Korg Kronos

Korg Kronos

Korg Kronos, the hottest one.

When ambition, imagination, and technology converge, the results are spectacular. Witness Korg Kronos. Created by Korg to satisfy today’s most demanding, accomplished performers and producers, as well as tomorrow’s visionary leaders, Korg Kronos embodies over 50 years of artistic vision and production expertise. With nine distinct synthesis engines and a complete suite of performance and productions tools, Korg Kronos is simply the most versatile synthesizer ever made.Korg Kronos restores the  magic, the thrill, and the promise that only a visionary new instrument can provide. Every resources and technology of service to the modern musician has been refined, perfected, and integrated into a single instrument, and is available on demand. Multiple state-of-the-art sound generation techniques represent the pinnacle of software realization. Onboard effects open the door to processing any internal or external audio source with dazzling results. Multitrack audio and MIDI recording deliver efficient studio operations in a mobile platform. Hands-on hardware includes an assignable control surface, dual joysticks, ribbon controller, top-of-the line keyboard action, and Korg’s revolutionary tap-and-drag color TouchView™ display. Best of all, Korg Kronos integrates all of these music-making resources into a single instrument in ways that no software setup or hardware platform can rival.Korg Kronos easily delivers everything you’d expect, plus many things you’ve only dreamed of. Set List mode keeps all of your custom settings and performance notes organized in the display for on-the-fly selection. Smooth Sound Transitions eliminate note and effect dropouts when switching sounds or modes. Connect virtual patch cables, select sounds, plus edit envelopes and sequences, all using the eight-inch color TouchView display. Add to that advanced sequencing, Karma, and Drum Track composition tools. Enjoy exclusive Korg wavesequencing, MS-20 filtering and the impossibly-rich Polysix chorus. And only Korg boasts the finest sound-design team on the planet, so you can always sound your very best.

Nine Distinct Sound Engines

Each of the individual Korg Kronos sound engines is eminently qualified to operate as a stand-alone synthesizer. And each one represents the cutting-edge technology available for that type of sound creation. Exacting programming parameters, real-time controllers, integrated effects, and assignable modulation routings provide incredible control for the creating custom edits or for the ambitious sound designer

Enhanced SGX-2 Grand Piano Sound Engine

The Korg Kronos piano engine has always offered huge collections of non-looped/natural decay stereo samples, recorded for every key, with additional unique tools to customize the piano to your needs. Inheriting all of this SGX-1 functionality, the new enhanced SGX-2 Grand Piano engine introduces the new Berlin Grand piano to the existing deep German Grand and lively Japanese Grand. The Berlin Grand offers resonant piano sound with a striking sense of depth.

Other enhancements to the SGX-2 engine included Sympathetic String Resonance and newly-recorded Una Corda (soft pedal, literally “one-string”) samples.

Massive Sound Selection

Korg Kronos comes equipped with thousands of sounds, created using various synthesis modes and calling upon over approximately 21 GB of preset waveform data covering a variety of genres. Each one has been carefully crafted by the Korg Sound Design team. The internal SSD offers a generous 62*GB capacity, providing enormous space for user sampling or downloading Korg Kronos Sound Libraries. These optional expansion Korg Kronos Sound Libraries add new professionally programmed sounds—without the need to add any new hardware.

Artist Signature Programs provide the priceless sounds actually used by top-ranking musicians. Additional Song Programs are named for the classic rock and pop songs whose signature keyboard sounds these programs recreate. Use these universally well-known sounds to pay homage to the originals, or as the basis for personal sonic explorations.

Innovative Set List Mode

Korg Kronos can organize all of the resources you need to get through a song, or a set, using the Set List mode. Using the Set List mode, the TouchView display can host 16 color-coded touch-screen buttons; each one can instantly call up the appropriate Preset, Combination, or Sequence, regardless of mode!

You can even add handy performance notes (“Sing on Chorus;” “Transpose Down;” “Wait for Sax Solo;” etc.) to each one.

The Set List mode even adds a nine-band graphic EQ, allowing the overall tone to be tweaked to match the venue. New in OS version 3.0, Set List mode now allows for deeper customization with many slot color options, text size variations, and a full-screen text editor. Connecting a USB computer keyboard makes it simple to enter text and numeric values.

Color TouchView Display: Now with Touch-Drag Capability

The nerve center of the Korg Kronos is Korg’s enormous eight-inch (800 x 600 pixel) SVGA color TouchView display.

Korg Kronos
TouchView display detail

In addition to simply selecting a sound or choosing a parameter with the touch of a finger, the enhanced Touch-Drag ability allows more detailed control of parameter values. Interactive instruments and panel graphics provide the ability to do everything from adjusting the lid of a grand piano to connecting patch cable on a semi-modular synthesizer model.

The TouchView display also hosts a convenient new Search Function, allowing you to search for (and preview) sounds based on their titles.

Sequencer Composition Tools

In addition to MIDI and Audio tracks, the onboard sequencer is loaded with valuable tools to transform your musical ideas into a complete composition, using realtime and interactive techniques that are unavailable or cumbersome to use on a computer-based system.

