KORG Kronos 2 88 Key Music Workstation Keyboard
KRONOS is an extremely versatile synth with nine distinct synthesis engines and a complete suite of performance and productions tools
Key Features:
- Nine Distinct Sound Engines
- Enhanced SGX-2 Grand Piano Sound Engine
- Massive Sound Selection
- Innovative Set List Mode
- Color TouchView Display—Now with Touch-Drag Capability
- Sequencer Composition Tools
Product Code: 100248305
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KRONOS embodies over 50 years of artistic vision and production expertise. With nine distinct synthesis engines and a complete suite of performance and productions tools, KRONOS is simply the most versatile synthesizer ever made.
KRONOS restores the magic, the thrill, and the promise that only a visionary new instrument can provide. And KRONOS delivers on that promise. Every resources and technology of service to the modern musician has been refined, perfected, and integrated into a single instrument, and is available on demand. Multiple state-of-the-art sound generation techniques represent the pinnacle of software realization. Onboard effects open the door to processing any internal or external audio source with dazzling results. Multitrack audio and MIDI recording deliver efficient studio operations in a mobile platform. Hands-on hardware includes an assignable control surface, dual joysticks, ribbon controller, top-of-the line keyboard action, and KORG’s revolutionary tap-and-drag color TouchView™ display. Best of all, KRONOS integrates all of these music-making resources into a single instrument in ways that no software setup or hardware platform can rival.
KRONOS easily delivers everything you’d expect, plus many things you’ve only dreamed of. Set List mode keeps all of your custom settings and performance notes organized in the display for on-the-fly selection. Smooth Sound Transitions eliminate note and effect dropouts when switching sounds or modes. Connect virtual patch cables, select sounds, plus edit envelopes and sequences - all using the eight-inch color TouchView display. Add to that advanced sequencing, KARMA, and Drum Track composition tools. Enjoy exclusive KORG wavesequencing, MS-20 filtering and the impossibly-rich Polysix chorus. And only KORG boasts the finest sound-design team on the planet, so you can always sound your very best.
Features
System
- System
- KRONOS System Version 3.0
- Keyboard
- 88 key: RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3)
73 key: RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3)
61 key: Natural Touch Semi Weighted
Tone Generator
- Synthesis Types
- 9
SGX-2: Premium Piano (Acoustic Piano)
EP-1: MDS Electric Piano (Electric Piano)
HD-1: High Definition Synthesizer (PCM)
AL-1: Analog Synthesizer (Analog Modeling)
CX-3: Tonewheel Organ (Tonewheel Organ Modeling)
STR-1: Plucked Strings (Physical Modeling)
MOD-7: Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer (VPM Synthesis)
MS-20EX: Component Modeling Technology (Analog Modeling)
PolysixEX: Component Modeling Technology (CMT Analog Modeling)
- Maximum Polyphony*1*2
- SGX-2: 100 voices*3
EP-1: 104 voices
HD-1: 140 voices
AL-1: 80 voices
CX-3: 200 voices
STR-1: 40 voices
MOD-7: 52 voices
MS-20EX: 40 voices
PolysixEX: 180 voices
*1: In rare cases, when a large number of processor-intensive effects are active simultaneously (for instance, more than 14 O-Verbs), polyphony may be slightly reduced.
*2: A portion of the multicore processor in KRONOS is devoted to generating voices, and a separate portion is devoted to generating effects. KRONOS dynamically allocates the voice processing power between the engines as necessary. The quoted maximum numbers of voices apply when 100% of the voice processing power is devoted to a single engine.
