User Manual

KONG DRUM DESIGNER
(RECORD+REASON)
738
Introduction
The Kong Drum Designer gives the visual impression of a pattern-based drum machine, like the legendary MPC
units. Indeed, it does have a matrix of 4 x 4 pads that are used for playing the sounds, just like the aforementioned
classics. There are significant differences, however.
Kong features 16 drum “sound channels” that can host one drum sound each. Each drum sound can consist of a
sound module routed through various types of FX and processing modules, allowing for completely open-ended
sound design possibilities. Individual drum sounds can be saved as Drum Patches and complete drum kits can be
saved as Kit Patches, allowing you to mix and match drum sounds and make up custom kits with ease.
In addition, Kong also has sampling capability. This means that you can sample your own sounds straight into any of
the 16 drum channels with just a click of a button!
Overview
The Kong front panel
Kong is an advanced drum sound synthesizer, sampler/sample player and REX loop/slice player with many unique
features. The design could be described as semi-modular, in that the sound, FX and audio processing modules are
open slots that allows you to select between an array of different sound generators, FXs and audio processor types.
As a result, Kong is capable of producing an astounding array of drum and percussion sounds - or any type of sound,
for that matter. While it offers a lot of scope for serious sound design, it still has a straight-forward and user-friendly
interface.
Kong also features audio inputs on the back panel. By connecting the output of another device to these inputs, you
can use Kong’s audio processing modules to process external sound. You can also route drum sounds for audio pro-
cessing in external devices.
The Pad Section
The pad section features 16 pads. Each of these pads can be assigned to a separate Drum sound. You can also
choose to assign several pads to one and the same Drum sound - or to link pads so that one pad will trigger several
other pads as well. To the right of the pads is the Pad Settings area where you can control the pad assignments and
behavior. See “Pad Settings”.