End-of-chain FX box for live sets: Kaoss Pad vs alternatives?

The Lounge Other Gear
1

Hey guys,

I’m trying to find a solid end-of-chain FX box/pedal for live sets, mainly to help with transitions, buildups, and adding texture without overcomplicating things.

Budget: up to ~250 €. Ideally stereo.

I’ve used a Zoom MS-50G in the past, but it never really clicked for me: no MIDI sync, filter sweeps aren’t great, and it’s mono. Compression and Limiter are good tho. The MS-70CDR fixes the stereo part, but a lot of the effects still collapse to mono, which kind of defeats the point.

Right now the main contender is the Korg NTS-3 Kaoss Pad. It seems pretty versatile, well priced, and compact. Build quality looks a bit meh, but I’ve got a 3D printer and I’m not afraid to beef it up if needed.

I’m also eyeing other Kaoss Pads, especially the Mini and Mini 2, but I’m not sure how they hold up in a modern live setup.

My current setup:

M:C > DT1 > straight to PA

What I mainly want to do with it:

DJ-style HP/LP sweeps

  • Some distortion/drive for grit, warmth, and texture
  • Fun reverbs and delays for transitions and breakdowns
  • Occasional sound generators (sirens, shimmer stuff, etc.)
  • A limiter at the end would be a bonus

Am I missing any obvious options in this price range?

Curious to hear what people are actually using live.

Thanks!

1 Like
2

oh yeah that’s easy -

oh :confused:

honestly just get an old-ish used iphone and a cheap audio interface. i know i know, but seriously. you can run turnado, baby audio transit or any other playable fx plugin you like and slap an instance of the magicdeatheyestereo compressor afterwards which will also replace any magic end-of-chain saturation/compression boxes like the analog heat or oto boum.

then either add a midi controller if you like knobs or just use the touchscreen.

i am dead serious btw, this is the most bang for buck, portable and best sounding option for that particular use case.

5 Likes
3

I was considering an iPhone actually, it’s kind of a better KP essentially. I’m struggling to understand how I would route audio through it with the interface. Can’t I use the DT straight into the phone with a dongle?

4

You can yes, depending iPhone model this cable will do it:

if not using Digitakt, then this is cheap and works great:

2 Likes
5

Okay thats cool as I already have both!

And then how do I plug out of the iPhone into the PA. I can route iPhone audio into the Digitakt and use those outs? Won’t I hear the DT’s dry mix?

6

When using my Digitakt as end of chain, I used insert cable on the mixer.
The B UCA202 has input/output cables so use that to front of house.

If you plan on using just digitakt & iPhone with no mixer, then:

  1. PLug other synths audio in to Digitakt ext In
  2. Set ‘IN TO MAIN’ → OFF so you don’t get both USB & MAIN out (double audio)
  3. Connect iPhone via USB
  4. On iPhone use AUM (or similar) to have Digitakt 1&2 in to Digitakt 1&2 out, and on the FX slot on that channel add what ever plug in you like.
  5. You can also then control the FX plug in with the digitakt Midi channel (both note and & CC)

All audio (both ext synths & digitakts) will flow thru the iPhone and then out of the digitakts main outs.

There is some latency when doing this, about 40ms or something…but it is effecting all audio so wasn’t an issue for me.

Hope that’s clear!

[EDIT] for 2) here is screenshot:

digit settings
digit settings1365×1145 372 KB

3 Likes
7

You could have a look at a Novation Circuit Tracks or Rhythm. Should have everything you need.

8

Wow I’ve never explored audio routing of the digitakt. It’s such an incredible machine honestly. I’ll look into a cheap iPhone in can throw around. What would you say it’s the oldest model I should go for?

9

i have a 2020 SE which is ok for running a few auv3 plugins. note that you can of course increase buffer size at the expense of a few MS of latency to get more cpu headroom - which is really not much of an issue with grooveboxes.

10

Wow some of these are like 50 euros. I’ll definitely try one. Thanks.

1 Like
11

You don’t need a particularly powerful or latest one, iPhone X/10 or up is fine, or you can go with an older iPad too.

12

Last question, hopefully. Can I map a track on the DT to send midi data to the iPhone so I can have actual physical knobs and more importantly hide the ugly iPhone under the modelxcycles ahahahah

Oh and thanks for all the help. Also my dad has given me his old busted up Xr. I’ll mess around with it.

1 Like
13

Absolutely! You have 8 midi tracks, use 1 or all 8. Also, you can sequence the CC’s too using Digitakt and have that change iPhone apps values…

Are familiar with AUM? I’m guessing not, you’ll probably need a tutorial or two to get your head around it. Once you do though it is quite logical.

14

Assuming the budget would not be a concern, what would be the easy suggestion then?

15

an octatrack with that ezbot fx template.

16

Yes i see people using the octa for this all the time. Out of budget and honestly way too big for my setup.

17

What apps would you reccomend? Just AUM or more?
I already have Koala, could I use that?

18

AUM is a host, similar to a DAW. It basically hosts another app/Auv3’s like synths, midi sequencers and FX apps.

There are other hosts too such as Loopy Pro, Ape Matrix, EG Nodes. But AUM is the most stable and refined.

There are so many apps to recommend, but I’d just start out with Transit 2 from Baby audio, it’s mainly for transitions…but has lots of FX built in so you can just it as reverb or delay or distortion.

There is plenty of time in the future to buy apps :slight_smile: Probably best reading through this thread iPad Music Apps - #3725 by hausland

or check out https://forum.loopypro.com

19

Yeah I really want to start out with a single, simple app and go on from there. I’ll look into Transit 2. Maybe fuck around with Koala too if it works decently. Turnado looks cool but iPad only.

20

Yep, Koala is excellent too. All is one with fast workflow and great UX
Turnado is crazy powerhouse too.

[EDIT] FAC has some great apps end of chain too, for example Punch lab is similar to Analog Heat+FX: ‎FAC Punchlab App - App Store