The Kronos music workstation was unveiled in 2011 to widespread critical acclaim, winning one award after another. Impressed players, composers and sound designers alike kept asking, "How can they possibly improve on this?!" In the year since its inception, we've done just that. With newly released system updates and an inspiring and growing array of Kronos Sound Libraries, we've brought Kronos to an even higher level of performance.
The Kronos continues its evolution with the new Kronos X Music Workstation. With a boost to the internal memory and SSD size, the Kronos X is the ultimate workstation. Fittingly, its new name adds an "X" to indicate its expanded and truly limitless potential.
Kronos X Highlights
A peerless synthesizer packed with nine sound engines including realistic piano, richly expressive electric piano, tonewheel organ, digital synthesis, and powerful analog/physical modeling, all in a single unit.
The Kronos X Music Workstation is the ultimate instrument for live performing musicians, for artists creating in a studio or computer-based production environment, and for musicians and sound designers seeking the ultimate synthesizer.
LIVE – for the performing keyboard player
Kronos X provides the absolute finest in keyboard sounds; accurate and responsive to the player's technique. The expansive control surface offers joysticks, sliders, knobs, switches, a ribbon controller, assignable pedal inputs, and of course our high-resolution color TouchView™ display. Performance-oriented additions include our easy-to-use Set List mode for song-specific and gig-ready sound selection, and our Smooth Sound Transition feature. Plus, we’ve included our finest RH3 keybed on both the 73 and 88 key models for a solid performance; the 61 key enjoys the responsive action shared with the Korg M3-61.
PRODUCTION – satisfying the producer, music director, and musician
For many, the studio is where the work gets done; from laying down tracks, to building up grooves for an on-stage extravaganza, to delivering the soundtrack for today’s media rich world. For these creative leaders, Korg has equipped the Kronos X Music Workstation’s sequencer with 16-track MIDI tracks plus 16 audio tracks, our Open Sampling System, dazzling hi-fidelity effects, as well as flawless plug-in integration with many popular DAW platforms. Of course, Kronos X is equipped with phenomenal sound, dynamic drums, and an impressive array of premium sound effects. Add to that the ability to use KARMA, the Drum Track, and the sequencer’s RPPR to greatly speed up and enrich the music creation process.
SYNTHESIS – simple, intuitive programming for the enthusiast and sound designer
In addition to being Korg’ premier workstation, Kronos X has it in its blood to satisfy the programmer, sound designer, and synthesizer enthusiast; the musician who dreams of turning visions of the cosmos into sound, of tweaking parameters to conjure invisible sounds from the ether. Kronos X rekindles KORG’s founding dream that is at the core of synthesis: the exhilaration and enjoyment of creating new sounds, sounds never before heard! A variety of exclusive Korg technologies drive the synth engines to provide astounding results – CMT (Component Modeling Technology); Physical Modeling, Digital Synthesis, Wave Sequencing, MDS (Multi-Dimensional Synthesis); KARMA® and more!
Nine Synthesizer Engines, United in One Instrument
Kronos X contains nine distinct synthesizer/sound engines. While each is worthy of a separate product in its own right, Kronos X brings them all together into a single, integrated musical instrument. Dynamic voice allocation and innovative technologies allow all sound engines to smoothly share a stable, enhanced hardware platform. The results are nothing less than spectacular.
SGX-1 Premium Piano
Piano sound engine
You’ve never heard pianos like this on any workstation. To accurately capture the rich character of a concert piano, KORG abandoned working within the limitations of existing sampling methods. The Kronos X is able to play large samples directly from the internal high-capacity Solid State Disk (SSD). The SGX-1 Premium Piano sound engine offers two distinctive grand pianos; a rich German D piano, and a robust Japanese C model. Each uses superb, un-looped stereo samples sampled at eight velocity levels for each and every key. Thoughtful attention to detail preserves the realism and warmth of the piano sound; this extends even to sampling and reproducing the body resonances of the grand piano, as well as the mechanical noise that occurs when the keys are played, or the damper pedal is pressed and released. The foundation of any keyboard instrument is the piano; the SGX-1 engine allows Kronos X to confidently deliver on this sonic ideal.