*3: 100 dual-stereo notes (equivalent to 400 mono voices)
- Preset PCM
- 314 MB (ROM 1,505 Multisamples, 1,388 Drumsamples)
- Build-in Expansion PCM Libraries
- EXs1 - ROM Expansion
EXs2 - Concert Grand Piano
EXs3 - Brass & Woodwinds
EXs4 - Vintage Keyboards
EXs5 - ROM Expansion 2
EXs6 - SGX-1 German D Piano
EXs7 - SGX-1 Japanese C Piano
EXs8 - Rock Ambience Drums
EXs9 - Jazz Ambience Drums
EXs17 – SGX-2 Berlin D Piano
EXs18 – KORG EXs Collections
- PCM RAM Capacity
- Approx. 2GB *4
*4: The memory available for Sampling Mode will change based on the use of Expansion PCM libraries and User Sample Banks. Approx. 760 MB is available when shipped from the factory (When loading the file named “PRELOAD.KSC”).
- Wave Sequences
- 598 User memory, 187 Preload
Support for stereo multisamples, synchronization of individual notes, and tempo-based settings.
SGX-2 Program
- Premium Piano
- Virtual Memory Technology (VMT) plays large samples directly from the internal SSD
Full key stereo sampling, Chromatically sampled at up to 12 velocity levels, no looping.
Damper resonance and mechanical noise are reproduced.
Modeled String Resonance.
Una Corda sample support
- PCM
- EXs6：SGX-1 German D Piano
EXs7：SGX-1 Japanese C Piano
EXs12：SGX-1 Austrian D Piano (Option Sound libraries)
8 velocity levels, no Una Corda samples
EXs17：Berlin D Piano
12 velocity levels, includes Una Corda samples
- Piano Type
- 64 (With the factory settings, the 16 varieties of EXs12 SGX-1 Austrian D Piano do not produce sound. The EXs12 option must be downloaded.)
- Oscillator Control
- Damper Resonance
Damper Noise
Mechanical Noise
Note Release
String Resonance
Una Corda
EP-1 Program
- MDS Electric Piano
- Tine and reed-type electric pianos powered by Multi-Dimensional Synthesis (MDS), and vintage effects.
- Electric Piano Model Types
- 6
Tine EP I, Tine EP II, Tine EP V, Tine EP DMP, Reed EP200, Reed EP200A
- Oscillator Control
- Harmonic Sound Level, Attack Noise, Level, Release Noise Level, Attack Brightness, Hammer Width
- Panel Control
- Tine Type
Preamp Volume, Tone (Treble, Bass), Vibrate (On/Off, Intensity, Speed), Amp/Cabinet (On/Off, Drive)*5
Reed Type
Preamp Volume, Tone (Treble, Bass), Vibrate (Intensity, Speed), Amp/Cabinet (On/Off, Drive)*5
- Effect Types
- 9
Small Phase, Orange Phase, Black Phase, Vintage Chorus, Black Chorus, EP Chorus, Vintage Flanger, Red Comp, VOX Wah
HD-1 Program
- Advanced Vector Synthesis
- Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope.
- Structure
- Single: only OSC1, Double: OSC1 and OSC2.
Double mode lets you layer two completely separate synth voices, each with their own velocity-switched oscillator, dual filter, EGs, LFOs, etc.
Drums: One drum kit, Double Drums: Two drum kits.
- Oscillators
- Virtual Memory Technology (VMT) plays large samples directly from the internal SSD.
8 velocity zones per oscillator, with switching, crossfades and layering
Each zone can play mono or stereo Multisamples or Wave Sequences
- Filters
- Two multi-mode filters per voices (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject),
Four-mode filter routings (single, serial, parallel and 24dB mode)
- Driver
- Per voice non-linear driver and low boost circuit
- EQ
- Three bands, with sweep-able mid
- Modulation
- Three envelope generators, two LFOs per voice, common LFO, four key tracking generators, AMS (Alternate Modulation Source), two AMS mixers
EXi Program Common
- Advanced Vector Synthesis
- Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope.
