Kronos compared to PC3/S90ES

[aron]

Here's a similar post I made on the Kurzweil forum:

I used both keyboards last night. The difference in sound was very striking. The Kronos is like a super fidelity keyboard. There's more punch, highs, lows and overall just more sonically than any of my other keyboards. The Kurzweil programs sounded much more defined in terms of sonic bandwidth.

What I love about the Kurzweil is that those programs just nail a vibe. The programs are so well done that if I want to dial up a mood or evoke some kind of memory, the sounds are there. VERY NICE! I am also used to the programs after using it for so many gigs that it was a familiar and friendly sound.

I found myself using the PC3 for sounds that evoke a cool vibe and used the Kronos for more broad generic sounds.

For me, the PC3 stands on its own in a different sonic space than my other keyboards. Although the PC3 seems like it may compare with the Kronos in capability, the reality is that they are very different for live use. The PC3 is a keyboard where most of the programs were based on recordings and some do really nail the vibe.

The Kronos is more like my S90ES and I will need to compare those two. When I play the Kronos I think... this is the best sounding keyboard I have heard. Very similar to the feeling I got when I used my S90ES for the first time.

[jeebustrain]

I feel the same way... I got really used to the sound of my PC361 in the short time I had it before I got the K. After about 3 days of playing the Kronos, I turned on the PC361 and everything sounded so "low-fi." It was startling. The Alesis Fusion is a bit brighter, but still a bit different.

[SanderXpander]

I have never owned a Kurzweil, but all the Korgs I've owned and tried have rather extreme EQ settings especially in the low and highs. I wonder how they would compare if those were a bit more neutral.

[EvilDragon]

I wouldn't say "lo-fi", I would say "more neutral". Korg keyboards usually have that polished high-end sheen, and Kronos is not an exception to that.

Your experience, aron, pretty much matches mine, from my time with Kronos. It is definitely a more "polished" sounding board, with loads of "sparkle" and "punch". That doesn't mean you can't get that same kind of sound on a PC3, just need to dial it in. And even then, it won't be as sparkly as a Korg, but it will be "sparklier" than a usual PC3 I know this because I've toyed a bit with master EQ and compression in the PC3... with careful settings you can pretty much "boost fidelity" into "Korg territory", so to speak.

Also don't forget that on the PC3 you can change the master FX chain settings per setup, if you want. Some setups don't necessarily need that "sparkle", but, yes, "vibe", as you say

[jazlover]

Those two keys sure look good together.

[SanderXpander]

The backdrop helps too

[michelkeijzers]

Here in the Netherlands most gigs are in bars inside ... or sometimes outside but ther might always be rain.

[aron]

That's the new Aulani Disney Hotel in Hawaii. We got to play for the Grand Opening.

[EvilDragon]

Wow, I've just noticed the image. Beautiful combination!

[DennyC]

Wow, I've just noticed the image. Beautiful combination!

I've got to second that. I have heard the Kurzie and it is fine sounding board also, definitely a different flavor.

[jeebustrain]

I wouldn't say "lo-fi", I would say "more neutral". Korg keyboards usually have that polished high-end sheen, and Kronos is not an exception to that.

Your experience, aron, pretty much matches mine, from my time with Kronos. It is definitely a more "polished" sounding board, with loads of "sparkle" and "punch". That doesn't mean you can't get that same kind of sound on a PC3, just need to dial it in. And even then, it won't be as sparkly as a Korg, but it will be "sparklier" than a usual PC3 I know this because I've toyed a bit with master EQ and compression in the PC3... with careful settings you can pretty much "boost fidelity" into "Korg territory", so to speak.

Also don't forget that on the PC3 you can change the master FX chain settings per setup, if you want. Some setups don't necessarily need that "sparkle", but, yes, "vibe", as you say

Yea, I didn't mean that it actually was lo-fi, I just meant after my ears adjusting to the crisp sparkle of the kronos sounds, the overall tone of the Kurz was just different. Now that I've had a few weeks to compare the two (along with the Fusion), I hear strengths and weaknesses in all of them.

[EvilDragon]

Precisely.


Might I add that you have a mighty fine selection of gear, mister!

[aron]

Another thing I have as weird as it may seem, the Kronos is the first keyboard that I hardly have to touch the master volume to get heard. I do of course adjust it, but most of those I edited myself!

I know I am always adjusting with my PC361. I might need to go and adjust some of those programs. I'm still not used to the CX3 organ compared to the Kurzweil. I really like the Kurzweil organ simulator. It may not be the best, but I like it. I think I like the overall sound of the wah effects on the PC361 as well - when on a electric piano.

[EvilDragon]

Wah is excellent on the PC3 IMHO - both on EPs, clavs, and wherever you put them. Kurzweil's filters are really something.

[spinoria]

Aron... Please try to compare and describe the differences in the hammond sounds à little bit more. I have heard some demos of the new os2.03 for the kurzweil and to me it sounds almost as good as the nord electro 3 organ sounds.

I have never liked korg organ sounds and it should be nice to hear some comparison from you and others that aint fanboys of à specific brand.

I havent tried the new pc3 os yet and I havent had à chance to try the kronos yet.

If you want I would also like to hear more comparisons for the pianos, epianos, strings and orchestral sounds.