KRONOS
KRONOS defined the modern music workstation. Now it’s back, and better than ever. Combining unrivalled power, speed, and versatility, the new KRONOS features a reengineered architecture with 60% faster startup, an enhanced TouchView® interface, and a sleek, premium design. With nine powerful sound engines, over 300 available premium sound libraries, and 256 brand-new programs, KRONOS delivers unmatched sonic possibilities. Advanced sequencing, customisable Set Lists, and seamless backward compatibility make KRONOS the ultimate tool for elevating stage and studio performances.
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New sounds, unmatched expression
The new KRONOS builds on its legendary foundation by introducing 256 additional programs, crafted to inspire your creativity and elevate your music. This is in addition to the thousands of included programs and combinations that have made KRONOS the ultimate music workstation. Among the new additions are 128 brand-new programs, featuring highlights such as the Italian Grand Piano, known for its stunning, transparent resonance, and the Tine EP I Early, which authentically replicates the earthy, vintage tone of metal rod (tine) electric pianos. The expanded palette also includes FM electric pianos, versatile synth pads, lush leads, and more, providing a wide range of useful sounds for every genre—from timeless classics to modern chart-toppers.
Complementing these are 128 expertly curated programs from the KRONOS Sound Libraries. Developed in collaboration with 12 world-class sound designers, these programs showcase their most inspiring work, handpicked to enhance your sonic palette. This carefully curated selection features new piano voices and a variety of other tones, ensuring that KRONOS remains the ultimate tool for musicians seeking expressive, versatile, and inspiring performance options.
Exclusive programs and combinations
The new KRONOS comes preloaded with an incredible array of iconic sounds from the KRONOS Sound Libraries, delivering instant inspiration and versatility. Among these are:
- KRS-08 Best of TRITON: A brilliant collection of 128 programs from the legendary TRITON, one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time. Included as a preloaded gift, this collection brings the timeless sounds of the TRITON directly to your fingertips.
- KRS-04 Pro Splits and Layers: Essential keyboard splits and layers optimised for seamless, real-time performance.
- KRS-05 Ensemble Combinations: Perfect for band settings, these combinations feature rich brass, lush strings, and powerful synth ensembles.
In addition, KRS-06 and KRS-06B CX-3 Signature Sounds—a collaboration between Korg and top-tier organists—introduce 256 CX-3 organ programs. These faithfully crafted sounds capture the essence of classic tonewheel organs, preloaded and ready to play.
This treasure trove of sounds ensures every musician, from solo performers to ensemble players, has access to the very best that KRONOS has to offer, making it the ultimate music workstation for any creative endeavour.
Unmistakeable style
The KRONOS maintains its legacy of excellence while introducing a fresh, fourth-generation design that blends durability, sophistication, and modern aesthetics. The powder-coated metal body not only ensures exceptional resilience but also provides a premium tactile experience, ready to withstand the demands of stage and studio use.
Adding to its visual appeal, the refined black wooden side panels lend a touch of elegance, making the KRONOS as stunning to look at as it is powerful to play. These thoughtful enhancements ensure that KRONOS not only delivers impeccable performance but also commands attention wherever it goes - a true statement piece for any musician.
Optimised for speed and precision
KRONOS raises the bar for performance efficiency with its reengineered system architecture, delivering a 60% faster startup time compared to previous models. This dramatic improvement minimises downtime, ensuring you're ready to perform or create without delay.
Paired with the enhanced TouchView® interface, KRONOS offers unmatched responsiveness, making every interaction feel instantaneous and effortless. Whether navigating menus, adjusting parameters, or diving into complex workflows, the KRONOS ensures that speed and precision are always at your fingertips.
Effortless compatibility
Since its debut in 2011, KRONOS has consistently evolved, with each generation receiving substantial updates while maintaining full compatibility across models.
This long-term approach ensures that all KRONOS systems can utilise the extensive range of KRONOS Sound Libraries, allowing musicians to seamlessly integrate new sounds and features as they become available.
Looking ahead, a Soundpack will be released in the second half of 2025 for previous KRONOS and NAUTILUS owners, bringing the latest KRONOS sounds to earlier models. This commitment ensures that every musician can benefit from Korg’s ongoing innovations, regardless of their system.