EP-1 MDS Electric Piano
Electric piano sound engine
Our EP-1 sound engine is dedicated to faithfully recreating six of the most popular classic electric pianos. The MDS (Multi-Dimensional Synthesis) technology eliminates the transitions between velocity-switched samples, and does away with the unnatural behavior of looped samples. It also provides the user with unique control over the tines, reeds, and noise elements that make up the essential character of these timeless and coveted electromechanical instruments. The MDS sounds respond smoothly to the subtleties of the player's keyboard touch. This technology also delivers an astounding dynamic range – far superior to what one might expect from digital technology – so that the energy of climactic passages is accurately preserved. Each of the six electric piano models provides realistic simulations of the period amp, cabinet, speaker, and even the hard-to-find vintage effects that gave the original instruments their distinctive sound. From the sounds, to the touch, to the effects; every element has been coordinated in a single package to create the ultimate electric piano experience.
CX-3 Tonewheel Organ
Tonewheel organ sound engine
The original KORG CX-3 combo organ went on sale in 1980. Loved by musicians around the world, this classic organ reappeared in 2000 as a new product with the same name, but using the latest technology of the time to faithfully model the tonewheel organ sound. In Kronos X, the CX-3 engine precisely models this classic tonewheel instrument. Proprietary KORG technology has been used to perfectly reproduce the vacuum tube amp, and effects such as Vibrato/Chorus and the “must-have” rotary speaker. Even the instability, fold-back, leakage, and noise of the tonewheels have been obsessively analyzed and recreated. Take full advantage of KORG’s exclusive EX mode and switch from 9 to 18 drawbars (13 footages plus 5 to define the percussion) and generate even richer and more detailed sounds. The organ sounds heard in legendary performances – some recreated here by the original artists – are now yours for the playing. Go ahead and experience these classic organ sounds, reborn for the present day.
HD-1 High Definition Synthesizer
Flagship PCM, sampling and Wave Sequencing sound engine
We named the HD-1“High Definition” because of its superior sound, starting with KORG’s proprietary low-aliasing sample playback oscillators, full‐bandwidth multimode resonant filters, and extraordinarily fast & smooth envelopes and LFOs. The HD-1 can access a larger sample set – gigabytes in size – than could be normally stored using internal memory. The HD-1 covers all of the essential sounds in exquisite detail, from orchestral to classic rock to hip-hop, all instantly available. The extensive array of samples provided by Kronos X is unparalleled by previous hardware synthesizers or samplers, and is a superb fit for film, video and sound effect work.
Wave Sequencing
First introduced on the KORG Wavestation, and used here as part of the HD-1, Wave Sequences play a series of samples over time, creating distinctive rhythmic timbres or smooth, complex evolving sounds. Additionally, step-sequencer modulation outputs allow Wave Sequences to control any modulate-able Program parameter.
Ambient Drums
The HD-1 sound engine also includes our "Ambient Drums." Take advantage of this rich sample content to create incredibly realistic drum parts. The Ambient Drums feature two kits. Each provides three different mic'ing positions, capturing the whole kit, (with the snare on and off), plus the individual hits. The HD-1 voice architecture allows the custom blending of the drum's direct sound and ambient sound layer, adding a finished quality to the track.
AL-1 Analog Synthesizer
High-fidelity analog modeling sound engine
Feature-packed, the AL-1 is the same premium analog modeling sound engine that was first featured on the KORG OASYS, the Open Architecture Synthesis Studio back in 2005. Its patented ultra‐low‐aliasing oscillators (using completely different technology than the HD‐1) recreate all the power and glory of true analog synthesis— without the artifacts that can plague lesser instruments. Morphing waveforms allow you to change the oscillator shapes in real‐time. Resonance modeling lets you choose between classic filter sounds, and the extraordinarily flexible MultiFilter lets you create your own hybrid filter shapes. Hard sync, analog‐style FM, drive, low‐boost, and ring modulation offer plenty of tone-twisting power.
MS-20EX Legacy Analog Collection
Analog modeling sound engine
Debuting in 1978, the MS-20 unified a 37-note keyboard with a vertically oriented control panel, and was easily obtainable by those smitten by expensive and gigantic furniture-sized synthesizers. With a thick and solid sound, aggressive filters, and patching that opened up limitless potential for creating sounds, the MS-20's rich personality captivated countless synth freaks. Using KORG’s CMT (Component Modeling Technology) the MS-20EX faithfully reproduces the MS-20 while dramatically expanding its patch panel functionality. Modulate filters with audio-rate oscillators; turn audio inputs into control signals; control all of the original knobs with mod sources including additional envelopes, LFOs, and real‐time controllers. It’s a tweaker’s dream, but even without the patch panel, the MS-20EX would make waves with its unique, aggressive tone—due in large part to its signature filters, which are completely different from those in either the AL-1 or the PolysixEX. And of course the Kronos X version is now majorly polyphonic.
