Korg Kronos-2 73 Workstation Pre-Owned

The Kronos is in excellent condition and has been fully checked and tested by our in store experts. This keyboard also comes with a 12 month warranty and unlimited technical support.

Korg KRONOS-2 73

The Korg KRONOS-2 73 takes the acclaimed KRONOS workstation to the next level, combining an updated physical design with powerful new technology and an expanded sound library. Designed for live performance, studio production, songwriting and sound design, the KRONOS-2 73 is an exceptionally versatile creative workstation.

Building on the original KRONOS and KRONOS X, Korg expanded the sound library from approximately 12GB to around 21GB, adding new instruments, samples and sounds. The operating system also introduces a range of performance-focused improvements, including an enhanced Set List mode with colour-coded boxes, transpose control, adjustable text and touchscreen drag operation.

The touchscreen interface allows parameters, faders and other controls to be adjusted simply by touching and dragging with a finger. This makes the KRONOS-2 particularly intuitive when editing sounds, controlling effects or working with the virtual interfaces of its various synthesis engines.

A Complete Studio in One Instrument

Key features include:

• 73-note RH3 weighted keyboard with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity
• 16-track MIDI sequencer
• 16-track audio sequencer
• Up to 16 simultaneous effects
• Large colour TFT touchscreen display
• Approximately 21GB of onboard sound data
• 62GB internal SSD storage
• Integrated sampling and sample-editing system
• Nine dedicated sound engines
• Extensive effects processing
• Smooth Sound Transition (SST)
• Advanced Set List mode for live performance
• USB and MIDI controller compatibility

Nine Powerful Sound Engines

The KRONOS-2 73 is much more than a conventional workstation. At its heart are nine dedicated sound engines, each designed around a different synthesis or instrument-modelling technology. Together, they provide an enormous range of sounds and sound-design possibilities.

SGX-2 — Premium Piano Sound Engine

The SGX-2 is Korg's premium acoustic piano engine and builds upon the original SGX-1 system with an expanded collection of detailed piano sounds.

Its advanced velocity-layering technology provides exceptionally smooth transitions between different playing dynamics. The engine also incorporates Una Corda samples, damper and string resonance, and mechanical piano sounds to reproduce the subtle characteristics of a real acoustic piano.

The piano's physical characteristics can be adjusted directly from the touchscreen, including parameters such as the piano lid position and resonance characteristics.

The KRONOS-2 includes three principal concert piano characters: German Grand, Japanese Grand and Berlin Grand.

EP-1 — Electric Piano Engine

The EP-1 engine recreates six classic electric piano instruments using Korg's MDS (Multi-Dimensional Synthesis) technology.

Rather than relying solely on conventional velocity-switched samples, MDS technology creates smooth transitions between playing dynamics for a more natural response. Each electric piano can then be shaped using amplifier modelling and a range of effects.

The touchscreen interface provides visual control over the amplifier, effects and other parameters, allowing classic combinations of chorus, phaser, vibrato, overdrive and other effects to be recreated and customised.

HD-1 — High Definition Synthesizer

HD-1 is Korg's powerful PCM-based synthesis engine, using proprietary low-aliasing sample-playback technology.

It provides extensive control over sampled waveforms and synthesis parameters, making it suitable for everything from acoustic instruments and drums to complex layered synthesizer sounds.

AL-1 — Analogue Synthesizer

The AL-1 is a sophisticated analogue-modelling synthesizer that generates its sounds through synthesis rather than relying on samples.

Oscillators, filters, envelopes and other synthesis parameters can be manipulated extensively, allowing users to create everything from classic analogue sounds to completely new textures. Korg's anti-aliasing technology provides clean, detailed high-frequency reproduction.

CX-3 — Tonewheel Organ

The CX-3 engine models Korg's legendary CX-3 tonewheel organ.

Considerable attention has been given to recreating the characteristics of a vintage tonewheel organ, including tonewheel instability, leakage, foldback and noise. The rotary speaker simulation, overdrive and drawbar controls further enhance the authentic organ experience.

STR-1 — Plucked String Physical Modelling

STR-1 uses physical modelling rather than conventional samples to recreate the behaviour of plucked and struck strings.

This makes it particularly effective for instruments such as acoustic and electric guitars, harpsichords, clavinets, harps and bells, as well as a wide variety of ethnic instruments.

Because the engine models the behaviour of the instrument itself, it can also be used to create entirely imaginary instruments and sounds that would be difficult or impossible to produce using conventional sample playback.

MOD-7 — VPM/FM Synthesizer

MOD-7 combines Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), FM synthesis, waveshaping, sample playback, ring modulation and subtractive synthesis.

Based on technologies associated with classic Korg instruments such as the Prophecy and Z1, MOD-7 provides a powerful semi-modular synthesis environment with extensive sound-design capabilities.

The engine can also import sounds from classic FM synthesizers, making it particularly useful for recreating vintage FM sounds as well as developing completely original patches.

MS-20EX — Analogue Modelling

The MS-20EX faithfully recreates the character of Korg's classic MS-20 analogue synthesizer.

The engine includes the distinctive filters and oscillator architecture of the original, together with an on-screen virtual patch panel. Cables can be connected simply by touching and dragging between virtual sockets on the touchscreen.

This combination of classic analogue architecture and modern digital flexibility provides an extremely powerful environment for creating aggressive basses, leads, effects and experimental sounds.

PolysixEX — Analogue Synthesizer

The PolysixEX is based on Korg's classic Polysix synthesizer and captures its characteristic warm analogue tone.

