Korg Forums

jimknopf wrote: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 And instead of buying a Kronos rack in addition to any number of outdated keyboards, it makes MUCH more sense to buy a Kronos with the proper controller field and kick off some of the then redundant or obsolete stuff.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.

adamkeys wrote: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

chini wrote: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 wrote:

chini wrote: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

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

danmusician wrote:

GregC wrote:
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