PolysixEX Legacy Analog Collection
Analog modeling sound engine
The Polysix first appeared in 1981, offering six-voice polyphony, program memory, and a surprisingly competitive price tag. With its self-oscillating four-pole filter, smooth analog oscillator and sub-oscillator, plus a lush Chorus/Ensemble effect, the PolysixEX extends the abilities of the original in many creative ways. The strings and pads that were such a major feature of the Polysix will be invaluable when you need the sounds of the early '80s. The classic arpeggiator built into the original Polysix is also provided. We’ve added modulation of every control on the front panel, for a world of sounds impossible on the original. It’s also very well-suited to hands-on control via the Kronos X’s Tone Adjust; with a knob, slider, or switch for almost all of the original Polysix controls. As a bonus, it’s also capable of extremely high polyphony.
MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer
VPM/Waveshaping/PCM processing sound engine
Combine Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), wave-shaping, ring modulation, samples, and subtractive synthesis, plus a modular patch‐panel system, and you have the MOD-7. Exceptionally versatile, it offers everything from classic FM keyboards, bells and basses (including the ability to import sounds from vintage DX synths) to rhythmic soundscapes and sparkling, epic pads. “Vast” sample‐mangling capabilities, with incredible flexibility and power, let you create intensely rich processing environments: combine multiple stages of filtering, waveshaping, and ring modulation – even use samples as FM modulators – all patched together however you like.
STR-1 Plucked String Synthesizer
Physical modeling sound engine
Based on the physical modeling know-how KORG developed over the course of many years, this struck/plucked-string physical modeling sound engine takes advantage of cutting-edge technology. The STR-1 begins with highly playable sounds whose tone responds to your touch in ways that are difficult for a PCM sound engine to replicate. These include acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harpsichord, clavinet, harps, bells, and ethnic instruments. Then the STR-1 goes beyond, allowing the creation of sounds that obey physical laws, but that don’t exist in reality. Play harmonics on a metal bar “plucked” by a piano or sing into a guitar string; with the STR-1, it’s all possible. You can also process samples and live audio input through the physical model—including audio feedback from any of the Kronos X effects! While some of the Kronos X engines look back in time, this a sound engine of the future, one that allows the synthesizer programmer to construct truly new sounds.
Premier Artist Contributions
In order to take full advantage of these nine sound engines, KORG called on respected musicians to guide our sound design team towards their individual ideals. Responding positively, numerous world-class players contributed their time, energy, and critical listening to help us zero in on making the sound respond the way they hear it! Certain artist signature sounds were tested, judged and tweaked by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Jordan Rudess, Frank McComb, George Duke, Lyle Mays, Russ Ferrante, Tom Coster, John Novello, Ricky Lawson and several other artists known for their serious love of sound and for their critical, demanding ears.
Room to Expand
Since the Kronos appeared, Kronos Sound Library expansions have continued to be released. In order to let you take full advantage of these libraries, which offer selections with a different flavor than the preloaded programs and combis, the Kronos X doubles both the available RAM capacity to approximately 2GB and the SSD capacity to 62GB. Starting in March 2012, the KARO Sound Libraries from the German company KARO Sound Development have joined the list with twenty titles already available, further enhancing the value of the Kronos X. The Kronos X also contains the EXs 10 - 13 expansion sample series of Kronos Sound Libraries pre-installed in demo mode. After you've tried them out, you can obtain these rich sounds for yourself by simply purchasing a license key. www.korg.com/KronosSoundLibraries
User Sample Banks let you create your own high-capacity sample libraries.
Added in Kronos OS v2.0, User Sample Banks bring the benefits of KORG’s EXs to your own custom sample libraries. You can load and play many gigabytes of your custom or converted samples at once, using the internal SSD. Disk and memory management is also improved: you can create subsets of User Sample Banks, and mix and match parts of different banks, without duplicating samples on disk. It’s also easy to share sounds with friends and collaborators, since Programs, Wave Sequences, and Drum Kits maintain links to User Sample Banks even when samples are moved on disk or loaded onto a different Kronos instrument. Create your own samples, or import Akai and SoundFont 2.0 libraries using new, improved conversion features.
