What replaces the Kronos?

Xx_Joey_xX · Post by **Xx_Joey_xX** » Mon Aug 22, 2022 3:49 pm

The Korg kronos is officially discontinued and I'm guessing its replacement is the the NAUTILUS.

For me and many others after touch is a must. The NAUTILUS lack the after touch feature. I really don't understand why they would remove that.

Korg claim's that the "NAUTILUS pushes the boundaries of what a performance synth and workstation is capable of"

With no aftertouch. No... aftertouch. A 'performance' synth with... no aftertouch. Seriously? That 'boundary' was pushed back in the 1970s. Seriously, Korg - if you want to 'push boundaries', then how about MPE and MIDI 2?

bpoodoo · Post by **bpoodoo** » Mon Aug 22, 2022 11:23 pm

a pre-owned Kronos

Koekepan · Post by **Koekepan** » Tue Aug 23, 2022 1:08 pm

I think that we are sleepwalking our way to the decomposed workstation.

A dedicated controller.

A dedicated sequencer.

A dedicated recorder.

Dedicated synths and samplers.

Dedicated effects units.

Nobody outside Akai and Kurzweil is even pretending any more.

bpoodoo · Post by **bpoodoo** » Wed Aug 24, 2022 12:55 am

Koekepan wrote:I think that we are sleepwalking our way to the decomposed workstation.

I had that in the 80's!

A dedicated controller > Roland JX-10
A dedicated sequencer > Atari ST w/MasterTracks Jr.
A dedicated recorder > Tascam 424
Dedicated synths and samplers >
Casio CZ-101
Roland MT-32
Yamaha RX-21
Dedicated effects units > Alesis Reverb Rack

As a consequence of that experience, I was sold on the workstation concept. To go back to components would be an inconvenient reversion for me. But I understand that for those who want best-in-class in each category, components (hardware/software) make sense.

It must also make sense to manufacturers. New workstations require significant software development and integration effort. Component products can be developed with a much smaller team with less effort (less $$$).

karmathanever · Post by **karmathanever** » Wed Aug 24, 2022 2:55 am

I don't see a Korg replacement at all.

For me, I've moved on to the Fantom-8. Yes, I know there are differences so will just say that the F8 is suiting my needs perfectly - in particular its terrific integration with Logic Pro X.

Cheers

Pete

davekalbach · Post by **davekalbach** » Wed Aug 24, 2022 12:11 pm

karmathanever wrote:the F8 is suiting my needs perfectly - in particular its terrific integration with Logic Pro X.

I was considering adding Logic Pro. How well did it work with your KRONOS?

-- Dave

karmathanever · Post by **karmathanever** » Wed Aug 24, 2022 2:42 pm

Hi Dave

I didn't use it much with Logic so I can't offer much in response.

I mostly have done multi-track audio recording with logic with my band using a Roland HS5 Session Mixer.

I'm currently doing a lot more with my Roland Fantom and Logic - MIDI and audio but have only owned my Fantom for a short while so still learning!!!

davekalbach · Post by **davekalbach** » Wed Aug 24, 2022 9:56 pm

Thanks Pete!

I still think I can create a really good Recording Setup, utilizing my D32XD Recorder with the Pa5X. It just might be a bit over my head.

Ideally, I should be able to output any track from either keyboard (5X, KRONOS) and use the Recorder as the Sequencer. Currently I can record track by track using the Recorder - but technically should be able to record all tracks at once, controlling start / stop / record from the keyboard.

But as I said, I think the MIDI stuff might be too advanced for me just yet.

Wish I knew a local guy with MIDI knowledge.

CliveJ · Post by **CliveJ** » Wed Aug 24, 2022 11:19 pm

davekalbach wrote:I think the MIDI stuff might be too advanced for me just yet.

Try thinking of MIDI as recording your performance rather than the sound you used.

