KORG KRONOS – Their Flagship Returns
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KORG KRONOS · Source: KORG
KORG KRONOS · Source: KORG
KORG KRONOS · Source: KORG
KORG KRONOS · Source: KORG
KORG KRONOS · Source: KORG
KORG KRONOS · Source: KORG
KORG KRONOS · Source: KORG
KORG KRONOS · Source: KORG
KORG KRONOS returns, a collective sigh of relief is emitted from its fanbase and we have another killer workstation to enjoy!
It’s Been a Long Wait
For some time now, KORG KRONOS fans have been crying out for a new version of the flagship workstation. Every time KORG made an announcement in recent years, it was pre-empted by a sharp intake of breath, followed shortly after by a loud groan as the third iteration of the KRONOS failed to appear yet again.
Not this time, though. It’s huge, it’s here, and it’s coming to a music store near you very soon! KORG can easily lay claim to being the originators of the keyboard workstation, way back with the legendary M1. Since then, they’ve remained pretty much top of the game in that field, with Yamaha and Roland stealing a march in recent years.
The New KORG KRONOS
It’s therefore fair to say that the latest iteration of the KORG KRONOS is an attempt to reclaim the crown. And judging by the spec sheet, it might be time for that crowning ceremony to begin. Let’s take a look at the key features.
Startup time was always a bug bear so this has been vastly improved by reengineering the system architecture to deliver a 60% faster boot time! The TouchView display is now more responsive and quicker to use too.
On the outside, the powder-coated metal body is finished off with black wooden side panels giving the new KORG KRONOS a sleek, powerful presence in the studio or on stage. In terms of storage, there’s a 62GB internal SSD to accommodate user sampling and future sound library expansion.
The KORG KRONOS Synthesis Engines
There’s 256 new Programs with a sumptuous Italian Grand Piano that is to die for as well as many other new and improved instruments. Powering all of these are nine sound engines that include:
- SGX-2: Premium Piano (Acoustic Piano) 100 voice polyphony
- EP-1: MDS Electric Piano (Electric Piano) 104 voice polyphony
- HD-1: High Definition Synthesizer (PCM) 140 voice polyphony
- AL-1: Analog Synthesizer (Analog Modeling) 80 voice polyphony
- CX-3: Tonewheel Organ (Tonewheel Organ Modeling) 200 voice polyphony
- STR-1: Plucked Strings (Physical Modeling) 40 voice polyphony
- MOD-7: Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer (VPM Synthesis) 52 voice polyphony
- MS-20EX: Component Modeling Technology (Analog Modeling) 40 voice polyphony
- PolysixEX: Component Modeling Technology (CMT Analog Modeling) 180 voice polyphony
That’s a staggering list and the specifications of the new KORG KRONOS are mind-boggling and far too numerous to mention in this article right now. The control surface of the KRONOS is typically functional, sturdy and well-featured but resists the temptation to go down the twin-screen route that Yamaha did with the Montage M.
More Key Features
There’s an advanced set-list mode that allows for extensive customisation options and performance notes too. KRONOS boasts 16, count ’em, SIXTEEN onboard FX processors and detailed EQs. There’s onboard recording capacity for 16 MIDI tracks and 16 further Audio tracks. Everything on the new KRONOS is backwards compatible with earlier KRONOS models, so upgrading will be a breeze.
To end this brief roundup of the key features, the new KORG KRONOS features both the Open Sampling System and integrated KARMA engines. Honestly, I could be here for another 6 hours going into the details, but I’ll let you do that over at the KORG website! I’m pretty certain the KRONOS fans are going to be happy (mostly!).
The new KORG KRONOS will be available in 61, 73 and 88 key versions. The 73 and 88 both feature KORG’s own RH3 Real Weighted Hammer Action, with the 61 key version getting a semi-weighted synth action keybed. Sadly, it looks like all keybeds are limited to channel aftertouch, which is a shame.
The new KORG KRONOS workstations are available to order now.
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5 responses to “KORG KRONOS – Their Flagship Returns”
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I’m glad Korg are still making full-fat gear like the Kronos, as there’s always room for a heavy duty keyboard , to get away from the grind of the grid roll.
I’ll travel up (or down) to check this newer version out in the metal , so to speak.
Wish they made a 3 space rack or Descktop Module. If there goi g to comebacks re re release the same thing they discontinued from 2022.
That’ll be nice if Korg can make a Korg Kronos 73 light key, for the stage purpose
I absolutely agree…
the only reason I had purchased one previously was because I bought the LS model which was not hammer action in the 88 key version.
since then I’ve been hoping that they do the same in the 88 key version of the PA 5X…
but alas this is never been the case and I don’t know why people insist on the prehistoric hammer action technology to continue
WTF… 30 years the synth weighted 76 was always the perfect choice for gigging keyboard players that needed more room than a 61 but didn’t want a piano action 88.
Then along came the 73 weighted Rhodes clones. Fine. Great for keyboard players that want an authentic Rhodes Stage 73 experience (but not a Suitcase 88 experience…) but still terrible for playing synth and clavinet and other light to medium weight sounds.
The synth weight 76 is the logical choice if you don’t want to play piano. Who on earth wants a piano with only 76 keys? If you play piano, you play an 88.
Try playing organ riffs on a weighted 76… it sucks. There’s a reason organs ALL had unweighted keys! So basically, unless you’re a pianist you don’t want piano weight keys, and if you’re a pianist you NEED 88 keys.
Why are Korg trying to reinvent the wheel..? Sorry, but no synth weight 76, no sale. Anything that does at least one split needs a 76.