M50 or Krome? What do you think?

owex · Post by **owex** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 1:31 pm

Hi guys! Im X50 user but I want to buy something 'heavier'. I want to play in a metal band, but dont know exactly what kind of metal, so it can be something like Children of Bodom, Rammstein or even Within Temptation, so I need workstation that will have really good pianos, organs, strings, leads and pads. Everything that may be useful. I can spend about 1500$ (about 1200 EUR). I thought about either Korg M50 or Korg Krome. Id rather buy Krome, but want to know your opinion.
So what should I choose? All I need are really good sounds and of course nice keys. Or maybe there is any other workstation that will be good for me? What would you choose?

Bald Eagle · Post by **Bald Eagle** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 1:55 pm

The Krome is basically an updated M50. It has better pianos and a better screen among other things. I would go for the Krome given those two choices.

There was a similar discussion at this thread that you might find useful.
http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpBB2/ ... hp?t=79782

Synthoid · Post by **Synthoid** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 2:16 pm

Actually, I'd recommend a used M3. I've played the M50 and its build quality isn't as good... and I assume the Krome is about the same.

The M3 offers a lot more bang for the buck with KARMA, sampling, and the option to add the EXB-Radias.

Bald Eagle · Post by **Bald Eagle** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 3:58 pm

Synthoid wrote:Actually, I'd recommend a used M3. I've played the M50 and its build quality isn't as good... and I assume the Krome is about the same.

The M3 offers a lot more bang for the buck with KARMA, sampling, and the option to add the EXB-Radias.

Absolutely ... If you can get an M3 in your budget range go with that. The key action on the M3 61 and 73 is great, same as Kronos 61. The keybed on Krome is similar to the M50 and the action is no where near as nice as M3. And as Synthoid has said it's just more bang for the buck.

owex · Post by **owex** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 4:10 pm

Hmm, thanks for idea. M3 would be great, but the only thing that is a bit annoying with M3 is that it looks.. horribly

I know that it doesnt matter, but I think that I wouldn't be able to play with full satisfaction

Is there any possibility that there is M3 with different colour avabile?
Im also a bit worried that I will be able to buy only a new synth. It doesnt depend on me, I wish that I wont be forced to do that, but Im not sure. Thanks again, guys!

HardSync · Post by **HardSync** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 4:59 pm

owex wrote:Hmm, thanks for idea. M3 would be great, but the only thing that is a bit annoying with M3 is that it looks.. horribly I know that it doesnt matter, but I think that I wouldn't be able to play with full satisfaction Is there any possibility that there is M3 with different colour avabile?
Im also a bit worried that I will be able to buy only a new synth. It doesnt depend on me, I wish that I wont be forced to do that, but Im not sure. Thanks again, guys!

You might want to see this topic: http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpBB2/ ... hp?t=56601 Scroll down through the posts.

Synthoid · Post by **Synthoid** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 10:14 pm

owex wrote:Hmm, thanks for idea. M3 would be great, but the only thing that is a bit annoying with M3 is that it looks.. horribly. I know that it doesnt matter, but I think that I wouldn't be able to play with full satisfaction

owex · Post by **owex** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 12:36 pm

I know, i know

but i really hate the way it looks.. come on

Bald Eagle · Post by **Bald Eagle** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 1:20 pm

At first I didn't really like the looks but the features and sonic quality drew me in and now I consider it one of the best purchases I ever made. I actually grew to like the look. I keep mine with the module raised. To me it's looks cool and unique that way plus the screen is easy to read and the rest of the control surface seems so much more accessible than some other boards.

MarPabl · Post by **MarPabl** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 2:15 pm

Yeah M3 is the best option. Better features, way better keybed. And Radias can be an interesting option for leads and pads...

Joe Gerardi · Post by **Joe Gerardi** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 2:29 pm

Neither the Krome nor the M50 will give you aftertouch, so it's not really a step up, it's a step sideways. The M3 is indeed a step up.

As to the looks, you're playing keyboard and it ain't the '70s: no one's going to pay attention to you anyway, so get a synth that will do what you need it to. Additionally, you're playing an X50 now, which looks like a toy, so anything is going to be a step up!

..Joe

owex · Post by **owex** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 9:24 pm

Uhm. Thanks, guys

Im now watching videos with M3 and I am really impressed... or rather scared. There are so many functions that I dont know whether after buying it i will be be able to do anything apart from turning it on and off

In the fact I was looking for better keyboard and joystick, thats why I thought about M50 and Krome. Well, M3 is much better, but also much more expensive. Well, im going to think it over. I dont want to waste my money but also dont know whether i will be able to gain then enough to afford M3.
Thanks anyway! It helped me a lot. If you want, you can write your opinions here, I think it can be helpful for other people

Joe Gerardi · Post by **Joe Gerardi** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 6:11 pm

The beauty of moving up to something like an M3 is that you use only the parts you want to (or CAN!

) and then add more parts of it as needed , or as learning curve allows. An example: I have a Kronos 88. I have absolutely no need for KARMA or an onboard sequencer- I need the sounds, the piano keyboard, and aftertouch. That means that a big chunk of the Kronos is absolutely useless to me, and a waste of money. However, there is no other way to get the items I DO want in any other package, so it's not really a waste as much as it's superfluous items.

So don't be afraid: you can still turn it on and start playing music within 30 seconds, and not be lost. Dive it- you're already a keyboard player, so that means you're already a nerd!

..Joe

MarPabl · Post by **MarPabl** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 9:19 pm

owex wrote:There are so many functions that I dont know whether after buying it i will be be able to do anything apart from turning it on and off In the fact I was looking for better keyboard and joystick, thats why I thought about M50 and Krome.

The interface for M3, M50 and Krome is almost the same... So don't be afraid about the M3: you'll face the same complexity with any of those.

owex · Post by **owex** » Mon Apr 08, 2013 2:51 pm

And I have one more question: M3 is going to be my only synth for at least next 10 years

How often should I repair it or even take it to shop to have a look at it? And how much does it cost?