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The Return of the Legendary Stage Instrument!
Since its debut in 2011, the groundbreaking KRONOS has enjoyed immense popularity among musicians worldwide and has been continuously developed through model updates and constant innovations, largely driven by feedback from professional users who deployed the KRONOS on the biggest stages and in the most famous studios around the globe. With its status as the ideal all-round keyboard for pros and ambitious hobbyists, the KRONOS has repeatedly set new standards in performance, power, and versatility.
Now, due to strong demand from the musician community, the KRONOS is back—in a new look, with enhanced features, and ready to reclaim its rightful place in the spotlight. With its intuitive controls, access to over 300 optional sound libraries, and a whole collection of exclusive features, the new KRONOS is designed to redefine possibilities on stage and in the studio.
New Sounds, Unique Expressiveness
In addition to its thousands of built-in sound programs and combinations, the new KRONOS delivers 256 additional sound programs meticulously crafted to inspire your musical creativity. At the core of this update are 128 brand-new sound programs, including a stunningly realistic Italian concert grand and the "Tine EP 1 Early," an iconic electric piano sound authentically reproducing the earthy vintage tone of a mechanical sound source with metal tines. Combined with classic FM pianos, synth pads, warm leads, and more, these extra sounds offer a broad palette of ready-to-play tones for every imaginable musical genre, from timeless classics to the latest chart hits.
Additionally, 128 more sound programs have been carefully selected from the optional KRONOS Sound Libraries. Developed in collaboration with twelve leading sound designers worldwide, these programs represent a "best of" selection of their creations, handpicked to expand your sonic palette with especially inspiring sounds. Naturally, this selection also includes new piano tones, making the KRONOS even more flexible.
Exclusive Sound Programs and Combinations
The KRONOS comes loaded with a treasure trove of legendary sounds from the optional KRONOS Sound Libraries.
- "KRS-08 Best of TRITON": An inspiring collection of 128 sound programs from one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time, pre-installed free of charge
- "KRS-04 Pro Splits and Layers": Essential split and layer sounds optimized for live performance use
- "KRS-05 Ensemble Combinations": Complete ensemble sounds for band use, including brass, strings, and synth ensembles.
Furthermore, the "KRS-06" and "KRS-06 CX-3 Signature Sounds" libraries—resulting from a collaboration between KORG and a group of top organists—offer 256 additional ready-to-play organ sounds for the CX-3 sound engine. This timeless collection ensures every user—whether solo artist or ensemble musician—can access some of the finest sounds the KRONOS has to offer.
Unlimited Control, Uniquely Intuitive
The sophisticated control system that helped the KRONOS achieve legendary status has been developed and refined over multiple instrument generations to create an interface that is both powerful and intuitive. Its layout, featuring eight real-time knobs, nine faders, and a whole collection of other control options, feels comfortably familiar and allows you to focus fully on your performance.
At the heart of the interface is the large, responsive TouchView display, now faster and more reliable than ever, delivering all essential information at a glance.
This seamless design ensures that anyone who has ever used a KRONOS model will immediately find their way around and dive into the instrument’s sonic possibilities without needing to study the manual first.
Redesigned for a Modern Appearance
While retaining the key features that have always distinguished the KRONOS, the latest generation has received subtle updates that give its look a distinctly modern feel. The powder-coated metal housing is extremely robust and gives the instrument a premium "look & feel" externally, while the black wooden side panels add a special detail. This timeless, elegant design ensures that the new KRONOS meets its premium claim not only sonically but visually as well.
Optimized for Speed and Precision
The KRONOS features a significantly improved startup process, making it even more reliable and efficient for live use. Thanks to its newly developed system architecture, the startup time is now about 60% faster than previous models, drastically reducing wait times during restarts. Combined with the enhanced TouchView display, the KRONOS offers a modern user experience where every interaction feels natural and intuitive.
Backward Compatible and Durable
The KRONOS is not just an instrument—it’s a reliable partner! Since its original introduction in 2011, every KRONOS model has received extensive updates, with great attention paid to compatibility and continuity between device generations. KORG’s typical long-term thinking ensures that all KRONOS systems can use the numerous optional KRONOS Sound Libraries, allowing these to be reused even when upgrading to new hardware generations.
Starting in the second half of 2025, KORG will offer an optional sound pack for users of the NAUTILUS or older KRONOS generations, enabling the new KRONOS sounds to be transferred to these models so every musician can enjoy the latest KORG innovations.
*Two different types of the sounds pre-installed in the new model are offered, allowing use in KRONOS1, KRONOS X, and KRONOS2.
