Which is the best for a music composer , kronos LS or PA4X_

Koekepan · Post by **Koekepan** » Thu Oct 26, 2017 4:30 pm

Based on what the original poster said, if a computer is off the table for whatever reason, a Krome might actually be a better choice.

Yes, more limited sound design (although still quite strong), but a sequencer that makes it easy to enter with live play or step sequencing, tweak on the piano roll , draw in automation on any parameter you care to mention, and generally go as nuts as you care to. Add a Tascam portastudio for recording it, you can solo individual tracks for multitrack work, add an aftertouch-compatible controller (because the sound engine is aftertouch compatible) and a few mics to plug into the portastudio, and you're off to the races. And probably for a lower total price than a Kronos.

GregC · Post by **GregC** » Thu Oct 26, 2017 9:50 pm

Koekepan wrote:Based on what the original poster said, if a computer is off the table for whatever reason, a Krome might actually be a better choice.

Yes, more limited sound design (although still quite strong), but a sequencer that makes it easy to enter with live play or step sequencing, tweak on the piano roll , draw in automation on any parameter you care to mention, and generally go as nuts as you care to. Add a Tascam portastudio for recording it, you can solo individual tracks for multitrack work, add an aftertouch-compatible controller (because the sound engine is aftertouch compatible) and a few mics to plug into the portastudio, and you're off to the races. And probably for a lower total price than a Kronos.

that was my logical suggestion- work with the Krome.
Kronos is not a beginner w/s.

While we love Kronos, most of us have years of experience with Korg W/s and other boards.

Koekepan · Post by **Koekepan** » Fri Oct 27, 2017 5:36 am

Yeah, I think we're pretty much in agreement here. With all respect, the original poster is in over his head, and doesn't understand the ramifications of his choices.

Here is my sincere recommendation:

If you absolutely insist on purchasing a Kronos or a PA4X, the closest to an appropriate choice for a movie composer would be a Kronos 2. But that doesn't make it a good choice. For the same money you can buy a great desktop computer from the manufacturer of your choice, great studio monitors, and DAW software that will rock your world. A MIDI controller keyboard with aftertouch is a really nice addition to a great setup.

You can also get a Krome. Lots of people who should know better sort of sneer at the Krome, forgetting that it's the latest in a long, long line of workstations from KORG that have been all over albums from famous artists for decades now. It has a great sequencer, very useful features in terms of DSP and sound design and automation, and quite frankly if you can't make great music with the Krome, the problem is with you.

If you don't want to work with a computer, you can also use a Krome as a master keyboard for a series of desktop synths. I use mine to drive a whole range of synths from various manufacturers, and it does a great job. This gives you huge flexibility in what you compose.

I think that you're talking yourself into a corner, looking for the ultimate answer in one package.

There isn't one.

Smaller, cheaper pieces are easier to accumulate, and easier to rearrange, and easier to resell if you find that you made a mistake.

Rajt · Post by **Rajt** » Sat Oct 28, 2017 5:15 pm

Dear Sirs,
Thanks a lot for your guidance and expertise advise. I take a bow.
Sorry for bothering u so much. The reason i asked you so many questions because, in the beginning of my first query, i specifically mentioned that it will be my first and last investment for buying a keyboard, i may not afford more money and may not upgrade with a new keyboard in future.
That's the reason why i wanted to buy a professional one .
Thats the reason i asked you so many questions. If i could able to upgrade my keyboard regularly then i would have gone with a normal keyboard.
Hope u understand my situation.
How ever thank you very much for addressing my queries patiently.
Regards
Traj

Koekepan · Post by **Koekepan** » Sat Oct 28, 2017 6:50 pm

You're not bothering us, no problem.

If you want to buy one device, that will be the last device you ever buy, and you are willing to sincerely devote a year to learning how to use it, and it must be a keyboard with aftertouch, then I (hesitantly, with misgivings) recommend the Kronos 2.

But I don't think that you should do that. For many reasons, the Krome might be a better choice, in particular the piano roll interface. If you want to do detail editing of sounds in a complex arrangement, that is just really useful.

Wait, I have an idea. I will work up a couple of shopping lists, using american prices because that's what's at my disposal. Adjust for your own situation.

Alternative A:

Kronos 2 88-key $3700

Alternative B:

Krome 61-key $1050
Tascam DP-24SD $500
Waldorf Blofeld $500
Studiologic SL88 Studio $500

Total $2550

Alternative C:

Kross 2 61-key $750
Studiologic SL88 Studio $500
Volca FM $170
Volca Keys $150
Volca Bass $150
Waldorf Streichfett $370
Tascam DP-24SD $500

Total $2590

Alternative D:

Akai Pro MPC X $2200
Studiologic SL88 Studio $500
Waldorf Blofeld $500

Total $3200

In each case, throw in microphones and cables to taste.

