Kronor or M-50 for recreational user

Ross2285 · Post by **Ross2285** » Fri Jan 08, 2016 7:15 am

I've owned an m-50 in the past and really liked it but was wondering if I should spring for the kronos? Money matters but I'd only have to save up for an extra 2 months or so to get the kronos. I mainly use atmospheric, melodic trance like sounds and use the sequencer. Are the atmospheric type sounds a definite upgrade over the m-50? Are the other sounds that much better? Thanks a lot I really appreciate it.

StephenKay · Post by **StephenKay** » Fri Jan 08, 2016 8:26 am

The Kronos is to the M50 like the "Death Star" is to a troop transport. Believe it.

To answer your question: Yes, the atmospheric pads are far superior on the Kronos.

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Fri Jan 08, 2016 9:37 am

Exactly what Stephen said. But if you only play for enjoyment at home you might also consider setting up a computer with a decent soundcard and something like Omnisphere.

lonelagranger · Post by **lonelagranger** » Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:34 am

I owned the 88 note M50 and liked it a lot. I didn't, however, like its limited polyphony. With all the great combis you could really hear the voice stealing. I purchased a Kronos X88 about 2 years ago. There is no comparison between the Kronos and the M50. It's like comparing a Porshe to a Hugo. I also only play at home. I don't regret the purchase. it is a keyboard that will give you years of joy and keep you busy learning new ways to make music.

voip · Post by **voip** » Fri Jan 08, 2016 2:00 pm

The Kronos is definitely better overall, although there are atmospheric sounds in the M50 that I haven't yet found, or are much modified in the Kronos. I'd say get both. The M50 is a creative fun machine.

I used to own a Yugo (Hugo?) and had a lot of fun in that car ;-) We called it "Zippy" because of the zip-like "Y" in the logo, and boy, it could go, compared to other cars of the day!

McHale · Post by **McHale** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 9:38 pm

I own an M50 and a Kronos. I gig with the M50. It's not a bad sounding synth and covers all the basic and major sounds quite well (same sound engine as the M3 which was derived from the OASYS), it's lightweight, arguably more reliable, and a small fraction of the cost. Oh yah, if you want a real arpeggiator, the M50 is the only synth between the two that has one. KARMA, while being 10 times more capable and complex, doesn't allow you to create simple, basic patterns without a computer and purchasing additional software.

That being said, the Kronos sounds are MUCH better than the M50 in just about every area imaginable. The real question is, based on your NEEDS, is the Kronos worth the cost for the upgrade.

-Mc