Summer NAMM 2012: Korg Kronos X launched

Released in 2011, Korg's Kronos has set the standard for high-spec keyboard worksations. Now we have an enhanced version: Kronos X.

Shipping with the new version 2.0 software, the Kronos X adds a larger SSD and 2GB of available sampling space. You can also add a second SSD for even more storage.

Check out the official details from Korg below: Kronos X will be shipping in 61-, 71- and 88-note varieties. Pricing has yet to be confirmed. The version 2.0 software will be free for existing Kronos owners.

Korg Kronos X official specs

Expand your imagination

The KRONOS music workstation was unveiled in 2011. Everyone who experiences its sound reacts with astonishment at how far electronic musical instruments have come --- followed, no doubt, by the thought "what can possibly follow this?!" But, in the year since its inception, KORG has continued to release system updates and additional KRONOS Sound Libraries, bringing the KRONOS to an even higher state of perfection.

Rather than resting on its laurels. In 2012, the KRONOS continues to evolve. Boosting its internal memory capacity and the size of its SSD, as well as enhancing its sampler functionality, we have included more of the latest technology in order to make the KRONOS the ultimate workstation. Fittingly, its new name adds an "X" to indicate its unknown potential.

Ready to take off into the unknown future of sound we present the new KRONOS X music workstation.

KRONOS X Highlights

• Peerless synthesizer containing nine sound engines, such as realistic piano, richly expressive electric piano, tonewheel organ, digital synthesis, and powerful analog/physical modeling.
• Approximately 2GB of available PCM RAM and a doubled SSD capacity of 62 GB allow support for gigantic sound library expansions, such as the KRONOS Sound Libraries and the KARO Sound Libraries.
• User Sample Bank feature allows users to create extremely large sample libraries that take advantage of the generous PCM RAM and SSD capacity.
• Numerous artist signature sounds created by top musicians are included, letting you make the sounds of classic songs your very own.
• 16-part Combis allow all engines to function together in perfect harmony; Dynamic Voice Allocation keeps the polyphony high.
• Use up to 16 premium-quality effects at once; individual effects rival dedicated units
- 12 Insert effects
- 2 Master effects
- 2 Total effects
• On-board sequencer offers 16 MIDI tracks + 16 audio tracks (24-bit, 48kHz recording quality)
• Open Sampling System - Instant sampling and resampling from any mode: Program, Combination or Sequencer.
• Sophisticated KARMA® technology generates infinitely variable performance-driven phrases, musical effects, and backing tracks to catalyze your creativity
• Expanded Drum Track for play-along grooves and inspiration
• Set List mode: Organize the Programs, Combis, and Songs you need to perform your set in a single, easy-to-select screen - including performance notes!
• Smooth Sound Transition: this often-requested feature allows held or sustained notes to keep sounding when changing sounds or modes.
• Direct support for playing drums and chords from Korg pad-equipped USB controllers, including the nanoPAD, nanoPAD2, padKONTROL; general support for all class-compliant USB controllers, including the Korg nano series and microKEY series
• Support for the KRONOS Editor and Plug-in Editor software
• USB Ethernet adapter compatibility enables high-speed data communication between the KRONOS X and your computer.
• Available with 61, 73 or 88 keys. 73 and 88 key models feature Korg's finest RH3 Graded Hammer Action.
• Comprehensive interface, based around a large 8" TFT TouchView™ display

A peerless synthesizer packed with nine sound engines --- including realistic piano, richly expressive electric piano, tonewheel organ, digital synthesis, and powerful analog/physical modeling -- all in a single unit.

The KRONOS X Music Workstation is the single instrument designed for live performing musicians; for artists creating in a studio or computer-based production environment; and for musicians and sound designers seeking the ultimate synthesizer. In creating KRONOS X, we have listened to many musicians and have heard their requests. And KRONOS X delivers.

LIVE - for the performing keyboard player

KRONOS X provides the absolute finest in keyboard sounds; accurate and responsive to the player's technique. The expansive control surface offers joysticks, sliders, knobs, switches, a ribbon controller, assignable pedal inputs, and of course our high-resolution color TouchView™ display. Performance-oriented additions include our easy-to-use Set List mode for song-specific and gig-ready sound selection, and our Smooth Sound Transition feature. Plus, we've included our finest RH3 keybed on both the 73 and 88 key models for a solid performance; the 61 key enjoys the responsive action shared with the Korg M3-61.