*KARMA

First appearing on KORG’s Karma Music Workstation in 2002, this revolutionary algorithmic music technology instantly produces sophisticated phrases, drum grooves and full-blown backing tracks. Based on the notes and chords you play—and the intuitive operations you perform with the knobs, sliders, and switches—KARMA can create musical effects that exceed anything you imagined. Now in its greatly-enhanced second generation and offering features like KARMA Wave-Sequencing, Note Mapping and 8 scenes per layer, KARMA is standard equipment on your new Korg Kronos. It will expand your conception of a song, and will be an enormous asset to your live performances.

*Drum Tracks

This function that plays drum patterns automatically was included and highly acclaimed on the M3 music workstation/synthesizer that appeared in 2007. Korg Kronos is the latest KORG Workstation to offer the Drum Tracks features. First appearing in 2007, Drum Tracks can create everything from a simple reference beat to an outline rhythm track on up to a full-blown drum track for your music productions.

Expanded for use in the Korg Kronos, Drum Tracks now includes professional drum performances, and is ready and able to generate grooves that capture the distinctive feel of a pro drummer, and that challenge the capabilities of stand-alone drum machines.

*Open Sampling System

Using KORG’s Open Sampling System, Korg Kronos can quickly sample an external audio source, regardless of whether Korg Kronos is in the Program, Combination, or Sequencer modes. The Open Sampling Mode can even resample the performance of the Korg Kronos itself. The user sample bank, which extends the convenience of the EXs sample library to user samples, allows custom samples to be loaded and played, taking advantage of the gigantic SSD capacity.

AIFF, WAV, SoundFont 2.0, and AKAI S1000/3000 format samples can be loaded into memory via USB memory. Additionally, you can use a USB Ethernet adapter to exchange large amounts of sample data with your computer at high speed. Instruments or samples that you’ve previously created on your PC can be used to construct a music production setup based on just the Korg Kronos itself.

16-Track MIDI Sequencer / 16-Track Audio Recorder

Korg Kronos features a sequencer/recording section that offers both 16 MIDI tracks plus 16 audio tracks; a great resource for putting together a dazzling performance or a brilliant production. MIDI sequencing makes it easy to capture ideas, inspiration, and pro-quality phrases using the KARMA, Drum Track, or RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/Recording) functions.

The 16-track audio recorder simultaneously captures up to four tracks of 16-bit/24-bit uncompressed data at a sampling rate of 48 kHz. Play along with recorded tracks, add effects, and then resample the Korg Kronos itself and place the resampled WAV files directly in a track. When polishing your tracks, feel free to use mixer automation and editing functions such as copy, paste, and normalize to get the results you want. Plug in a USB CD-burner and assemble your album right from the TouchView display!

16 Onboard Effect Processors

Korg Kronos provides 16 internal effects to add impact to your sonic creations. Each of the 12 Insert effects can be applied to individual or multiple timbres in a combination, or to individual or multiple tracks of the sequencer. In addition, two Master effects can be applied to sends 1/2, and two Total effects can be applied to all tracks at the final stage of the sound.

A separate three-band EQ is provided for every timbre, for every sequencer track, and for every audio track for adjusting subtle tonal balances or for creatively modifying the overall sound.

USB/MIDI Host Ports Accommodate MIDI Control Surfaces

Any class-compliant USB-MIDI controller can be connected directly to the Korg Kronos. If you connect a Korg pad-equipped USB MIDI controller (nanoPAD, nanoPAD2, padKONTROL), pads 1 through 8 of the controller are automatically mapped to the virtual chord pad function of the Korg Kronos, allowing them to be used to play drums, trigger chords, or to switch chords in chord mode.

Smooth sound transitions that eliminate dropouts when changing sounds, regardless of the mode you’re in

When you switch program sounds during a performance to get ready for the next section, or when you switch from Program mode to Combi mode, the sound that’s currently being output is always given priority and its effects are maintained during the program change, ensuring a seamless transition with no dropouts. This function has also earned extremely high praise from pro musicians.

Advanced Control Surface

In addition to the parameters accessible directly from the TouchView display, Korg Kronos also offers a wealth of realtime controllers to enhance any performance and to aid navigation. A four-way joystick, ribbon controller, and two assignable switches are located to the left of the keyboard. An additional Vector joystick is nearby.

Above the keyboard, nine sliders, eight knobs and a number of switches provide realtime interaction with features at the heart of the Korg Kronos’ impressive sound. The damper pedal input jack supports half-damping, providing one more level of piano realism. In addition to the damper pedal jack, there are also two assignable pedal inputs, one footpedal type and one footswitch style.

Flagship RH3 Weighted Hammer Action

Both the 88- and 73-key Korg Kronos models use KORG’s finest RH-3 Real Weighted Hammer Action. Offering an authentic and accurate piano feel, there are four zones, ranging from heavier to lighter, to provide a more true piano playing experience. Even the 88 key model is slim enough to place on a standard keyboard stand. The Korg Kronos achieves the perfect balance of functionality and design.

