Korg Forums

[KK]

Emrys,

Not sure you already tried one. I strongly recommend you do at a local music store, at least to feel the keys and "fingers-to-sounds connection", just like if you would shop for an acoustic instrument. If you already did and enjoyed the Kronos feel and sounds, then for sure it can be a great instrument.

About a year ago, a friend of mine asked me about the Kronos, so just for fun I recorded this video showing the different sound engines and what it can do. I'm mainly perform in real-time with minimum background tracks unless necessary, and I think the K2 fits my needs excellently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5xF3yl5V3o

[Emrys]

Awesome video KK. Thanks!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sounds from K2.
As said earlier, I have loved Korg sounds for 25 years!
I think with the sounds that I already have as mentioned in my OP to go with K2 library, I would have an incredible sound library that would fulfill my wants and needs for a lifetime.
The only way that the K2 would disappoint is if I could not record those awesome sound libraries into my Logic Pro or any other DAW!
Yes, I do not want or need the Kronos for recording purposes, however, that does not matter to me as I cannot get Korg sounds any where else, so the K2 fills the bill.
Unless someone tells me that I CANNOT record the K2 sounds with Logic Pro, I think having the K2 would be incredible in my studio!!!!!

[KK]

Remember that the Kronos is also a complete sampler, so you can also go the other way and play whatever you want with it. To purchase a K2 some years ago, I had to first sell several of my old keyboards to get some funds. But before I did, I made sure to sample all their best sounds, then I transferred them into the Kronos, so now I have everything in my K2 and the old keyboard favorites sound even better with the K2 top-quality effects.

[Lightbringer]

[Emrys]

[ChrisDuncan]

[Emrys]

You all are way ahead of me when it comes to recording midi, sampling etc!
I am a 60’s, 70’s rocker that is just trying to get a handle on all of this.
I have an 828es MOTU thunderbolt interface, with a Mac 64GB Hard Drive with 2TBSSD storage.
So, anyway, I am still on the bottom end of my learning curve, so any information that you think might help would be appreciated 😉

[KK]

[KK]

[Poseidon]

Emrys

You pay premium for a keyboard, because Kronos have quite capable sequencer with audio interface.

Because you have already MOTU interface, Logic Pro, and no needs to record in the field or perform live, those features are not much use to you. You are better off with Logic Pro to act as a sequencer.

With Logic you gonna be far more productive and creative, and let’s not forget that you own other NI keyboard and libraries.

You asked in the first post - How can I justify buying a Kronos?

You would pay for audio interface and sequencer, that is not much use to you.

Second factor, as you might know Kronos software ( Kronos Editor, Plug-in, and KARMA software ) for quite long time has not been updated ( macOS ), and it looks like has been abandoned. Because you are Mac and Logic user, these packages might be quite crucial, so it’s fair to conclude that in current situation Macs and Kronos don’t go well.

How can I justify buying a Kronos?

You would spend money on a keyborad that comes with a software that is obsolete or abandoned.

Third factor, polyphony.
If you think that Kronos can substitute a few keyboards, or create complex textures you gonna be disappointed.
Kronos is simply underpowered. One Obsolete Atom CPU has to take the burden of sound engine, DSP and KARMA engine. A flaw in design, instead BALANCE and ADEQUACY, there are FEATURES FEATURES more FEATURES, let’s make the BEAST. On a paper it looks impressive, but in practice, Half of your time will be spend on tweaking programs how to preserve polyphony.
In fact Korg was so ignorant and arrogant that they shipped some COMBIS that steeling 100 notes !!! Instead show us how it should be done they show us how to run out of polyphony, Instead upgrade the CPU in Kronos 2 and SE, they pump it out with libraries that are even more demanding on polyphony.

The input lag in GUI, the sluggishness is another story …

I have like you Mac, Logic, MOTU and RME interface. I use digital TOSLING connection and I must admit is very solid and stable. The problems ? Not many, occasional stuck notes when recording KARMA in Logic, but that’s another chapter …

Myself, I do not regret buying Kronos, but if I have to make decision today I would not pay even a half price. I find kronos attractive due to facts like: all presets can be wiped out, have DIGITAL IN/OUT, love RH3 action, and HD-1 engine. In general is a hate/love affair.

My personal recommendation is wait for NAMM 2020, see if Korg updates kronos.
If not, and you do not perform live, there is no point of buying Korg Kronos.
Go for a multi keybord setup, the best solution for you is to go for specialized instruments that fill the requirements only needed in your setup.
for example , Prophet X, or Waldorf Quantum ( great for movies, TV shows that you mentioned, leaves Kronos in the dust in sonic qualities ).

[alland]

[Lightbringer]

[Emrys]

So many GREAT thoughts that you all have put out there, and I have read and thought about them all very intently!

A lot of the technical jargon bandied about in previous post gets me lost as I don't understand most of it. For example 'polyphony,' I have no idea what that means.

The fact is that I already do have all I need to create any kind of music that I would want.

So, do I NEED Kronos? Nope, I don't need it to fulfill any need that I have music-wise.

However, the Kronos would be an incredible 'add on' piece to my musical library!

So, I think for nostalgic reasons from remembering all those hours playing the O1/W and loving the Korgs sounds and the sounds have only got better since then. I really WANT a Kronos.

However going back to Greg's point about waiting at least untill NAMM which is only next month, I really cannot 'justify' buying one until I see what comes out of NAMM.

It IS about Korgs sounds, as I have looked at the Yamaha Motif and the Roland Integra and neither one of them wows me like Korg sounds and instruments.

So, I will just hang tight and wait till NAMM.

You all have been awesome, and I great thank each one of you for taking the time to help me out!
Thanks a bunch!

[Emrys]

I read a post Greg wrote in the Forum 'Is Kronos still king' and he feels that there is nothing new concerning the Kronois coming up at NAMM.
So that would take me back to where I started from lol

[Lightbringer]