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Description

Unlock new creative horizons with the Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation, a powerhouse that merges innovation with uncompromising sound quality. Embrace the versatility of nine distinct sound engines, each designed to deliver a unique auditory experience, from lush strings to dynamic synth leads. The weighted 88-key keyboard simulates the feel of a grand piano, offering expressive control that musicians will appreciate, whether performing live or recording in the studio.

Designed for musicians who demand more from their instruments, the Kronos X is equipped with an upgraded OS and expanded memory capabilities, including a 64GB internal SSD and 2GB of sample RAM. This ensures seamless transitions between sounds and the ability to load extensive sample libraries without compromising performance. The intuitive interface, complete with a color touchscreen, allows for easy navigation and customization, making it a perfect companion for both seasoned professionals and ambitious amateurs.

What truly sets the Kronos X apart is its ability to function as an all-in-one production hub. With its built-in sequencer, drum tracks, and comprehensive effects suite, you can compose, arrange, and produce directly from the workstation without the need for additional gear. Whether you're scoring for film, crafting electronic dance tracks, or simply exploring new musical landscapes, the Kronos X offers the tools you need to bring your vision to life.

Key Features:

  • Weighted 88-key keyboard for authentic piano feel
  • Nine distinct sound engines for diverse sound creation
  • 64GB internal SSD and 2GB sample RAM for expanded storage
  • Intuitive color touchscreen for easy navigation
  • Built-in sequencer and effects suite for complete on-board production
  • Extensive connectivity options, including MIDI and USB
  • Durable, stage-ready design for live performance reliability

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Kronos X 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, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Polyphony 200 Voices

FAQs

What kind of key action does the Korg Kronos X 88 have?

The Korg Kronos X 88 features a fully weighted keyboard action, providing a realistic piano feel suitable for both studio and live performance environments.

How many voices of polyphony does the Korg Kronos X 88 offer?

The Korg Kronos X 88 provides up to 200 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex, layered sounds and extensive use of effects without note dropouts.

What are the main connectivity options for the Korg Kronos X 88?

The Korg Kronos X 88 includes MIDI Input and Output, as well as USB MIDI connectivity, making it versatile for integration with various digital audio workstations and MIDI devices.

Is the Korg Kronos X 88 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Korg Kronos X 88 is well-suited for live performances with its robust sound engine, weighted keys, and extensive sound library, providing a versatile and expressive playing experience.

Can the Korg Kronos X 88 be used as a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Korg Kronos X 88 can function as a MIDI controller, offering both MIDI and USB MIDI connectivity to control external software and hardware instruments.

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

The Korg Kronos X 88's sound engine features nine distinct synthesis engines, including sample-based and physical modeling, allowing for a wide range of sonic possibilities from realistic acoustic instruments to complex synthetic textures.

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Korg Kronos X Demo with Rich Formidoni

Video thumbnail for Kraft Music - Korg Kronos X Demo with Rich Formidoni by Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Korg Kronos X Demo with Rich Formidoni

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for Korg Kronos X by HarmonyCentral

Korg Kronos X

HarmonyCentral

HarmonyCentral

Video thumbnail for KORG Kronos X Music Workstation di Bhinneka.Com by bhinnekacom

KORG Kronos X Music Workstation di Bhinneka.Com

bhinnekacom

Video thumbnail for Korg Kronos X88 Unboxing by Musicians' PlayGround

Korg Kronos X88 Unboxing

Musicians' PlayGround

Musicians' PlayGround

Reviews

PROS

  • Absurdly fantastic, extremely varied sounds

  • Weighted keys provide authentic playing experience

  • Color touch screen facilitates easier navigation

  • Vast library of preset rhythm patterns

  • Comprehensive manual and parameter guide for deep learning

  • Versatile for various genres, from rock to pop

  • Useful for professional scoring in indie film projects

  • Ample "go-to" rock and pop sounds

CONS

  • Heavy and cumbersome, weighing over 80 lbs

  • Complex functionality with a steep learning curve

  • Karma feature may be seen as useless and annoying by some

  • Lackluster drum sounds requiring external MIDI for optimal quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation.

Software and compatibility

  • To use Logic Pro sounds live on the Kronos, sampling the sounds is necessary since direct loading is not supported.

    Source
  • Some users find the Karma software complex and overblown, but it offers powerful sequencing capabilities for those willing to invest time in learning it.

    Source

User experience

  • The Kronos takes a few minutes to boot up, which can be a drawback in live performance settings if there's a power interruption.

    Source
  • Owners report that Kronos may sound thin through PA systems compared to live settings, despite sounding excellent in headphones.

    Source
  • Owners find the learning curve steep, with complexities in setting up features like the onboard vocoder, which requires manual guidance.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Kronos for its realistic grand piano sounds, ideal for classical music, but note the touch screen is necessary to access many features.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Kronos is praised for its MIDI controller capabilities, with extensive routing and splitting options, ideal for users integrating external instruments.