It features a smooth analogue oscillator, sub-oscillator, self-oscillating four-pole filter and lush Chorus/Ensemble effects. The result is particularly well suited to pads, strings, atmospheric sounds and classic analogue patches.

Open Sampling System

The KRONOS-2 includes a comprehensive sampling system that makes it possible to create your own sounds directly within the workstation.

Two balanced audio inputs allow microphones, instruments and other audio sources to be connected directly to the instrument. Incoming audio can be sampled and edited using a range of tools, including trimming, truncating and looping.

Samples can then be assigned across the keyboard to create custom instruments, layered for velocity switching or manipulated to create entirely new sounds.

The KRONOS-2 also uses SSD streaming technology, allowing large amounts of sample data to be streamed from the internal SSD rather than requiring the entire sample to be loaded into RAM. This provides access to a very large collection of samples and sounds while keeping memory requirements comparatively low.

Colour Touchscreen with Drag Control

The KRONOS-2's large colour touchscreen provides a central interface for controlling and editing the workstation.

The enhanced touchscreen drag functionality allows many parameters to be adjusted simply by touching and dragging. Volume faders, synthesis parameters, effect controls and numerical values can all be manipulated quickly.

The system is particularly useful with the virtual synthesizer engines. For example, connections within the MS-20EX virtual patch panel can be made by dragging a finger between sockets. Piano parameters such as the lid position can also be adjusted directly on screen.

This approach gives the KRONOS-2 a much more hands-on feel while keeping a huge number of parameters immediately accessible.

Set List Mode for Live Performance

The KRONOS-2's enhanced Set List mode is designed specifically with live performers in mind.

Programs, combinations and songs can be arranged into an easy-to-read grid, with the display configurable to show four, eight or sixteen entries at a time. Each entry can contain user-defined text, making it possible to add song titles, lyrics, performance notes or other useful information.

The blocks can also be colour-coded, making it easier to identify different types of sounds or sections of a live performance.

Transpose settings can be stored with individual Set List entries, allowing different transpositions to be recalled instantly when required.

The KRONOS-2 also features Korg's Smooth Sound Transition (SST) technology. When changing from one sound to another, previously played notes and their effects can continue naturally while the new sound is selected. This helps minimise unwanted interruptions when changing sounds during a live performance.

Sequencing and Composition

The KRONOS-2 73 provides a comprehensive 16-track MIDI sequencer alongside a 16-track audio recorder.

The MIDI sequencer provides extensive recording and editing facilities, with access to the workstation's huge range of sounds and up to 16 simultaneous effects per song.

A complete Combi setup can also be transferred into the sequencer, including its Drum Track and KARMA settings, allowing an idea to be captured quickly without having to recreate the setup manually.

Each track has its own level indication, while the touchscreen provides convenient control over track levels and other parameters.

Detailed editing functions allow notes and musical passages to be copied, pasted, duplicated, erased and modified individually. Punch-in recording can also be used to replace specific sections without having to record an entire performance again.

For those who need inspiration, the KRONOS includes song templates containing pre-configured sounds and settings for different musical styles, including appropriate drum patterns.

The KRONOS-2 also allows program sounds to be edited directly from the sequencer. This means sounds can be modified while the sequence is playing, allowing changes to be heard immediately.

16-Track Audio Recording

Alongside its MIDI sequencer, the KRONOS-2 provides 16 audio tracks.

External instruments, microphones and other audio sources can be recorded directly into the workstation, with recordings stored on the internal 62GB SSD.

Recorded audio can be edited and processed using the KRONOS effects system, including amplifier simulations, reverbs, delays and other effects.

Completed projects can be stored internally or transferred to USB storage or an external hard drive. Finished compositions can also be exported as stereo WAV files for further production or mastering.

Extensive Effects Processing

The KRONOS-2 provides a powerful effects architecture consisting of:

• 12 Insert Effects (IFX)
• 2 Master Effects (MFX)
• 2 Total Effects (TFX)

This provides up to 16 simultaneous effects, with the Insert Effects capable of being assigned to individual or multiple timbres and sequencer tracks.

Master Effects can be applied through the send system, while Total Effects operate across the final output stage.

A dedicated three-band EQ is also available for individual timbres, sequencer tracks and audio tracks, providing further control over the overall tonal balance.

The KRONOS includes 197 different effect types, ranging from reverbs and delays to modulation effects, dynamics processing, amplifier modelling and more. Effects can also be applied to external audio sources, allowing instruments such as guitars to be processed through amplifier and other effects before or after recording.

USB MIDI Controller Compatibility

The KRONOS-2 is class-compliant, allowing compatible USB MIDI controllers to be connected directly.

For example, devices such as Korg's nanoPAD2 can be used to control functions including the KRONOS chord pad system, providing additional hands-on control during performance and production.

Redesigned KRONOS Cabinet

Alongside its technological improvements, Korg also redesigned the physical appearance of the KRONOS for the second-generation model.

The KRONOS-2 features new wooden end panels, replacing the plastic panels used on the original model. These give the instrument a more refined appearance while complementing its professional workstation design.

The display surround was also redesigned, while the rear upper panel uses a perforated metal construction that contributes to the updated appearance and may assist with ventilation.

The Complete KRONOS Experience

The Korg KRONOS-2 73 combines nine powerful sound engines, an extensive sound library, sophisticated sampling, MIDI and audio sequencing, comprehensive effects processing and an intuitive touchscreen interface into a single workstation.

Whether used as the centrepiece of a live keyboard rig, a songwriting workstation, a studio production system or a powerful sound-design instrument, the KRONOS-2 73 provides an enormous range of tools and sounds in one integrated instrument.