**Austrian Grand, Italian Grand, etc., which were not included in earlier models, can be added by purchasing optional sound libraries.
KRONOS Sound Libraries – A Huge Collection of Additional Sounds
The KRONOS Sound Libraries comprise a steadily growing collection of high-quality additional sounds, with roots tracing back to the introduction of the first KRONOS model and now boasting a lineup of over 300 titles, each offering a unique set of sounds not found in the instrument’s factory presets. These titles are optionally available and compatible with all KRONOS models.
The KRONOS sound generation is designed to meet every conceivable musical style and provide different users exactly what they need. The KRONOS Sound Libraries allow you to tailor and expand the KRONOS’s sound to your personal needs.
At the KORG Shop, where these libraries are available, you can search titles by instrument category (piano, strings, bass, etc.), release year, price range, and manufacturer. Two different library types are offered: EXs libraries, which include additional PCM samples, and KRS libraries, which contain sound programs based on the nine KRONOS sound engines. Both library types also include demo sounds and demo videos, helping you find what you need quickly. For users with multiple KRONOS devices, it’s possible to register them under a single KORG ID, allowing a purchased sound library license to be used on up to three devices.
**The demo version is limited in that the sound volume varies during play.
**The maximum of three devices can also include the NAUTILUS.
Optimized SGX-2 Grand Piano Sound Engine with an Additional Premium Italian Concert Grand
The KRONOS piano engine has always featured a huge collection of loop-free, stereo samples recorded per key with natural decay, plus unique tools to tailor the piano to your personal style. Building on the SGX-1 functionality, the new SGX-2 Grand Piano Engine adds, alongside the existing full German Grand and lively Japanese Grand, a Berlin Grand Piano with resonant, open sound. But that’s not all—it now also delivers a beautifully transparent "Italian Grand" concert grand sound, expanding the selection to no fewer than four premium concert grands.
The SGX-2 engine has also been enhanced with Sympathetic String Resonance and newly recorded Una Corda samples (literally "one string") for the soft pedal.
* The "Italian Grand" sound does not include Una Corda samples.
Massive Sound Selection
The KRONOS comes factory-loaded with thousands of sounds created using various synthesis modes and drawing on over 21 GB of preprogrammed waveform data from a wide range of genres. Every sound has been carefully crafted by the KORG sound design team. The internal SSD offers a generous 120 GB* capacity, providing ample space for user samples or downloads from the KRONOS Sound Libraries. Through these optional KRONOS Sound Expansion Libraries, you can continuously add new, professionally programmed sounds without needing to invest in new hardware.
Artist Signature Programs deliver those invaluable sounds used by top musicians on stage and in the studio. Additional song programs are named after classic rock and pop songs, emulating their characteristic keyboard sounds. With these globally recognized sounds, you can pay homage to the originals or embark on your own sonic explorations.
* SSD capacity may change without notice.
Nine Independent Sound Engines
Each of the individual KRONOS sound engines can be operated fully independently as a standalone synthesizer. Each offers the most advanced technology available for its type of sound generation. Targeted programming parameters, real-time controllers, integrated effects, and assignable modulation routings allow precise control for creating your own edits and crafting new sound designs.
SGX-2 (Premium Piano) Piano Sound Engine
Your choice! In addition to the renowned German Grand and Japanese Grand of the SGX-1 engine, the expanded KRONOS SGX-2 Premium Piano Engine also offers the exquisite Berlin Grand and a new Italian Grand.
Together with the EXs12 Austrian Grand option (sold separately), the KRONOS can unite the greatest names in concert grand pianos. Loop-free stereo samples recorded per key provide a natural, authentic decay. An improved 12-step velocity switching far surpasses the previous 8-step data, and features like pedal string resonance and Una Corda sample data reproduce every nuance of a concert grand performance.
String Resonance
With the damper pedal pressed, all piano strings can vibrate freely. When a key is struck, other strings begin to resonate because their overtones relate to those of the original string. The SGX-2 can accurately capture and reproduce these string resonances, adding another valuable shading to the grand piano sound.
* The overtones of string resonances can be found on the String Length Edit screen.
Una Corda
The left pedal of a concert grand is called the soft pedal or, technically, "Una Corda" (Italian for "one string"). Normally, the piano hammers strike all strings of a note—usually three or two. Pressing the soft/Una Corda pedal shifts the entire piano mechanism so the hammers strike only one string. The resulting sound is quieter and more muted. The new Una Corda samples of the SGX-2 piano engine faithfully reproduce these subtle shifts in volume and tone color, allowing authentic piano performances with all pedal movements.
* Una Corda settings for the foot pedal (sold separately) can be adjusted on the screen. The "Italian Grand" sound does not include Una Corda sounds.
