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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

What are the standout features of the Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation?

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.

Is the Korg Kronos 61 suitable for live performances?

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.

How does the Korg Kronos 61 integrate with DAWs?

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.

Can the Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation be used for sound design?

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.

Does the Korg Kronos 61 offer sampling capabilities?

Yes, the Korg Kronos 61 includes sampling features, enabling users to create custom samples and integrate them into their performances and compositions.

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Korg New KRONOS Demo with Rich Formidoni

Video thumbnail for Kraft Music - Korg New KRONOS Demo with Rich Formidoni by Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Korg New KRONOS Demo with Rich Formidoni

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for Korg Kronos Music Workstation Demo - PART 1 by GAK

Korg Kronos Music Workstation Demo - PART 1

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Korg Kronos Keyboard Workstation Demo with Jordan Rudess by Sweetwater

Korg Kronos Keyboard Workstation Demo with Jordan Rudess

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Korg Kronos Music Workstation Demo Review by Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Korg Kronos Music Workstation Demo Review

Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Video thumbnail for Korg Kronos 61/73/88 Key Workstation Keyboard/Synthesizer, Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

Korg Kronos 61/73/88 Key Workstation Keyboard/Synthesizer, Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

Full Compass

Video thumbnail for Korg Kronos 61 Music Workstation |  Gear4music by Gear4music Guitars

Korg Kronos 61 Music Workstation | Gear4music

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation by B Street Music & Recording

Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

B Street Music & Recording

B Street Music & Recording

Reviews

PROS

  • Programs sound rich and nuanced, impressively realistic

  • Offers a variety of sounds, from organs to strings with true emulation

  • Loaded with features, offering extensive creative possibilities

  • Karma function provides incredible musical enhancements

  • Equipped with 9 different sound engines for diverse sonic capabilities

  • Large touch screen simplifies operation

  • Can download additional DX7 patches, expanding sound library

  • Durable, with a quality that doesn't sound dated even after years

  • Suitable for a wide range of musical styles and backgrounds

CONS

  • 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

  • Some users have experienced reliability issues, reporting frequent system crashes during live performances, leading them to switch to software solutions like MainStage.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the ability to use drawbar sliders for on-the-fly organ sound adjustments, enhancing live performance flexibility.

    Source
  • Some users find the Kronos' touch screen interface overly complex, lacking the tactile feel of analog synthesizers.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users should be prepared for extensive menu diving to fully utilize the Kronos' sound design capabilities, especially when creating custom patches.

    Source
  • The Kronos is considered very reliable, with a robust build quality that is likened to being "built like a tank."

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Kronos can emulate classic 70s prog rock organs, appealing to fans of artists like Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The Kronos' setlist mode allows users to color-code patches, facilitating quick navigation during performances with multiple patch changes per song.

    Source
  • The Kronos is ideal for live performances due to its comprehensive setlist management, beneficial for musicians needing quick setup changes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Despite being a hardware synth, the Kronos can be more cost-effective compared to matching its capabilities with high-end computer setups and VSTs.

    Source
  • Despite Nord's superior organ sounds, users find the Kronos more versatile for creating and managing complex patches in live theater settings.

    Source
  • The Kronos is praised for its realistic grand piano sounds, outperforming some alternatives like the Yamaha Montage and Nord Stage 3.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • 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.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • It includes vintage analog synth emulations such as PolySix and MS-20, and the MOD-7 engine is compatible with DX-7, providing a versatile sound palette.

    Source
  • Users note the slow boot times of the Kronos as a significant drawback.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Kronos allows stacking of up to 16 synths in COMBI mode, offering extensive layering and splitting capabilities across the keybed and velocity range.

    Source
  • The Kronos has nine synth engines, making it highly versatile for various sound designs.

    Source
  • The Kronos LS version offers a synth-action/light keybed, providing a compromise between portability and key count.

    Source
  • The Kronos 61-note keybed is noted for its expressiveness and accuracy, though some users prefer a hammer action keybed for more classical play.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Korg Kronos

ask.video

Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation is a powerhouse, brimming with features like nine distinct sound engines, an intuitive touchscreen, and a built-in sequencer. The robust construction and comprehensive real-time controls cater to live performances and studio setups alike. The pianos, especially, offer exceptional quality, making it a versatile tool for musicians. However, the crowded touchscreen interface might challenge users during intense programming sessions. Overall, the Kronos is a top-tier choice for those seeking a flexible and immersive musical experience.

positive

Korg Kronos Workstation review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Korg's Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation impresses with its exceptional sound quality and rich feature set, offering outstanding pianos, synths, and strings, along with real-time control, a built-in sequencer, and sampler. While its display lags in updating and lacks a few physical features of past models, the Kronos sets a new benchmark for sound and functionality. Despite some interface quirks and slow boot times, it's a powerhouse for both live performance and studio work, making it a must-have for serious musicians.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 22 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
john_withers

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!

baden_cocker_harrison

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

stargatemax

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!!!

cueboyd

Great variety of Synth Engines. Plus it reads DX7 Patches!