PRODUCTION - satisfying the producer, music director, and musician

For many, the studio is where the work gets done; from laying down tracks, to building up grooves for an on-stage extravaganza, to delivering the soundtrack for today's media rich world. For these creative leaders, Korg has equipped the KRONOS X Music Workstation's sequencer with 16-track MIDI tracks plus 16 audio tracks, our Open Sampling System, dazzling hi-fidelity effects, as well as flawless plug-in integration with many popular DAW platforms. Of course, KRONOS X is equipped with phenomenal sound, dynamic drums, and an impressive array of premium sound effects. Add to that the ability to use KARMA, the Drum Track, and the sequencer's RPPR to greatly speed up and enrich the music creation process.

SYNTHESIS - programming joy for the enthusiast and sound designer

In addition to being Korg' premier workstation, KRONOS X has it in its blood to satisfy the programmer, sound designer, and synthesizer enthusiast; the musician who dreams of turning visions of the cosmos into sound, of tweaking parameters to conjure invisible sounds from the ether. KRONOS X rekindles KORG's founding dream that is at the core of synthesis: the exhilaration and enjoyment of creating new sounds, sounds never before heard! A variety of exclusive Korg technologies drive the synth engines to provide astounding results - CMT (Component Modeling Technology); Physical Modeling, Digital Synthesis, Wave Sequencing, MDS (Multi-Dimensional Synthesis); KARMA® and more!

Nine Synthesizer Engines, United in One Instrument

KRONOS X contains nine distinct synthesizer/sound engines. While each is worthy of a separate product in its own right, KRONOS X brings them all together into a single, integrated musical instrument. Dynamic voice allocation and innovative technologies allow all sound engines to smoothly share a stable, enhanced hardware platform. The results are nothing less than spectacular.

SGX-1 Premium Piano

Piano sound engine

You've never heard pianos like this on any workstation. To accurately capture the rich character of a concert piano, KORG abandoned working within the limitations of existing sampling methods. The KRONOS X is able to play large samples directly from the internal high-capacity Solid State Disk (SSD). The SGX-1 Premium Piano sound engine offers two distinctive grand pianos; a rich German D piano, and a robust Japanese C model. Each uses superb, un-looped stereo samples sampled at eight velocity levels for each and every key. Thoughtful attention to detail preserves the realism and warmth of the piano sound; this extends even to sampling and reproducing the body resonances of the grand piano, as well as the mechanical noise that occurs when the keys are played, or the damper pedal is pressed and released. The foundation of any keyboard instrument is the piano; the SGX-1 engine allows KRONOS X to confidently deliver on this sonic ideal.

EP-1 MDS Electric Piano

Electric piano sound engine

Our EP-1 sound engine is dedicated to faithfully recreating six of the most popular classic electric pianos. The MDS (Multi-Dimensional Synthesis) technology eliminates the transitions between velocity-switched samples, and does away with the unnatural behavior of looped samples. It also provides the user with unique control over the tines, reeds, and noise elements that make up the essential character of these timeless and coveted electromechanical instruments. The MDS sounds respond smoothly to the subtleties of the player's keyboard touch. This technology also delivers an astounding dynamic range - far superior to what one might expect from digital technology - so that the energy of climactic passages is accurately preserved. Each of the six electric piano models provides realistic simulations of the period amp, cabinet, speaker, and even the hard-to-find vintage effects that gave the original instruments their distinctive sound. From the sounds, to the touch, to the effects; every element has been coordinated in a single package to create the ultimate electric piano experience.

CX-3 Tonewheel Organ

Tonewheel organ sound engine

The original KORG CX-3 combo organ went on sale in 1980. Loved by musicians around the world, this classic organ reappeared in 2000 as a new product with the same name, but using the latest technology of the time to faithfully model the tonewheel organ sound. In KRONOS X, the CX-3 engine precisely models this classic tonewheel instrument. Proprietary KORG technology has been used to perfectly reproduce the vacuum tube amp, and effects such as Vibrato/Chorus and the "must-have" rotary speaker. Even the instability, fold-back, leakage, and noise of the tonewheels have been obsessively analyzed and recreated. Take full advantage of KORG's exclusive EX mode and switch from 9 to 18 drawbars (13 footages plus 5 to define the percussion) and generate even richer and more detailed sounds. The organ sounds heard in legendary performances - some recreated here by the original artists - are now yours for the playing. Go ahead and experience these classic organ sounds, reborn for the present day.

