KORG Kronos Workstation
The Game is Still Changing!
Announcing New Sound Libraries for the Kronos Music Station, plus Kronos Music Workstation System Version 1.5.Prepare to be Amazed
For nearly half a century, Korg has set the standard for technical innovation, leadership, and superior sound. Korg has created entire categories of musical products, and has produced some of the top-selling synthesizers and keyboard instruments ever; the instruments favored by musicians around the globe. In 1988, Korg defined the workstation category with the revolutionary M1. Today, in 2011, Korg redefines and reimagines the music workstation, revolutionizing the capabilities of the hardware instrument and exceeding the demands of the modern player: introducing the Kronos Music Workstation.
Kronos Highlights
- 9 Sound engines, each offering a unique sound-creation technology (see list below)
- 16-part Combis allow all engines to function together in perfect harmony; Dynamic Voice Allocation keeps the polyphony high.
- Available with 61, 73 or 88 keys. The 73 and 88 key models feature Korg’s finest RH3 Graded Hammer Action. The 61 key model borrows the responsive synth action from the Korg M3-61.
- Comprehensive interface, based around a new large 8” TFT TouchView™ display
- Virtual Memory Technology (VMT), aided by a fast SSD (Solid State Disk) provides high polyphony and massive, ultra-long, and unlooped samples; offering unheard of performance from a hardware instrument
- Smooth Sound Transition: this often-requested feature allows held or sustained notes to keep sounding when changing sounds or modes.
- Set List mode: Organize the Programs, Combis, and Songs you need to perform your set in a single, easy-to-select screen – including performance notes!
- Use up to 16 premium-quality effects at once; individual effects rival dedicated units
- 12 Insert effects
- 2 Master effects
- 2 Total effects
- On-board sequencer offers 16 MIDI tracks + 16 audio tracks (24-bit, 48kHz recording quality)
- Open Sampling System – Instant sampling and resampling from any mode: Program, Combination or Sequencer.
- Sophisticated KARMA® technology generates infinitely variable performance-driven phrases, musical effects, and backing tracks to catalyze your creativity
- Expanded Drum Track for play-along grooves and inspiration
- Signature sounds created with guidance from world class musicians
The Game Has Been Changed
Kronos is more than a new instrument. It is a milestone in synthesis and workstation evolution; one that embodies fresh ideas and breakthrough technologies. Kronos brings together multiple sound engines working in harmony and new interactive performance features that reflect the way musicians play. Most importantly, Kronos provides a seemingly inexhaustible supply of breathtaking, spectacular sounds. Prepare to be amazed.
Nine Engines; a Universe of Sound
Kronos unites nine individual synthesis engines in a single instrument, each providing the finest sound creation techniques available. Together, they represent not only the rich legacy of Korg, but the history of the electronic keyboard industry itself. Dig into the classic sounds of timeless instruments that are still loved to this day. Enjoy unique sounds that once startled the world. Venture into new sonic territory with sounds that have become possible now.
Specifications:
[System]
System: Kronos
Keyboard:
*A portion of the multicore processor in KRONOS is devoted to generating voices, and a separate portion is devoted to generating effects. 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.
*2 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.
*3 100 dual-stereo notes (It corresponds to 400 voices in the maximum.)
Number of Programs/Combinations/Drumkits:
Premium Piano:
PCM:
MDS Electric Piano:
Electric Piano Model Types: 6
Advanced Vector Synthesis:
Advanced Vector Synthesis:
Oscillators:
Tonewheel Organ Modeling:
[MOD-7 Program]
Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer:
Oscillators:
Oscillators:
Number of Timbres:
System:
System:
Insert Effects: 12
Modulation:
KARMA Modules:
Drum Track Patterns:
Tracks:
Disk Mode:
Audio Inputs 1 and 2:
30 GB SSD (2.5”)
Power Consumption:
60 W
Dimensions: (W x D x H)
*Appearance and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.
