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Description

Experience unmatched musical versatility with the Korg Kronos 2 88, a powerhouse synthesizer that has redefined the standard for keyboard workstations. Building on the revolutionary Kronos X, this model delivers an expansive 88-key fully weighted keyboard designed for the discerning musician who demands an authentic piano feel. Whether you're crafting live performances or fine-tuning studio recordings, the Kronos 2 88 is equipped to meet your creative needs.

Harness the power of nine distinct synthesis engines that span the sonic spectrum, enabling you to effortlessly switch between lush orchestral sounds and cutting-edge electronic textures. The upgraded OS version 3.0 enhances your workflow, providing smoother navigation through its intuitive interface. With a 64GB SSD drive and 2GB of sample RAM, you'll have ample space to store and recall your custom creations instantly. The exclusive new sounds, including meticulously sampled grand pianos, elevate your compositions, offering a wide palette of tones to explore.

Designed for both seasoned professionals and ambitious newcomers, the Korg Kronos 2 88 isn't just a keyboard—it's an entire music production suite that fits right at your fingertips.

Key Features:

  • 88-key fully weighted keyboard for realistic piano feel
  • Nine distinct synthesis engines for diverse sound creation
  • Upgraded OS version 3.0 for enhanced workflow
  • 64GB SSD drive and 2GB of sample RAM for ample storage
  • Exclusive new sounds, including multi-sampled grand pianos
  • Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model KRONOS 2 88-Key Digital Synthesizer Workstation
Finish Black/Wood
Year 2014 - 2025
Categories Keyboard Synths, Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Polyphony 200 Voices

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Korg Kronos 2 88's sound engine?

The Korg Kronos 2 88 features nine distinct sound engines, offering a wide range of sonic possibilities from realistic acoustic instruments to cutting-edge digital synthesis. Its SGX-2 piano engine and HD-1 high-definition PCM synthesis are particularly notable for their rich, dynamic sound.

Is the Korg Kronos 2 88 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Korg Kronos 2 88 is highly suitable for live performances due to its robust build, 88 weighted keys for expressive playability, and Set List mode, which allows quick access to sounds and settings during a performance.

How does the Korg Kronos 2 88 integrate with DAWs?

The Korg Kronos 2 88 integrates seamlessly with DAWs via USB MIDI, allowing for easy recording and control. It supports popular DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Cubase, providing flexibility for studio and live use.

What type of keyboard action does the Korg Kronos 2 88 have?

The Korg Kronos 2 88 features a weighted hammer-action keyboard, providing a realistic piano feel that is ideal for both classical and contemporary playing styles.

Can the Korg Kronos 2 88 be used for sound design?

Absolutely, the Korg Kronos 2 88 is excellent for sound design, offering extensive synthesis capabilities and deep editing features across its nine sound engines, enabling users to create unique and complex sounds.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Korg Kronos 2 88-key Titanium Limited Edition Workstation with Italian Grand Demo

Video thumbnail for Korg Kronos 2 88-key Titanium Limited Edition Workstation with Italian Grand Demo by Sweetwater

Korg Kronos 2 88-key Titanium Limited Edition Workstation with Italian Grand Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Used Korg Kronos II 88 - Rimmers Music by Rimmers Music

Used Korg Kronos II 88 - Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality surpasses Yamaha and Roland keyboards

  • Nine versatile sound engines, offering extensive sound customization

  • Weighted keys closely mimic real piano feel

  • Seamless live performance with setlist mode and smooth patch transitions

  • Deep and comprehensive sequencer for quick idea capturing

  • Robust digital sampling and authentic piano sound capture

  • Powerful touch screen and extensive programmability

  • Built-in Karma accompaniment for dynamic playing options

  • Well-suited for both gigging musicians and beginners

CONS

  • Risk of hardware issues, such as booting problems

  • Potential future repair difficulties due to limited spare parts

  • Complex learning curve with extensive documentation

  • High sensitivity to power interruptions due to SSD and Linux OS

  • Piano sound may not fully replicate a real piano experience

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Kronos 2 88.

User experience

  • Long-term Korg users note that the Kronos' workflow is familiar to those experienced with older Korg models like the Triton, easing the transition.

    Source
  • Despite its versatility, users often find they don't utilize 80% of the Kronos' functionality, highlighting its "jack of all trades" nature.

    Source
  • Owners find the Kronos built like a tank, which supports its durability for touring musicians.

    Source
  • Owners report a steep learning curve with Kronos, particularly when navigating its menus and touchscreen interface.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Kronos features a powerful KARMA system and can store large samples, offering significant versatility for hardware synth users.

    Source
  • The Kronos' set list mode is valued for enabling rapid switching between different setups without cutting sound, beneficial for live performances.

    Source
  • The Kronos 76-key model is weighted with an RH3 keybed, providing a balance between portability and realistic piano action.

    Source
  • The Kronos features nine synth engines, making it a versatile all-in-one workstation ideal for both classical and electronic music applications.

    Source
  • The onboard vocoder in Kronos requires manual consultation for setup, indicating its complexity and depth of features.

    Source
  • Kronos includes a 32-track DAW, which adds complexity with its extensive menu system and numerous screens.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For musicians seeking maximum tweakability, the Kronos excels as a MIDI controller with extensive routing and splitting options.

    Source
  • The Kronos is praised for its realistic grand piano sounds, making it suitable for classically trained pianists seeking digital alternatives.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Kronos reportedly sounds thin through a PA or mixer in live settings, whereas Nord and Roland presets are praised for their live performance quality.

    Source
  • Kronos is often compared to Yamaha Montage for flagship features, whereas ModX is a stripped-down version with fewer polyphony and features.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users note a peculiar bounce in the Kronos' key action, which occasionally triggers unintended note retriggering at near-zero velocity, although this may be improved in Kronos 2.

    Source

Other

  • Some musicians find the Karma feature complex and akin to advanced sequencer programming, requiring additional software for full utilization.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Kronos can play Logic Pro soft synths via its outputs, allowing integration with external DAW setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

The Korg Kronos 2 88 is a compelling evolution of its predecessor, boasting substantial hardware upgrades like reduced fan noise and improved build quality. The addition of an upgraded piano engine and a wealth of software enhancements—including a revamped OS with new sounds—makes it a smart investment for keyboardists. However, some may find the incremental update approach a bit unconventional, as it strays from the traditional model of releasing entirely new systems. While it secures long-term value for users, it may not appeal to everyone. Overall, Korg’s forward-thinking strategy is commendable, ensuring that musicians will enjoy continuous improvements without being pressured to buy new gear frequently.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Scott Storch uses Korg Kronos 2 88

Scott Storch

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Roots

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Scott Storch is seen playing the KRONOS 2 88-Key from Korg.

See how Tomppa Nikulainen uses Korg Kronos 2 88

Tomppa Nikulainen

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Brother Firetribe

...
Verified via YouTube

At 17 seconds into the video "Brother Firetribe - Just Another Night (live at Apollo, Turku, 23.09.2023)" by Anita Zelder on YouTube, Tomppa Nikulainen can be seen using a Korg Kronos 2 88 during a live performance with Brother Firetribe.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Kronos 2 88, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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luke_lockyer

luke_lockyer

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