HD-1 High Definition Synthesizer

Flagship PCM, sampling and Wave Sequencing sound engine

We named the HD-1"High Definition" because of its superior sound, starting with KORG's proprietary low-aliasing sample playback oscillators, full‐bandwidth multimode resonant filters, and extraordinarily fast & smooth envelopes and LFOs. The HD-1 can access a larger sample set - gigabytes in size - than could be normally stored using internal memory. The HD-1 covers all of the essential sounds in exquisite detail, from orchestral to classic rock to hip-hop, all instantly available. The extensive array of samples provided by KRONOS X is unparalleled by previous hardware synthesizers or samplers, and is a superb fit for film, video and sound effect work.

Wave Sequencing

First introduced on the KORG WAVESTATION, and used here as part of the HD-1, Wave Sequences play a series of samples over time, creating distinctive rhythmic timbres or smooth, complex evolving sounds. Additionally, step-sequencer modulation outputs allow Wave Sequences to control any modulate-able Program parameter.

Ambient Drums

The HD-1 sound engine also includes our "Ambient Drums." Take advantage of this rich sample content to create incredibly realistic drum parts. The Ambient Drums feature two kits. Each provides three different mic'ing positions, capturing the whole kit, (with the snare on and off), plus the individual hits. The HD-1 voice architecture allows the custom blending of the drum's direct sound and ambient sound layer, adding a finished quality to the track.

AL-1 Analog Synthesizer

High-fidelity analog modeling sound engine

Feature-packed, the AL-1 is the same premium analog modeling sound engine that was first featured on the KORG OASYS, the Open Architecture Synthesis Studio back in 2005. Its patented ultra‐low‐aliasing oscillators (using completely different technology than the HD‐1) recreate all the power and glory of true analog synthesis— without the artifacts that can plague lesser instruments. Morphing waveforms allow you to change the oscillator shapes in real‐time. Resonance modeling lets you choose between classic filter sounds, and the extraordinarily flexible MultiFilter lets you create your own hybrid filter shapes. Hard sync, analog‐style FM, drive, low‐boost, and ring modulation offer plenty of tone-twisting power.

MS-20EX Legacy Analog Collection

Analog modeling sound engine

Debuting in 1978, the MS-20 unified a 37-note keyboard with a vertically oriented control panel, and was easily obtainable by those smitten by expensive and gigantic furniture-sized synthesizers. With a thick and solid sound, aggressive filters, and patching that opened up limitless potential for creating sounds, the MS-20's rich personality captivated countless synth freaks. Using KORG's CMT (Component Modeling Technology) the MS-20EX faithfully reproduces the MS-20 while dramatically expanding its patch panel functionality. Modulate filters with audio-rate oscillators; turn audio inputs into control signals; control all of the original knobs with mod sources including additional envelopes, LFOs, and real‐time controllers. It's a tweaker's dream, but even without the patch panel, the MS-20EX would make waves with its unique, aggressive tone—due in large part to its signature filters, which are completely different from those in either the AL-1 or the PolysixEX. And of course the KRONOS X version is now majorly polyphonic.

PolysixEX Legacy Analog Collection

Analog modeling sound engine

The Polysix first appeared in 1981, offering six-voice polyphony, program memory, and a surprisingly competitive price tag. With its self-oscillating four-pole filter, smooth analog oscillator and sub-oscillator, plus a lush Chorus/Ensemble effect, the PolysixEX extends the abilities of the original in many creative ways. The strings and pads that were such a major feature of the Polysix will be invaluable when you need the sounds of the early '80s. The classic arpeggiator built into the original Polysix is also provided. We've added modulation of every control on the front panel, for a world of sounds impossible on the original. It's also very well-suited to hands-on control via the KRONOS X' Tone Adjust; with a knob, slider, or switch for almost all of the original Polysix controls. As a bonus, it's also capable of extremely high polyphony.

MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer

VPM/Waveshaping/PCM processing sound engine

Combine Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), wave-shaping, ring modulation, samples, and subtractive synthesis, plus a modular patch‐panel system, and you have the MOD-7. Exceptionally versatile, it offers everything from classic FM keyboards, bells and basses (including the ability to import sounds from vintage DX synths) to rhythmic soundscapes and sparkling, epic pads. "Vast" sample‐mangling capabilities, with incredible flexibility and power, let you create intensely rich processing environments: combine multiple stages of filtering, waveshaping, and ring modulation - even use samples as FM modulators - all patched together however you like.