- Modulation
- Common Step Sequencer, AMS (Alternate Modulation Source), Common LFO, 2 Key Tracking Generators
- EQ
- Three bands, with sweep-able mid
AL-1 Program
- Oscillators
- Ultra-low-aliasing oscillators
OSC1, OSC2, Sub-oscillator and noise generator; ring modulation, FM and Sync
- Audio Input
- External audio can be processed through the ring modulator, filter, driver, amp, and EQ
- Filters
- Two multi-mode filters (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject) with four types of filter routings (single, serial, parallel and 24dB mode),
Multi Filter mode (only Filter-A; modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects)
- Driver
- Per-voice non-linear driver and low boost circuit
- Modulation
- Five Envelope generators, four per-voice LFOs, two AMS Mixers; Per-voice Step Sequencer.
CX-3 Program
- Tonewheel Organ Modeling
- Phase-synchronous tonewheels (clean and vintage modes), percussion, key click, wheel brake
- EX Mode
- Four additional, user-specified drawbars, and expanded percussion.
- Internal Effects
- Rotary speaker, vibrato/chorus, amp modeling with overdrive, 3-band EQ
- Drawbar Control
- Controlled via nine front-panel sliders (via Tone Adjust)
- Split
- Upper, Lower (even in EX mode)
- Modulation
- Two AMS mixers
STR-1 Program
- Physically Modeled String
- Includes physically modeled damping, decay, dispersion, nonlinearity, harmonics, dual pickups, and more.
Most string parameters can be controlled in realtime.
- String Excitation
- Three independent excitation sources can be used simultaneously: Pluck, Noise, and PCM.
16 preset “pluck” types, with modulatable width and randomization. Noise generator with saturation and dedicated low pass filter
PCM Oscillator:
KORG’s ultra-low-aliasing technology, as introduced in the HD-1;
4 velocity zones per oscillator;
Uses any mono Multisamples, including ROM, EXs, User Sample Bank, or Sampling Mode.
Supports Virtual Memory.
Excitation Filter:
Dedicated 2-pole multimode filter for shaping the string excitation.
Filter can be enabled/disabled separately for each excitation source.
Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes
- Audio Input and Feedback
- Run real-time audio through the string, including feedback through effects.
Modeled feedback includes modulate-able instrument-to-amp distance and orientation.
- Filters
- Dual multi-mode filters per voice; Single, Serial, Parallel (with split stereo output), and 24dB (4-pole) configurations. Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes
Multi Filter Mode (Filter A only).
Modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects
- Modulation
- 5 Envelopes, 4 per-voice LFOs, 2 Key Track generators, String Tracking generators, 4 AMS Mixers.
MOD-7 Program
- Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer
- Combines Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), Waveshaping ring modulation, PCM sample playback, and subtractive synthesis; Able to convert-load SYX files.
- Oscillators
- 6 VPM/Waveshaper/Ring Modulation Oscillators:
Phase and modulatable pitch per oscillator.
101 Waveshaper tables plus modulatable Drive and Offset.
Use as oscillators, or as Waveshapers or Ring Modulators for other signals.
PCM Oscillator:
KORG’s ultra-low-aliasing technology, as introduced in the HD-1.
4 velocity zones per oscillator.
Uses any mono Multisamples, including ROM, EXs, User Sample Bank, or Sampling Mode. Supports Virtual Memory.
- Audio input
- Run real-time audio through the VPM Oscillators and filters.
- Filters
- Dual multi-mode filters per voice. (Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes)
Two types of filter looping (Parallel and 24 dB “4-Pole”)
Multi Filter mode (Filter A only):
Modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects
- Patch Panel
- Supports both preset algorithm (78 types) selection and free patching.
Three 2-in, 1-out mixers for scaling and merging audio, fully modulatable, with phase inversion.
Main 6-input stereo mixer, with modulatable pan and volume, plus phase inversion
- Modulation
- 10 Envelopes, 4 per-voice LFOs, 9 Key Tracking generators, Per-voice Step Sequencer, 4 standard AMS Mixers plus 4 simple AMS Mixers.
