
Review Summary
The Korg WAVEDRUM Oriental enhances the WAVEDRUM with a massive infusion of popular, unique and accurate Arabic percussion sounds, all eminently playable from the dynamic rim and real drum head surface. Unlike standard trigger pads found in most electronic drums, the WAVEDRUM Oriental features multiple sensors that detect the actual sound of its head when it is struck. Sounds are generated by processing the audio from the head, applying DSP (digital signal processing) and blending in a triggered sample. The result is a unique tone with every strike and an electronic drum that behaves like an acoustic instrument, responding differently to hands, sticks and brushes.
There are 300 different built-in instrument variations for the head and rim with a wide range of percussive sounds, such as talking drums, bongos, bells, marimbas, kicks, snares, electronic drums, etc. Melodic instruments are also included (sitars, Japanese Kotos, etc.) and the pitch can be controlled with velocity. There are also 150 preset programs, which combine percussion, drums and sound effects for a unique playing experience that will react differently to any individual's playing style. You can save 150 of your own custom preset programs as well.
With the 4 rim buttons you can scroll through 4 preset programs on the fly, which is handy for live performance. There are 140 built-in loops in different tempos and styles that you can jam along with. An auxiliary input allows you to connect an additional WAVEDRUM, or input any sound source (such as an MP3 player) so you can play along by connecting to an amplifier; or you can play privately wearing headphones. It fits on a standard snare drum stand and its lightweight and compact form allows you to take the WAVEDRUM ORIENTAL anywhere with ease. The drum head can be tuned and tightened to your liking and it's easily replaceable should you wear it out from playing obsessively.