STR-1 Plucked String Synthesizer

Physical modeling sound engine

Based on the physical modeling know-how KORG developed over the course of many years, this struck/plucked-string physical modeling sound engine takes advantage of cutting-edge technology. The STR-1 begins with highly playable sounds whose tone responds to your touch in ways that are difficult for a PCM sound engine to replicate. These include acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harpsichord, clavinet, harps, bells, and ethnic instruments. Then the STR-1 goes beyond, allowing the creation of sounds that obey physical laws, but that don't exist in reality. Play harmonics on a metal bar "plucked" by a piano or sing into a guitar string; with the STR-1, it's all possible. You can also process samples and live audio input through the physical model—including audio feedback from any of the KRONOS X effects! While some of the KRONOS X engines look back in time, this a sound engine of the future, one that allows the synthesizer programmer to construct truly new sounds.

Room to Expand

Since the KRONOS appeared, KRONOS Sound Library expansions have continued to be released. In order to let you take full advantage of these libraries, which offer selections with a different flavor than the preload programs in the KRONOS, the KRONOS X doubles both the PCM RAM capacity to approximately 2GB and the SSD capacity to 62GB. Starting in March 2012, the KARO Sound Libraries from the German company KARO Sound Development have joined the list with twenty titles already available, further enhancing the value of the KRONOS X. The KRONOS X also contains the EXs 10 - 13 expansion sample series of KRONOS Sound Libraries pre-installed in demo mode. After you've tried them out, you can obtain these rich sounds for yourself by simply purchasing a license key.

https://www.korg.com/kronosSoundLibraries

User Sample Banks let you create your own high-capacity sample libraries.

User Sample Banks bring the benefits of KORG's EXs to your own custom sample libraries. You can load and play many gigabytes of your custom or converted samples at once, using the internal SSD. Disk and memory management is also improved: you can create subsets of User Sample Banks, and mix and match parts of different banks, without duplicating samples on disk. It's also easy to share sounds with friends and collaborators, since Programs, Wave Sequences, and Drum Kits maintain links to User Sample Banks even when samples are moved on disk or loaded onto a different KRONOS instrument. Create your own samples, or import Akai and SoundFont 2.0 libraries using new, improved conversion features.

Premier Artist Contributions

In order to take full advantage of these nine sound engines, KORG called on respected musicians to guide our sound design team towards their individual ideals. Responding positively, numerous world-class players contributed their time, energy, and critical listening to help us zero in on making the sound respond the way they hear it! Certain artist signature sounds were tested, judged and tweaked by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Jordan Rudess, Frank McComb, George Duke, Lyle Mays, Russ Ferrante, Tom Coster, John Novello, Ricky Lawson and several other artists known for their serious love of sound and for their critical, demanding ears.

KORG's Rock-Solid Workstation Integration Puts it all Together

Packed with unlimited sound potential, KRONOS X is much more than a synthesizer. KRONOS X comes complete with all of the extras required of a modern workstation, plus so much more. From music production to live performance, the KRONOS X Music Workstation integrates a world-class list of tools into a single, reliable instrument. Under the hood, all nine engines share the same hardware, with no separate cards to manage or polyphony barriers between them—and no "CPU overs" to worry about. KRONOS X dynamically allocates power between the engines as you play, automatically and in real time, providing an integrated experience no PC can match. In addition, KRONOS X smoothly functions as a plug-in with many popular DAWs, providing your studio with native, unprecedented sonic power.

KARMA

First appearing on KORG's Karma Music Workstation in 2001, this revolutionary algorithmic music technology instantly produces sophisticated phrases, drum grooves and full-blown backing tracks. Based on the notes and chords you play and the intuitive operations you perform with the knobs, sliders, and switches, you'll easily produce musical effects that exceed anything you imagined. Now in its greatly-enhanced second generation and offering features like KARMA Wave-Sequencing, Note Mapping and 8 scenes per layer, KARMA is standard equipment on your new KRONOS X. It will expand your conception of a song, and will be an enormous asset to your live performances.

*KARMA®(Kay Algorithmic Real-time Music Architecture) and the KARMA Logo are registered trademarks representing patented technology licensed from Stephen Kay, Karma Lab LLC, www.karma-lab.com

Drum Tracks

KRONOS X also borrows the Drum Track feature from the M3 and M50 Music Workstations. Drum Tracks can create everything from a simple reference beat to an outline rhythm track on up to a full-blown drum track for your music productions. KRONOS X now includes professional drum performances from artists such as Ricky Lawson, able to generate grooves reproducing the distinctive feel of a pro drummer. Applications and extras have been unstintingly poured into this single feature. The Drum Track can go beyond rhythm machines, and is fully capable of standing on its own.