KORG’s Rock-Solid Workstation Integration Puts it all Together
Packed with unlimited sound potential, Kronos X is much more than a synthesizer. Kronos X comes complete with all of the extras required of a modern workstation, plus so much more. From music production to live performance, the Kronos X Music Workstation integrates a world-class list of tools into a single, reliable instrument. Under the hood, all nine engines share the same hardware, with no separate cards to manage or polyphony barriers between them—and no “CPU overs” to worry about. Kronos X dynamically allocates power between the engines as you play, automatically and in real time, providing an integrated experience no PC can match. In addition, Kronos X smoothly functions as a plug-in with many popular DAWs, providing your studio with native, unprecedented sonic power.
KARMA
First appearing on KORG’s Karma Music Workstation in 2001, 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, you’ll easily produce 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 X. It will expand your conception of a song, and will be an enormous asset to your live performances.
*KARMA®（Kay Algorithmic Real-time Music Architecture） and the KARMA Logo are registered trademarks representing patented technology licensed from Stephen Kay, Karma Lab LLC, www.karma-lab.com
Drum Tracks
Kronos X also borrows the Drum Track feature from the M3 and M50 Music Workstations. 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. Kronos X now includes professional drum performances from artists such as Ricky Lawson, able to generate grooves reproducing the distinctive feel of a pro drummer. Applications and extras have been unstintingly poured into this single feature. The Drum Track can go beyond rhythm machines, and is fully capable of standing on its own.
Open Sampling System
No matter whether you're in Program, Combination, or Sequencer mode, you can always use Kronos X to sample an external audio source, or to resample the performance of the Kronos X itself. User samples can be edited using operations such as truncate, normalize, time stretch, or time slice. Edited samples can also be exported in AIFF or WAVE format. You can also load external samples in AIFF, WAVE, SoundFont 2.0, and AKAI S1000/3000 formats via USB memory. By loading samples that you've previously created on other instruments or on a PC, you can set up your music production system on the Kronos X – no additional equipment required.
16-track MIDI sequencer / 16-track audio recorder
Kronos X 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 X itself and place the resampled WAVE 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!
Premium-quality effects suite – use up to 16 simultaneously
Kronos X 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. Each effect offers 185 distinct effect types, covering every possible sound-shaping need. Examples include a high-resolution reverb, chorus, delay, guitar amp and cabinet modeling, even vocoding. Each effect provides up to 72 adjustable parameters, as well as numerous realtime modulation possibilities, delivering outstanding versatility. 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.
Performance Power!
In creating Kronos X, we listened to many musicians from around the world. Our goal was to change the way musicians interacted with their instrument to provide a more fluid, expressive, and natural experience. At one level, this meant providing a comprehensive yet intuitive control surface. But with Kronos X, we wanted to take these ideas even further, creating an instrument ideally suited to the way musicians play.
Set List screen provides single-touch selection, regardless of mode
The Set List screen lets you instantly recall your favorite programs, combinations, or song data with a single touch, regardless of mode. There are 128 Set List locations, and each one can have 128 slots. Sixteen of these slots appear at a time as buttons in the TouchView display, color-coded to ensure easy visibility even in dim lighting. This is a great convenience during a live performance or in the production workplace. You can also leave notes for yourself using the Set List page, to remember the key of a song, for example. The Set List also provides a stereo graphic EQ at the final stage of the main audio output, which can be used to compensate for the acoustical character of the performance venue.
Smooth Sound Transition eliminates dropouts when changing sounds
Kronos X features our Smooth Sound Transition technology. This powerful addition is designed to maintain any currently held, played, or sustaining notes (with their effects), helping to prevent drop-outs from occurring when you switch sounds or change from Program mode to Combi mode. A high level of technology has been applied to finally bring this sought-after ability to reality, fulfilling the requests of many musicians.
