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Average Price: $2,650
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Description
Introducing the Korg Kronos 88-key Synthesizer Workstation - the embodiment of over 50 years of Korg's artistic vision and expertise in production. This synthesizer workstation is the ultimate tool for the modern musician, merging multiple state-of-the-art sound generation techniques with an array of performance and production tools. It's more than a synthesizer; it's a complete ecosystem for musical creation and performance.
The Kronos is versatile and intuitive, equipped with nine distinct synthesis engines, dual joysticks, ribbon controller, and Korg's revolutionary tap-and-drag color TouchView(TM) display. It's designed to deliver not only what you'd expect from a top-tier synthesizer but also to provide features you've only dreamed of. The Set List mode keeps all of your custom settings and performance notes organized in the display for on-the-fly selection.
Experience the thrill of creating music with the Enhanced SGX-2 Grand Piano Sound Engine featuring the Berlin Grand. The engine offers a resonant piano sound with a striking sense of depth. The internal SSD offers an impressive 62GB capacity, providing ample space for user sampling or downloading Kronos Sound Libraries.
Key Features:
- Enhanced SGX-2 Grand Piano Engine with the Berlin Grand
- Nine distinct synthesis engines
- Massive sound selection
- Intuitive Set List mode with many updates
- Color TouchView display with TouchDrag capability
- 16-track audio recording / 16-track MIDI sequencing
- 16 onboard effects processors
- USB/MIDI host ports accommodating various MIDI control surfaces
- Flagship RH3 Graded Hammer Action keyboard (88 key model)
- Smooth Sound Transitions
- Advanced Control Surface
- Dual Joysticks (X-Y; Vector)
- Ribbon Controller
- 8 rotary knobs
- 9 sliders
- 16 illuminated buttons
- Generous 62GB internal SSD capacity for user sampling or Kronos Sound Libraries download.
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | Kronos 88 |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| 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
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Does the Korg Kronos 88-key Synthesizer Workstation have weighted keys?
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Yes, the Korg Kronos 88 features a fully weighted RH3 real hammer action keyboard, providing an authentic piano feel ideal for expressive playing.
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What types of sound engines are included in the Korg Kronos 88?
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The Korg Kronos 88 includes nine different synthesizer sound engines, allowing for a wide range of sounds from realistic acoustic instruments to classic synth tones.
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Is the Korg Kronos 88-key Synthesizer Workstation suitable for live performance?
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Yes, the Korg Kronos 88 is designed for live performance with features like Set List mode for quick access to sounds and smooth sound transitions.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Korg Kronos 88 offer?
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The Korg Kronos 88 offers up to 200 voices of polyphony, enabling complex compositions and layered soundscapes without note dropouts.
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Can the Korg Kronos 88 be connected to a computer for MIDI control?
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Yes, the Korg Kronos 88 supports MIDI Input, Output, and Through, as well as USB MIDI, allowing seamless integration with computer-based DAWs and MIDI setups.
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What is the primary use of the Korg Kronos 88-key Synthesizer Workstation?
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The Korg Kronos 88 is a versatile workstation ideal for studio production, live performance, and sound design, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for musicians and producers.
Videos
Sound On Sound magazine
Korg Kronos - NAMM 2015
Reviews
PROS
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Unmatched sound quality, even with multiple tracks running
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Vast sound library covers all music styles with realistic nuances
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Seamless integration for both studio and live environments
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Allows for smooth transitions between sounds without cutoff
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Durable and reliable build quality for long-term use
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Offers great value for its price point
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Can create custom sounds and beats easily
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Fully weighted 88-key keyboard provides an authentic playing experience
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Advanced features make it a top choice among professional keyboardists
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Attractive, business-like design with efficient controls
CONS
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Steep learning curve for advanced functions
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Heavy, making it less portable for some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Kronos 88-key Synthesizer Workstation.
Setup and maintenance
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Some users report needing to change RAM and resolder components in older Kronos models due to reliability issues, highlighting potential maintenance considerations.
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Some owners have experienced motherboard failures and note the discontinued availability of replacement boards, complicating repairs.
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Features and functionality
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The Kronos is appreciated for its extensive sample libraries, including pianos, organs, and strings, which are highly usable right out of the box.
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The Kronos is capable of receiving files over FTP via an Ethernet connection, offering advanced connectivity options.
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The Kronos features nine distinct synth engines, providing versatility for classical and electronic music alike.
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The Kronos 3 features a faster boot time, larger SSD, and a fan-less design, addressing previous user complaints about startup delays and noise.
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Users express mixed feelings about the built-in Karma feature, finding it powerful but complex to program effectively.
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User experience
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Kronos is noted for being extremely heavy, with a flight case weight around 82 lbs, posing challenges for gigging musicians.
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Long-term Korg users find the Kronos workflow familiar, with similarities to the Korg 01/W and Triton series.
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The Kronos's touch screen interface is noted for its clarity, though some users find navigating its many features cumbersome.
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Comparisons
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Kronos's Hammond patches are reported to sound more authentic than those on the Yamaha Montage, making it superior for organ sounds.
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The Italian piano included in the Kronos 3's SGX-2 engine offers improved sound quality compared to previous models, enhancing its appeal to pianists.
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The Kronos offers superior grand piano sounds compared to Yamaha Montage and Waldorf Quantum, beneficial for classically trained pianists.
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The Nord Stage 3, though not a workstation, is praised for its weight and portability, with a highly regarded Fatar TP/80 keybed.
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Build quality
Other
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The Kronos 3's updated sound engines are perceived by some as minor improvements over the Kronos 2, with little change in overall sound quality according to some users.
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Use cases and applications
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The Kronos 3 is seen as a reliable option for live performers due to extended support and updated components, appealing to professionals worried about the longevity of older models.
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The Kronos excels in set list handling, allowing seamless switching between different configurations during live performances.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 9 Ratings
53
Love it
I've played on this keyboard for about two years now. One of my best purchases. The only complaint I have is it's a bit heavy, but that's to be expected with an 88-key fully weighted keyboard. Other than that, no complaints come to mind.
154
An outstanding workstation..
The Korg Kronos 88, is simply the best workstation I have had the pleasure of using, it's packed with features, and sounds amazing. This is a keeper!
192
Greatest workstation
This is the greatest workstation ever. It has many great and detailed sounds and you can change the settings on each sound to your needs. There is nothing better than the Korg Kronos!
Artist usage
Add artist
“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.”
In this video, you can see Shaun Martin using this equipment. The Korg Kronos brand appears more clearly at 14:08.
In this YouTube video, at 1:22, Vadim Pruzhanov uses his Korg Kronos 88 Workstation with his Korg M3-M Synth Workstation Sampler Module.
DOMi is confirmed to use the Korg Kronos 88-key Synthesizer Workstation, as seen in a performance on October 12, 2019, at Blue Note NYC, captured by Mobb Suit on YouTube.
In this article, Gary talks about using the Korg Kronos keyboard for writing.
In the YouTube video "Avantasia Live Wacken 2022 (Full Show HD)" by Pat5502, Michael Rodenberg is visibly using a Korg Kronos 88-key Synthesizer Workstation at 58 minutes and 24 seconds into the performance.
In the attached video, Justin can be seen with 2 Korg Kronos keyboards; the top keyboard appears significantly shorter than the bottom one. Knowing he already has a 61 key Kronos (based on proof on Justin's page), and since the Kronos doesn't come in a smaller size, I've concluded the bottom keyboard is likely 88 keys. Further, the keyboard is labeled on the back, but not with an X, so it's not the Kronos X 88.
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 88-key Synthesizer Workstation, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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