Sequencer composition tools with KARMA & Drum tracks
Open Sampling System
16 effect processors
3-band EQ per track
Set list mode
Smooth Sound Transitions
120GB SSD hard disk
21GB waveform data
Stereo output + 4 individual outputs
2 Mic/Line audio inputs
S/P Dif In & Out
Audio & MIDI via USB
MIDI In, Out & Thru
USB/MIDI host ports for MIDI control surfaces
3 pedal inputs (sustain, expression, switch)
KRONOS Demo Songs
The Korg Kronos 3 88 at a glance
With the Kronos 3, Korg is launching the third Generation of its popular synthesizer workstations. The "2025 version" of the all-rounder for hobby, stage and performance presents itself in a new look, which is emphasized by the powder-coated metal housing and the black wooden side panels. There have also been some technical changes: the newly developed system architecture ensures a significantly improved starting process, which is now approx. 60% faster than with the previous models. In addition, thanks to the new system architecture, the instrument works more reliably and efficiently than ever before, which also applies to the improved 8" TouchView display. The weighted 88-key RH3 keyboard with genuine hammer action provides an excellent, balanced playing feel. As the models are backwards compatible, the triple can read and process the programs of the previous model generations.
Even more sounds for the third generation
In addition to numerous PCM sounds and Drum kits, nine different sound generation models are among the highlights of the Kronos 3. MS-20, CX-3, Polysix and Prophecy, but also high-quality Electric piano and grand piano sounds as well as string instruments and cutting-edge synthesizer sounds. The optimized SGX-2 Grand Piano Sound Engine shines alongside the outstanding Berlin Grand with a new, additional premium concert grand piano made in Italy. The Kronos 3 comes with 256 brand new sound programs developed by the world's leading sound designers. On top of that, the synthesizer workstation comes with the legendary sounds from the KRONOS sound libraries KRS-08 Best or TRITON, KRS-04 Pro Splits and Layers, KRS-05 Ensemble Combinations, KRS-06 and KRS-06 CX-3 Signature sounds delivered. The bottom line is that you have direct access to over 2500 sounds. More sounds are available via the optionally available, huge sound Library with over 300 titles (for a fee).
Extensive sound generation
The sound engine of the Kronos 3 contains nine different sound generation methods, ranging from high-quality pianos with grandiose Berlin Grand and Italian Grand pianos, to wicked synthesizer sounds from Korg classics such as eg. MS-20 and PolySix to selected sounds for orchestral music or the tried and tested sound requirements for rock and pop. The instrument is equipped with an additional 314 MB of PCM sounds ex works, and this selection can be expanded by the user to up to 3GB. With 21GB of waveform data, not only is an enormous pool of sounds provided, but their high quality is also guaranteed by uncompressed audio data. A total of 2560 sounds and 104 drum kits are pre-installed. The maximum polyphony of the engines varies and also depends on which other engines are used on the MIDI tracks.
SGX-2: high-quality piano (100 voices)
EP-1: various electric piano models (104 voices)
CX-3: simulation of the CX-3 drawbar organ
HD-1: digital synthesizer with powerful, crystal-clear sounds (140 voices)
MS-20EX: Simulation of the MS-20 synthesizer with extended possibilities (40 voices)
PolysixEX: reincarnation of the Polysix synthesizer from 1981 (180 voices)
AL-1: good cross-section of analog synthesizer sounds (80 votes)
MOD-7: masters the iconic Korg Prophecy / Z-1 sounds and even FM (52 votes)
STR-1: the physical modeling specialist for stringed instruments of all kinds (40 voices)
Effects power
The effects can certainly be counted as part of the sound generation; the Kronos 3 has 16 effect processors that can be used to add the finishing touches to your sounds. Each track also has its own 3-band EQ. The twelve insert effects can be used with one sound, a combination or on several sequencer tracks at the same time. Further final effects are available to enhance the sum. The effects can even be applied to the stereo audio input, making Kronos 3 an equally impressive effects unit.
Sampler!
With the Open Sampling System, Korg has implemented an uncomplicated way to record samples from external audio sources and process them in the device, even resampling is possible. The maximum sampling time depends on the amount of memory remaining in the PCM sounds memory, i.e. a maximum of 80 minutes in Stereo in disk mode. Various sample formats such as AIFF, WAV, SoundFont 2.0 and AKAI S1000/3000 can be loaded via USB. The Kronos 3 can be connected to a computer network via a USB Ethernet adapter, which significantly speeds up data exchange between the instrument and a computer.
Sequencer and live functions
A comprehensively equipped synthesizer workstation must of course include a sequencer. There are 16 note and audio tracks each to support the musician in all his actions and to record ideas. Many workstations rely on styles, but not the Kronos 3, which uses KARMA from the 2001 synthesizer of the same name. This algorithmic music technology generates complex phrases, drum grooves and sophisticated accompaniment patterns ad hoc. Based on the notes and chords played (and the settings made), KARMA produces amazing and, above all, musical results. Some may remember the Drum Tracks function from the M3 Workstation from 2007. Drum patterns are played automatically (if desired) and range from simple click tracks to complex drum accompaniments. The special thing about the Drum tracks adapted for the Kronos 3 is that they contain the special playing style of professional drummers, which significantly increases the dynamic articulation. Here too, most of the operating steps are color-coded and can be accessed via the touch display. There is also an extensively adjustable arpeggiator with plenty of presets on board, which can be applied to any note track. Musicians who work on several projects at the same time will appreciate the directly accessible and fully editable set lists.
Professional connections
The rear of the Kronos 3 is pleasingly versatile. In addition to the keyboard, there are also foot pedal connections for expression, Sustain and footswitch. This increases the expressive possibilities on the keyboard with the usual pedals. MIDI is communicated via the In/Out/Thru and USB connection trio. This is perfect for anyone who wants to operate additional equipment such as a rack expander or a DAW with the Kronos 3. In its capacity as a complete all-in-one Live workstation and sampler, audio inputs are of course a must! On the input side, the keyboard shines with two switchable balanced microphone/line inputs with a 6.3 mm jack. There are six balanced 6.3mm jack sockets for signal output, which can be configured as 3x Stereo or 1x Stereo and 4x mono. The now rare optical S/P DIF format allows the recording and output of a stereo signal. There are two USB-A ports for expanding the memory and connecting additional keyboards and controllers. MIDI and a stereo signal are sent and received via the USB-B port.
KRONOS Returns: The Next Generation of Music Workstation