Enhanced, color TouchView display
KORG's TouchView graphical user interface is based on a large, color 8-inch (800 x 600 pixel) touch screen. The TouchView display is the centerpiece of KORG’s intuitive design, providing easy-to-view information and simple touch control. In developing Kronos X, we also incorporated numerous images of actual instruments and their respective controls into the display, to ensure that the musician enjoys the feeling of playing an instrument – rather than controlling a machine.
Comprehensive Control
In addition to the parameters accessible directly from the TouchView display, Kronos X 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 X’s impressive sound. The damper pedal input supports half-damping, providing another level of piano realism. In addition to the damper pedal jack, there are also two assignable pedal inputs, one foot pedal type and one footswitch style.
KORG’s Finest Keyboard Actions
The 61-key version features the same great-feeling, responsive semi-weighted keybed found in the M3-61 Music Workstation. Acclaimed for their solid feel and tactile response, these keys provide a seamless, expressive connection to the many forms of synthesis Kronos X provides.
The 88-key model of the Kronos X features the same RH3 real weighted hammer action keyboard used on KORG's upper-end piano models and on the SV-1. The hammer weighting is graded, providing a heavier feel in the lower register and a lighter feel in the upper register, just as on a grand piano, offering superb playability. Boldly, the 73-key model also features this same RH3 keyboard, creating a more compact and transportable instrument that still provides superior piano and electric piano sounds teamed with an authentic piano touch. Kronos X is notable for its slim design, showing an integration of function and design.
Support for USB MIDI and Korg USB pad controllers
Kronos X supports for connecting USB MIDI class-compliant controllers directly to the Kronos X. For instance, you can use a Korg microKEY as an auxiliary synth-action keyboard for a Kronos X-73 or 88. Even better, KORG USB MIDI controllers with pads–including the nanoPAD, nanoPAD2, and padKONTROL–are automatically mapped to the Kronos chord pads, for playing and programming drums, triggering chords, and selecting and assigning chords for Chord Mode.
Kronos Editor and Plug-In Editor
Kronos X supports for the Kronos Editor and Plug-In Editor*, which let you edit and organize sounds from a Mac OS X or Windows computer. Plug-in operation allows you to save settings as part of your project with any VST-compatible Windows software, or any VST- or AU-compatible software on Mac OS X. The Kronos Editor and Plug-In Editor are available for free download at www.korg.com/kronos.
*Please use Version 2.0 or later
High Speed Data Communication
This USB Ethernet functionality lets you use a commercially available USB Ethernet adaptor to transmit files and data easily and at high speed between the Kronos X and your computer. You can create backup files on your computer, send sample data at high speed from your computer to the Kronos X, and use your computer to manage data that's on the Kronos X’s internal disk. By enhancing the integration with your computer it’s now even easier to get your musical projects completed. By attaching a commercially available USB Ethernet adapter to the Kronos X, you'll be able to exchange data with your computer via a LAN cable. Standard FTP software for each operating system can be used.
Operation has been verified with the following USB Ethernet adapters:
Apple MC704ZM/A
CISCO Linksys USB300M
TRENDnet TU-ET100C
BUFFALO LUA3-U2-ATX
BUFFALO LUA-U2-KTX
BUFFALO LUA3-U2-AGT
Planex UE-100TX-G3
Logitec LAN-TX/U2B
Logitec LAN-TX/U2H3
I-O DATA ETX3-US2
Logitec LAN-TX/U2H3
I-O DATA ETX3-US2
Computer Connectivity
Kronos X can send MIDI signals to and from your computer via USB. Using the Kronos Editor software Version 2.0, or later (free download), sounds and settings can be edited directly from your computer. The Kronos Plug-in Editor (free download) lets you use Kronos X from within many popular DAW systems, as if it were a plug-in instrument. Kronos X can also be used as an audio I/O for your computer, sending and receiving two channels of audio via USB. In a music production system using your Kronos X and a computer, there is no need to purchase any additional hardware, creating the simplest possible set-up.
Versatile Array of Audio Inputs and Outputs
The Kronos X provides a total of six channels of audio input: 2 analog channels, 2 digital channels (S/P DIF optical, 48 kHz/24-bit), and 2 USB channels. As audio outputs, you have the 2 main channels (L/MONO, R) as well as four independent audio outputs, 2 digital channels (S/P DIF optical, 48 kHz/24-bit), and 2 USB channels (note: the 2 digital channels and 2 USB channels output the same signal as the main L/R output). All analog inputs and outputs support TRS balanced connections. The analog inputs provide a MIC/LINE select switch and an independent level control for each channel, offering the flexibility to meet any situation. In addition to the type-B USB connector used for communicating with your computer, there are two type-A USB 2.0 ports for use with external storage media such as flash memory, hard drives, or CD-R/RW and DVD drives. The output of the Kronos X can be resampled to a USB storage device such as a hard drive, or connected to USB CD-R/RW drive to create audio CDs.