System: Kronos
Keyboard:
- 88-key: RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) 73-key: RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) 61-key: Natural Touch Semi Weighted
| Synthesis Types: 9 | |
|---|---|
| SGX-1 | Premium Piano (Acoustic Piano) |
| EP-1 | MDS Electric Piano (Electric Piano) |
| HD-1 | High Definition Synthesizer (PCM Virtual Memory Technology) |
| AL-1 | Analog Synthesizer (Analog Modeling) |
| CX-3 | Tonewheel Organ (Tonewheel Organ Modeling) |
| STR-1 | Plucked String (Physical Modeling) |
| MOD-7 | Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer (VPM Synthesis) |
| MS-20EX | (CMT Analog Modeling) |
| PolysixEX | (CMT Analog Modeling) |
| Maximum Polyphony*1*2: | |
|---|---|
| SGX-1: | 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 |
*A portion of the multicore processor in KRONOS is devoted to generating voices, and a separate portion is devoted to generating effects. 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.
*2 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.
*3 100 dual-stereo notes (It corresponds to 400 voices in the maximum.)
Number of Programs/Combinations/Drumkits:
- 1,664 user memory programs (1,536 [768 HD-1+768 EXi] come preloaded) 1,792 user memory combinations (480 come preloaded) 152 user memory drumkits (78 come preloaded) 256 GM Level2 preset programs+ 9 GM Level2 drum preset programs
- 314 MB (ROM 1,505 multisamples, 1388 drum samples)
- 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
- Approx. 1GB*4 *4 The memory available for RAM samples will change based on the use of Expansion PCM libraries. About 148MB is available when shipped from the factory (when loading the file named “PRELOAD.KSC”).
- 374 user memory, 165
Premium Piano:
PCM:
- EXs6 - SGX-1 German D Piano; EXs7 - SGX-1 Japanese C Piano
- 32
- Damper Resonance, Damper Noise, Mechanical Noise, Note Release
MDS Electric Piano:
Electric Piano Model Types: 6
- Tine EP I, Tine EP II, Tone EP V, Tine EP DMP, Reed EP200, Reed EP200A
- Harmonic Sound Level, Attack Noise, Level, Release Noise Level, Attack Brightness, Hammer Width
- 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 *5 Each electric piano type has own amp/cabinet character.
- Small Phase, Orange Phase, Clack Phase, Vintage Chorus, Black Chorus, EP Chorus, Vintage Flanger, Red Comp, VOX Wah
Advanced Vector Synthesis:
- Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope.
- 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. Two completely separate drumkits.
- VMT (Virtual Memory Technology) supported. 8 velocity zones per oscillator, with switching, crossfades and layering Each zone can play mono or stereo Multisamples or Wave Sequences
- 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)
- Per voice non-linear driver and low boost circuit
- Three bands, with sweepable mid
- Three envelope generators, two LFOs per voice, common LFO, four key tracking generators, AMS (Alternate Modulation Source), two AMS mixers
Advanced Vector Synthesis:
- Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope.
- Common Step Sequencer, AMS (Alternate Modulation Source), Common LFO, 2 Key Tracking Generators
- Three bands, with sweep-able mid
Oscillators:
- OSC1, OSC2, Sub-oscillator and noise generator; ring modulation, FM and Sync
- Run real-time audio through the synthesis engine
- Two multi-mode filter (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject) with four types of filter routings (single, serial, parallel and 24dB mode), MultiFilter 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)
- Per-voice non-linear driver and low boost circuit
- Five Envelope generators, four per-voice LFOs, two AMS Mixers; Per-voice Step Sequencer.
Tonewheel Organ Modeling:
- Phase-synchronous tonewheels (clean and vintage modes), percussion, key click, wheel brake
- Four additional, user-specified drawbars, and expanded percussion.
