KRONOS Rack?

[apex]

From my view a rack version of the Kronos wouldn't make much sense, besides providing a backup, which is the best pro argument. But the weight and price of a Kronos 61 wouldn't make such a big difference for serving as backup for pro bands, and it would be much better suited for that purpose, because else you would need an additional master keyboard PLUS a lot of tricky controller routing to get the same result.

The whole Kronos surface is built around the OS in a way no rack provides. And instead of buying a Kronos rack in addition to any number of outdated keyboards, it makes MUCH more sense to buy a Kronos with the proper controller field and kick off some of the then redundant or obsolete stuff.

At the moment, the Kronos is the one synth that is the most powerful by far, in any keyboard setup, and it should be the natural gear center piece. No rack needed for that, So I think this thread proves nothing, besides wishful thinking of some who would love to get all the Kronos sound possibilities at a price point several hundred $ below the 61. I understand this wish, but still think it doesn't make too much sense with something like the Kronos, which is no simple preset device, but a full blown multi-engine synth.

the m3 is the EXACT reason this is an incorrect statement. A kronos version of the m3 module would be a perfectly awesome and VERY welcomed addition to the Kronos family. I'd probably get one. ... and probably even get rid of my 88 in the process.

this is why in my opinion the m3 is dang near the single handed most versatile flagship workstation EVER. That ALL INCLUSIVE module was a VERY amazing idea/concept. And I only wonder why no one else has thought of it before or even continued down that road.

The m3.... it really is THE TRUTH.... a Kronos version... well I don't even have a name for how awesome that would be.

People thought a Motif XF rack (2gb or FlashRam) would be and end all machine... no a Kronos (m3 like) module would be an END ALL!!!!

Enuf Said.

[adamkeys]

I've been looking for stable alternative to Mainstage on Macbook which is nerve-wracking to use live. Drive can go, screen can die, it can crash mid song etc.

Kronos could be it but keyboard version useless to me. If I travel I can't expect them to hire a Kronos and too big/expensive to stick on plane. Kronos rack would be the answer. Would need touchscreen or tablet editor via USB? Simples, get to gig with any old midi 88 weighted keyboard and plugin.

I'd get one tomorrow, meanwhile back to putting new LCD screen into my macbook

[DennyC]

It sounds nice, but I don't think it is going to happen.

[Saxifraga]

I've been looking for stable alternative to Mainstage on Macbook which is nerve-wracking to use live. Drive can go, screen can die, it can crash mid song etc.

Kronos could be it but keyboard version useless to me. If I travel I can't expect them to hire a Kronos and too big/expensive to stick on plane. Kronos rack would be the answer. Would need touchscreen or tablet editor via USB? Simples, get to gig with any old midi 88 weighted keyboard and plugin.

I'd get one tomorrow, meanwhile back to putting new LCD screen into my macbook

Sounds not like a typical Mac to me. Use a Mac Mini instead and have a good ventilation where it stands. No computer likes to much water in the air or other bad fuems and to much heat. That's why the Kronos has a fan too.

[DH56]

For those who only need a "one size fits all" workstation and for those who have no space limitations...kudos! You have your reward.

But many others do have such restraints, and the desire to have a KRONOS rack and to discuss how nice it would be were well-posted by many.

As usual on these forums, some of the posts from the (I'm happy and you should be too) OSFA crowd came across as rather pedantic and preachy. How dare we desire or long for a another module that would only sell 50 units (where on earth did that come from?)

I do not think we will ever see a KRONOS rack, but still think it would be nice and I would for one buy one in an instant. The bottom line is that modules serve a very important important purpose. You couldn't squeeze all of the keyboard versions of these synths into this small of a space, but most if not all of the SYNTH POWER is still there, be it for studio or live use.

[chini]

I think Korg will indeed release a rack version.

I think it is inevitable because the innards of the Kronos are way to formidable not to milk a rack version. Also because of the very nature of the enormous capability of the Kronos it demands higher polyphony than the chip in the keyboard alone can muster. I for one am constantly running into voice steeling issues. Do I really want to cart around another Kronos keyboard on tour that would not be physically played just as a sound module simply to give me the extra polyphony? No! of course not! but I and many others I'm sure would happily lay down cash for a Kronos rack immediately for this very reason!

If I was the marketing manager of Korg I would release a rack version of the Kronos before even contemplating introducing a replacement of the flagship model itself. Korg have actually invented the most advanced keyboard on the planet that has sold bucket loads. I would argue that if they did bring out a new model it would not sell because the Kronos is already that good! Also considering that those programming the Kronos have invested a lot of time and effort to organise their sounds: do we really want to have to start all over again with this process simply to migrate to a new model? I certainly wouldn't want to invest another 2 years!

I just think the Kronos has become a standard that is going to be around a long time. As such the smart move for Korg would be to stick with the winning format!

A Kronos rack = double polyphony in a portable format + a cheaper way for new users to get into the Kronos architecture.

The only minus side to a rack version is that inevitably one looses the physical controls for KARMA and track/timbre switching. However Korg could easily implement this to be accessed remotely from third party keyboards/controllers.

I adore my K88x ! It really is a creative marvel of the 21st century! and it gives me great pleasure and confidence to play on the live stage.

By all means Korg! keep slinging us newer versions of the Kronos keyboard and updates for the original ! but do yourselves and us a big favour! Go on! I know that Kronos rack is waiting in the wings! ! !

[GregC]

I think Korg will indeed release a rack version.