Additionally, the new KRONOS offers two types of preloaded data, optimised to support both KRONOS 1/X and KRONOS 2 in their respective program orders. For those seeking even greater versatility, premium sounds like the Austrian Piano and Italian Piano are available for purchase through the KRONOS Sound Libraries, further expanding its capabilities.
*Two types of preloaded data are available for the new model to support both KRONOS 1/X and KRONOS 2, in either program order.
**Austrian Piano, Italian Piano, etc., which are not included in early models, can be used by purchasing Sound Libraries.
Massive sound selection
KRONOS offers an expansive sonic palette, with thousands of expertly crafted sounds covering every genre. Powered by a vast 21 GB library of preset waveform data and created using multiple synthesis modes, each sound reflects the artistry and precision of the Korg Sound Design team.
The KRONOS internal SSD provides 62 GB* of storage, offering ample space for user sampling and the option to expand your collection with additional KRONOS Sound Libraries. These optional libraries feature professionally programmed sounds, giving you access to fresh tones without requiring any additional hardware.
For the ultimate inspiration, Artist Signature Programs bring you the actual sounds used by top-ranking musicians, while Song Programs recreate the signature keyboard tones of iconic rock and pop classics. Whether you’re honouring the originals or shaping them into something uniquely yours, these sounds provide the perfect starting point for creative exploration.
*SSD capacity is subject to change without notice.
Nine distinct sound engines
At the heart of KRONOS lies its nine powerful sound engines, each a standalone synthesizer capable of delivering unparalleled sonic depth and versatility. Representing the pinnacle of sound design technology, these engines cater to every type of musician, from those seeking ready-to-play tones to ambitious sound designers crafting their own unique creations.
Each engine is equipped with precise programming parameters, real-time controllers, and integrated effects, providing the tools needed to refine every detail of your sound. Assignable modulation routings further enhance creative potential, allowing for intricate customisation and expressive performance control.
Whether you need the warmth of analogue modelling, the precision of PCM sampling, or the dynamic possibilities of physical modelling, the KRONOS sound engines deliver cutting-edge innovation and unmatched flexibility to suit any musical endeavour.
The KRONOS SGX-2 Grand Piano engine redefines realism and expression in piano sound design, building upon the acclaimed SGX-1 functionality to deliver an unparalleled piano-playing experience. Featuring non-looped, natural decay stereo samples recorded for every key, the SGX-2 provides the highest level of authenticity. Unique tools further allow you to tailor the piano sound to your precise needs.
The SGX-2 engine offers four distinct grand pianos, each with its own character:
- Berlin Grand: Resonant and rich, with a striking sense of depth.
- German Grand: Deep and dynamic, perfect for classical performance.
- Japanese Grand: Bright and lively, ideal for contemporary styles.
- Italian Grand: Transparent and gorgeous, bringing a fresh tonal palette to the KRONOS.
Additional enhancements include Sympathetic String Resonance, adding realism when the damper pedal is engaged, and newly recorded Una Corda (soft pedal) samples for even greater expressive control. Please note: the Italian Grand does not include Una Corda effects.
Whether you’re performing on stage or crafting music in the studio, the SGX-2 Grand Piano engine ensures every note resonates with clarity, depth, and emotion.
The EP-1 sound engine brings the warmth and character of six classic electric pianos to the KRONOS. With the addition of the Tine EP I Early, this engine faithfully recreates the nuances of these legendary instruments. Using Multi-Dimensional Synthesis (MDS) technology, the EP-1 eliminates the transitions and unnatural behavior of velocity-switched and looped samples, offering a smooth and expressive playing experience.
Customise your sound with modelled amps, cabinets, speakers, and vintage effects, delivering a comprehensive electric piano package that excels in both performance and production. The EP-1 is your gateway to authentic electric piano tones with unmatched detail and dynamic range.
The CX-3 engine brings the iconic tonewheel organ sound to life, building on Korg's legacy of the original CX-3 combo organ from 1980. This engine features meticulously modelled tonewheels, vacuum tube amp simulations, and vintage effects like Vibrato/Chorus. The rotary speaker effect offers seven types, with joystick control for speed manipulation, adding dynamic realism to your performance.