- Rotary speaker, vibrato/chorus, amp modeling with overdrive, 3-band EQ
- Controlled via nine front-panel sliders (via Tone Adjust)
- Upper, Lower (even in EX mode)
- Two AMS mixers
- Physically Modeled String:
- Includes physically modeled damping, decay, dispersion, nonlinearity, harmonics, dual pickups, and more
- 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 lowpass filter
- Korg’s ultra-low-aliasing technology, as introduced in the HD-1; 4 velocity zones per oscillator; Uses any mono ROM, EXs, or RAM multisamples; PCM can either be used as an excitation signal, or layered with the output of the string.
- 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
- Run real-time audio through the string, including feedback through effects. Modeled feedback includes modulate-able instrument-to-amp distance and orientation.
- Dual multi-mode filters per voice; Single, Serial, Parallel (with split stereo output), and 24dB (4-pole) configurations. Low Pass, High 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
- 5 Envelopes, 4 per-voice LFOs, 2 Key Track generators, String Tracking generators, 4 AMS Mixers.
[MOD-7 Program]
Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer:
- Combines Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), waveshaping ring modulation, PCM sample playback, and subtractive synthesis; Able to convert-load SYX files.
- 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 ROM, EXs, or RAM multisamples; PCM can be used as an FM modulator and/or layered with the VPM Oscillators. Noise generator with saturation and dedicated low pass filter.
- Run real-time audio through the VPM Oscillators and filters.
- Dual multi-mode filters per voice. Parallel and 24 dB (4-Pole) configurations; Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes
- Modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects
- Supports both 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
- 10 Envelopes, 4 per-voice LFOs, 9 Key Tracking generators, Per-voice Step Sequencer, 4 standard AMS Mixers plus 4 simple AMS Mixers.
Oscillators:
- Ultra-low-aliasing oscillators; VCO1, VCO2, Ring Mod, Pink and White Noise Generator
- Run real-time audio through the synthesis engine and ESP (External Signal Processor)
- 12dB/octave High Pass and Low Pass self-resonant filters ESP section: 24dB/octave Low Cut and High Cut filters, available per voice.
- Patchable audio and modulation, at audio rates
- 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
- Use incoming audio as a trigger and/or CV source.
- Original DAR and HADSR EGs 1 & 2, original MG (with MIDI sync), Sample-and- Hold, MVCA; 4 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 4 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers
Oscillators:
- VCO: Saw, Pulse, PWM Sub Oscillator: Off, 1 octave below, 2 octaves below
- 24dB/octave Low Pass self-resonant filter
- Integrated Polysix Chorus, Phase, and Ensemble
- Integrated MIDI-synced arpeggiator, with adjustable Range, Mode, and Latch
- Original ADSR EG and MG (with MIDI sync), 2 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 2 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers
Number of Timbres:
- 16 Maximum
- Keyboard and velocity splits, layers, and crossfades of up to 16 Programs and/or external MIDI devices
- Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope.
System:
- Assignable stereo/mono samples with 8 velocity zones per oscillator (with crossfade functions)
System:
- Open Sampling System (resampling, In-Track sampling)
- RAM: 16-bit/48 kHz stereo/mono sampling
- DISK: 16 or 24-bit/48 kHz stereo/mono sampling
- RAM: Depends on the amount of availale PCM RAM
- DISK: Maximum 80 minutes stereo (879 MB: 16-Bit)
- 4,000 samples/1,000 multisamples (128 indexes per multisample)
- Direct sampling (ripping) from audio CD (CD-DA)
- Korg format, AKAI S1000/S3000 data (with advanced Program parameter conversion); SoundFont 2.0, AIFF, and WAVE formats
- Time Stretch, Time Slice, Crossfade Loop, and other standard editing features.