EP-1 (MDS Electric Piano) Electric Piano Sound Engine
With the newly added "Tine EP 1 Early," the KRONOS EP-1 sound engine faithfully reproduces seven of the most popular classic electric pianos. The MDS (Multi-Dimensional Synthesis) technology allows seamless playback of different dynamic levels while eliminating the unnatural behavior of looped samples. This modeled sound engine responds smoothly to the player’s touch, from subtle nuances to energetic peaks, offering an astonishing dynamic range that greatly expands the limits of digital sound generation. Not only the seven legendary models but also various amplifiers, cabinets, speakers, and standard vintage effects are realistically simulated. From samples to attack to effects, all aspects of the sound are combined in one instance for the ultimate electric piano.
CX-3 (Tonewheel Organ) Tonewheel Organ Sound Engine
The original KORG CX-3 combo organ was introduced in 1980 and was an immediate huge success. At the turn of the millennium, this classic organ made a successful comeback as a new product with the old name and the latest technology. The KRONOS CX-3 engine is an exact reproduction of this famous tonewheel instrument. Vacuum tube amplifiers and effects like vibrato/chorus were perfectly recreated using proprietary KORG technology.
Special attention was given to the rotary speaker section with 7 selectable types, whose speed (slow/fast) can be controlled on the Y-axis of the KRONOS joystick. Even special quirks like instabilities, clipping, crosstalk, and noises of the tonewheels were meticulously analyzed and simulated. The organ sounds of unforgettable performances—sometimes programmed by the original musicians themselves—are available here and ready for use. Newly added are the expansion libraries KRS-06 and 06B, which can be loaded into the user area with a total of 256 additional CX-3 programs.
HD-1 (High Definition Synthesizer) PCM Sound Engine
HD stands for "High Definition" and marks the excellent sound of the HD-1, which starts with KORG’s proprietary sample playback oscillators featuring minimal aliasing and extends to broadband multimode resonance filters, extremely fast, smooth envelopes, and powerful LFOs. The HD-1 is the most powerful PCM sound engine in KORG’s history, offering all the PCM expertise developed since the M1. All renowned PCM sounds were created by specialized sound designers. Data that had to be omitted in earlier models due to memory limitations is available again in the KRONOS. The waveform memory size alone can compete with PC-based sound engines. The real difference, however, lies in the much higher quality level that becomes apparent when playing these sounds as instruments on the KRONOS. When the best engineers strive for the highest quality on the best platform, the result can only be called HD-1.
MS-20EX (Legacy Analog Collection) Analog Modeling Sound Engine
Packed with cutting-edge technology, the KRONOS still respects the classics. The KORG MS-20, introduced in 1978, quickly fascinated many synth fans with its multifaceted personality based on dense, massive sounds, aggressive filters, and patching options for unlimited sound creation. Thanks to KORG’s CMT (Component Modeling Technology), the MS-20EX not only faithfully emulates the MS-20 but also dramatically expands the patch panel functionality. You can modulate filters with audio oscillators, use audio inputs as control signals, and manipulate all original controls with modulation sources like envelopes, LFOs, and real-time controllers. An unlimited playground. And of course, the KRONOS version is even polyphonically playable.
PolysixEX (Legacy Analog Collection) Analog Modeling Sound Engine
Introduced in 1981, the Polysix offered 6-voice polyphony plus program memory at a surprisingly affordable price. With its self-oscillating 4-pole filter, buttery smooth analog oscillator and sub-oscillator, plus lush chorus/ensemble effect, the PolysixEX expands the original’s possibilities in many creative directions.
When early ’80s sounds are in demand, the Polysix’s strings and pads provide the perfect answer. The classic arpeggiator is naturally included. And an extended polyphony is a bonus on top.
AL-1 (Analog Synthesizer) Analog HiFi Modeling Sound Engine
The feature-packed AL-1 uses the same premium analog modeling sound engine first introduced in the KORG OASYS (Open Architecture Synthesis Studio) in 2005. Completely free of aliasing noise, this sound engine delivers the smooth, captivating sounds of analog synthesis and creates novel tones with its oscillator waveforms and filter morphings that were unreachable for analog synths of the past.
MOD-7 (Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer) VPM/FM Synthesis Sound Engine
The basis of this sound engine’s VPM synthesis is the VPM (Variable Phase Modulation) technology of two classic instruments, the 1995 Prophecy and its 1997 successor, the Z1. Supplemented by PCM sample playback, multimode filters, and external inputs, it becomes a freely patchable semi-modular synthesizer that transforms into the MOD-7 with some waveshaping, ring modulation, a few samples, subtractive synthesis, and a modular patch panel system.
