Description
The Korg Kronos 73 is a highly regarded digital music workstation keyboard, known for its immense power, versatility, and comprehensive feature set. It’s designed to be a “creation station” for musicians, producers, and performers, offering an all-in-one solution for sound design, sequencing, and live performance.
Key Features and Capabilities:
- Nine Distinct Sound Engines: This is one of the Kronos’s most significant strengths. Each engine is a sophisticated synthesizer in its own right, covering a vast array of sound generation methods:
- SGX-2 Grand Piano: Exceptionally realistic acoustic piano sounds, including sampled German, Japanese, and Berlin Grand pianos, with advanced features like sympathetic string resonance and una corda (soft pedal) samples.
- EP-1 Electric Piano: Authentic vintage electric piano emulations with Multi-dimensional Synthesis (MDS) technology for seamless dynamics and a wide range of amp/cabinet/effects models.
- CX-3 Tonewheel Organ: A faithful recreation of classic tonewheel organs, complete with rotary speaker simulation.
- HD-1 High-Definition Synthesizer: Korg’s premier PCM (sample-based) sound engine, offering a vast library of high-quality sounds from acoustic instruments to synths and drums.
- MS-20EX Analog Modeling: A virtual recreation of Korg’s iconic MS-20 analog monosynth.
- PolysixEX Analog Modeling: A virtual recreation of Korg’s classic Polysix analog polysynth.
- AL-1 Analog Synthesizer: Korg’s high-fidelity analog modeling synthesizer, capable of rich and complex synth sounds.
- MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer: A powerful FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis engine combined with waveshaping and PCM integration, capable of unique and experimental sounds.
- STR-1 Plucked String Physical Modeling: A physical modeling engine dedicated to realistic and expressive plucked string instruments.
- 73-Key Keyboard: The Kronos 73 features Korg’s RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) keybed. This action is designed to provide a realistic piano feel, with a graded hammer response where the keys are heavier in the lower register and lighter in the upper register, mimicking an acoustic grand piano.
- Expansive Sound Library: The Kronos comes with a massive library of sounds, including hundreds of factory programs and combinations, with room for thousands of user programs. It also supports Korg’s EXs expansion libraries.
- Intuitive Control Surface: Features a large, color TouchView display (8 inches) for easy navigation and editing. It also includes real-time knobs, sliders, a 4-way joystick, vector joystick, and ribbon controller for expressive performance and sound manipulation.
- Sequencer and Recorder: A powerful integrated sequencer with 16 MIDI tracks and 16 audio tracks, allowing for comprehensive music production directly on the workstation.
- Effects: A wide range of high-quality effects (up to 197 different types) that can be applied to individual sounds, combinations, or audio tracks.
- KARMA Technology: Korg’s KARMA (Kay Algorithmic Realtime Music Architecture) provides an advanced algorithmic music generation system, allowing for the creation of complex phrases, grooves, and musical textures.
- Drum Track: Kronos 73 Features professional drum performances and patterns to quickly generate realistic drum grooves.
- Set List Mode: Organizes custom settings and performance notes for quick recall during live performances.
- Smooth Sound Transitions (SST): Ensures that notes and effects don’t cut off abruptly when switching between sounds or modes.
- SSD Storage: Utilizes a solid-state drive (SSD) for fast loading of sounds and samples.
- Connectivity:
- Analog Audio Inputs (1/4″ TRS balanced MIC/LINE)
- Analog Audio Outputs (1/4″ stereo main, 4 individual outs)
- Digital I/O (S/PDIF optical)
- MIDI In/Out/Thru
- USB (Type A for external devices, Type B for computer connection)
- Pedal Inputs (Damper, Assignable Switch, Assignable Pedal)
- Unrivaled Sound Diversity: The nine sound engines offer an incredible sonic palette, from hyper-realistic acoustic instruments to cutting-edge synthesizers.
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Kronos 73 has put immense effort into the realism and detail of its sound engines, especially the pianos and electric pianos.
- Comprehensive Workstation: It’s a complete music production studio in one unit, capable of handling everything from sound design to full song arrangements.
- Expressive Playability: The RH3 keybed provides a satisfying and realistic piano feel, and the various controllers offer deep expressive capabilities.
- Deep Editing and Customization: The Kronos offers extensive parameters for sound editing and creation, catering to ambitious sound designers.
- Robust Build Quality: Built to withstand the rigors of live performance and studio use, with a powder-coated metal body and refined wooden side panels.
- Professional Musicians: Ideal for live performers, studio musicians, and composers who need a wide range of high-quality sounds and powerful performance tools.
- Music Producers: Its comprehensive sequencing, recording, and sound design capabilities make it a formidable production hub.
- Sound Designers: The multiple synthesis engines and deep editing options are a dream for those who love to create custom sounds.
- Keyboard Enthusiasts: Anyone looking for a top-tier, all-in-one keyboard instrument with immense creative potential.
The Korg Kronos 73 is a serious investment for serious musicians. Its power and versatility are almost unmatched, making it a central piece of equipment for many professional setups.
