The Kronos Paradox!!

blinkofanI · Post by **blinkofanI** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 2:07 am

The best tone generator ever with the crappiest keyboard controller ever!!

Seriously, i just stopped my practice time to vent a little. Stuck notes, notes that don't trigger... I don't have time to check dozen of threads. Did anybody at "Korg wherever inc." had at least the decency to tell if it's a software problem or hardware problem on their 3600$ toy? OS 1.5 is not here yet, so i don't know if i must send the thing back to the repair shop. If it's a software problem it's no use to send it back, if it's a hardware problem i can't be sure until the new OS arrive.

Is it a Linux thing or a Korg thing? I have had a rock solid setup for years now with MainStage and my trusty old 01/W Pro, and now the Kronos is a marvel of synthesis with a keyboard controller that is not worth of the name Casio.... Rant's over, now back to practice if the Kronos permits.

Blink

Mister088 · Post by **Mister088** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 2:42 am

I feel your pain man. I had to turn my 73 over and got the 61.
Hate losing the octave and the weighted feel but couldn't deal with the not cut off/ staccato sound. Will reconsider if and when they get it together.

Ultimate Dj · Post by **Ultimate Dj** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 2:47 am

Couldn't you just hook up a different controller to find out if its the software?

apex · Post by **apex** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 2:58 am

staccato sound.... first time i've heard it referred to as that... (i didn't bother to read the keybed thread, I thought mine was ok)

but now that you mention it like that... it kinda makes me wonder if those short notes that I keep hearing are what you are describing.

I was thinking that maybe I am just not striking the keys the right way... it does it kinda often, I hear it even on the playback of sequences. (not sure if that matters)

But I too would like to know if it's software or hardware related.... so I can get it corrected with my supplier, while I am still under their care.

Any ideas?

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 3:31 am

Apex read the Keybed thread.

blinkofanI · Post by **blinkofanI** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 3:49 am

Hi people,
I'm almost sure it's software. That's why i'm waiting for OS 1.5(vaporware for now!). I never had any problems when playing the K by itself with Local Control ON. When i put it OFF and sequence in Logic, that's where trouble begins. My setup didn't change for months so i know it's not Logic or MainStage.

To respond to Ultimate DJ, i can't hook an other controller as i have no other controller since my 01 and Z1 are at my band's place.

Blink

SeedyLee · Post by **SeedyLee** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 4:51 am

It's really sad to hear all the problems are having with the 73/88 keybeds. I can atest to the fact that the 61, on the other hand, is one of the best synth actions these hands have ever had the pleasure of touching.

Incidentally, my local retailer has a number of KK 73/88s in stock, but sells out of the 61 very quickly. I had to wait 5 weeks for my 61. Take from that what you will.

For the reference, I am using a Kawai digital piano as a controller for the Kronos when needing a weighted keyboard. That being said, I find the 61 very playable for piano parts as well (the first synth keybed I have found ussable for piano).

Dniss · Post by **Dniss** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 6:03 am

I had note cut off yesterday for the 1st time in 6 weeks.

Lasted about 10-15 seconds and went away. It didn't feel like hardware related.

apex · Post by **apex** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 6:28 am

my problems are random... and only last for a sec. the I can hit the same key RIGHT after I hear the cutoff and it triggers with no problem. and I can't reproduce it when I try for ANY reason... that's why I always think my problem is with me not giving the keys the right amount of pressure.... (i could be wrong)

"just tell me what I missed in the thread..."

that's a lot of reading...

I'd rather be making music. I'm trying to stay off the forums so much. LOL

runningman67 · Post by **runningman67** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:23 am

I apologise if you have read this statement before but when I picked my keyboard up from my dealer he said the following...............

'Korg are bringing out OS1.5 which will fix any glitches.....'

I didn't mention any glitches, he volunteered that information.

Korg will be well aware about the cut off note problem, they will not release 1.5 until it is perfect.

I have a 73 and I had one evening of cut notes but only on the Piano's.

It has to be software, surely.

dscribellito · Post by **dscribellito** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 1:57 pm

Totally agree with the OP. The quality of the RH-3 keybed is absolute crap. Klunking keys, clicking keys, keys that cut out, keys that double trigger. Oh, of course the uneven key spacing and key heights really indicated a quality keybed anyway. Don't get me started on the hi-tech cardboard spacers because my keybed might shift if I look at it wrong.

The Kronos sounds fantastic - better than anything out there - but the RH-3 keybed is unacceptable. I'm probably going to get rid of mine because I have no faith in this keyboard's longevity, not to mention that I've had it with the keybed. From other people I've talked to, I also have no confidence that Korg can or will be able to easily fix these issues - it is not like the Kronos is the first keyboard with RH-3 that has had problems.

There is already kind of a buzz out there that the Kronos is built like crap. It is hard to argue with that - most of my conversations start out with "It sounds aweome, but ...".

Very recently I steered a couple of friends away from purchasing the Kronos altogether. There are other options out there that also sound great and have far better build quality.

blinkofanI · Post by **blinkofanI** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 2:10 pm

Can you imagine if they had made a 76-note version with the action of the 61? Total perfection would have existed on that planet for once

Blink

NuSkoolTone · Post by **NuSkoolTone** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 2:26 pm

blinkofanI wrote:Can you imagine if they had made a 76-note version with the action of the 61? Total perfection would have existed on that planet for once

Blink

Kronos would have indeed been one step closer to perfection had that been available!

And 76 NOT 73! I've been playing 76 note boards for over 20 years and now Korg decides to go all "Retro" on a state of the art board in 2011? Never got that...

danmusician · Post by **danmusician** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 3:49 pm

blinkofanI wrote:Can you imagine if they had made a 76-note version with the action of the 61? Total perfection would have existed on that planet for once

Blink

That might work for you guys, but not for me. If the 61 bed action is the same as the M3 73 bed and action, I would be playing a Yamaha CP instead of a Kronos. For that matter, if the M3 had the RH3 action, I'd still be playing it.

I just couldn't abide the keybed and action of the M3 73. The keys are just slightly more narrow. I was constantly splitting keys. I also had trouble getting a touch curve that worked well for me.

I gigged and recorded with the 01/W pro for nearly a decade. When playing 76 keys on that board, I never once wished I had more notes on the treble end. I often wished I had more notes on the bass end.

So the Kronos 73 works for me. If they went 76, I'd prefer starting on low C. The M3 73 C-C range would be better for me if I only have 73 to choose from. But it is what it is and I've learned to adapt.

Not saying I'm right or your wrong, just that one size does NOT fit all.

michelkeijzers · Post by **michelkeijzers** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 4:03 pm

And another thread about the keybed ... time to lock this one?