There are lots of ways to get set up with a great home studio. I think that you are thinking about this the wrong way, and in fact the last alternative I mentioned may in fact be the most rugged and future-proof way available to you. The MPC X is a beast, the SL88 is a great keyboard, and the Waldorf Blofeld will produce sounds that amaze you (and that the MPC will sample and sequence to your heart's content).

But as my father used to say:

"Experience is a hard taskmaster, but some will have no other."

amit · Post by **amit** » Sun Oct 29, 2017 9:23 am

For a song writer the arranger workstations is easier, that’s their plus point.
However for a composer it can be limiting as styles based workflow is not everyone’s cup of tea.

Look into the tools that each brings on the table and what works for you.

For me it is the Kronos2, as it has a lot of sound design tools and it inspires me to play/write some original pieces.

Rajt · Post by **Rajt** » Sun Oct 29, 2017 1:36 pm

Dear sirs, ( Koekepan and Amit )

Thanks , now i have got a clear picture.
U explained in detail, very patient.
Clap clap.
I will follow u.
How is Kronos LS 88 ?
Semi weighted keys . Does it suits me and fill my requirement.
Dear Kokoepan Sir,
I shall go through the details , i shall refer these devices and software in internet. U understood my need.
Please advise,

Koekepan · Post by **Koekepan** » Sun Oct 29, 2017 4:29 pm

The Kronos LS (regardless of the number of keys) will work, but it has an important limiting factor: it is not designed for the same kind of detail editing that you can get done with the Krome's pianoroll interface.

I actually know quite a bit about movie music (in fact, I'm involved in that right now) and the fact is that detail editing of musical cues can really matter, because you have to match the timing of the sound that you create to the action on screen. For this reason, alternatives B and D are the two that I most strongly recommend, if you're not going to get a computer and software for the purpose. The MPC X and the Krome both give you a piano roll in which you can make fine detailed edits, rather than trying to edit MIDI events directly.

If you want to get a Kronos (any model) for the sound engines, I would actually be prepared to connect it to an external sequencing device such as a computer, and then drive it in detail that way. But then of course you don't have a standalone solution.

Bachus · Post by **Bachus** » Sun Oct 29, 2017 6:37 pm

Both instruments are very different...

I think a composer would like both and a daw...

The pa4x is perfect for trying out ideas when you have a mellody in your head

The kronos is perfect for being creative, toying around with karma to get some ideas..

And then the daw is the tool for recording and finalizing mastering and mixing your music..

But for film music, when you have to make a choice, i would choose the kronos.. because the styles inside the pa4x are not that suited for orriginal film music composition... so in that case most of the time that requires you to program your own styles.. just having those 9 engines adds so much depth, the only instrument that offers more for film music composition is a daw with several high end vst’s..

Rajt · Post by **Rajt** » Mon Oct 30, 2017 9:58 am

Sir,
Since im not a trained painist, i feel it will be difficult foe me to hit the weighted keys in kronos 2-88 and also difficult to play fast music.
Can i go for Korg L S 88 and play fast music comfortably ?

And also advise , since Kronos LS doesn't have after touch feature, can i get the similar effect by using ribbon and joystick.

Please help

QuiRobinez · Post by **QuiRobinez** » Mon Oct 30, 2017 10:17 am

Rajt wrote:Sir,
Since im not a trained painist, i feel it will be difficult foe me to hit the weighted keys in kronos 2-88 and also difficult to play fast music.
Can i go for Korg L S 88 and play fast music comfortably ?

the LS88 has semi weighted keys so they are heavier then standard synth keys but lighter then weighted piano keys.

When you are not a trained pianist you will have trouble reaching speed runs on both workstations. The LS88 will be easier to learn but still you need quite some practice with it. You will not reach the speed for fast music that you can reach on non weighted synth keys.

And also advise , since Kronos LS doesn't have after touch feature, can i get the similar effect by using ribbon and joystick.

Yes

But you keep asking and asking the same question over and over again. It's obvious that you want the LS88, so since you made that decision, just go get that workstation, it's great, the things you want can only be achieved with a computer / daw setup, but obviously that's not something you want.

The sounds from the LS88 are very good, although i doubt that it will fulfill the needs of any professional movie maker, for instance the blade runner 2049 movie was created entirely with VST's and modified samples of hardware for the sound effects (like gunshots with modified samples of a TR909 hardware kick). You will never get those results with just one LS88, there is much more involved with that.

But that's the point of answering your questions, if you just want to enter the realm of movie music makers then the LS88 is a good first step. If you are already have a lot of work in that industry, then the questions you are asking are quite odd, you should have known the answers to those types of questions. So my guess is that you are entering that Moviemusic business and then the LS88 is a good first step. But keep in mind that it has a learning curve which you should be able to figure out yourself.

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Which is the best for a music composer , kronos LS or PA4X_

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