The Korg Pandora Stomp is a multi-effects unit built into a single stompbox-sized pedal, announced in September 2013 and shipping the following month1. It packs 158 types of modeling effects, of which seven can run at once, alongside a tuner and 100 rhythm patterns, all in a die-cast body the size of a compact effect unit23. Korg gave it a US street price of $129.99 when it launched2.
What it does
The Pandora Stomp belongs to Korg's long-running Pandora line of practice-oriented processors, but this version puts the whole thing in a pedal format. MusicRadar's news coverage described it as a unit that "puts effects, tuner and rhythms in a pedal"1. The effect and amp/speaker models come from 158 onboard models, and the review presents them as a seven-part signal chain3. With 200 factory presets and 200 user slots, you can keep the shipped sounds or replace them with your own3.
Editing is handled two ways: easy tweaks via the knobs on the unit, or through the included software. MusicRadar's reviewer, Trevor Curwen, noted this can deliver "a simple amp/cab setup or a single effect"3.
Controls and using it on a pedalboard
Four program memory buttons allow one-touch recall of saved programs21. The multi-function footswitch can also be used to switch program memories, just like with a single effect unit2. Holding down the footswitch gives a fully functioning tuner pedal, so the Stomp can double as your board's tuner3.
The DC 9V power supply is what Korg points to for easy integration with a pedalboard, but the unit will also operate on USB bus power for use with a computer21.
Playing along and listening
An AUX input lets you connect an MP3 player or similar source, with a pitch shift function covering plus or minus one octave, so you can match recorded music to your tuning2. MusicRadar's review describes it as an aux input with pitch shift "to pipe in music to play along with," while listening through headphones or via a standard output to your amp or speakers3. That headphone output plus the rhythm patterns make it a self-contained practice rig as much as a pedal.
Versions and availability
The Pandora Stomp shipped in October 2013 in three colors: cool black, chic ivory and pop orange1. The ivory and orange versions were a limited production run of 1,500 units of each color1. Premier Guitar's press release from January 2014 listed the unit as currently available, with a US street price of $129.992. A UK price of £144 was reported at the September 2013 announcement1.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review by Trevor Curwen came away viewing it as a practical, multi-purpose unit3:
"This is genre-spanning at its most practical - you get a practice and recording tool, but also a stompbox that can offer"
The same review summed it up as feature-packed, with easy editing and good quality presets, and practical enough to double as a pedal tuner3.
For readers comparing Korg's other multi-effects pedals, the Korg AX3000G and Korg AX3G sit in the same family of modeling units, and the Korg NTS-3 kaoss pad kit takes a different, build-it-yourself approach to effects. See the full multi-effects pedals and tuner pedals pages for how units like this fit a board.
Videos
KORG
sonicstate
La Boite Noire du Musicien
Questions
How many effects can the Korg Pandora Stomp run at once?
The Pandora Stomp contains 158 types of modeling effects and can run seven of them simultaneously, arranged as a seven-part signal chain. You can edit the chain through the knobs on the unit or through the included software, whether you want a full amp and cabinet setup or just a single effect.
Can the Pandora Stomp run on USB power?
Yes. Alongside its DC 9V power supply, the Pandora Stomp can operate on USB bus power, which Korg described as hassle-free integration with your computer. The DC 9V supply is what makes it easy to place on a pedalboard with a standard power supply.
Does the Korg Pandora Stomp work as a tuner?
Yes. Holding down the footswitch turns the Pandora Stomp into a fully functioning tuner pedal, according to MusicRadar's review. The unit was announced by Korg as putting effects, a tuner and rhythms together in one pedal.
How many presets does the Pandora Stomp have?
The Pandora Stomp carries 200 factory presets and 200 user preset slots, so you can overwrite the factory sounds with your own. Four program memory buttons give one-touch recall of your saved programs, and the multi-function footswitch can also switch program memories.
Can I plug a music player into the Pandora Stomp?
Yes. The Pandora Stomp has an AUX input for connecting an MP3 player or similar source, with a pitch shift function covering plus or minus one octave, so you can change the pitch of the music you are playing along with. You can listen through headphones or through a standard output to your amp or speakers.
What colors does the Korg Pandora Stomp come in?
The Pandora Stomp shipped in three colors: cool black, chic ivory and pop orange. The ivory and orange versions were a limited production run of 1,500 units of each color, while the black version was the standard model.
Sources (3)
- Korg Pandora Stomp puts effects, tuner and rhythms in a pedal, MusicRadar, 2013-09-09
- Korg Launches Pandora Stomp & Pitchblack Pro Tuner, Premier Guitar, 2014-01-25
- Korg Pandora Stomp review, MusicRadar, 2014-02-19