Natural Touch Semi-Weighted Action

For those who prefer the ultra-quick response of a synthesizer keyboard, need to focus on organ performances, or are seeking the ultimate in portability, the Korg Kronos 61-key model is equipped with a lightweight and expressive semi-weighted synthesizer action.

Nine Synthesizer Engines, United in One Instrument

Korg Kronos harnesses nine distinct synthesizer/sound engines into a single, integrated musical instrument. Dynamic voice allocation and new technologies allow all sound engines to smoothly share a stable, enhanced hardware platform. The results are nothing less than spectacular.

SGX-2 (Premium Piano) Piano sound engine

Choose your piano! In addition to the acclaimed German Grand and Japanese Grand provided in the SGX-1 engine, the enhanced Korg Kronos SGX-2 Premium Piano now includes the distinctive Berlin Grand. By adding the EXs12 Austrian Grand option (sold separately), Korg Kronos can offer access to the greatest names in the grand piano world. Un-looped stereo samples recorded for every key provide a natural, authentic decay. Improved 12-level velocity switching exceeds the previous 8-level data, and features such as nuanced extras as pedal string resonance and una corda sample data to recreate every detail of a grand piano performance.

Korg Kronos

*String resonance

With the damper pedal depressed, all of the piano strings are free to resonate. When any key is played on the piano, other strings that are pitch-related to the original key may begin to vibrate via sympathetic resonance. The SGX-2 accurately captures and recreates this sympathetic string resonance, adding an additional level of detail to the grand piano sound.
* String resonance overtones can be viewed in the string length edit screen.

*Una corda

The pedal to the far left on a grand piano is the soft pedal. The technical name for this pedal is una corda. Una corda translates literally as “one string.” Normally, the piano hammer strikes all of the strings tuned to a particular note, usually three or two. Pressing the Soft/Una Corda pedal shifts the entire piano action, so that the hammer hits only one string. The resulting sound is lower in volume, and has a more muted tone. The SGX-2 Piano Engine contains new una corda samples that can replicate this subtle shift in volume and tone to provide a faithful piano performance, complete with all pedal actions.
*Una corda settings can be specified for the foot pedal (separately sold option) and in the screen.

EP-1 (MDS Electric Piano) Electric piano sound engine

The Korg Kronos EP-1 sound engine is dedicated to faithfully recreating six of the most popular classic electric pianos. The MDS (Multi-Dimensional Synthesis) technology eliminates the transitions between velocity-switched samples, and does away with the unnatural behavior of looped samples. Smoothly responding to the nuances of the player’s touch, yet allowing your performance to reach an energetic climax, this modelled engine features an astounding dynamic range that exceeds what one might expect from digital sound generation. For each of the six different models, different amps, cabinets, speakers, and standard vintage effects are realistically simulated. From the samples to the touch and the effects, all aspects affecting the sound are coordinated into a single package, making this the ultimate electric piano.

CX-3 Tonewheel organ sound engine

The original KORG CX-3 combo organ went on sale in 1980. Loved by musicians around the world, this classic organ reappeared in 2000 as a new product with the same name, but using the latest technology. In Korg Kronos, the CX-3 engine precisely models this classic tonewheel instrument. Proprietary KORG technology has been used to perfectly reproduce the vacuum tube amp, and effects such as Vibrato/Chorus. Special attention was given to the rotary speaker effect, which lets you choose from seven types, as well as use the Korg Kronos’ joystick in the X-axis to control the speed. Even the instability, fold-back, leakage, and noise of the tonewheels have been obsessively analyzed and recreated. The organ sounds heard in legendary performances—some recreated here by the original artists—are now yours for the playing. Experience these classic organ sounds, reborn for the present day.

HD-1 (High Definition Synthesizer) PCM sound engine

HD stands for “High Definition” indicating the HD-1’s superior sound, starting with KORG’s proprietary low-aliasing sample playback oscillators, full-bandwidth multimode resonant filters, and extraordinarily fast & smooth envelopes and LFOs. The HD-1 is the most powerful PCM sound engine in KORG’s history, into which KORG has poured all the PCM know-how accumulated since the M1. All of KORG’s acclaimed PCM sounds are painstakingly created by specialized technicians. Data that was reluctantly omitted from previous models due to limited memory has now been called back into service on the Korg Kronos. The amount of waveform memory alone might rival a PC-based sound engine. Yet the real difference is in the completely different level of quality and finish that is obvious when you play these sounds as instruments on the Korg Kronos. The finest technicians, working on the finest platform, and aiming at the finest quality: that’s the HD-1.

MS-20EX (Legacy Analog Collection) Analog modeling sound engine

Packed with cutting-edge technology, Korg Kronos nonetheless has respect for the classics. The KORG MS-20 first appeared in 1978 and quickly captivated many synth fans with its rich personality marked by thick and solid sound, aggressive filters, and patching capability that provided nearly infinite possibilities for creating sound. Using KORG’s CMT (Component Modeling Technology) the MS-20EX faithfully reproduces the MS-20 while dramatically expanding its patch panel functionality. Modulate filters with audio-rate oscillators; turn audio inputs into control signals; control all of the original knobs with mod sources including additional envelopes, LFOs, and real-time controllers. It’s a tweaker’s dream. And of course, the Korg Kronos version is now majorly polyphonic.