This extremely versatile synth offers everything from classic FM keyboards, bells, and basses (including import of real DX synth sounds) to rhythmic soundscapes and radiant, epic pads.
STR-1 (Plucked Strings) Physical Modeling Sound Engine
KORG’s years of expertise in physical modeling form the basis of this physical modeling sound engine for string instruments. The engine uses state-of-the-art technology to produce sounds that respond differently to playing nuances than PCM-based sound generators: acoustic and electric guitars, harpsichords, clavinets, harps, bells, and ethnic instruments. You can also explore new territory by synthesizing and modifying sounds that don’t exist in reality. This is a sound engine of the future, enabling synth programmers to design completely new sounds.
Set List Mode
In Set List Mode, the KRONOS provides all the resources needed for a song—or an entire set. The TouchView display features 16 color-coded buttons that instantly recall the corresponding presets, combinations, or sequences regardless of mode! You can also attach short performance notes to the buttons ("sing during chorus," "transpose down," "wait for sax solo," etc.).
The Set List Mode even offers a graphical 9-band EQ to tailor the overall sound to the venue.
Since OS version 3.0, the Set List Mode can be customized extensively with many color options, text sizes, and a full-screen text editor, allowing text and numbers to be entered via a USB computer keyboard if desired.
TouchView Color Display
KORG’s huge 8" (800 x 600 pixels) SVGA TouchView color display is the nerve center of the KRONOS.
Here, you can select sounds or parameters not just by tapping but also control parameter values in detail thanks to improved touch & drag functionality. Interactive instruments and control panel graphics open up unprecedented possibilities, from adjusting a grand piano lid to patching cables on a semi-modular synthesizer model.
The TouchView display also offers a convenient search function to find and preview sounds by name.
Sequencer with Composition Tools
The onboard sequencer handles MIDI and audio tracks and is equipped with a whole arsenal of valuable tools that effortlessly turn musical ideas into complete compositions. The interactive and real-time techniques used are either unavailable or much more cumbersome to apply in computer-based systems.
KARMA
This revolutionary algorithmic music technology was first used in KORG’s Karma Music Workstation in 2001 and spontaneously generates complex phrases, drum grooves, and sophisticated accompaniment patterns. Based on the notes and chords played—and enhanced by intuitive control of knobs, faders, and switches—KARMA produces stunning and previously unheard musical effects. In its greatly improved second generation, the engine in the KRONOS standard edition now offers features like KARMA wave sequencing, note mapping, and 8 scenes per layer, which inspire song conception and are a highlight of any live performance. KARMA can noticeably support song creation and become a creative, inspiring assistant for composing.
Drum Tracks
This much-noticed feature, which automatically plays drum patterns, was introduced in 2007 as a feature of the M3 Music Workstation/Synthesizer and is integrated in its most advanced version in the KRONOS. Drum Tracks can generate everything from simple click tracks to spontaneously sketched drum parts to full drum accompaniments for music productions.
In their KRONOS-enhanced version, Drum Tracks now also include professional drum performances whose grooves capture the special playing style of pro drummers, offering noticeable advantages over programmed rhythms of a drum computer.
Open Sampling System
With KORG’s Open Sampling System, the KRONOS can quickly and easily sample external audio sources in any of its modes—whether program, combination, or sequencer. In Open Sampling Mode, even the KRONOS performance itself can be resampled. The User Sample Bank transfers the convenience of the EXs Sample Library to user samples, allowing you to load and play your own samples and tap into the massive capacity of the SSD.
Samples in AIFF, WAV, SoundFont 2.0, and AKAI S1000/3000 formats can be loaded into memory via USB. For fast exchange of large data volumes with a computer, a USB Ethernet adapter is available. This lets you use instruments or samples created on a PC to build a complete music production setup with just the KRONOS.
16-Track MIDI Sequencer / 16-Track Audio Recorder
The KRONOS sequencer/recording section offers 16 MIDI tracks plus 16 audio tracks, allowing you to build top-notch performances and brilliant productions. With MIDI sequencing and KARMA, Drum Track, or RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/Recording) functions, ideas, inspirations, and professional phrases can be captured effortlessly.
The 16-track audio recorder simultaneously records up to four tracks of uncompressed 16-bit/24-bit data at 48 kHz. You simply play along with the recorded tracks, add effects, resample the KRONOS, and place the WAV resample file directly on a track. For fine-tuning tracks, use mixer automation and editing functions like copy, paste, normalize, etc., to achieve the desired result. You can create a complete album directly via the TouchView display!