Open Sampling System

No matter whether you're in Program, Combination, or Sequencer mode, you can always use KRONOS X to sample an external audio source, or to resample the performance of the KRONOS X itself. User samples can be edited using operations such as truncate, normalize, time stretch, or time slice. Edited samples can also be exported in AIFF or WAVE format. You can also load external samples in AIFF, WAVE, SoundFont 2.0, and AKAI S1000/3000 formats via USB memory. By loading samples that you've previously created on other instruments or on a PC, you can set up your music production system on the KRONOS X - no additional equipment required.

16-track MIDI sequencer / 16-track audio recorder

KRONOS X features a sequencer/recording section that offers both 16 MIDI tracks plus 16 audio tracks; a great resource for putting together a dazzling performance or a brilliant production. MIDI sequencing makes it easy to capture ideas, inspiration, and pro-quality phrases using the KARMA, Drum Track, or RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/Recording) functions. The 16-track audio recorder simultaneously captures up to four tracks of 16-bit/24-bit uncompressed data at a sampling rate of 48 kHz. Play along with recorded tracks, add effects, and then resample the KRONOS X itself and place the resampled WAVE files directly in a track. When polishing your tracks, feel free to use mixer automation and editing functions such as copy, paste, and normalize to get the results you want. Plug in a USB CD-burner and assemble your album right from the TouchView display!

Premium-quality effects suite - use up to 16 simultaneously

KRONOS X provides 16 internal effects to add impact to your sonic creations. Each of the 12 Insert effects can be applied to individual or multiple timbres in a combination, or to individual or multiple tracks of the sequencer. In addition, two Master effects can be applied to sends 1/2, and two Total effects can be applied to all tracks at the final stage of the sound. Each effect offers 185 distinct effect types, covering every possible sound-shaping need. Examples include a high-resolution reverb, chorus, delay, guitar amp and cabinet modeling, even vocoding. Each effect provides up to 72 adjustable parameters, as well as numerous realtime modulation possibilities, delivering outstanding versatility. A separate three-band EQ is provided for every timbre, for every sequencer track, and for every audio track for adjusting subtle tonal balances or for creatively modifying the overall sound.

Performance Power!

In creating KRONOS X, we listened to many musicians from around the world. Our goal was to change the way musicians interacted with their instrument to provide a more fluid, expressive, and natural experience. At one level, this meant providing a comprehensive yet intuitive control surface. But with KRONOS X, we wanted to take these ideas even further, creating an instrument ideally suited to the way musicians play.

Set List screen provides single-touch selection, regardless of mode

The Set List screen lets you instantly recall your favorite programs, combinations, or song data with a single touch, regardless of mode. There are 128 Set List locations, and each one can have 128 slots. Sixteen of these slots appear at a time as buttons in the TouchView display, color-coded to ensure easy visibility even in dim lighting. This is a great convenience during a live performance or in the production workplace. You can also leave notes for yourself using the Set List page, to remember the key of a song, for example. The Set List also provides a stereo graphic EQ at the final stage of the main audio output, which can be used to compensate for the acoustical character of the performance venue.

Smooth Sound Transition eliminates dropouts when changing sounds

KRONOS X features our Smooth Sound Transition technology. This powerful addition is designed to maintain any currently held, played, or sustaining notes (with their effects), helping to prevent drop-outs from occurring when you switch sounds or change from Program mode to Combi mode. A high level of technology has been applied to finally bring this sought-after ability to reality, fulfilling the requests of many musicians.

Enhanced, color TouchView display

KORG's TouchView graphical user interface is based on a large, color 8-inch (800 x 600 pixel) touch screen. The TouchView display is the centerpiece of KORG's intuitive design, providing easy-to-view information and simple touch control. In developing KRONOS X, we also incorporated numerous images of actual instruments and their respective controls into the display, to ensure that the musician enjoys the feeling of playing an instrument - rather than controlling a machine.

Comprehensive Control

In addition to the parameters accessible directly from the TouchView display, KRONOS X also offers a wealth of realtime controllers to enhance any performance and to aid navigation. A four-way joystick, ribbon controller, and two assignable switches are located to the left of the keyboard. An additional Vector joystick is nearby. Above the keyboard, nine sliders, eight knobs and a number of switches provide realtime interaction with features at the heart of the KRONOS X' impressive sound. The damper pedal input supports half-damping, providing another level of piano realism. In addition to the damper pedal jack, there are also two assignable pedal inputs, one foot pedal type and one footswitch style.

