KORG KRONOS 3 – 61-SYNTH-KEY MUSIC WORKSTATION
OVERVIEW
Introducing the new generation of KRONOS, Korgs flagship model synthesizer. KRONOS returns, building on the original’s strengths and now with enhanced usability and practicality.
The new KRONOS maintains sound compatibility with all previous models, adds new sounds, increases SSD capacity, dramatically improves startup speed (twice as fast as its predecessor!), and improves the Touchscreen response. This new KRONOS is the musician’s dream keyboard, offering unparalleled versatility for all stage and studio scenarios.
Although the design and structural layout are fundamentally similar to the KRONOS2, the new side panels are unified in black to enhance the overall premium feel of the enclosure. They have been thickened to add a substantial look from the performer’s perspective, while the recessed shape at the bottom gives the entire enclosure a slimmer appearance.
In addition to the thousands of included sound programs and combinations, the new KRONOS introduces 256 additional programs, carefully crafted to elevate your musical creativity. Central to this update are 128 brand-new sound programs, including a stunning Italian piano with gorgeous, transparent resonance, and the Tine EP I Early, an electric piano tone that authentically replicates the earthy, vintage sound of metal rod (tine) mechanisms. These additions, alongside FM electric pianos, versatile synth pads, lush leads, and more, give you a broad palette of truly useful sounds spanning every genre – from timeless classics to modern chart-toppers. In addition to the thousands of included sound programs and combinations, the new KRONOS introduces 256 additional programs, carefully crafted to elevate your musical creativity. Central to this update are 128 brand-new sound programs, including a stunning Italian piano with gorgeous, transparent resonance, and the Tine EP I Early, an electric piano tone that authentically replicates the earthy, vintage sound of metal rod (tine) mechanisms. These additions, alongside FM electric pianos, versatile synth pads, lush leads, and more, give you a broad palette of truly useful sounds spanning every genre – from timeless classics to modern chart-toppers.
Exclusive Programs and CombinationsKRONOS comes preloaded with a treasure trove of iconic sounds from the KRONOS Sound Libraries.- KRS-08 Best of TRITON: A brilliant and inspiring collection of 128 programs from one of the biggest selling synthesizers of all time and included here as a preloaded gift.- KRS-04 Pro Splits and Layers: Essential keyboard splits and layers optimized for real-time performance.- KRS-05 Ensemble Combinations: Band-friendly ensembles featuring brass, strings, and synths.Additionally, KRS-06 and KRS-06B CX-3 Signature Sounds – a joint collaboration between KORG and some specially chosen top-tier organists – bring 256 CX-3 organ programs to your fingertips, preloaded and ready to play. This collection of timeless sounds ensure every performer, from soloists to ensemble players, has access to the best KRONOS has to offer.
Streamlined Control, Unparalleled Intuitiveness: The KRONOS control system has been meticulously refined over generations to deliver a performance interface as intuitive as it is powerful. Its layout – featuring eight real-time knobs, nine sliders, and a suite of performance controls – remains comfortably familiar, empowering musicians to focus on their craft and perform intuitively. At the heart of the interface lies the large, responsive TouchView display, now faster and more responsive than ever and offering at-a-glance access to vital information and settings. This seamless design ensures anyone familiar with previous KRONOS models can effortlessly dive in.
Optimized for Speed and Precision: KRONOS takes performance efficiency to new heights with its significantly improved startup process. Thanks to a reengineered system architecture, startup time is now 60% faster than previous models, drastically reducing downtime. Coupled with an enhanced TouchView interface, KRONOS provides unmatched responsiveness, ensuring every interaction feels instantaneous and intuitive.
Massive Sound Selection: KRONOS comes equipped with thousands of sounds, created using various synthesis modes and calling upon over approximately 21 GB of preset waveform data covering a variety of genres. Each one has been carefully crafted by the KORG Sound Design team. The internal SSD offers a generous 62*GB capacity, providing enormous space for user sampling or downloading additional KRONOS Sound Libraries. These optional KRONOS Sound Libraries add new professionally programmed sounds – without the need to add any new hardware.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
The Artists’ Choice:
A wealth of controls, a powerful touchscreen and an extensive collection of classic sounds— are just some of the reasons why KRONOS is both beloved and respected.
Nine Sound Engines and a Rich Sound Library:
Covering everything from classics to unique sounds. The SSD capacity has been upgraded from 60GB (KRONOS2) to 128GB, enhancing presets and PCM sound sources.
Reduced Preload Time:
Improved preload time from approximately 110 seconds in the previous model to less than half, enabling a much smoother operation start.
A Luxurious Appearance Unified in Black:
The enclosure is finished in black, creating a cohesive appearance that complements acoustic instrument sounds, including piano.
Highly Visible and User-Friendly Touchscreen:
The large 8-inch display among workstation products has improved touch responsiveness to be even more user-friendly.
Improvement in Component Performance:
With the improvement in the performance of the mainboard, the cooling fan has been removed, leading to reduced power consumption and fan noise.
FEATURES & TECHNICAL SPECS
Modelling Synth: 128 sounds newly added. Improved new presets to increase usage opportunities for several sound engines have been added (STR-1, MOD-7, MS-20, Polysix and so on).
KRONOS Sound Libraries: A vast library of extended sounds.
PCM: 128 sounds newly added.
“EXs22” (Una Corda Sound Removed from “EXs21”) added to Piano. This sound is well-regarded and used in models like Kronos SE, Nautilus, GS-1, GSX, and Poetry.
“Tine EP I Early”, included in Nautilus and GS-X, added to E.Piano.
Newly created modern sounds included using NAUTILUS, such as FM Electric piano sounds.
Enhanced SGX-2 Grand Piano Sound Engine with the addition of a premium Italian grand.
Nine Distinct Sound Engines – Massive Sound Selection.
Set List Mode.
16-Track MIDI Sequencer / 16-Track Audio Recorder.
16 Onboard Effect Processors.
USB/MIDI Host Ports Accommodate MIDI Control Surfaces.
Natural Touch Semi-Weighted Action.
Dimensions:
- Height – 120 cm
- Width – 47 cm
- Depth – 26 cm
- Weight – 18.65 kg