16 Onboard Effect Processors
With the KRONOS’s 16 internal effects, you give your sound creations the final polish. Each of the 12 insert effects can be applied to one or more timbres of a combination or to one or more sequencer tracks. Additionally, two master effects are available for processing sends 1/2 and two total effects for all tracks in the final mix.
Separate 3-band EQs per timbre, sequencer, and audio track allow subtle sound matching or creative modification of the overall sound.
USB/MIDI Host Ports for MIDI Control Surfaces
Standard-compliant USB MIDI controllers can be connected directly to the KRONOS. For KORG’s pad-equipped USB MIDI controllers (nanoPAD, nanoPAD2, padKONTROL), pads 1 to 8 are automatically mapped to the KRONOS’s virtual chord pad function, allowing you to play drums, trigger chords, or switch them in chord mode.
Smooth Sound Transitions Prevent Dropouts When Changing Sounds—In Every Mode
When switching program sounds in preparation for the next part of a performance or switching from program to combi mode, the currently output sound plus effect always takes priority to ensure seamless transitions without dropouts. This feature is highly praised and appreciated by professional musicians.
Advanced Control Section
Besides parameters modifiable directly via the TouchView display, the KRONOS also offers a wealth of real-time controllers to embellish performances and facilitate navigation. To the left of the keyboard are a 4-way joystick, a ribbon controller, and two assignable switches. Nearby, a separate vector joystick is also available.
Above the keyboard, nine faders, eight knobs, and several switches allow various real-time interactions with core functions of the impressive KRONOS sound. The damper pedal input also supports half-damping for even more realistic piano sounds. Additionally, there are two freely assignable inputs for one foot pedal and one foot switch each.
Weighted RH3 Keyboard with Real Hammer Action
The 88- and 73-key KRONOS models use KORG’s excellent RH-3 Real Weighted Hammer Action keyboard, carefully made in Japan. It offers an authentic and precise playing feel with four different hardness zones, delivering a true piano experience. Even the full 88-key model remains slim enough for a standard keyboard stand. Another sign of the perfect balance of functionality and design in the KRONOS.
Lightly Weighted Natural Touch Keyboard
For musicians who prefer the ultra-fast response of a synthesizer keyboard, specialize in organ performances, or value the lowest possible transport weight, the 61-key KRONOS model is equipped with a lightly weighted, expressive synthesizer keyboard with aftertouch.
Features
- Keyboard: 88 Keys, RH3 ("Real Weighted Hammer Action 3")
- Synthesis Methods: Nine Engines, including:
- SGX-2: Premium Piano
- EP-1: MDS Electric Piano
- HD-1: High Definition Synthesizer
- AL-1: Analog Synthesizer
- CX-3: Tonewheel Organ
- STR-1: Plucked String
- MOD-7: Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer
- MS-20EX: Analog Modeling
- PolysixEX: Analog Modeling - Maximum Polyphony (Varies by Engine)
- SGX-2: 100 voices
- EP-1: 104 voices
- HD-1: 140 voices
- AL-1: 80 voices
- CX-3: 200 voices - Memory:
- Preset PCM: 314 MB (1,505 multisamples, 1,388 drum samples)
- PCM Expansion Libraries: Various EXs libraries, e.g., EXs1 to EXs218
- RAM Capacity: approx. 3 GB after loading the "PRELOAD.KSC" file - Wave Sequences:
- 598 user storage slots
- 207 factory wave sequences - Effects:
- 16 internal effect processors:
- 12 insert effects
- 2 master effects
- 2 total effects
- 185 effect algorithms available - Sequencer/Recorder
- 16-track MIDI sequencer
- 16-track audio recorder
- Simultaneous recording of up to 4 tracks in 16-/24-bit at 48 kHz - Connections:
- Audio outputs: L/MONO, R, Individual 1-4 (6.3 mm TRS, balanced)
- Audio inputs: 1 and 2 (6.3 mm TRS, balanced)
- MIDI: IN, OUT, THRU
- USB: 2x Type A, 1x Type B (for MIDI/audio interface) - Dimensions: 1,457 x 370 x 148 mm
- Weight: 23.4 kg
Scope of delivery
- 1 x Korg Kronos 73 Synthesizer
- 1 x Power Cable
Specification
- Product number 00111499
- Colour Schwarz
- USB to host Ja
- with keyboard Ja
- Sound Engine Digital
- Midi interface Ja
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Financing
easyCredit Ratenkauf
- 2 to 60 months term
- Financing from 82,00 € / month
- More information about installment purchase
ConsorsFinanz Finanzierung
- 6 to 72 months term
- 0% financing for 302,91 € per month
- More information on financing
