Korg Kronos 3 - 61 Note Workstation

KRONOS is back, and better than ever. Combining unrivalled power, speed, and versatility, the new KRONOS features a reengineered architecture with 60% faster start-up, 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.

KRONOS 3 61 Key - Main Features

• Reengineered system architecture with 60% faster startup time
• Enhanced TouchView display for faster, more intuitive control
• Powder coated metal body with sleek black wooden side panels
• 62GB SSD for extensive user sampling and sound library expansion
• Over 300 premium Sound Libraries available, including curated content from top designers
• 256 new programs, with highlights like the Italian Grand Piano and Tine EP I Early
• Nine powerful sound engines, each excelling as a standalone synthesizer
• Advanced Set List mode with customisation options and performance notes
• Comprehensive eXects suite with 16 onboard processors and detailed EQs
• 16 MIDI and 16 audio tracks for advanced sequencing and recording
• RH3 weighted hammer action and semi weighted keyboard options
• Open Sampling System for flexible audio manipulation
• Backward compatibility with earlier KRONOS models
• Integrated KARMA and Drum Tracks for creative phrase and groove generation

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.

KRONOS 3 61 - Optimised for speed and precision

The new generation 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.

New Colour TouchView display

The KRONOS 61 houses a new large eight-inch SVGA colour TouchView display. Boasting a high resolution of 800 x 600 pixels, this vibrant touchscreen serves as the nerve centre of the instrument, offering an intuitive and visually rich interface. Beyond simple sound selection and parameter adjustments, the enhanced Touch -Drag functionality provides precise, detailed control, allowing you to make intricate changes with ease. From adjusting the lid height of a grand piano to configuring patch cables on a semi-modular synthesizer, the interactive instruments and panel graphics open up a world of creative possibilities.

To further streamline your workflow, the TouchView display features a Search Function, enabling you to quickly locate and preview sounds by title. With its seamless navigation and advanced features, the TouchView display ensures every interaction with KRONOS is intuitive, efficient, and inspiring.

Compatibility With Original KRONOS and KRONOS2

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.

Nine Synthesizer Engines, United in One Instrument

KRONOS harnesses nine distinct synthesizer/sound engines into a single, integrated musical instrument. Dynamic voice allocation and new technologies allow all sound engines to smoothly share a stable, enhanced hardware platform.

Enhanced SGX-2 Grand Piano Sound Engine

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.

EP-1 MDS Electric Piano Sound Engine

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 behaviour 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.

CX-3 Tonewheel Organ Sound Engine

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.

HD-1 High Definition Synthesizer Engine

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.

MS-20EX Analog Modelling Sound Engine

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.

PolysixEX Analog Modelling Sound Engine

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 eXect. 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.

AL-1 Analog Synthesizer Sound Engine

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.

MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer Sound Engine

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.

STR-1 Plucked String Sound Engine

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 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 on to professional standards.

KRONOS 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.