PolysixEX (Legacy Analog Collection) Analog modeling sound engine

The Polysix first appeared in 1981, offering six-voice polyphony and program memory, and a surprisingly competitive price tag. With its self-oscillating four-pole filter, smooth analog oscillator and sub-oscillator, plus a lush Chorus/Ensemble effect, the PolysixEX extends the abilities of the original in many creative ways. The strings and pads that were such a major feature of the Polysix will be invaluable when you need the sounds of the early ’80s. The classic arpeggiator built into the original Polysix is also provided. As a bonus, it’s also capable of extremely high polyphony.

AL-1 (Analog Synthesizer) High-fidelity analog modeling sound engine

Feature-packed, the AL-1 is the same premium analog modeling sound engine that was first featured on the KORG OASYS, the Open Architecture Synthesis Studio back in 2005. Completely eliminating aliasing noise, and delivering the supple and fascinating sound of analog synthesis, this sound engine uses oscillator waveforms and filter morphing to generate new sounds that were unobtainable for analog synthesizers of the past.

MOD-7 (Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer) VPM/FM synthesis sound engine

This sound engine uses VPM synthesis based on the VPM (Variable Phase Modulation) technology that powered two classic instruments, the Prophecy which appeared in 1995 and the Z1 which appeared in 1997 as a further evolution, and adds PCM sample playback, multi-mode filters, and external input to create a freely patchable semi-modular synthesizer. Combine Variable Phase Modulation (VPM) from KORG’s classic Prohpecy and Z1, add in some wave-shaping, a little ring modulation, mix in a few samples, and add subtractive synthesis, plus a modular patch-panel system, and you have the MOD-7. Exceptionally versatile, it offers everything from classic FM keyboards, bells and basses (including the ability to import sounds from vintage DX synths) to rhythmic soundscapes and sparkling, epic pads.

STR-1 (Plucked Strings) Physical model sound engine

Based on the physical modeling know-how KORG developed over the course of many years, this struck/plucked-string physical modeling sound engine takes advantage of cutting-edge technology. This sound engine shines at producing sounds whose tone responds to your touch in ways that are difficult for a PCM sound engine to reproduce: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harpsichord, clavinet, harp, bell, as well as ethnic instruments. It also goes much further, allowing you to synthesize and modify sounds that do not exist in reality. This is a sound engine of the future, one that allows the synthesizer programmer to construct truly new sounds.

SPECIFICATIONS

System

    • System
      • Korg Kronos System Version 3.0
    • Keyboard
      • 88 key: RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3)
      • 73 key: RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3)
      • 61 key: Natural Touch Semi Weighted

Tone Generator

  • Synthesis Types : 9
    • SGX-2: Premium Piano (Acoustic Piano)
    • EP-1: MDS Electric Piano (Electric Piano)
    • HD-1: High Definition Synthesizer (PCM)
    • AL-1: Analog Synthesizer (Analog Modeling)
    • CX-3: Tonewheel Organ (Tonewheel Organ Modeling)
    • STR-1: Plucked Strings (Physical Modeling)
    • MOD-7: Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer (VPM Synthesis)
    • MS-20EX: Component Modeling Technology (Analog Modeling)
    • PolysixEX: Component Modeling Technology (CMT Analog Modeling)
  • Maximum Polyphony*1*2
    • SGX-2: 100 voices*3
    • EP-1: 104 voices
    • HD-1: 140 voices
    • AL-1: 80 voices
    • CX-3: 200 voices
    • STR-1: 40 voices
    • MOD-7: 52 voices
    • MS-20EX: 40 voices
    • PolysixEX: 180 voices

*1: In rare cases, when a large number of processor-intensive effects are active simultaneously (for instance, more than 14 O-Verbs), polyphony may be slightly reduced.
*2: A portion of the multicore processor in Korg Kronos is devoted to generating voices, and a separate portion is devoted to generating effects. Korg Kronos dynamically allocates the voice processing power between the engines as necessary. The quoted maximum numbers of voices apply when 100% of the voice processing power is devoted to a single engine.
*3: 100 dual-stereo notes (equivalent to 400 mono voices)

*4: The memory available for Sampling Mode will change based on the use of Expansion PCM libraries and User Sample Banks. Approx. 760 MB is available when shipped from the factory (When loading the file named “PRELOAD.KSC”).

