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Hello everyone. I recently got a Korg Kronos X73, but I am struggling to understand it and I'm getting very close to throwing it out of the window (and I mean literally!). I'm new to Korgs, having mainly used Yamaha's, but knowing how powerful the Kronos is, I took the plunge, but now I'm starting to regret it.

I'm finding the Kronos so complex and confusing to understand. I've watched the DVD, read the manual, but I'm still just as bemused about it. I basically find things don't just 'work' on it and isn't doing what I'm telling it to.

For instance, I decide I want some delay on a sound, I press IFX, select an empty insert slot, turn the insert on, choose the insert I want, then hey presto... Oh no... There's no delay. Perhaps I need to adjust the settings on it, change the modulation, delay time, wet/dry... Nope, nothing. I know there's obviously something else that I'm supposed to be doing, but why doesn't it just do it. If I want to get really complex with the delay times, like matching it up to the tempo of the phaser that's side chained from the compressor that's on the kick drum I'm using with Karma, then I'd expect to get into the nitty gritty of it, by I just want to make the sound echo!

Another example is I wanted to use the vector to control the Cutoff, went through all the menus, but it just isn't as simple as "Y Vector controls the Cutoff.

Can somebody guide me in the right direction before £3,000 breaks into pieces on my patio. I don't enjoy playing anymore because it just isn't as simple as I want it to be. Powerful pieces of kit are complex, which I accept, but doing simple things like a bit of delay, an organ sound for my right hand whilst Karma does it's thing, should be, well, simple!

Hi Rabs111

I know EXACTLY what you mean, and i do sympathize with you.

I bought my Kronos x 73 ,
without playing it , hearing it, or looking at it, in REAL-LIFE
I just saw it on youtube, and had to have it.

But WOW , was i in for a shock , when i thought it would be Windows 7 Style Interface !

----------------------------

Dont worry , in time it will all begin to make sence, but you will have a fight on your hands for the first 3 months .

In the IFX routing screen, make sure the timbre is actually going to the IFX slot of your choice instead of straight to the Main L/R.
EDIT: also, FX routing is one of the main things people stumble over, especially when coming from Yamaha or Roland. Don't give up, once you get the hang of it it's both logical and powerful. You're always welcome to ask questions here of course!

Sander is correct,the FX routing page is COMPLEX but Essential
Especially for Multiple fx ,into Side-Chaining

Here's a Fast track, to hearing your fx,......if you want to BYPASS the |IFX| Page
Total SET-UP-TIME approx 60 seconds

Rabs111 wrote:For instance, I decide I want some delay on a sound, I press IFX, select an empty insert slot, turn the insert on, choose the insert I want, then hey presto... Oh no... There's no delay. Perhaps I need to adjust the settings on it, change the modulation, delay time, wet/dry... Nope, nothing. I know there's obviously something else that I'm supposed to be doing, but why doesn't it just do it.

this is explained in the operation guide (including screenshots) on page 202 of the Operation guide (E5) in the chapter: Using effects in Programs, the operation guide is an extremely well written document for the ordinary operation features of the Kronos.

But in short, here's how to do it:
- press the IFX tab
- press the routing subtab
- select IFX1 in the dropdownlist: All Oscs to
- now press the insert fx subtab
- select a delay for IFX slot 1 and make sure that the on button is pressed.

Thats all you have to do.

An alternative is the use the MFX (send effects, but that's also explained in the manual).

Rabs111 wrote: Another example is I wanted to use the vector to control the Cutoff, went through all the menus, but it just isn't as simple as "Y Vector controls the Cutoff.

there are multiple ways to do this, but one of the most common ways is to use an AMS source. In that case select the VJS +Y Mod as the AMS source to control your cutoff. (also keep in mind, that cutoff and reso are already available on knob 1 and two in the standard performance mode settings.

This is also explained in the operation and parameter guide. Search for the articles that explain how to use the AMS source system in the Kronos

Show me the window that you wanna throw your K. Out from, and i'll be there too so we both can do it together!
Lol...

Im new to korg as well! Sometimes i feel that i'm a stupid kid sitting behind this instrument and just messing around without even knowing what im doing...
I had my K for 4 months now and im still struggling!

But i tell you what... This forum is amazing! Members are great, some members are always here reading all the threads and they really help no matter how stupid is the question!
Sander is one of them! Some guys here are just super great!
qui Robinez is already known to every one and there is no need to say what a great job he did making all those tutorials!( personaly im realy thankful)
(Qui, can you make a video of how to make our own drum tracks?)

I really wish that one day i come up with helps and information for other users. Not just with boring questions!

Rabs111 wrote: For instance, I decide I want some delay on a sound, I press IFX, select an empty insert slot, turn the insert on, choose the insert I want, then hey presto... Oh no... There's no delay. Perhaps I need to adjust the settings on it, change the modulation, delay time, wet/dry... Nope, nothing. I know there's obviously something else that I'm supposed to be doing, but why doesn't it just do it. If I want to get really complex with the delay times, like matching it up to the tempo of the phaser that's side chained from the compressor that's on the kick drum I'm using with Karma, then I'd expect to get into the nitty gritty of it, by I just want to make the sound echo!

I find programming the effects on the Kronos to be maddening. When possible, I copy for other Combi or Patches. It is the one area that frustrates me. When I feel frustrated, I dial up the Dark German Grand and play something mellow for awhile. Calms me right down!

danmusician wrote: I find programming the effects on the Kronos to be maddening.

When i have time ill post you a private-message... |IFX| A.B.C./1.2.3. EASY-WAY- tutorial .

.