MS-20EX Program
- Oscillators
- Ultra-low-aliasing oscillators; VCO1, VCO2, Ring Mod, Pink and White Noise Generator
- Audio Input
- Run real-time audio through the synthesis engine and ESP (External Signal Processor)
- Filters
- 12dB/octave High Pass and Low Pass self-resonant filters
ESP section:
24dB/octave Low Cut and High Cut filters, available per voice.
- Patch Panel
- Patchable audio and modulation, at audio rates
- Patch Points
- Keyboard:
Keyboard CV Out, Keyboard Trigger Out, VCO1+VCO2 CV In, VCO2 CV In
VCO:
VCO1+VCO2 External Frequency Control In, VCO1 Out, VCO2 Out
VCF:
External Signal In, External HP Filter Cutoff Frequency Control In, External LP Filter Cutoff Frequency Control In, HPF Out, LPF In, LPF Out
VCO+VCF:
Total External Modulation In
VCA:
External Initial Gain Control In, VCA In
EG:
EG1 Envelope Signal Normal Out, EG1 Envelope Signal Reverse Out, EG1+EG2 Trigger In, EG1 Trigger In, EG2 Envelope Signal Reverse Out
MG:
Triangle Out, Rectangle Out
Noise Generator:
Pink Noise Out, White Noise Out
Sample and Hold:
Clock Trigger In, Sample Signal In, S/H Out
Modulation VCA:
Control Voltage In, Signal In, Signal Out
Manual Controller:
Control Wheel Out, Momentary Switch
ESP:
Signal In, AMP Out, BPF In, BPF Out, F-V CV Out, Envelope Out, Trigger Out
Others:
EXi Audio In, Mixer 1 In, Mixer 1 Out, Mixer 2 In, Mixer 2 Out
- ESP (External Signal Processor)
- Use incoming audio as a trigger and/or CV source.
- Modulation
- Original DAR (Delay, Attack, Release) and HADSR (Hold, Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) EGs 1 &2,
Original MG (with MIDI sync), Sample-and- Hold, MVCA,
KRONOS: 4 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 4 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers.
PolysixEX Program
- Oscillators
- VCO:
Saw, Pulse, PWM
Sub Oscillator:
Off, 1 octave below, 2 octaves below
- Filter
- 24dB (4-Pole) Octave Low Pass self-resonant filter
- Effects
- Integrated Polysix Chorus, Phaser, and Ensemble
- Arpeggiator
- Integrated MIDI-synced arpeggiator, with adjustable Range, Mode, and Latch
- Modulation
- Polysix: Original ADSR EG and MG (with MIDI sync).
KRONOS: 2 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 2 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers.
Combination
- Number of Timbres, Master Keyboard Functionality
- 16 Maximum
Keyboard and velocity splits, layers, and crossfades of up to 16 Programs and/or external MIDI Devices
The tone adjust parameter function lets you modify program settings, and the master keyboard function lets you control external MIDI devices
- Advanced Vector Synthesis
- Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope.
Drumkit
- System
- Assignable stereo/mono samples with 8 velocity zones per oscillator (with crossfade functions)
Number of Programs/Combinations/Drum kits
- User Memory Programs
- 2,560 (1,792 [896 HD-1+896 EXi] come preloaded)
- User Memory Combinations
- 1,792 (512 come preloaded)
- User Memory Drum Kits
- 264 (78 come preloaded)
- 256 GM Level2 preset programs + 9 GM Level 2 drum preset programs
Set List
- Number of Set Lists/Slots
- 128 set lists, 128 slots per set list
Each set list provides a 9-band graphic EQ, and a Tone Adjust function that allows program settings to be adjusted.
Transpose setting.
Hold Time setting of Smooth Sound Transition (SST) supported for each slot.