  • PCM RAM Capacity
    • Approx. 2GB *4
  • Preset PCM
    • 314 MB (ROM 1,505 Multisamples, 1,388 Drumsamples)
  • Build-in Expansion PCM Libraries
    • EXs1 – ROM Expansion
    • EXs2 – Concert Grand Piano
    • EXs3 – Brass & Woodwinds
    • EXs4 – Vintage Keyboards
    • EXs5 – ROM Expansion 2
    • EXs6 – SGX-1 German D Piano
    • EXs7 – SGX-1 Japanese C Piano
    • EXs8 – Rock Ambience Drums
    • EXs9 – Jazz Ambience Drums
    • EXs17 – SGX-2 Berlin D Piano
    • EXs18 – KORG EXs Collections
  • Wave Sequences
    • 598 User memory, 187 Preload
    • Support for stereo multisamples, synchronization of individual notes, and tempo-based settings.

SGX-2 Program

  • Piano Type
    • 64 (With the factory settings, the 16 varieties of EXs12 SGX-1 Austrian D Piano do not produce sound. The EXs12 option must be downloaded.)
  • Premium Piano
    • Virtual Memory Technology (VMT) plays large samples directly from the internal SSD
    • Full key stereo sampling, Chromatically sampled at up to 12 velocity levels, no looping.
    • Damper resonance and mechanical noise are reproduced.
    • Modeled String Resonance.
    • Una Corda sample support
  • PCM
    • EXs6:SGX-1 German D Piano
    • EXs7:SGX-1 Japanese C Piano
    • EXs12:SGX-1 Austrian D Piano (Option Sound libraries)
    • 8 velocity levels, no Una Corda samples
    • EXs17:Berlin D Piano
    • 12 velocity levels, includes Una Corda samples
  • Oscillator Control
    • Damper Resonance
    • Damper Noise
    • Mechanical Noise
    • Note Release
    • String Resonance
    • Una Corda

EP-1 Program

  • Oscillator Control
    • Harmonic Sound Level, Attack Noise, Level, Release Noise Level, Attack Brightness, Hammer Width
  • MDS Electric Piano
    • Tine and reed-type electric pianos powered by Multi-Dimensional Synthesis (MDS), and vintage effects.
  • Electric Piano Model Types : 6
    • Tine EP I, Tine EP II, Tine EP V, Tine EP DMP, Reed EP200, Reed EP200A
  • Panel Control
    • Tine Type : Preamp Volume, Tone (Treble, Bass), Vibrate (On/Off, Intensity, Speed), Amp/Cabinet (On/Off, Drive)*5
    • Reed Type : Preamp Volume, Tone (Treble, Bass), Vibrate (Intensity, Speed), Amp/Cabinet (On/Off, Drive)*5
    • Effect Types : Small Phase, Orange Phase, Black Phase, Vintage Chorus, Black Chorus, EP Chorus, Vintage Flanger, Red Comp, VOX Wah

HD-1 Program

  • Advanced Vector Synthesis
    • Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope.
  • Structure
    • Single: only OSC1, Double: OSC1 and OSC2.
    • Double mode lets you layer two completely separate synth voices, each with their own velocity-switched oscillator, dual filter, EGs, LFOs, etc.
    • Drums: One drum kit, Double Drums: Two drum kits.
  • Oscillators
    • Virtual Memory Technology (VMT) plays large samples directly from the internal SSD.
    • 8 velocity zones per oscillator, with switching, crossfades and layering
    • Each zone can play mono or stereo Multisamples or Wave Sequences
  • Filters
    • Two multi-mode filters per voices (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject)
    • Four-mode filter routings (single, serial, parallel and 24dB mode)
  • Driver
    • Per voice non-linear driver and low boost circuit
  • EQ
    • Three bands, with sweep-able mid
  • Modulation
    • Three envelope generators, two LFOs per voice, common LFO, four key tracking generators, AMS (Alternate Modulation Source), two AMS mixers

EXi Program Common

  • Advanced Vector Synthesis
    • Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope.
  • Modulation
    • Common Step Sequencer, AMS (Alternate Modulation Source), Common LFO, 2 Key Tracking Generators
  • EQ
    • Three bands, with sweep-able mid

AL-1 Program

  • Driver
    • Per-voice non-linear driver and low boost circuit
  • Audio Input
    • External audio can be processed through the ring modulator, filter, driver, amp, and EQ
  • Oscillators
    • Ultra-low-aliasing oscillators
    • OSC1, OSC2, Sub-oscillator and noise generator; ring modulation, FM and Sync
  • Filters
    • Two multi-mode filters (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject) with four types of filter routings (single, serial, parallel and 24dB mode),
    • Multi Filter mode (only Filter-A; modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects)
  • Modulation
    • Five Envelope generators, four per-voice LFOs, two AMS Mixers; Per-voice Step Sequencer.