With obsessively recreated details such as fold-back, leakage, and tonewheel instability, the CX-3 delivers the organ sounds heard in legendary performances. Preloaded with the KRS-06 and 06B expansion libraries, the CX-3 provides 256 programs that bring the rich history of organ sounds to your fingertips.
The HD-1 engine sets the standard for PCM-based sound generation, using proprietary low-aliasing oscillators, full-bandwidth multimode filters, and ultra-smooth envelopes and LFOs. With 21 GB of PCM data—including sounds previously omitted due to memory constraints—this engine delivers unrivalled sonic depth.
Created by Korg's leading sound designers, the HD-1 provides incredible realism and versatility, offering pristine reproductions of acoustic instruments and expansive digital textures. Whether you're looking for lifelike orchestral sounds or intricate electronic layers, the HD-1 engine delivers.
Faithfully recreating the iconic MS-20 synthesizer from 1978, the MS-20EX engine uses Korg’s Component Modelling Technology (CMT) to deliver the aggressive filters, thick sound, and flexible patching capabilities of the original.
The MS-20EX expands upon its legacy with enhanced patch panel functionality, allowing modulation of filters with audio-rate oscillators, audio-to-control signal conversion, and more. With serious polyphony and modern tweaks, the MS-20EX offers the best of analogue with cutting-edge enhancements.
The PolysixEX engine revitalises the beloved Polysix synthesizer from 1981, offering six-voice polyphony, a self-oscillating four-pole filter, and the classic Chorus/Ensemble effect. Perfect for recreating lush strings, atmospheric pads, and signature 80s tones, the PolysixEX goes beyond its predecessor with high polyphony and modern enhancements.
The onboard arpeggiator and smooth analogue textures make this engine a go-to choice for both vintage enthusiasts and contemporary creators.
The AL-1 engine, originally featured in the Korg OASYS, delivers cutting-edge analogue modelling with exceptional clarity and versatility. Its anti-aliasing oscillators and filter morphing capabilities allow for the creation of sounds that traditional analogue synths could never achieve.
From rich basses to shimmering leads, the AL-1 combines the warmth of vintage synthesis with the precision of modern design, making it a powerful tool for sound designers and performers alike.
Combining Variable Phase Modulation (VPM) with wave-shaping, subtractive synthesis, PCM playback, and modular patching, the MOD-7 engine offers an exceptional level of versatility. Inspired by Korg's classic Prophecy and Z1 synthesizers, the MOD-7 is ideal for creating everything from classic FM keyboards to sparkling pads and experimental textures.
Its patchable architecture enables intricate sound design, while compatibility with vintage DX-series synth sounds expands its creative potential even further.
The STR-1 engine brings physical modelling to the forefront, offering unparalleled realism for plucked and struck-string instruments like acoustic guitars, electric guitars, harpsichords, and ethnic instruments.
Far beyond traditional emulation, the STR-1 allows you to design entirely new sounds that respond dynamically to your touch. With its cutting-edge modelling technology, the STR-1 opens up a world of creative possibilities, blending the organic with the innovative.
16-Track MIDI Sequencer / 16-Track Audio Recorder
KRONOS can organize all of the resources you need to get through a song—or a set—using the Set List mode. Using the Set List mode, the TouchView display can host 16 color-coded touch-screen buttons; each one can instantly call up the appropriate Preset, Combination, or Sequence—regardless of mode!
You can even add handy performance notes (“Sing on Chorus;” “Transpose Down;” “Wait for Sax Solo;” etc.) to each one.
The Set List mode adds a dedicated nine-band graphic EQ, allowing the overall tone to be tweaked to match the venue. Set List mode now allows for deeper customization with many slot color options, text size variations, and a full-screen text editor. Connecting a USB computer keyboard makes it simple to enter text and numeric values.
16 onboard effect processors
The KRONOS offers a powerful effects system with 16 versatile effect slots, giving you the flexibility to shape and refine your sound with precision. These slots allow you to assign a wide range of effects, enabling intricate processing across individual timbres, multiple tracks, or even your entire mix.