Sampling
- System
- Open Sampling System (resampling, In-Track sampling)
- Bit Depth/Sampling Frequency
- RAM: 16-bit/48 kHz stereo/mono sampling
DISK: 16 or 24-bit/48 kHz
- Sampling Time
- RAM: Depends on the amount of available PCM RAM
DISK: Maximum 80 minutes stereo (879MB: 16bit)
- Sample Locations
- 16,000 samples/4,000 multisamples (128 indexes per multisample)
- Ripping
- Direct sampling (ripping) from audio CD (CD-DA)
- Formats
- KORG format, AKAI S1000/S3000 data (with advanced Program parameter conversion); SoundFont 2.0, AIFF, and WAVE formats
- Editing
- Time Stretch, Time Slice, Crossfade Loop, and other standard editing features.
Effects
- Insert Effects
- 12
Stereo in / stereo out
- Master Effects
- 2
Stereo in / stereo out
- Total Effects
- 2
Stereo in / stereo out
- Timbre EQ
- One 3-band EQ for each timbre/track
- Effect Types
- 197
- Modulation
- Dynamic Modulation and Common LFO
- Effects Control Busses
- Stereo side-chaining for compressors, gates, vocoders, etc.
- Effect Presets
- Total 783 preset, Maximum 32 per 1 effect (Preset User)
KARMA
- KARMA Modules
- One module in Program mode, four modules in Combination and Sequencer modes
- Generated Effects (GE)
- 2,048 presets, 1,536 Users (96 come Preload)
- Controllers
- On/Off, Latch, Chord, Assign, Module, Control, KARMA Realtime Control Sliders [1] – [8], KARMA Scene [1] – [8], KARMA Switches [1] – [8], KARMA Wave-Sequencing, GE Sub Category, Freeze Randomize, Time Signature Control, Tempo Synchronize, Auto RTC (Real Time Control) setup
- Drum Track Patterns
- 718 preset (common with the preset patterns of the MIDI sequencer)
1,000 user patterns
Patterns created in Sequencer mode can be converted to drum track user patterns.
Trigger Mode/Sync/Zone settings can be specified.
Sequencer/HDR
- Tracks
- 16-track MIDI sequencer + 16-track hard disk recorder + 1 master track.
- Number of Songs
- 200 songs
- Resolution
- 1/480
- Tempo
- 40.00 – 300.00 (1/100 BPM resolution)
- Maximum Memory
- 400,000 MIDI events or 300,000 audio events
- MIDI Tracks
- 16 tracks plus the master track
718 preset/100 user patterns (per song)
18 preset/16 user template songs,
- Audio Tracks
- 16-track playback, 4-track simultaneous recording, WAV file format 16bit/24bit.
- Other Functions
- RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play and Record) (1 Pattern set per song), Auto Song Setup function
General
- Disk Mode
- Load, save, utility, audio CD burning, audio CD playback, data filer function (save/load MIDI System Exclusive data), CD-R/RW (UDF format read/write), ISO9660 Level 1.