CX-3 Program

  • Split
    • Upper, Lower (even in EX mode)
  • Internal Effects
    • Rotary speaker, vibrato/chorus, amp modeling with overdrive, 3-band EQ
  • Tonewheel Organ Modeling
    • Phase-synchronous tonewheels (clean and vintage modes), percussion, key click, wheel brake
  • EX Mode
    • Four additional, user-specified drawbars, and expanded percussion.
  • Drawbar Control
    • Controlled via nine front-panel sliders (via Tone Adjust)
  • Modulation
    • Two AMS mixers

STR-1 Program

  • Filters
    • Dual multi-mode filters per voice; Single, Serial, Parallel (with split stereo output), and 24dB (4-pole) configurations. Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes
    • Multi Filter Mode (Filter A only).
    • Modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects
  • String Excitation
    • Three independent excitation sources can be used simultaneously: Pluck, Noise, and PCM. 16 preset “pluck” types, with modulatable width and randomization. Noise generator with saturation and dedicated low pass filter
      • PCM Oscillator:
        • KORG’s ultra-low-aliasing technology, as introduced in the HD-1;
        • 4 velocity zones per oscillator;
        • Uses any mono Multisamples, including ROM, EXs, User Sample Bank, or Sampling Mode.
        • Supports Virtual Memory.
      • Excitation Filter:
        • Dedicated 2-pole multimode filter for shaping the string excitation.
        • Filter can be enabled/disabled separately for each excitation source.
        • Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes
  • Physically Modeled String
    • Includes physically modeled damping, decay, dispersion, nonlinearity, harmonics, dual pickups, and more.
      Most string parameters can be controlled in realtime.
  • Audio Input and Feedback
    • Run real-time audio through the string, including feedback through effects.
      Modeled feedback includes modulate-able instrument-to-amp distance and orientation.
  • Modulation
    • 5 Envelopes, 4 per-voice LFOs, 2 Key Track generators, String Tracking generators, 4 AMS Mixers.

MOD-7 Program

  • Patch Panel
    • Supports both preset algorithm (78 types) selection and free patching.
    • Three 2-in, 1-out mixers for scaling and merging audio, fully modulatable, with phase inversion.
    • Main 6-input stereo mixer, with modulatable pan and volume, plus phase inversion
  • Audio input
    • Run real-time audio through the VPM Oscillators and filters.
  • Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer
    • Combines Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), Waveshaping ring modulation, PCM sample playback, and subtractive synthesis; Able to convert-load SYX files.
  • Oscillators
    • 6 VPM/Waveshaper/Ring Modulation Oscillators:
      • Phase and modulatable pitch per oscillator.
      • 101 Waveshaper tables plus modulatable Drive and Offset.
      • Use as oscillators, or as Waveshapers or Ring Modulators for other signals.
    • PCM Oscillator:
      • KORG’s ultra-low-aliasing technology, as introduced in the HD-1.
      • 4 velocity zones per oscillator.
      • Uses any mono Multisamples, including ROM, EXs, User Sample Bank, or Sampling Mode. Supports Virtual Memory.
  • Filters
    • Dual multi-mode filters per voice. (Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes)
    • Two types of filter looping (Parallel and 24 dB “4-Pole”)
    • Multi Filter mode (Filter A only):
      • Modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects
  • Modulation
    • 10 Envelopes, 4 per-voice LFOs, 9 Key Tracking generators, Per-voice Step Sequencer, 4 standard AMS Mixers plus 4 simple AMS Mixers.

MS-20EX Program

  • ESP (External Signal Processor)
    • Use incoming audio as a trigger and/or CV source.
  • Patch Panel
    • Patchable audio and modulation, at audio rates
  • Audio Input
    • Run real-time audio through the synthesis engine and ESP (External Signal Processor)
  • Oscillators
    • Ultra-low-aliasing oscillators; VCO1, VCO2, Ring Mod, Pink and White Noise Generator
  • Filters
    • 12dB/octave High Pass and Low Pass self-resonant filters
    • ESP section:
      • 24dB/octave Low Cut and High Cut filters, available per voice.
  • Patch Points
    • Keyboard:
      Keyboard CV Out, Keyboard Trigger Out, VCO1+VCO2 CV In, VCO2 CV In
    • VCO:
      VCO1+VCO2 External Frequency Control In, VCO1 Out, VCO2 Out
    • VCF:
      External Signal In, External HP Filter Cutoff Frequency Control In, External LP Filter Cutoff Frequency Control In, HPF Out, LPF In, LPF Out
    • VCO+VCF:
      Total External Modulation In
    • VCA:
      External Initial Gain Control In, VCA In
    • EG:
      EG1 Envelope Signal Normal Out, EG1 Envelope Signal Reverse Out, EG1+EG2 Trigger In, EG1 Trigger In, EG2 Envelope Signal Reverse Out
    • MG:
      Triangle Out, Rectangle Out
    • Noise Generator:
      Pink Noise Out, White Noise Out
    • Sample and Hold:
      Clock Trigger In, Sample Signal In, S/H Out
    • Modulation VCA:
      Control Voltage In, Signal In, Signal Out
    • Manual Controller:
      Control Wheel Out, Momentary Switch
    • ESP:
      Signal In, AMP Out, BPF In, BPF Out, F-V CV Out, Envelope Out, Trigger Out
    • Others:
      EXi Audio In, Mixer 1 In, Mixer 1 Out, Mixer 2 In, Mixer 2 Out
  • Modulation
    • Original DAR (Delay, Attack, Release) and HADSR (Hold, Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) EGs 1 &2,
    • Original MG (with MIDI sync), Sample-and- Hold, MVCA,
    • Korg Kronos: 4 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 4 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers.