With 12 Insert Effect slots available, you can apply tailored processing to specific timbres in a Combination or individual tracks in the sequencer. Two Master Effect slots provide global control via sends 1 and 2, while two Total Effect slots ensure the final stage of your mix is cohesive and polished.
In addition, every timbre, sequencer track, and audio track includes a dedicated three-band EQ, allowing subtle tonal adjustments or bold sound transformations. The KRONOS effects system provides the tools you need to elevate every performance and production to professional standards.
USB/MIDI Integration
The KRONOS offers robust USB/MIDI host functionality, enabling seamless integration with class-compliant USB-MIDI controllers. This versatility allows you to enhance your workflow by connecting external controllers directly to the KRONOS without the need for additional hardware or complex setups.
For added convenience, Korg pad-equipped USB MIDI controllers, such as the nanoPAD, nanoPAD2, and padKONTROL, are instantly optimised for use. Pads 1 through 8 are automatically mapped to KRONOS's virtual chord pad function, letting you play drums, trigger chords, or switch between chords in chord mode effortlessly. This streamlined compatibility empowers you to expand your creative possibilities and maximise your performance potential.
Seamless Sound Transitions
The KRONOS ensures your performances remain uninterrupted and flawless with its smooth sound transition technology. Whether you're switching program sounds for the next section of a song or moving between Program and Combination modes, the current sound remains active, with all effects preserved during the change.
This seamless transition capability eliminates dropouts entirely, allowing for fluid and professional performances without compromise. Highly praised by musicians worldwide, this feature ensures that the KRONOS delivers exceptional reliability and consistency, whether on stage or in the studio.
Flagship RH3 Weighted Hammer Action
Experience the authentic feel of a grand piano with Korg’s premium RH3 Real Weighted Hammer Action, featured on the 88- and 73-key models of the KRONOS. Made in Japan with precision craftsmanship, the RH3 keybed is divided into four weight zones, gradually transitioning from heavier in the lower registers to lighter in the higher octaves. This provides a truly natural playing experience that faithfully replicates the touch of an acoustic piano.
Despite its full-size 88-key range, the KRONOS remains slim and compact, fitting comfortably on a standard keyboard stand. This exceptional combination of functionality and design ensures that the KRONOS is equally suited for stage, studio, or home use, delivering unparalleled playability without compromise.
Natural touch semi-weighted action
The KRONOS 61-key model is designed for musicians who demand agility and responsiveness in their performance. Featuring a lightweight and expressive semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch, this keyboard delivers the ultra-quick response ideal for synthesizer and organ playing.
Its compact design enhances portability, making it perfect for musicians on the go, while the semi-weighted action ensures that every nuance of your performance is captured with precision. Whether you’re crafting dynamic synth leads or delivering expressive organ solos, the KRONOS 61-key model is built to inspire.
Advanced Control Surface
The KRONOS delivers unmatched control and expressiveness with its sophisticated array of real-time controllers, designed to enhance performance and streamline navigation. Alongside the intuitive TouchView® display, the control surface provides tactile access to the KRONOS’s powerful features, ensuring every parameter is within easy reach.
To the left of the keyboard, you’ll find a four-way joystick, ribbon controller, and two assignable switches, giving you dynamic control for pitch bends, modulation, and other creative effects. Additionally, the Vector joystick is ideally positioned for effortless manipulation of sound layers and motion effects.
Above the keyboard, nine sliders, eight knobs, and multiple switches allow for precise, real-time interaction with the KRONOS’s vast sound-shaping capabilities. Further enhancing its functionality, the control surface includes a damper pedal input jack with support for half-damping, offering a truly authentic piano feel. Two additional assignable pedal inputs—one for a footpedal and one for a footswitch—expand your creative possibilities even further.
With this comprehensive control surface, the KRONOS gives you the tools to shape your sound and performance with unparalleled precision and flexibility.
More information
Warranty
All new products are sold with a 2-year manufacturer warranty with direct support when bought from Korg UK.
Certified Refurbished products also come with a one year warranty.
Returns
We offer a 30-day returns period on all products purchased directly from Korg UK.
Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
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