- Controllers
- Vector joystick, joystick, ribbon controller, switches 1 & 2
Control Surface:
Control Assign Switches:
Assigns the Control Surface to Timber/Track, Audio, External, Realtime Knobs/KARMA,
Tone Adjust/EQ
Mixer Knobs Switch:
Assigns the Mixer Knobs to either Channel Strip or Individual Pan, Reset Control Switch, Solo Switch, Knobs 1-8, Switches 1-8(Upper Row), Switches 1-8 (Lower Row), Sliders 1-8, Master Slider
KARMA Control:
On/Off, Latch, Module Control
RUM TRACK:
On/Off
- Display
- TouchView graphical user interface, 8 inch color TFT, SVGA (800x600 dots), adjustable brightness
- Outputs
- == Analog ==
(MAIN) L/MONO, R:
1/4” TRS Balanced
Output Impedance: 350 Ω Stereo; 175 Ω Mono (L/MONO Only),
Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu,
Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 Ω or greater)
MAIN VOLUME knob controls only AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO and R
Individual 1-4:
1/4” TRS Balanced
Output Impedance: 350 Ω Stereo; 175 Ω Mono,
Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu,
Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 Ω or greater)
Headphones:
1/4” stereo phone jack, Output impedance: 33 Ω, Maximum Level: 60+60 mW (when load impedance is 33 Ω),
MAIN VOLUME knob (link with AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN))
== Digital ==
S/P DIF:
Optical, 24-bit, IEC60958, EIAJCP-1201, Sample Rate: 48 kHz, (the same signals as L/MONO, R)
Digital output of the same signals as AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO and R
USB-B:
24-bit, Sample Rate: 48 kHz, 2 channels
(Digital output of the same signals as AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO and R)
- Inputs
- == Analog ==
Audio Inputs 1 and 2:
1/4” TRS Balanced
MIC/LINE input level switches, LEVEL knobs
Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
Nominal Level: LINE
+4 dBu (LEVEL knob = min), –36 dBu (LEVEL knob = max)
Nominal Level: MIC
–22 dBu (LEVEL knob = min), –62 dBu (LEVEL knob = max)
Maximum Level: LINE
+16 dBu (LEVEL knob = min), –24 dBu (LEVEL knob = max)
Maximum Level: MIC
-10 dBu (LEVEL knob = min), –50 dBu (LEVEL knob = max)
Source Impedance: 600 Ω
Signal to noise ratio: 95 dB (typical)
Dynamic range: 95 dB (typical)
Crosstalk: 95 dB, at 1 kHz (typical)
== Digital ==
S/P DIF:
Optical, 24-bit, IEC60958, EIAJCP-1201, Sample Rate: 48 kHz
USB-B:
24-bit, Sample Rate: 48 kHz, 2 channels
- Control Inputs
- Damper pedal (half damper supported), assignable switch, assignable pedal
- MIDI
- In, Out, Thru
- USB*5
- USB A (TYPE A) x 2, For connection to external USB devices (QWERTY keyboards, MIDI controllers, ethernet adaptors, and storage)
USB B (TYPE B) x 1, MIDI/audio interface
MIDI: 1 (16 channel) input / 1 (16 channel) output
Audio: 2 channel input / 2 channel output
*5 USB high-speed ports (supports 480Mbps)
- Disk Drives
- 60 GB SSD (2.5”)
Optional installation of second internal SSD
- Power Consumption
- 60W
- Dimensions
(W x D x H) - 61 key: 1,040 x 364 x 134 mm / 40.94” x 14.33” x 5.28”
73 key: 1,221 x 371 x 148 mm / 48.07” x 14.61” x 5.83”
88 key: 1,443 x 371 x 148 mm / 56.42” x 14.61” x 5.83”
- Weight
- 61 key: 14.3 kg / 31.53 lbs.
73 key: 21.1 kg / 46.52 lbs.
88 key: 24.1 kg / 53.13 lbs.
- Accessories
- AC cord, Quick Start Guide, Accessory DVD Discs 1-3 (DVDs include KRONOS Operation Guide, Parameter Guide, and Voice Name List PDF files; Video Manual; KORG USB-MIDI Driver; System Restore Data, etc.)
Principal Specifications
- Frequency Response
- 20Hz-22kHz, +/-1.0dB, 10k Ω load
- THD+N
- 20Hz-22kHz, 0.01%, 10k Ω load (typical)
- S/N
- 95dB (typical)
- Dynamic Range
- 95dB (typical)
- Crosstalk
- 95dB, at 1kHz (typical)
| * All product, company, and standard names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. | |
| * Appearance and specifications of products are subject to change without notice. | |
| * The color of the actual instrument may differ slightly from the image shown here. | |
| * Since natural wood is used in the side panels of this instrument, there will be individual differences in the grain and figuration of the wood. |
Nine Distinct Sound Engines
Each of the individual KRONOS sound engines is eminently qualified to operate as a stand-alone synthesizer. And each one represents the cutting-edge technology available for that type of sound creation. Exacting programming parameters, real-time controllers, integrated effects, and assignable modulation routings provide incredible control for the creating custom edits or for the ambitious sound designer
Enhanced SGX-2 Grand Piano Sound Engine
The KRONOS piano engine has always offered huge collections of non-looped/natural decay stereo samples, recorded for every key, with additional unique tools to customize the piano to your needs. Inheriting all of this SGX-1 functionality, the new enhanced SGX-2 Grand Piano engine introduces the new Berlin Grand piano to the existing deep German Grand and lively Japanese Grand. The Berlin Grand offers resonant piano sound with a striking sense of depth.