PolysixEX Program

  • Arpeggiator
    • Integrated MIDI-synced arpeggiator, with adjustable Range, Mode, and Latch
  • Filter
    • 24dB (4-Pole) Octave Low Pass self-resonant filter
  • Oscillators
    • VCO:
      Saw, Pulse, PWM
    • Sub Oscillator:
      Off, 1 octave below, 2 octaves below
  • Effects
    • Integrated Polysix Chorus, Phaser, and Ensemble
  • Modulation
    • Polysix: Original ADSR EG and MG (with MIDI sync).
    • Korg Kronos: 2 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 2 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers.

Combination

  • Number of Timbres, Master Keyboard Functionality
    • 16 Maximum
    • Keyboard and velocity splits, layers, and crossfades of up to 16 Programs and/or external MIDI Devices
    • The tone adjust parameter function lets you modify program settings, and the master keyboard function lets you control external MIDI devices
  • Advanced Vector Synthesis
    • Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope.

Drumkit

  • System
    • Assignable stereo/mono samples with 8 velocity zones per oscillator (with crossfade functions)

Number of Programs/Combinations/Drum kits

  • User Memory Programs
    • 2,560 (1,792 [896 HD-1+896 EXi] come preloaded)
  • User Memory Combinations
    • 1,792 (512 come preloaded)
  • User Memory Drum Kits
    • 264 (78 come preloaded)
    • 256 GM Level2 preset programs + 9 GM Level 2 drum preset programs

Set List

  • Number of Set Lists/Slots
    • 128 set lists, 128 slots per set list
    • Each set list provides a 9-band graphic EQ, and a Tone Adjust function that allows program settings to be adjusted.
    • Transpose setting.
    • Hold Time setting of Smooth Sound Transition (SST) supported for each slot.

Sampling

  • Ripping
    • Direct sampling (ripping) from audio CD (CD-DA)
  • Sample Locations
    • 16,000 samples/4,000 multisamples (128 indexes per multisample)
  • Sampling Time
    • RAM: Depends on the amount of available PCM RAM
    • DISK: Maximum 80 minutes stereo (879MB: 16bit)
  • Bit Depth/Sampling Frequency
    • RAM: 16-bit/48 kHz stereo/mono sampling
    • DISK: 16 or 24-bit/48 kHz
  • System
    • Open Sampling System (resampling, In-Track sampling)
  • Formats
    • KORG format, AKAI S1000/S3000 data (with advanced Program parameter conversion); SoundFont 2.0, AIFF, and WAVE formats
  • Editing
    • Time Stretch, Time Slice, Crossfade Loop, and other standard editing features.

Effects

  • Modulation
    • Dynamic Modulation and Common LFO
  • Effect Types
    • 197
  • Timbre EQ
    • One 3-band EQ for each timbre/track
  • Total Effects
    • 2
    • Stereo in / stereo out
  • Master Effects
    • 2
    • Stereo in / stereo out
  • Insert Effects
    • 12
    • Stereo in / stereo out
  • Effects Control Busses
    • Stereo side-chaining for compressors, gates, vocoders, etc.
  • Effect Presets
    • Total 783 preset, Maximum 32 per 1 effect (Preset User)

KARMA

  • KARMA Modules
    • One module in Program mode, four modules in Combination and Sequencer modes
  • Generated Effects (GE)
    • 2,048 presets, 1,536 Users (96 come Preload)
  • Controllers
    • On/Off, Latch, Chord, Assign, Module, Control, KARMA Realtime Control Sliders [1] – [8], KARMA Scene [1] – [8], KARMA Switches [1] – [8], KARMA Wave-Sequencing, GE Sub Category, Freeze Randomize, Time Signature Control, Tempo Synchronize, Auto RTC (Real Time Control) setup
  • Drum Track Patterns
    • 718 preset (common with the preset patterns of the MIDI sequencer)
    • 1,000 user patterns
    • Patterns created in Sequencer mode can be converted to drum track user patterns.
    • Trigger Mode/Sync/Zone settings can be specified.

Sequencer/HDR

  • Maximum Memory
    • 400,000 MIDI events or 300,000 audio events
  • Tempo
    • 40.00 – 300.00 (1/100 BPM resolution)
  • Resolution
    • 1/480
  • Number of Songs
    • 200 songs
  • Tracks
    • 16-track MIDI sequencer + 16-track hard disk recorder + 1 master track.
  • MIDI Tracks
    • 16 tracks plus the master track
    • 718 preset/100 user patterns (per song)
    • 18 preset/16 user template songs,
  • Audio Tracks
    • 16-track playback, 4-track simultaneous recording, WAV file format 16bit/24bit.
  • Other Functions
    • RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play and Record) (1 Pattern set per song), Auto Song Setup function