Sure there are other uses for it - but worry about that later.

davekalbach · Post by **davekalbach** » Thu Aug 25, 2022 4:21 am

CliveJ wrote:Try thinking of MIDI as recording your performance rather than the sound you used.

Understood

But based on your TAG Line: Now let’s think of a reason why it CAN be done...

I'm trying to figure out how to send a full set of instruments at once to a Digital Recorder. Basically use the Recorder as a replacement for the "weak" sequencer with the Pa5X.

Should be doable - I think I just need to Map each Track / Channel from the Pa5X to the D32XD. Once that is done, I should be able to record as is, or change MIDI instruments via the recorder..

CliveJ · Post by **CliveJ** » Thu Aug 25, 2022 9:22 am

davekalbach wrote:Should be doable - I think I just need to Map each Track / Channel from the Pa5X to the D32XD.

Your D32XD is audio only as far as I can see - so you’ve no chance of recording MIDI on it. It does have MIDI connections but these appear to be for timecode and other system functions. I’m not sure why you think it will replace the sequencer in the PA5X.

A brief look at the PA5X indicates that it has 6 audio outputs max. Possibly there may be more over USB, but even if there were you would need a DAW to do it, so this option is outside your scope.

If you’re happy with the number of output channels from the PA5X then it’s usually a simple matter to change the output of a channel from LR to something else. There’s a possible gotcha if you’re using global effects in the PA5X, maybe better to use those in the D32XD.

davekalbach · Post by **davekalbach** » Thu Aug 25, 2022 12:33 pm

CliveJ wrote:Your D32XD is audio only as far as I can see - so you’ve no chance of recording MIDI on it. It does have MIDI connections but these appear to be for timecode and other system functions. I’m not sure why you think it will replace the sequencer in the PA5X.

A brief look at the PA5X indicates that it has 6 audio outputs max. Possibly there may be more over USB, but even if there were you would need a DAW to do it, so this option is outside your scope.

If you’re happy with the number of output channels from the PA5X then it’s usually a simple matter to change the output of a channel from LR to something else. There’s a possible gotcha if you’re using global effects in the PA5X, maybe better to use those in the D32XD.

Thanks Clive

I will have to experiment with this. I seem to recall recording Audio via MIDI before however that was recording a drum track from Roland V-Drums. If my memory is correct, I was able to then change the drum kits within the D32XD. The D32XD does have built in drum kits however.

As I understand MIDI - I should be able to send multiple signals thru the MIDI Out. So 16 tracks / channels should be transmittable over one MIDI Out --- IF, of course the D32XD can read/accept those tracks.

As it is, my setup works for recording. I currently bring everything in through Stereo L/R Outs and then select/assign the Record Track on the D32XD. Would just be really slick if I could bring all tracks in at once.

Good info, and thank you for the help and feedback - I'm an absolute beginner, so I'm open to all suggestions.

Much appreciated, really.....

Koekepan · Post by **Koekepan** » Thu Aug 25, 2022 1:41 pm

The audio recorder will let you layer up a performance, so if you want to use the Pa5X's patterns to lay down a drum, bass and accompaniment, it should let you do that easily enough. Then you can come back and record a solo performance, a vocal performance and more. You should be able to send its sound through different audio channels, which you can then record in your audio recorder for later mixing purposes.

If you want to record MIDI, the Pa5X should be able to do that onboard.

PatrickD · Post by **PatrickD** » Fri Oct 07, 2022 8:37 am

In answer to your question the answer is simple
NOTHING!
Korg has quit and its a shame but life changes and so has the marketplace.

McHale · Post by **McHale** » Tue Oct 18, 2022 5:07 am

I just had this discussion with a synth buddy of mine who manufactures synthesizers and he had an interesting take. According to him (and I have to agree) that the future (and what the replacement for Kronos SHOULD have been) is something like the Akai MPC One. The capabilities of an all in one Kronos groove box with MIDI in/out/host so you could use it as a Kronos module as well would have been a HUGE seller if the price was competitive. I own a Kronos and would have purchased this without question.