Korg DS-10 for the Nintendo DS in-depth

The pattern screen is where Korg DS-10 shows it’s versatility in live applications. Up to 16 patterns can be programmed to different pattern “pads.” There’s an option to “lock” the patterns so that one will play out before the next one starts, so you can compose a song with your programmed patterns on-the-fly. Add to this, basic mixer controls at the bottom of the screen to mute and solo tracks within each pattern and it’s versatility becomes clear. Song mode allows you to string together patterns to make, well, a song. You can’t however access any of your edit screens or patterns while in this mode so you can’t improvise with any of the controls while in song mode, making it rather limiting.

While Korg DS-10 is a miniature marvel, it’s not without it’s limitations. Firstly, there’s no way to sync it to any other external gear. No MIDI, no time code, nothing. At best, you could use a DJ mixer with a BPM counter and sync it that way, but even with steady beats or a bassline the results would be sketchy at best.The hardware limitations of the Nintendo DS running the Korg DS-10 application are also obvious with the FX, automation, pattern length (1 bar) and song mode.

But to harp on that would really be missing the point. Given the platform it’s running on and the resulting sound it outputs, the limitations of Korg DS-10 pale in comparison to it’s ability.

Will it be the start of more applications like this for the Nintendo DS? Only time will tell, but I for one, certainly hope so.

Tim LeFevre

Demonstration MP3 #1

Demonstration MP3 #2