Hear, Try and Compare the Korg Kronos X 61 Music Workstation in our showroom
Located in Leicester in the central Midlands and close to Coventry, Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham and Warwick we promise you that a visit to our specialist Digital Piano and Keyboard showroom will not disappoint. Try the full Korg range including the Kronos X 61 Music Workstation and compare it with
Yamaha, Roland, all under one roof. Whatever your playing standard our knowledgeable and friendly experts will help guide you through the Keyboard buying process and make sure that you are buying the right instrument for your needs. As ex teachers we are ideally placed to advise and answer any questions you may have. Lifetime support and product tuition with ALL digital pianos.
We sell Digital Pianos and Keyboards. That's it. Nothing else. No distractions and nothing to steal our focus.
*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.
*2 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.
*3 100 dual-stereo notes (It corresponds to 400 voices in the maximum.)
Number of Programs/Combinations/Drumkits:
2,560 user memory programs
(1,536 [768 HD-1+768 EXi] come preloaded)
1,792 user memory combinations
(480 come preloaded)
264 user memory drumkits
(78 come preloaded)
256 GM Level2 preset programs+ 9 GM Level2 drum preset programs
Preset PCM:
314 MB (ROM 1,505 multisamples, 1388 drum samples)
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
Capacity of PCM RAM:
Approx. 2 GB*4
*4 The memory available for RAM samples will change based on the use of Expansion PCM libraries. About 1,129 MB is available when shipped from the factory (when loading the file named “PRELOAD.KSC”).
Wave Sequences:
598 user memory, 165
[SGX-1 Program]
Premium Piano:
PCM:
EXs6 - SGX-1 German D Piano
EXs7 - SGX-1 Japanese C Piano
EXs12 - SGX-1 Austrian Piano (Option Sound Libraries, DEMO Version is pre-installed)
Piano Type:
32
Oscillator Control:
Damper Resonance, Damper Noise, Mechanical Noise, Note Release
[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, Tone 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
*5 Each electric piano type has own amp/cabinet character.
Effect Types: 9
Small Phase, Orange Phase, Clack 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.
Two completely separate drumkits.
Oscillators:
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 sweepable 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:
Run real-time audio through the synthesis engine
Filters:
Two multi-mode filter (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject) with four types of filter routings (single, serial, parallel and 24dB mode), MultiFilter 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
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 lowpass filter
PCM Oscillator:
Korg’s ultra-low-aliasing technology, as introduced in the HD-1; 4 velocity zones per oscillator; Uses any mono ROM, EXs, or RAM multisamples; PCM can either be used as an excitation signal, or layered with the output of the string.
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, 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 ROM, EXs, or RAM multisamples; PCM can be used as an FM modulator and/or layered with the VPM Oscillators. Noise generator with saturation and dedicated low pass filter.
Audio input:
Run real-time audio through the VPM Oscillators and filters.
Filters:
Dual multi-mode filters per voice. Parallel and 24 dB (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
Patch Panel:
Supports both 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 and HADSR EGs 1 & 2, original MG (with MIDI sync), Sample-and- Hold, MVCA; 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/octave Low Pass self-resonant filter
Effects:
Integrated Polysix Chorus, Phase, and Ensemble
Arpeggiator:
Integrated MIDI-synced arpeggiator, with adjustable Range, Mode, and Latch
Modulation:
Original ADSR EG and MG (with MIDI sync), 2 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 2 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers
[Combination]
Number of Timbres:
16 Maximum
Master Keyboard Functionality:
Keyboard and velocity splits, layers, and crossfades of up to 16 Programs and/or 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)
[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 stereo/mono sampling
Sampling Time:
RAM: Depends on the amount of availale PCM RAM
DISK: Maximum 80 minutes stereo (879 MB: 16-Bit)
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:
High, low, and mid band
Effect Types: 185
Modulation:
Dynamic Modulation and Common LFO
Effects Control Busses:
Two stereo side chains
Effect Presets: 783
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]
Drum Track Patterns:
697 preset (common with the preset patterns of the MIDI sequencer)
[Sequencer/HDR]
Tracks:
16-track MIDI sequencer + 16-track hard disk recorder + 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
697 preset/100 user patterns (per song)
18 preset/16 user template songs,
Format:
Korg (Kronos, OASYS) format, SMF formats 0 and 1.