KORG's Finest Keyboard Actions

The 61-key version features the same great-feeling, responsive semi-weighted keybed found in the M3-61 Music Workstation. Acclaimed for their solid feel and tactile response, these keys provide a seamless, expressive connection to the many forms of synthesis KRONOS X provides.

The 88-key model of the KRONOS X features the same RH3 real weighted hammer action keyboard used on KORG's upper-end piano models and on the SV-1. The hammer weighting is graded, providing a heavier feel in the lower register and a lighter feel in the upper register, just as on a grand piano, offering superb playability. Boldly, the 73-key model also features this same RH3 keyboard, creating a more compact and transportable instrument that still provides superior piano and electric piano sounds teamed with an authentic piano touch. KRONOS X is notable for its slim design, showing an integration of function and design.

Support for USB MIDI and Korg USB pad controllers

KRONOS X supports for connecting USB MIDI class-compliant controllers directly to the KRONOS X. For instance, you can use a Korg microKEY as an auxiliary synth-action keyboard for a KRONOS X-73 or 88. Even better, KORG USB MIDI controllers with pads-including the nanoPAD, nanoPAD2, and padKONTROL-are automatically mapped to the KRONOS chord pads, for playing and programming drums, triggering chords, and selecting and assigning chords for Chord Mode.

KRONOS Editor and Plug-In Editor

KRONOS X supports for the KRONOS Editor and Plug-In Editor*, which let you edit and organize sounds from a Mac OS X or Windows computer. Plug-in operation allows you to save settings as part of your project with any VST-compatible Windows software, or any VST- or AU-compatible software on Mac OS X. The KRONOS Editor and Plug-In Editor are available for free download at www.korg.com/kronos.

*Please use Version 2.0 or later

High Speed Data Communication

This USB Ethernet functionality lets you use a commercially available USB Ethernet adaptor to transmit files and data easily and at high speed between the KRONOS X and your computer. You can create backup files on your computer, send sample data at high speed from your computer to the KRONOS X, and use your computer to manage data that's on the KRONOS X's internal disk. By enhancing the integration with your computer it's now even easier to get your musical projects completed.

By attaching a commercially available USB Ethernet adapter to the KRONOS X, you'll be able to exchange data with your computer via a LAN cable. Standard FTP software for each operating system can be used.

Operation has been verified with the following USB Ethernet adapters:

Apple MC704ZM/A
CISCO Linksys USB300M
TRENDnet TU-ET100C
BUFFALO LUA3-U2-ATX
BUFFALO LUA-U2-KTX
BUFFALO LUA3-U2-AGT
Planex UE-100TX-G3
Logitec LAN-TX/U2B
Logitec LAN-TX/U2H3
I-O DATA ETX3-US2
Logitec LAN-TX/U2H3
I-O DATA ETX3-US2

(Korg will inform other adapters before the Launching KRONOS X)

Computer Connectivity

KRONOS X can send MIDI signals to and from your computer via USB. Using the KRONOS Editor software Version 2.0, or later (free download), sounds and settings can be edited directly from your computer. The KRONOS Plug-in Editor (free download) lets you use KRONOS X from within many popular DAW systems, as if it were a plug-in instrument. KRONOS X can also be used as an audio I/O for your computer, sending and receiving two channels of audio via USB. In a music production system using your KRONOS X and a computer, there is no need to purchase any additional hardware, creating the simplest possible set-up.

Versatile Array of Audio Inputs and Outputs

The KRONOS X provides a total of six channels of audio input: 2 analog channels, 2 digital channels (S/P DIF optical, 48 kHz/24-bit), and 2 USB channels. As audio outputs, you have the 2 main channels (L/MONO, R) as well as four independent audio outputs, 2 digital channels (S/P DIF optical, 48 kHz/24-bit), and 2 USB channels (note: the 2 digital channels and 2 USB channels output the same signal as the main L/R output). All analog inputs and outputs support TRS balanced connections. The analog inputs provide a MIC/LINE select switch and an independent level control for each channel, offering the flexibility to meet any situation. In addition to the type-B USB connector used for communicating with your computer, there are two type-A USB 2.0 ports for use with external storage media such as flash memory, hard drives, or CD-R/RW and DVD drives. The output of the KRONOS X can be resampled to a USB storage device such as a hard drive, or connected to USB CD-R/RW drive to create audio CDs.

*Appearance and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.

PRICE: £TBC
AVAILABLE: August 2012

Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.