WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Latest Portable Music Keyboards, Synthesizers and Music News

Today, Korg has announced the return of the KRONOS, its flagship keyboard workstation, with three new fourth-generation models.

In addition to the thousands of included sound programs and combinations, the new KRONOS introduces 256 additional programs. Central to this update are 128 new sound programs, including an Italian piano with gorgeous, transparent resonance, and the Tine EP I Early, an electric piano tone that 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 useful sounds.

Complementing these are 128 sounds from the KRONOS Sound Libraries. This selection also features new piano voices ensuring KRONOS remains your ultimate go-to keyboard.

While the hallmark features of KRONOS remain unchanged, its fourth-generation design introduces subtle yet striking updates. The powder-coated metal body offers exceptional durability, while the black wood side panels add a sophisticated edge.

Thanks to a reengineered system architecture, startup time is now 60% faster than previous models. Coupled with an enhanced TouchView interface, the 4th-gen KRONOS provides is designed to provide instantaneous and intuitive interaction.

Here’s what’s new in the 4th generation Korg Kronos:

• 256 new programs
  • 128 new sounds (including Italian Grand, Tine EP I Early)
  • 128 curated from KRONOS Sound Libraries
• Faster, more responsive TouchView display
• 60% faster startup time
• New chassis with powder-coated metal and black wood side panels

Features:

• 9 sound engines including SGX-2 (acoustic piano), EP-1 (electric piano), MOD-7 (FM), and more
• Enhanced SGX-2 engine with Berlin and Italian grand pianos
• 8″ TouchView display with drag-and-drop, parameter search, and improved response
• Set List Mode with color-coded presets, real-time notes, and built-in EQ
• Seamless Sound Transitions (SST) for smooth patch changes
• 16-track MIDI + audio recorder with 48 kHz audio and editing tools
• Advanced control surface: sliders, knobs, vector joystick
• Available in 61, 73, or 88 keys with semi-weighted or RH3 fully weighted keybeds

For previous KRONOS and NAUTILUS owners, KORG will release a Soundpack in the second half of 2025 that brings the latest KRONOS sounds to earlier models, ensuring every musician can benefit from KORG’s ongoing innovations.

Visit the Korg site for details.

Ableton has released a free firmware update for Move that adds a variety of new features and improvements.

What’s new in Ableton Move 1.5.0:

• New Features & Improvements:
  • Auto Filter – The Auto Filter audio effect, including presets, has been added to Move’s Core Library. Auto Filter is a versatile filter effect that includes many interesting filter types and modulation possibilities.
  • MIDI I/O – MIDI input and output can now be active simultaneously. Additionally, MIDI send and receive channels can be configured for each track.
  • MIDI Sync – Move can now receive MIDI from an external device. To set up external sync, hold Shift and press Step 2 to open the Setup menu, then select MIDI Sync. This setting now includes an In option for receiving incoming MIDI Sync.
  • Sample Slicing – To enter Slicing mode, hold Shift and press the wheel while a sample is in focus on the display. Then press the wheel again to select the Slice option.
  • Drum Sampler
    • The Hold parameter, which is available in Trigger Mode, can now be set to Inf (infinite)
    • Parameter banks can now be accessed by holding Shift and turning the wheel while a sample is in focus on the display. Previously, accessing banks was possible by holding Shift and pressing the wheel, which is now used to enter Slicing mode.
    • When playing drum pads, samples whose start and end points have been adjusted now include markers on the display to indicate the active region that is being played.
• Bugfixes:
  • Fixed an issue where extending the previous step shortened a following step.
  • Fixed a crash that occurred when receiving MIDI while disabling MIDI input.
  • Fixed a rare crash that occurred when changing the Sample Gain.

See the Ableton site for details.

Today,  Polyend has announced the Tracker Mini 10th Anniversary Edition, in celebration of the company’s 10th anniversary.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“To celebrate 10 years of Polyend, we’ve designed a limited edition Tracker Mini.

The classic Tracker Mini experience with a new look. Encased in a solid, precision-machined aluminum body, this exclusive version features redesigned buttons and a high contrast glass screen. This is a premium, limited-run device — designed and assembled, without compromise, at our headquarters in Poland.”

The  Tracker Mini 10th Anniversary Edition is available to preorder, in two finishes, black and silver, priced at $998.