Korg Kronos 3 - 88

KRONOS defined the modern music workstation. Now it’s back, and better than ever. Combining unrivalled power, speed, and versatility, the new KRONOS features a reengineered architecture with 60% faster startup, 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.

The new KRONOS builds on its legendary foundation by introducing 256 additional programs, crafted to inspire your creativity and elevate your music. This is in addition to the thousands of included programs and combinations that have made KRONOS the ultimate music workstation. Among the new additions are 128 brand-new programs, featuring highlights such as the Italian Grand Piano, known for its stunning, transparent resonance, and the Tine EP I Early, which authentically replicates the earthy, vintage tone of metal rod (tine) electric pianos. The expanded palette also includes FM electric pianos, versatile synth pads, lush leads, and more, providing a wide range of useful sounds for every genre—from timeless classics to modern chart-toppers.

Complementing these are 128 expertly curated programs from the KRONOS Sound Libraries. Developed in collaboration with 12 world-class sound designers, these programs showcase their most inspiring work, handpicked to enhance your sonic palette. This carefully curated selection features new piano voices and a variety of other tones, ensuring that KRONOS remains the ultimate tool for musicians seeking expressive, versatile, and inspiring performance options.

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.

The KRONOS maintains its legacy of excellence while introducing a fresh, fourth-generation design that blends durability, sophistication, and modern aesthetics. The powder-coated metal body not only ensures exceptional resilience but also provides a premium tactile experience, ready to withstand the demands of stage and studio use.

Adding to its visual appeal, the refined black wooden side panels lend a touch of elegance, making the KRONOS as stunning to look at as it is powerful to play. These thoughtful enhancements ensure that KRONOS not only delivers impeccable performance but also commands attention wherever it goes - a true statement piece for any musician.

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.

KRONOS offers an expansive sonic palette, with thousands of expertly crafted sounds covering every genre. Powered by a vast 21 GB library of preset waveform data and created using multiple synthesis modes, each sound reflects the artistry and precision of the Korg Sound Design team.

The KRONOS internal SSD provides 62 GB* of storage, offering ample space for user sampling and the option to expand your collection with additional KRONOS Sound Libraries. These optional libraries feature professionally programmed sounds, giving you access to fresh tones without requiring any additional hardware.

For the ultimate inspiration, Artist Signature Programs bring you the actual sounds used by top-ranking musicians, while Song Programs recreate the signature keyboard tones of iconic rock and pop classics. Whether you’re honouring the originals or shaping them into something uniquely yours, these sounds provide the perfect starting point for creative exploration.
*SSD capacity is subject to change without notice.

At the heart of KRONOS lies its nine powerful sound engines, each a standalone synthesizer capable of delivering unparalleled sonic depth and versatility. Representing the pinnacle of sound design technology, these engines cater to every type of musician, from those seeking ready-to-play tones to ambitious sound designers crafting their own unique creations.

Each engine is equipped with precise programming parameters, real-time controllers, and integrated effects, providing the tools needed to refine every detail of your sound. Assignable modulation routings further enhance creative potential, allowing for intricate customisation and expressive performance control.

Whether you need the warmth of analogue modelling, the precision of PCM sampling, or the dynamic possibilities of physical modelling, the KRONOS sound engines deliver cutting-edge innovation and unmatched flexibility to suit any musical endeavour.

KRONOS can organize all of the resources you need to get through a song—or a set—using the Set List mode. Using the Set List mode, the TouchView display can host 16 color-coded touch-screen buttons; each one can instantly call up the appropriate Preset, Combination, or Sequence—regardless of mode!

You can even add handy performance notes (“Sing on Chorus;” “Transpose Down;” “Wait for Sax Solo;” etc.) to each one.

The Set List mode adds a dedicated nine-band graphic EQ, allowing the overall tone to be tweaked to match the venue. Set List mode now allows for deeper customization with many slot color options, text size variations, and a full-screen text editor. Connecting a USB computer keyboard makes it simple to enter text and numeric values.

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 to professional standards.

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.

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.