Korg KRONOS Music Workstation


Korg’s brand-new Music Workstation, the KRONOS unveiled at the recent 2011 NAMM show. Kronos is more than a new instrument. It is a single keyboard instrument that brings together multiple synthesis sound engines in Kronos. Korg Kronos features 61-keys, 73-keys or 88-keys, the 61-keys features semi-weighted action whereas, the 73 and 88-keys feature fully weighted hammer-action keyboard. Kronos boasts a complete nine different synthesis sound engines, new interactive performance features, as well as a host of tactile elements, including a new 8″ color touch screen, for easy access to parameters and real time control.

The foundation of any keyboard instrument is the piano and no workstation would be complete without piano sounds, and the Kronos is no exception – a choice of acoustic piano; German Model D – grand and Japanese C Model – robust (presumably based on Steinway and Yamaha grands, respectively) pianos are available using the SGX-1 engine, and each has been sampled at eight velocity levels per key. Their realism is further augmented by the fact that none of the samples are looped, and both models recreate the sound of key and pedal noise, and sympathetic string resonance. Naturally, classic electric piano sounds are also incorporated and are accessible via the EP-1 engine and these sounds are generated on the fly using what Korg call Multi-Dimensional Synthesis (MDS) technology. Six electric piano models are available and due to their synthesized nature each can be extensively tweaked. The EPS-1 engine also includes emulations of cabinets, amps, speaker and vintage effects.

Additionally, a tonewheel organ model is also present, and this comes courtesy of the CX-3 engine. Another modelled affair, this recreates the sound of the classic Hammond organ, complete with valve amplifier, vibrato/chorus and the obligatory Leslie cabinet. The imperfections of the original, including leakage, tonewheel noise and pitch instability, have also been obsessively analysed and recreated. STR-1 is a string-synthesis engine, besides generates guitar, harp, harpsichord, clavinet and other real stringed-instrument sounds, user can also create entirely new sounds. It also allows user to use the synthesis engine to process external audio sources, via the Kronos input jacks. The remaining five sound-generation engines are based either on traditional synthesis techniques or classic hardware synthesizers. The MS20 EX and Polysix EX emulations from Korg  Legacy collection have been incorporated here, with MS20 patching achieved via the touchscreen, and the Polysix EX featuring the original classic arpeggiator.

Korg KRONOS Music Workstation, there is a lot to mention about this monstrous music workstation and many more than could be mentioned here. The portable keyboard comes complete with all of the extras required of a modern workstation, and has exceeded the demands of the modern player. The KRONOS is  a single keyboard instrument designed for live performing musicians,  artists creating in a studio or computer-based production environment and for musicians and sound designers seeking the ultimate synthesizer. Weight 12.5 kg,  20.3 kg and 23 kg respectively.


goat milk
incredibles

Korg SP-250 Digital Piano

The New KORG SP-250 Portable Digital Piano takes sound and performance to new levels of realism. The lightweight portable SP-250 is the solution for musicians who are always on the move. Korg’s prudent, dedication and commitment in sound production is evident in the SP-250 robust and authentic sounds, including a wide variety of piano sounds to cater for different music genre.

The SP-250 has the finest keyboard touch, comes with 88 notes and the pioneer to feature the all new RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 Keyboard). This feature delivers the same experience as playing a grand piano. In addition, the Key Touch Control has three touch curves (light, normal and heavy) for you to choose and each deliver the perfect touch sensitivity for every type of song you play and playing style.

The SP-250 is further enhance with Reverb and Chorus Effects. The dual effects are assignable; Light, Normal and Deep (Three levels each) to complement his or her performance. The control panel is simple and user friendly which includes 19 LED indicators for instant visual feedback. The SP-250 can be connected to a synthesizer, computer , sequencer or other MIDI-equipped device using MIDI In/Out jacks, allowing the SP-250 to be used as both a master keyboard and a 16-part multitimbral sound module for performance and composition. The SP-250 is a complete instrument offering sounds, effects, a robust integrated sound system, solid, stylish and collapsible stand, Damper pedal and AC Adaptor. This instrument is perfect for users who appreciate stylish design and sounds.