Insert Effects: 12
- Stereo in / stereo out
- Stereo in / stereo out
- Stereo in / stereo out
- High, low, and mid band
Modulation:
- Dynamic Modulation and Common LFO
- Two stereo side chains
- Maximum 32 per 1 effect (Preset User)
KARMA Modules:
- One module in Program mode, four modules in Combination and Sequencer modes
- 2,048 presets, 1,536 Users (96 come Preload)
- 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:
- 697 preset (common with the preset patterns of the MIDI sequencer)
Tracks:
- 16-track MIDI sequencer + 16-track hard disk recorder + master track.
- 200 songs
- 1/480
- 40.00 – 300.00 (1/100 BPM resolution)
- 400,000 MIDI events or 300,000 audio events
- 16 tracks plus the master track 697 preset/100 user patterns (per song) 18 preset/16 user template songs,
- Korg (Kronos, OASYS) format, SMF formats 0 and 1.
- 16-track playback, 4-track simultaneous recording, WAV file format 16bit/24bit. Maximum single-file recording time
- 80 minutes
- Volume, Pan, EQ, and Send1/2; 5,000 regions (max.), Event Anchors, BPM Adjust
- 1 Pattern set per song.
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. *6 *6 Need to use with External USB CD Drive, etc.
- 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, or Tone Adjust. 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
- On/Off, Latch, Chord Assign, module Control
- TouchView graphical user interface, 8 inch TFT, SVGA (800x600 dots), adjustable brightness
- L/MONO, R: 1/4” Balanced; 170 ohms Stereo; 85 ohms Mono (L/MONO Only), Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu, Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 ohms or greater) Individual 1-4: 1/4” Balanced; 170 ohms Stereo; 85 ohms Mono, Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu, Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 ohms or greater) Headphones: 1/4” stereo phone jack, output impedance: 33 ohms, Maximum Level: 60+60 mW (when load impedance is 33 ohms), S/P DIF: Optical, 24-bit, IEC60958, EIAJCP-1201, 48 kHz, (the same signals as L/MONO, R) USB-B: 24-bit, 48 kHz, 2 channels (the same signals as L/MONO, R)
Audio Inputs 1 and 2:
- 1/4” Balanced; Input Impedance: 10 kohms, Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu, Maximum Level: +16 dBu,Source Impedance: 600 ohms, S/N: 95 dB (Typical), Dynamic Range: 95 dB (Typical), Crosstalk: 95 dB (at 1 kHz, Typical) S/P DIF: Optical, 24-bit, IEC60958, EIAJCP-1201, 48 kHz USB-B: 24-bit, 48 kHz, 2 channels Control Inputs: Damper pedal (half damper supported), assignable switch, assignable pedal MIDI: In, Out, Thru USB: USB A (TYPE A) x 2 (for connection to external USB devices) USB B (TYPE B) x 1 (MIDI/audio interface, MIDI: 1(16ch) input / 1(16ch) output, Audio: 2 channel input / 2 channel output) 2 USB high-speed ports (supports 480Mbps)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-22kHz, +/-1.0 dB, 10k Ohms load THD+N: 20Hz-22kHz, 0.01%, 10k Ohms load (typical) S/N: 95 dB (typical) Dynamic Range: 95 dB (typical) Crosstalk: 95 dB, at 1 kHz (typical)
30 GB SSD (2.5”)
Power Consumption:
60 W
Dimensions: (W x D x H)
- 88-key: 57.28” x 16.18” x 5.71” 1,455 x 411 x 145 mm 73-key: 48.94” x 16.18” x 5.71” 1,243 x 411 x 145 mm 61-key: 41.42” x 14.25” x 5.28” 1,052 x 362 x 134 mm Weight: 88-key: 50.71 lbs. / 23.0 kg 73-key: 44.75 lbs. / 20.3 kg 61-key: 27.56 lbs. / 12.5 kg Accessories: AC cord, Quick Start Guide, Accessory DVD Disk (Restore Data, KORG USB Driver, Manual PDF, etc.)
- XVP-10: Expression/Volume Pedal EXP-2: Foot Controller DS-1H: Damper Pedal PS-1: Pedal Switch PS-3: Pedal Switch
*Appearance and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.
