Korg Forums

Hi there! I have the newest model Korg Kronos, and I had a question about the "Line In" input on the back. I know they are analog inputs, but I have been able to plug my iPad and computer up to it once or twice and play music through my Kronos. But 9 times out of 10, when I do that, and direct it to the L/R output without having any effects or anything, it sounds like an 8bit track. It sounds terrible. I was wondering if there was any way I could combat that problem, or if I simply cannot play music through my Kronos. Thanks!

This might be better posted in the Kronos section of the forum.

The line inputs are mono, so if a stereo source is used, it will be necessary to use both audio inputs, using a suitable splitter cable if the source is a stereo jack, and route or pan one to the left and one to the right audio channel. The Mic/Line switches on the rear panel need to be pressed in, and it is best to start with the Level knobs fully anticlockwise initially, and the iPad's output volume set to maximum, or at least a high-ish level. The "8-bit" sound quality could be due to audio clipping because the input stage has been overloaded, but could also be the result of playing stereo into a single mono channel, often resulting in a "tinny" sort of sound. The Kronos' pianos are a very good example. Lovely in stereo, tinny in mono, as discovered by many a live gigger who has plugged their keyboard into a mono house PA system; but I digress!

Once the above has been done, use the Kronos' Audio Input page to set up the volume, pan, bus routing, and send levels for the inputs, as desired. Programs can use either the Global audio input mixer setup, or have their own custom settings. The default is for Programs to use Global Settings. This selection is available under the individual Program's Audio In/Sampling screen.

All of this may seem an overly complex process, just to get an external audio source to play through the Kronos, but it does allow a huge degree of customisation to what happens to the incoming audio, including the application of Kronos' wide range of effects.
.

voip wrote:This might be better posted in the Kronos section of the forum.

The line inputs are mono, so if a stereo source is used, it will be necessary to use both audio inputs, using a suitable splitter cable if the source is a stereo jack, and route or pan one to the left and one to the right audio channel. The Mic/Line switches on the rear panel need to be pressed in, and it is best to start with the Level knobs fully anticlockwise initially, and the iPad's output volume set to maximum, or at least a high-ish level. The "8-bit" sound quality could be due to audio clipping because the input stage has been overloaded, but could also be the result of playing stereo into a single mono channel, often resulting in a "tinny" sort of sound. The Kronos' pianos are a very good example. Lovely in stereo, tinny in mono, as discovered by many a live gigger who has plugged their keyboard into a mono house PA system; but I digress!

Once the above has been done, use the Kronos' Audio Input page to set up the volume, pan, bus routing, and send levels for the inputs, as desired. Programs can use either the Global audio input mixer setup, or have their own custom settings. The default is for Programs to use Global Settings. This selection is available under the individual Program's Audio In/Sampling screen.

All of this may seem an overly complex process, just to get an external audio source to play through the Kronos, but it does allow a huge degree of customisation to what happens to the incoming audio, including the application of Kronos' wide range of effects.
.

Awesome! Thank you so much for your help. Haha.

voip wrote:This might be better posted in the Kronos section of the forum.

The line inputs are mono, so if a stereo source is used, it will be necessary to use both audio inputs, using a suitable splitter cable if the source is a stereo jack, and route or pan one to the left and one to the right audio channel. The Mic/Line switches on the rear panel need to be pressed in, and it is best to start with the Level knobs fully anticlockwise initially, and the iPad's output volume set to maximum, or at least a high-ish level. The "8-bit" sound quality could be due to audio clipping because the input stage has been overloaded, but could also be the result of playing stereo into a single mono channel, often resulting in a "tinny" sort of sound. The Kronos' pianos are a very good example. Lovely in stereo, tinny in mono, as discovered by many a live gigger who has plugged their keyboard into a mono house PA system; but I digress!

Once the above has been done, use the Kronos' Audio Input page to set up the volume, pan, bus routing, and send levels for the inputs, as desired. Programs can use either the Global audio input mixer setup, or have their own custom settings. The default is for Programs to use Global Settings. This selection is available under the individual Program's Audio In/Sampling screen.

All of this may seem an overly complex process, just to get an external audio source to play through the Kronos, but it does allow a huge degree of customisation to what happens to the incoming audio, including the application of Kronos' wide range of effects.
.

Awesome! Thank you so much for your help. Haha.

I have had a similar issue and I believe the issue has to do with stereo/mono inputs as stated above. Good luck!

Gazelle wrote:Hi there! I have the newest model Korg Kronos, and I had a question about the "Line In" input on the back. I know they are analog inputs, but I have been able to plug my iPad and computer up to it once or twice and play music through my Kronos. But 9 times out of 10, when I do that, and direct it to the L/R output without having any effects or anything, it sounds like an 8bit track. It sounds terrible. I was wondering if there was any way I could combat that problem, or if I simply cannot play music through my Kronos. Thanks!

And welcome to the community!