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Average Price: $2,660
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$1501+
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Description
Unleash your creative potential with the Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation, a product of Korg's 50 years of production expertise and artistic vision. This versatile synthesizer is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding performers and producers, offering an unmatched blend of synthesis engines and production tools.
The Korg Kronos synthesizer is more than just an instrument; it's a complete music-making package. It boasts multiple cutting-edge sound generation techniques, onboard effects for processing any audio source, and multitrack audio and MIDI recording for efficient studio operations. The hardware includes an assignable control surface, dual joysticks, a ribbon controller, and Korg's innovative tap-and-drag color touch display.
The Kronos' Set List mode keeps all your custom settings and performance notes neatly organized, ensuring smooth sound transitions and eliminating note and effect dropouts when switching sounds or modes. With advanced sequencing, KARMA, and Drum Track composition tools, as well as Korg's unique wave sequencing, MS-20 filtering, and the Polysix chorus, you can create rich, multidimensional sounds.
Key Features:
- Enhanced SGX-2 Grand Piano Sound Engine featuring the Berlin Grand
- Massive sound selection
- Master sound design team
- Kronos Expansion Sound Libraries
- Artist Sound Libraries
- Famous Song Sounds
- Nine distinct sound engines
- Innovative Set List mode with many updates
- Color TouchView display with TouchDrag capability
- Sequencer Compositional Tools
- 16-track audio recording / 16-track MIDI sequencing
- 16 onboard effects processors
- USB/MIDI host ports accommodating MIDI control surfaces
- Natural Touch semi-weighted action
- Smooth Sound Transitions
- Advanced Control Surface
- Dual Joysticks (X-Y; Vector)
- Ribbon Controller
- 8 rotary knobs
- 9 sliders
- 16 illuminated buttons
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | Kronos 61 |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Keyboard Synths, Workstation Keyboards |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Semi-Weighted |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 200 Voices |
FAQs
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What are the standout features of the Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation?
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The Korg Kronos 61 features nine distinct sound engines, semi-weighted keys, and 200-voice polyphony. It's designed for versatility, accommodating a wide range of musical styles and performance needs.
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Is the Korg Kronos 61 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Korg Kronos 61 is highly suitable for live performances, offering robust sound capabilities and real-time control options that make it ideal for stage use.
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How does the Korg Kronos 61 integrate with DAWs?
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The Korg Kronos 61 integrates seamlessly with DAWs via USB MIDI and traditional MIDI connections, making it easy to incorporate into studio setups for recording and production.
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Can the Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation be used for sound design?
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Absolutely. With its extensive sound engines and editing capabilities, the Korg Kronos 61 is an excellent tool for sound design, allowing for deep customization and creation of unique sounds.
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Does the Korg Kronos 61 offer sampling capabilities?
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Yes, the Korg Kronos 61 includes sampling features, enabling users to create custom samples and integrate them into their performances and compositions.
Videos
Kraft Music
Kraft Music - Korg New KRONOS Demo with Rich Formidoni
Reviews
PROS
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Programs sound rich and nuanced, impressively realistic
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Offers a variety of sounds, from organs to strings with true emulation
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Loaded with features, offering extensive creative possibilities
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Karma function provides incredible musical enhancements
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Equipped with 9 different sound engines for diverse sonic capabilities
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Large touch screen simplifies operation
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Can download additional DX7 patches, expanding sound library
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Durable, with a quality that doesn't sound dated even after years
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Suitable for a wide range of musical styles and backgrounds
CONS
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Long boot-up time of over 2 minutes can be inconvenient
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation.
User experience
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Some users have experienced reliability issues, reporting frequent system crashes during live performances, leading them to switch to software solutions like MainStage.
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Owners appreciate the ability to use drawbar sliders for on-the-fly organ sound adjustments, enhancing live performance flexibility.
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Some users find the Kronos' touch screen interface overly complex, lacking the tactile feel of analog synthesizers.
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Setup and maintenance
Use cases and applications
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The Kronos can emulate classic 70s prog rock organs, appealing to fans of artists like Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson.
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The Kronos is adaptable for custom sound creation; one user successfully crafted a unique patch for Whitney Houston's "Dance With Somebody" by combining samples.
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The Kronos' setlist mode allows users to color-code patches, facilitating quick navigation during performances with multiple patch changes per song.
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The Kronos is ideal for live performances due to its comprehensive setlist management, beneficial for musicians needing quick setup changes.
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Comparisons
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Despite being a hardware synth, the Kronos can be more cost-effective compared to matching its capabilities with high-end computer setups and VSTs.
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Despite Nord's superior organ sounds, users find the Kronos more versatile for creating and managing complex patches in live theater settings.
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The Kronos is praised for its realistic grand piano sounds, outperforming some alternatives like the Yamaha Montage and Nord Stage 3.
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Value and pricing
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At €200, acquiring a used Kronos 88-key model is an exceptional deal, with typical used prices ranging from €1500 to €2000, and new models priced around €3600.
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Software and compatibility
Features and functionality
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The Kronos allows stacking of up to 16 synths in COMBI mode, offering extensive layering and splitting capabilities across the keybed and velocity range.
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The Kronos has nine synth engines, making it highly versatile for various sound designs.
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The Kronos LS version offers a synth-action/light keybed, providing a compromise between portability and key count.
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The Kronos 61-note keybed is noted for its expressiveness and accuracy, though some users prefer a hammer action keybed for more classical play.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 22 Ratings
815
One of the best!
The centrepiece of my non-computer set-up. One of the last of the full workstations that does it all...something like 9 different sound engines, fairly good sequencer, great effects, lovely feel to the keyboard and the great big touch screen helps to make it easier to operate although even though I have had it for several years now I still feel I have lots to learn before I utilize it to the fullest...but I hope I do!
Korg needs to get its act together?
Because I've owned this for 6 years and it's still up there with the best and still doesn't sound dated. This could get me through any musical situation and I have no intention of upgrading.
You need to get your act together korg or you'll go out of business lol
236
Awesome sound, horrible boot-up time!
I give it 5/5 because its vast array of features and sounds outweigh the horrible downside -- it boots up over 2 minutes!!!
Artist usage
Add artist
Look closely on the left of the photo to spot the Korg Kronos in R3hab's studio setup.
In this video FKJ is using the Korg Kronos 61 keyboard for his electric piano parts.
At 1:58 you can see a clear shot of the 61-Key Korg Kronos that Zaytoven is playing.
In a 2019 live performance, Charly García can be seen using the Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation, as shown in a user-uploaded photo.
In this tweet, shared October 28 2021, Derek Sherinian shows at the center of the image a Korg Kronos 2 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation.
“I love the Kronos because it’s a natural culmination of its predecessors, the Triton and Trinity- both of which I’ve gotten a LOT of mileage out of in the past two decades.”
Tuomas played Kronos in Rock in Rio 2015. You can spot it on e.g. 7:10 on the video.
In a photo posted by therejects on Instagram, Tyson Ritter is seen playing the Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation, with a caption thanking Scotty for the opportunity.
Album Usage
The Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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