I like the Piano & Synth Sounds. I sort of prefer the Yamaha Motif, but the Kronos has more features. Plus you can download DX7 Patches for it which is great.

A

Great workstation synth

Best workstation synth I ever had

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jörn-Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen uses Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Jörn-Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen

Keyboardist, Composer

Nena

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen at the beginning of Anders/Fahrenkrog's music video for "Gigolo".

See how The BBC Radiophonic Workshop uses Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop was seen using a Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation during a concert, as depicted in a photo shared by the Radiophonic Workshop on their official Facebook page.

See how CJ Kao uses Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

CJ Kao

Keyboardist

Chthonic

...
Verified via Photo

Use in tour 2013 閃靈香港演唱會2013 CHTHONIC @ Hong Kong

See how David Cook uses Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

David Cook

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Agency

...
Verified

In a twitter post you can see a KORG Kronos

See how Buck Johnson uses Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Buck Johnson

Keyboardist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided image, Buck Johnson is clearly seen using a Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation.

See how Phil Driscoll uses Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Phil Driscoll

Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Live March 28th, 2021 at Faith Family Church. At the 7:30 mark Phil Driscoll is jamming out on his Limited Edition Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation.

See how Tnava uses Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Tnava

Keyboardist

The Free Nationals

...
Verified via MusicRadar

Two are used live with Anderson .Paak, as stated in this November 16, 2020 MusicRadar interview.

Which synths and keyboards (hardware and software) do you have in your live and studio setups right now, and what would you say are your all-time favourites?

“Live set up for Anderson: I use a Nord Stage, two Korg Kronos’, Roland JP-550, and Talkstar talkbox. For Free Nationals, I use a Rhodes, Korg Prologue, Roland VP-550 and Talkstar talkbox

“In the studio, I currently have a Motif that I use as a MIDI controller, and I use VSTs such as Omnisphere,Trilian, Kontakt, Addictive Drums and Addictive Keys. I have an upright piano, 88-key Rhodes, a Moog Voyager, and a Juno-106

“Hmm, all-time favourite?! I always love the sound of a good clean Rhodes.”

How deep do you like to go into synth programming? Do you tend to create your sounds from scratch or do you prefer to start with a preset and take it from there?

“I honestly don’t get too deep into synth programming. If I like the sound, I might tweak it a little bit to get it sounding how I like it, and then save it.

“As far as starting from scratch goes, I’m not really that deep into building. I do love fucking with the filters and envelopes to make the sound how I want and saving that. Or even layering sounds in my Kronos. I do have friends that specialise in that - shout out to Peter Dyer, Khyrie Tyler, O’Neil Palmer, Brandon Coleman, Dominque Xavier and Manman”

See how Justin Lee Schultz uses Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Justin Lee Schultz

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the attached video, Justin can be seen playing a Korg Kronos with 61 keys (I counted)

See how Ronny Tegner uses Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Ronny Tegner

Keyboardist, Composer

Pagan's Mind

...
Verified via YouTube

The Korg Kronos is seen at 18:36, adjacent to his Korg Karma and Korg Triton Extreme workstations in this live Pagan's Mind performance.

See how Kryptogram uses Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Kryptogram

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this YouTube video, kryptogram is seen playing the Korg Kronos 61-key keyboard.

See how Corey Bernhard uses Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Corey Bernhard

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Killiam Shakespeare

...
Verified via Photo

Corey Bernhard is confirmed to use the Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation, as evidenced by a photograph on Instagram where he is clearly seen employing this specific musical gear.

See how Günter Werno uses Korg Kronos 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Günter Werno

Singer, Keyboardist

Vanden Plas

...
Verified via insidek.org

In an interview conducted by Melina Wetterling for insidek.org, it is confirmed that Günter Werno has been a KORG endorser since 1999 and uses a variety of KORG products, including the KRONOS, NAUTILUS, TRINITY, M3, SV-1, microKORG, and monotron.

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.

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