
What Kronos Sound Expansion is the best?
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What Kronos Sound Expansion is the best?
There seems to be lots of sound expansions on Korgs website to add to the Kronos but I never hear anyone talking about any of them. Is there a preferred expansion or a Kronos fan favorite? Are there some with more Modern sounds? like Trap Drums and Synth Wave type sounds? and not Toto or Jump? 

Hi there,
It all depends on personal taste and type of music you prefer, etc. One great feature of the Korg Kronos system is that you can install additional sound libraries in demo mode and play all their different programs before deciding to go ahead with a purchase. This is a big advantage over for example VST libraries where you only rely on online video/audio excerpts. Then once bought they might not feel/sound so good after all but it's too late as you can't return them. With the Kronos you can test all the library variations and how they respond while playing for real. So I recommend to install all the ones which can be interesting for you and try them in demo mode to see for yourself.
It all depends on personal taste and type of music you prefer, etc. One great feature of the Korg Kronos system is that you can install additional sound libraries in demo mode and play all their different programs before deciding to go ahead with a purchase. This is a big advantage over for example VST libraries where you only rely on online video/audio excerpts. Then once bought they might not feel/sound so good after all but it's too late as you can't return them. With the Kronos you can test all the library variations and how they respond while playing for real. So I recommend to install all the ones which can be interesting for you and try them in demo mode to see for yourself.
KRS Library are not able to hear sounds before purchase, so it's like a gamble.
I'm collecting almost for hobby.
IMO
for player, these are worth for paid (quality, variety etc.)
KRS-03 Nu Electro : good sound pressure
KRS-51 KARO Spinet Organs : found out KRS-50 bank is included actually
KRS-70 Most Wanted : must buy. sounds should be in the preset is included.
KRS-86 Live Worship : another must buy. basic keyboard sounds.
Many program in library are cheeper than presets or too excentric/effective.
though I know these are material or showcase for editing, but I wanted to play instantly
(Exs are same)
I'm collecting almost for hobby.
IMO
for player, these are worth for paid (quality, variety etc.)
KRS-03 Nu Electro : good sound pressure
KRS-51 KARO Spinet Organs : found out KRS-50 bank is included actually
KRS-70 Most Wanted : must buy. sounds should be in the preset is included.
KRS-86 Live Worship : another must buy. basic keyboard sounds.
Many program in library are cheeper than presets or too excentric/effective.
though I know these are material or showcase for editing, but I wanted to play instantly
(Exs are same)
KRONOS X 73
Interesting subject and, like KK says, so much is down to personal taste.
I'm not too bothered about the Kronos sound expansion packs having a lack of 'modern' synth sounds, because it's possible to create pretty much any synth sound you want on a Kronos or on any decent synth module, and most of the sounds that I hear on today's electronic records haven't essentially changed that much down the years - it's more the degree to which they are processed that changes.
As for modern drum and percussion sounds, they are easy enough to find in free sample packs all over the web.
If I had to pick a favourite expansion, it would be one that gave me access to different piano sounds. I've always found the standard Kronos pianos a bit bland, and have made my own patches instead.
Personally, I'm surprised at how interchangeable sounds can be. Another user kindly uploaded some presets ages ago which included a perfect copy of a sound from a Foreigner record. I have no interest in Foreigner's music, and the music I make has no similarity to anything from that era, but this particular sound sits well with many completely unconnected styles. If it works, I just go with it.
Blazerunner, I liked your comment about Toto and Jump. Couldn't agree more!
I'm not too bothered about the Kronos sound expansion packs having a lack of 'modern' synth sounds, because it's possible to create pretty much any synth sound you want on a Kronos or on any decent synth module, and most of the sounds that I hear on today's electronic records haven't essentially changed that much down the years - it's more the degree to which they are processed that changes.
As for modern drum and percussion sounds, they are easy enough to find in free sample packs all over the web.
If I had to pick a favourite expansion, it would be one that gave me access to different piano sounds. I've always found the standard Kronos pianos a bit bland, and have made my own patches instead.
Personally, I'm surprised at how interchangeable sounds can be. Another user kindly uploaded some presets ages ago which included a perfect copy of a sound from a Foreigner record. I have no interest in Foreigner's music, and the music I make has no similarity to anything from that era, but this particular sound sits well with many completely unconnected styles. If it works, I just go with it.
Blazerunner, I liked your comment about Toto and Jump. Couldn't agree more!
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Re: What Kronos Sound Expansion is the best?
I depends on what you call "expansion" !!blazerunner wrote:There seems to be lots of sound expansions on Korgs website to add to the Kronos but I never hear anyone talking about any of them. Is there a preferred expansion or a Kronos fan favorite? Are there some with more Modern sounds? like Trap Drums and Synth Wave type sounds? and not Toto or Jump?
It could be dedicated Kronos sound banks (as Kapro, Bolder, ec...)
It could be VSTs, It could be sampled real analog synth,
It could be other synths to play live beside the Kronos.
There are so many possibilities ! Finally, what do you call "expansion" ?
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- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1150
- Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2017 11:28 am
- Location: France
Re: What Kronos Sound Expansion is the best?
I depends on what you call "expansion" !!blazerunner wrote:There seems to be lots of sound expansions on Korgs website to add to the Kronos but I never hear anyone talking about any of them. Is there a preferred expansion or a Kronos fan favorite? Are there some with more Modern sounds? like Trap Drums and Synth Wave type sounds? and not Toto or Jump?
It could be dedicated Kronos sound banks (as Kapro, Bolder, ec...)
It could be VSTs, It could be sampled real analog synth,
It could be other synths to play live beside the Kronos.
There are so many possibilities ! Finally, what do you call "expansion" ?
I make money weekly playing "famous synth" programs such as Baba O'Riley, Won't Get Fooled Again, and Radio Ga-Ga. Couldn't do what I do in my tribute bands without the Kronos. To me, that one was the most valuable.
YMMV and IMHO
YMMV and IMHO
Bass and keyboard player, not usually at the same time, but sometimes in the same song!
Boards: Kronos 2, and Hammond SK1
Basses: Fender, G&L
Boards: Kronos 2, and Hammond SK1
Basses: Fender, G&L