The MalletKAT 8.5 Express 2-Octave Mallet Percussion Controller with GigKat 2 Module from KAT Percussion is an electronic instrument featuring meticulously sampled mallet and percussion sounds with a responsive, musical feel for recording, live performance, theater, and rehearsal applications. The system includes the malletKAT 8.5 Express compact and lightweight 2-octave percussion controller, the gigKat 2 MIDI sound module, a MIDI cable, a footswitch, and a sustain pedal.

Included in the sound set are many vibes, marimbas, timpani, steel pan, chimes, bells, xylophone, crotales, orchestral and Latin hand percussion, and drum sets. A selection of drum, hand, and orchestral percussion sounds are also provided along with a selection of additional keyboard and instrument sounds such as grand piano, electric piano, glockenspiel, bass, sax, violin, organ, and more. The instrument is capable of 256-note polyphony, so you can be sure sustained notes won’t be cut off.

The malletKAT 8.5 Express features splitting, layering, poly/mono modes, and more, and offers a portable, electronic alternative to large and heavy traditional marimba and vibraphone instruments. The two-octave size keeps the controller portable, but you can expand it up to 4 octaves with additional malletKat octave expander modules (available separately).