    Source
  • Despite complexities, the Kronos can act as a straightforward multi-timbral instrument within Logic Pro X, providing diverse functionality for experienced users.

    Source
  • The Kronos is praised for its setlist handling capabilities, allowing seamless transitions between different setups without cutting sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Kronos is described as a versatile workstation, while Nord Stage 3 is seen as more performance-oriented with better live presets.

    Source
  • The Kronos is noted for its superior action compared to Nord Stage 3, though it may suffer from a bounce issue causing note retriggering.

    Source
  • The Kronos is often compared to Yamaha's Montage for a more even flagship workstation match, rather than the ModX, which lacks some features but retains similar sound quality.

    Source
  • The 73-key Nord models offer a lighter, more portable option at 22 pounds, with a "knob per function" design, compared to the heavier Korg Kronos.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Sympathetic resonance and progressive damping enhance the piano experience, but require the official Kronos pedal for full functionality.

    Source
  • The Korg Kronos has nine synth engines, offering a wide range of sound possibilities for various musical styles, from classical to electronic.

    Source
  • The Kronos functions as a 32-track DAW, complicating ease of use with its numerous screens and menus, making it less user-friendly without manual consultation.

    Source
  • The Kronos LS version offers a semi-weighted, lighter keybed, providing an option between the fully-weighted and unweighted models.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
robin_buckingham

Not A Keyboardist but...

I need sounds. This has a ton to choose from. Weighted keys. But as with anything, it is to taste. If you have a keyboardist, they are going to like what they like. If not, and you need something to have as a staple in your place, this was an obvious choice for me.

I have even made scores for indie film using mostly this unit, and I am not a keyboardist, so its rather easy. Mostly, it has all of the "go to" rock sounds you could ever need, plus great pad sounds and enough pop candy to please any singer...but if you are working with a writer & singer, they are going to have their own key rig anyway. Perfect for the main sound, or what I use it for and accentuations for rock.

caltoth

Amazing Keyboard

I have 2 of these. Best all round keyboard I have ever owned. Updated OS and sounds to new Kronos. The Color touch screen is really an improvement. Relatively easy to program. Small tweaks to some patches, and drums are not the best, but I use MIDI to trigger external sounds.

darren_hightower

Very powerful all around workstation.

I've only had it for a month or so, so I've barely scratched the surface of what it is capable of doing. Very pleased so far.

ron_tyili
john_tebbitt

Oh yes, you should

What can I say that others haven't already. I really love this keyboard.

omegaman_jonny

Beautiful Sounds and Great look

I just love this keyboard, so many cool things and brilliant technology.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tony Iommi uses Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation

Tony Iommi

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

Iommi can be seen in this video playing a Korg Kronos.

See how Geezer Butler uses Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation

Geezer Butler

Bassist, Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via YouTube

Butler can be seen playing a Korg Kronos in this video.

See how Jordan Rudess uses Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation

Jordan Rudess

Keyboardist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

Jordan Rudess shows this keyboard in his studio starting at 8:08.

See how The Weeknd uses Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation

The Weeknd

Singer, Keyboardist

Bulleez n Nerdz

...
Verified via reverb.com

Used in his 2017 tour

See how Derek Sherinian uses Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation

Derek Sherinian

Keyboardist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via YouTube

On this video on his youtube channel he is seen playing this Korg Kronos X.

See how Chris Lowe uses Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation

Chris Lowe

Keyboardist, Composer

Pet Shop Boys

...
Verified via YouTube

Chris Lowe used the Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation during the Pet Shop Boys' Super Tour, as shown in the YouTube video by endorphonic titled "Pet Shop Boys - The Enigma/Vocal (Chris Lowe solo version)."

See how Actress uses Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation

Actress

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The KronosX is at the front of the stage in this live performance. He uses it throughout e.g. at 3:40.

See how Robert Glasper uses Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation

Robert Glasper

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Robert Glasper Experiment

...
Verified via YouTube

seen playing at 33:04

See how Adam Wakeman uses Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation

Adam Wakeman

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Adam Wakeman, he is shown using the Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation.

See how Neil Tennant uses Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation

Neil Tennant

Singer

Pet Shop Boys

...
Verified via Geowayne

Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys is listed as using the Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation, according to Geowayne's compilation of synths and samplers used by the band.

See how Spike Edney uses Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation

Spike Edney

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Queen

...
Verified via YouTube

The Kronos can be seen 1:40 into this video

See how Kim Won Pil uses Korg Kronos X 88-key Music Workstation

Kim Won Pil

Singer, Keyboardist

Day6

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, Wonpil using Korg Kronos X 88-key. Usually used during Gravity concert.

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 X 88-key Music Workstation, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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gian_carlo_bottallo

gian_carlo_bottallo

Gear IQ 67

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