even chords. No, the range of sounds which can be achieved from the Kaossilator’s bank of presets also includes rhythm patterns, drum loops and complex, layered voices. The sounds available represent not just electronic and acoustic instruments, but a number of bizarre and expressive special effects too.
These voices can be shaped and twisted by dragging the finger across the Kaossilator touch pad or control surface, extending the sounds into phrases. And there is the clue to the word dynamic – the tonal and timbral character of the sound is shifted in real time by the actions of the musician playing the touchpad. Each phrase is controlled dynamically, with the pitch and amount of effect applied being adjusted by the x and y postion of the finger on the Kaossilator touch pad.
That’s my theory anyway! Got a better one?