I think it is inevitable because the innards of the Kronos are way to formidable not to milk a rack version. Also because of the very nature of the enormous capability of the Kronos it demands higher polyphony than the chip in the keyboard alone can muster. I for one am constantly running into voice steeling issues. Do I really want to cart around another Kronos keyboard on tour that would not be physically played just as a sound module simply to give me the extra polyphony? No! of course not! but I and many others I'm sure would happily lay down cash for a Kronos rack immediately for this very reason!

If I was the marketing manager of Korg I would release a rack version of the Kronos before even contemplating introducing a replacement of the flagship model itself. Korg have actually invented the most advanced keyboard on the planet that has sold bucket loads. I would argue that if they did bring out a new model it would not sell because the Kronos is already that good! Also considering that those programming the Kronos have invested a lot of time and effort to organise their sounds: do we really want to have to start all over again with this process simply to migrate to a new model? I certainly wouldn't want to invest another 2 years!

I just think the Kronos has become a standard that is going to be around a long time. As such the smart move for Korg would be to stick with the winning format!

A Kronos rack = double polyphony in a portable format + a cheaper way for new users to get into the Kronos architecture.

The only minus side to a rack version is that inevitably one looses the physical controls for KARMA and track/timbre switching. However Korg could easily implement this to be accessed remotely from third party keyboards/controllers.

I adore my K88x ! It really is a creative marvel of the 21st century! and it gives me great pleasure and confidence to play on the live stage.

By all means Korg! keep slinging us newer versions of the Kronos keyboard and updates for the original ! but do yourselves and us a big favour! Go on! I know that Kronos rack is waiting in the wings! ! !

What is the most you would pay for a rack ?

Then find 3000 buyers for it

[chini]

I think Korg will indeed release a rack version.

What is the most you would pay for a rack ?

Then find 3000 buyers for it

Hi GregC !

I'm actually saying there's no need to get a petition going! I'm that confident they will release one soon!

[ghazz214]

Old Post I know, but on topic.
With these new VIP Midi Controllers out, like the M-Audio CTRL49 controller, and probably a lot more VIP controllers coming out soon. It would make absolute sense for a flagship Korg rack mount to be released.

My ctrl49 works wonderfully with all of my vst instruments.
I'm actually thinking about getting an Integra-7
Maybe VIP controllers will be the answer to rack mounts.

[danmusician]

It was interesting to skim back through this thread. One thought that came to mind was Apple's experience back in the 1990's with clones. So many people back in the day said Apple just had to do clones if they wanted to stay in business, that it would grow their marketshare. When they ended up allowing clones, it turned out that the clones cannibalized their own sales. I suspect that the number of Rack Units that Korg would have sold would have meant less sales of the keyboard versions, especially back in 2011 when we weren't that far removed from the recession.

While I would like a rack myself, I never thought it made business sense for Korg to make one nor did I think they would. However, now that they're selling the LS, perhaps a rack could be in the future. Korg seems to be looking at new avenues to sell the Kronos. I still think its unlikely. Creating the LS didn't require a completely new case and hardware layout. Also, making a Kronos rack could create an expectation for a new rack when Korg eventually comes out with a new flagship, which they might not be prepared to do. Look at how many people wanted a Kronos rack based on what they had in the M3. Korg may not want to get back in the module business for its flagship.

[GregC]

It was interesting to skim back through this thread. One thought that came to mind was Apple's experience back in the 1990's with clones. So many people back in the day said Apple just had to do clones if they wanted to stay in business, that it would grow their marketshare. When they ended up allowing clones, it turned out that the clones cannibalized their own sales. I suspect that the number of Rack Units that Korg would have sold would have meant less sales of the keyboard versions, especially back in 2011 when we weren't that far removed from the recession.

While I would like a rack myself, I never thought it made business sense for Korg to make one nor did I think they would. However, now that they're selling the LS, perhaps a rack could be in the future. Korg seems to be looking at new avenues to sell the Kronos. I still think its unlikely. Creating the LS didn't require a completely new case and hardware layout. Also, making a Kronos rack could create an expectation for a new rack when Korg eventually comes out with a new flagship, which they might not be prepared to do. Look at how many people wanted a Kronos rack based on what they had in the M3. Korg may not want to get back in the module business for its flagship.

I agree. it seems unlikely. With all the Kronos controls,LCD and buttons, a rack seems does not seem possible. And it would be expensive to produce.
Korg is like all other co's. They are interested in product profit.

What would potential rack owners pay for it ? $2000 ? If I was serious, I would write to the President of Korg and say exactly what I would pay for it.

Since a rack going to be expensive, a K2 61 makes more sense.

[danmusician]

Since a rack going to be expensive, a K2 61 makes more sense.

It really depends what your needs are. I have the K2-61 that I use with my PX-5S. I would be willing to pay somewhat more for a rack than the 61 because it would give me the set-up I want on stage. That's not to say that I think there would be enough people willing to do that to make it profitable for Korg.

I can only image the squawking on these boards if Korg came out with a module version of the Kronos that cost more than the 61!

[amit]

A rack would be pita to implement if it has to support all the physical control features through midi, even impossible.
A big portion of Kronos software infrastructure is based off the touch screen.
A rack unit for that purpose just might not be able to deliver., Unless accompanied be some custom display and control module, which might just be not feasible for any number of reasons.

[GregC]

I can only image the squawking on these boards if Korg came out with a module version of the Kronos that cost more than the 61!

Thats exactly what would happen, LOL.

Not that keyboard owners have strong opinions about gear

[Sharp]

Less components needed, no expensive keybed, limited R&D, I don't see why or how it would be more expensive than a keyboard.

Quite the opposite actually. I can see it being priced lower than a 61 key model. Even if it was only €500 less, I'd buy one.






Regards
Sharp.