Audio Tracks:
16-track playback, 4-track simultaneous recording, WAV file format 16bit/24bit.
Maximum single-file recording time (mono):
80 minutes
Automation:
Volume, Pan, EQ, and Send1/2; 5,000 regions (max.), Event Anchors, BPM Adjust
RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play and Record):
1 Pattern set per song.
[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. *6
*6 Need to use with External USB CD Drive, etc.
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, or Tone Adjust.
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, Chord Assign, module Control
Display:
TouchView graphical user interface, 8 inch TFT, SVGA (800x600 dots), adjustable brightness
Outputs:
L/MONO, R:
1/4” Balanced; 350 ohms Stereo; 175 ohms Mono (L/MONO Only), Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu, Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 ohms or greater)
Individual 1-4:
1/4” Balanced; 350 ohms Stereo; 175 ohms Mono, Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu, Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 ohms or greater)
Headphones:
1/4” stereo phone jack, output impedance: 33 ohms, Maximum Level: 60+60 mW (when load impedance is 33 ohms),
S/P DIF:
Optical, 24-bit, IEC60958, EIAJCP-1201, 48 kHz, (the same signals as L/MONO, R)
USB-B:
24-bit, 48 kHz, 2 channels (the same signals as L/MONO, R)
Inputs:
Audio Inputs 1 and 2:
1/4” Balanced; Input Impedance: 10 kohms, Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu, Maximum Level: +16 dBu,Source Impedance: 600 ohms, S/N: 95 dB (Typical), Dynamic Range: 95 dB (Typical), Crosstalk: 95 dB (at 1 kHz, Typical)
S/P DIF:
Optical, 24-bit, IEC60958, EIAJCP-1201, 48 kHz
USB-B:
24-bit, 48 kHz, 2 channels
Control Inputs:
Damper pedal (half damper supported), assignable switch, assignable pedal
MIDI:
In, Out, Thru
USB:
USB A (TYPE A) x 2 (for connection to external USB devices)
USB B (TYPE B) x 1 (MIDI/audio interface, MIDI: 1(16ch) input / 1(16ch) output, Audio: 2 channel input / 2 channel output)
2 USB high-speed ports (supports 480Mbps)
Principal Specifications:
Frequency Response:
20Hz-22kHz, +/-1.0 dB, 10k Ohms load
THD+N:
20Hz-22kHz, 0.01%, 10k Ohms load (typical)
S/N:
95 dB (typical)
Dynamic Range:
95 dB (typical)
Crosstalk:
95 dB, at 1 kHz (typical)
Disk Drives:
62 GB SSD (2.5”)
Power Consumption:
60 W
Dimensions: (W x D x H)
88-key: 57.28” x 16.18” x 5.71”
1,455 x 411 x 145 mm
73-key: 48.94” x 16.18” x 5.71”
1,243 x 411 x 145 mm
61-key: 41.42” x 14.25” x 5.28”
1,052 x 362 x 134 mm
Weight:
88-key: 50.71 lbs. / 23.0 kg
73-key: 44.75 lbs. / 20.3 kg
61-key: 27.56 lbs. / 12.5 kg
Accessories:
AC cord, Quick Start Guide, Accessory DVD Disc 1, 2 (DVDs include Kronos Operation Guide, Parameter Guide, and Voice Name List PDF files; Video Manual; KORG USB-MIDI Driver; System Restore Data, etc.)
[Option]
Kronos Sound Libraries: *EXs Expansion Sample Series *KRS Professional Sound Series
XVP-10: Expression/Volume Pedal
EXP-2: Foot Controller
DS-1H: Damper Pedal
PS-1: Pedal Switch
PS-3: Pedal Switch
*Developed under license of physical modeling patents (listed in www.sondiusxg.com) owned by Stanford University, USA, and by Yamaha Corporation.
*All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
*Appearance and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.