Other enhancements to the SGX-2 engine included Sympathetic String Resonance and newly-recorded Una Corda (soft pedal – literally “one-string”) samples.
Massive Sound Selection
KRONOS comes equipped with thousands of sounds, created using various synthesis modes and calling upon over approximately 21 GB of preset waveform data covering a variety of genres. Each one has been carefully crafted by the KORG Sound Design team. The internal SSD offers a generous 62*GB capacity, providing enormous space for user sampling or downloading KRONOS Sound Libraries. These optional expansion KRONOS Sound Libraries add new professionally programmed sounds—without the need to add any new hardware.
Artist Signature Programs provide the priceless sounds actually used by top-ranking musicians. Additional Song Programs are named for the classic rock and pop songs whose signature keyboard sounds these programs recreate. Use these universally well-known sounds to pay homage to the originals, or as the basis for personal sonic explorations.
* SSD capacity is subject to change without notice.
Innovative Set List Mode
KRONOS can organize all of the resources you need to get through a song—or a set—using the Set List mode. Using the Set List mode, the TouchView display can host 16 color-coded touch-screen buttons; each one can instantly call up the appropriate Preset, Combination, or Sequence—regardless of mode!
You can even add handy performance notes (“Sing on Chorus;” “Transpose Down;” “Wait for Sax Solo;” etc.) to each one.
The Set List mode even adds a nine-band graphic EQ, allowing the overall tone to be tweaked to match the venue. New in OS version 3.0, Set List mode now allows for deeper customization with many slot color options, text size variations, and a full-screen text editor. Connecting a USB computer keyboard makes it simple to enter text and numeric values.
Color TouchView Display—Now with Touch-Drag Capability
The nerve center of the KRONOS is KORG’s enormous eight-inch (800 x 600 pixel) SVGA color TouchView display.
In addition to simply selecting a sound or choosing a parameter with the touch of a finger, the enhanced Touch-Drag ability allows more detailed control of parameter values. Interactive instruments and panel graphics provide the ability to do everything from adjusting the lid of a grand piano to connecting patch cable on a semi-modular synthesizer model.
The TouchView display also hosts a convenient new Search Function, allowing you to search for (and preview) sounds based on their titles.
Sequencer Composition Tools
*KARMA
First appearing on KORG’s Karma Music Workstation in 2002, this revolutionary algorithmic music technology instantly produces sophisticated phrases, drum grooves and full-blown backing tracks. Based on the notes and chords you play—and the intuitive operations you perform with the knobs, sliders, and switches—KARMA can create musical effects that exceed anything you imagined. Now in its greatly-enhanced second generation and offering features like KARMA Wave-Sequencing, Note Mapping and 8 scenes per layer, KARMA is standard equipment on your new KRONOS. It will expand your conception of a song, and will be an enormous asset to your live performances.
*Drum Tracks
This function that plays drum patterns automatically was included and highly acclaimed on the M3 music workstation/synthesizer that appeared in 2007. KRONOS is the latest KORG Workstation to offer the Drum Tracks features. First appearing in 2007, Drum Tracks can create everything from a simple reference beat to an outline rhythm track on up to a full-blown drum track for your music productions.