General

  • Weight
    • 61 key: 14.3 kg / 31.53 lbs.
    • 73 key: 21.1 kg / 46.52 lbs.
    • 88 key: 24.1 kg / 53.13 lbs.
  • USB*5
    • USB A (TYPE A) x 2, For connection to external USB devices (QWERTY keyboards, MIDI controllers, ethernet adaptors, and storage)
    • USB B (TYPE B) x 1, MIDI/audio interface
    • MIDI: 1 (16 channel) input / 1 (16 channel) output
    • Audio: 2 channel input / 2 channel output
    • *5 USB high-speed ports (supports 480Mbps)
  • Control Inputs
    • Damper pedal (half damper supported), assignable switch, assignable pedal
  • Display
    • TouchView graphical user interface, 8 inch color TFT, SVGA (800×600 dots), adjustable brightness
  • Disk Mode
    • Load, save, utility, audio CD burning, audio CD playback, data filer function (save/load MIDI System Exclusive data), CD-R/RW (UDF format read/write), ISO9660 Level 1.
  • Controllers
    • Vector joystick, joystick, ribbon controller, switches 1 & 2
    • Control Surface:
    • Control Assign Switches:
      • Assigns the Control Surface to Timber/Track, Audio, External, Realtime Knobs/KARMA,
      • Tone Adjust/EQ
    • Mixer Knobs Switch:
      • Assigns the Mixer Knobs to either Channel Strip or Individual Pan, Reset Control Switch, Solo Switch, Knobs 1-8, Switches 1-8(Upper Row), Switches 1-8 (Lower Row), Sliders 1-8, Master Slider
    • KARMA Control:
      • On/Off, Latch, Module Control
    • RUM TRACK:
      • On/Off
  • Outputs
    • == Analog ==
      (MAIN) L/MONO, R:
      1/4” TRS Balanced
      Output Impedance: 350 Ω Stereo; 175 Ω Mono (L/MONO Only),
      Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu,
      Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 Ω or greater)
      MAIN VOLUME knob controls only AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO and R
      Individual 1-4:
      1/4” TRS Balanced
      Output Impedance: 350 Ω Stereo; 175 Ω Mono,
      Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu,
      Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 Ω or greater)
      Headphones:
      1/4” stereo phone jack, Output impedance: 33 Ω, Maximum Level: 60+60 mW (when load impedance is 33 Ω),
      MAIN VOLUME knob (link with AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN))
      == Digital ==
      S/P DIF:
      Optical, 24-bit, IEC60958, EIAJCP-1201, Sample Rate: 48 kHz, (the same signals as L/MONO, R)
      Digital output of the same signals as AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO and R
      USB-B:
      24-bit, Sample Rate: 48 kHz, 2 channels
      (Digital output of the same signals as AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO and R)
  • Inputs
    • == Analog ==
      Audio Inputs 1 and 2:
      1/4” TRS Balanced
      MIC/LINE input level switches, LEVEL knobs
    • Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
      Nominal Level: LINE
      +4 dBu (LEVEL knob = min), –36 dBu (LEVEL knob = max)
      Nominal Level: MIC
      –22 dBu (LEVEL knob = min), –62 dBu (LEVEL knob = max)
      Maximum Level: LINE
      +16 dBu (LEVEL knob = min), –24 dBu (LEVEL knob = max)
      Maximum Level: MIC
      -10 dBu (LEVEL knob = min), –50 dBu (LEVEL knob = max)
      Source Impedance: 600 Ω
      Signal to noise ratio: 95 dB (typical)
      Dynamic range: 95 dB (typical)
      Crosstalk: 95 dB, at 1 kHz (typical)
      == Digital ==
      S/P DIF:
      Optical, 24-bit, IEC60958, EIAJCP-1201, Sample Rate: 48 kHz
      USB-B:
      24-bit, Sample Rate: 48 kHz, 2 channels
  • MIDI
    • In, Out, Thru
  • Disk Drives
    • 62 GB SSD (2.5”)
    • Optional installation of second internal SSD
  • Power Consumption
    • 60W
  • Dimensions : (W x D x H)
    • 61 key: 1,040 x 364 x 134 mm / 40.94” x 14.33” x 5.28”
    • 73 key: 1,221 x 371 x 148 mm / 48.07” x 14.61” x 5.83”
    • 88 key: 1,443 x 371 x 148 mm / 56.42” x 14.61” x 5.83”
  • Accessories
    • AC cord, Quick Start Guide, Accessory DVD Discs 1-3 (DVDs include Korg Kronos Operation Guide, Parameter Guide, and Voice Name List PDF files; Video Manual; KORG USB-MIDI Driver; System Restore Data, etc.)

Principal Specifications

  • Frequency Response
    • 20Hz-22kHz, +/-1.0dB, 10k Ω load
  • THD+N
    • 20Hz-22kHz, 0.01%, 10k Ω load (typical)
  • S/N
    • 95dB (typical)
  • Dynamic Range
    • 95dB (typical)
  • Crosstalk
    • 95dB, at 1kHz (typical)
* All product, company, and standard names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
* Appearance and specifications of products are subject to change without notice.
* The color of the actual instrument may differ slightly from the image shown here.
* Since natural wood is used in the side panels of this instrument, there will be individual differences in the grain and figuration of the wood.

 

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