I absolutely agree, the kronos is the worse workstation to program, it's tedious, hard, not logic, anything....and I really understand you, it's useless and time wasterd.....and actually invite you to throw it out of the windows.

Just let me know your exact address

metallo wrote:I absolutely agree, the kronos is the worse workstation to program, it's tedious, hard, not logic, anything....and I really understand you, it's useless and time wasterd.....and actually invite you to throw it out of the windows.

Just let me know your exact address

LOL

Hope the o/p is on the 1st floor when he does his Kronos toss.

And include the sustain pedal, please

I find the K to be one of the most logical workstations to program especially when it comes to fx. I go crazy on Yamaha stuff. It's just what you're used to I think

metallo wrote:I absolutely agree, the kronos is the worse workstation to program, it's tedious, hard, not logic, anything....and I really understand you, it's useless and time wasterd.....and actually invite you to throw it out of the windows.

Just let me know your exact address

Have to respectfully disagree with you. I've been working with Korg synths and workstations for many years and the flow is quite logical coming from that path. However, I can understand if you are coming from a different manufacturer that the work flow might be totally different.

To the original poster, you state that your previous keyboard was a Yamaha but didn't state what model it was. Seams there are quite a few people who end up buying the Kronos because they hear that it is very powerful but what they really want is something easier to program like an arranger keyboard. The Kronos is a very deep instrument that can do a lot if you take the time to figure it out. And once you've figured one thing out, there's still much more to learn. Remember you have some very good resources to get your head around that keyboard but don't expect instant gratification. There is a learning curve and between the manuals and all the helpful people on this forum, you can figure it out.

-phattbuzz

SanderXpander wrote:I find the K to be one of the most logical workstations to program especially when it comes to fx. I go crazy on Yamaha stuff. It's just what you're used to I think

Being a prior Korg workstation owner is a plus when taking on the Kronos. For example, having owned the X series, a Triton, an Extreme, I got comfortable understanding the different modes ( Combi, Program, Disk, Global, Seq).

Plus getting the hang of editing various Programs, using the various pedals, SW1/2 and joystick controls.

I think the above might be considered ' basic Kronos training'. IOW, its easier to progress, and its more logical , at that point, to advance to the next level.

Having owned the Motif and various Roland boards, I can sympathize when someone with that kind of gear jumps right into the Kronos, and gets stymied. I think, basic training ( and lots of patience)is needed.

Rabs111 wrote:Hello everyone. I recently got a Korg Kronos X73, but I am struggling to understand it and I'm getting very close to throwing it out of the window (and I mean literally!). I'm new to Korgs, having mainly used Yamaha's, but knowing how powerful the Kronos is, I took the plunge, but now I'm starting to regret it.

I'm finding the Kronos so complex and confusing to understand. I've watched the DVD, read the manual, but I'm still just as bemused about it. I basically find things don't just 'work' on it and isn't doing what I'm telling it to.

For instance, I decide I want some delay on a sound, I press IFX, select an empty insert slot, turn the insert on, choose the insert I want, then hey presto... Oh no... There's no delay. Perhaps I need to adjust the settings on it, change the modulation, delay time, wet/dry... Nope, nothing. I know there's obviously something else that I'm supposed to be doing, but why doesn't it just do it. If I want to get really complex with the delay times, like matching it up to the tempo of the phaser that's side chained from the compressor that's on the kick drum I'm using with Karma, then I'd expect to get into the nitty gritty of it, by I just want to make the sound echo!

Another example is I wanted to use the vector to control the Cutoff, went through all the menus, but it just isn't as simple as "Y Vector controls the Cutoff.

Can somebody guide me in the right direction before £3,000 breaks into pieces on my patio. I don't enjoy playing anymore because it just isn't as simple as I want it to be. Powerful pieces of kit are complex, which I accept, but doing simple things like a bit of delay, an organ sound for my right hand whilst Karma does it's thing, should be, well, simple!

Go on youtube loads of stuff to teach you how to use your k. do a search for all off Qui stuff.
There is a load training on this site as well.
Hope you enjoy learning about k because it is worth it,

Rabs111
Most owners can sympathize with your concerns and are keen to prevent you doing something rash out of pure frustration.
Just hang on a while....take onboard the sound,meaningful advice from those who have been there......and overcome some of the obstacles.

I'm lucky that I have not owned any brand of synth that needed such an involved interaction with various settings etc.so, I haven't any experience regarding certain methods of doing things which can get in the way with learning the new.....it's all new to me.
The Kronos,as said,is very deep as it provides so much in one instrument,being menu driven,it can appear daunting with first attempts...even simple things seem to be buried in its innards and getting there can be a little off-putting.

However,as with many "new" instruments,there is a learning curve (the Kronos is quite a steep one) to go through,but if you take one step at a time and repeating certain routines,they will become easier with familiarity.....then move onto newer tasks.

There are not many instant settings on a Kronos as such,a button for this or that would not be practical(not enough room anyway),but there is some logic with how the various menus are laid out and with continued practice(plus a load of patience) you will be rewarded.

I've had my Kronos for nearly two years and during the earlier times I used to think it was faulty whenever things didn't work out correctly.....of course it was the idiot operator at fault (me) not knowing what he was doing.... .

I still haven't explored many of the Kronos facillities,Karma,Sequencer,Sampler etc....would you beleive I haven't even auditioned all the onboard sounds yet....far too busy
playing the instrument itself with my favourites.
Tweaked a few of them,of course....and still learning new stuff.

Don't give up.....keep trying various things......keep on playing music.......and keep that window closed !!

Best Wishes.