Expanded for use in the KRONOS, Drum Tracks now includes professional drum performances, and is ready and able to generate grooves that capture the distinctive feel of a pro drummer, and that challenge the capabilities of stand-alone drum machines.
*Open Sampling System
Using KORG’s Open Sampling System, KRONOS can quickly sample an external audio source, regardless of whether KRONOS is in the Program, Combination, or Sequencer modes. The Open Sampling Mode can even resample the performance of the KRONOS itself. The user sample bank, which extends the convenience of the EXs sample library to user samples, allows custom samples to be loaded and played, taking advantage of the gigantic SSD capacity.
AIFF, WAV, SoundFont 2.0, and AKAI S1000/3000 format samples can be loaded into memory via USB memory. Additionally, you can use a USB Ethernet adapter to exchange large amounts of sample data with your computer at high speed. Instruments or samples that you've previously created on your PC can be used to construct a music production setup based on just the KRONOS itself.
16-Track MIDI Sequencer / 16-Track Audio Recorder
KRONOS features a sequencer/recording section that offers both 16 MIDI tracks plus 16 audio tracks; a great resource for putting together a dazzling performance or a brilliant production. MIDI sequencing makes it easy to capture ideas, inspiration, and pro-quality phrases using the KARMA, Drum Track, or RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/Recording) functions.
The 16-track audio recorder simultaneously captures up to four tracks of 16-bit/24-bit uncompressed data at a sampling rate of 48 kHz. Play along with recorded tracks, add effects, and then resample the KRONOS itself and place the resampled WAV files directly in a track. When polishing your tracks, feel free to use mixer automation and editing functions such as copy, paste, and normalize to get the results you want. Plug in a USB CD-burner and assemble your album right from the TouchView display!
16 Onboard Effect Processors
KRONOS provides 16 internal effects to add impact to your sonic creations. Each of the 12 Insert effects can be applied to individual or multiple timbres in a combination, or to individual or multiple tracks of the sequencer. In addition, two Master effects can be applied to sends 1/2, and two Total effects can be applied to all tracks at the final stage of the sound.
A separate three-band EQ is provided for every timbre, for every sequencer track, and for every audio track for adjusting subtle tonal balances or for creatively modifying the overall sound.
USB/MIDI Host Ports Accommodate MIDI Control Surfaces
Any class-compliant USB-MIDI controller can be connected directly to the KRONOS. If you connect a KORG pad-equipped USB MIDI controller (nanoPAD, nanoPAD2, padKONTROL), pads 1 through 8 of the controller are automatically mapped to the virtual chord pad function of the KRONOS, allowing them to be used to play drums, trigger chords, or to switch chords in chord mode.
Smooth sound transitions that eliminate dropouts when changing sounds, regardless of the mode you're in
When you switch program sounds during a performance to get ready for the next section, or when you switch from Program mode to Combi mode, the sound that's currently being output is always given priority and its effects are maintained during the program change, ensuring a seamless transition with no dropouts. This function has also earned extremely high praise from pro musicians.
Advanced Control Surface
In addition to the parameters accessible directly from the TouchView display, KRONOS also offers a wealth of realtime controllers to enhance any performance and to aid navigation. A four-way joystick, ribbon controller, and two assignable switches are located to the left of the keyboard. An additional Vector joystick is nearby.
Above the keyboard, nine sliders, eight knobs and a number of switches provide realtime interaction with features at the heart of the KRONOS’ impressive sound. The damper pedal input jack supports half-damping, providing one more level of piano realism. In addition to the damper pedal jack, there are also two assignable pedal inputs, one footpedal type and one footswitch style.
Flagship RH3 Weighted Hammer Action
Natural Touch Semi-Weighted Action
For those who prefer the ultra-quick response of a synthesizer keyboard, need to focus on organ performances, or are seeking the ultimate in portability, the KRONOS 61-key model is equipped with a lightweight and expressive semi-weighted synthesizer action.