KRONOS Relaunched!

[Pedja]

@blazerunner Totally agree with you. That with the remaining parts from the old Kronos didn't occur to me, a wise conclusion. I listened to you about the Akai MPC Key 61, I was really impressed with the library of sounds, many of them are enchanting. I didn't regret buying this instrument, even though the price dropped by 600 e. in the USA for 500 dollars. AKAI made only one mistake and that is the keyboard (it's terrible) and it led them to a financial debacle. Instead of Korg learning something from that, although it could have listened a little to the comments and suggestions of the users, it recycles the keyboard with the OS from 2005, changing the color of the side panels. Well, they did that with the color change for the 100th time already. That's it for now. I won't drown anymore.

P. S. Sorry for the small digression regarding AKAI.

[ChrisDuncan]

I think the big win on this is the fact that the Kronos lives. That, in and of itself, was a pretty hot topic here when the Nautilus was released.

While I think it's a bit optimistic for them to refer to what's essentially a Kronos 2.1 as a Kronos 3, that may not be the whole story here. Many of us (myself included) had just assumed the Kronos had been left for dead. Now they've put it up for sale again. Maybe they have plans in the works for a significant update that would actually make it a Kronos 3, and this is just a move to get it back in the game while they work on that. If that's the case, then sometime later this year they'll probably do a re-re-release with whatever the actual new version is.

While I don't always agree with the way they do things, Korg is a big company that makes a lot of money. To throw the K2 back out on the streets and essentially just change the number to a 3 would be a pretty stupid move. And I have a hard time believing that they're actually stupid.

I know a lot of you are software developers, so you know the vaporware game. Just get something, anything, out there to keep customers from buying someone else's product (like, maybe, a Montage M). It's a stall tactic to buy you the time you need to get your product to market. So maybe that's what this move is all about.

I mean, I really love my Kronos. But as long as it keeps working, there's absolutely no reason for me to sell it and buy the same keyboard yet again. I already have one.

But like I said, the big news is simply that Kronos lives. Hard for anything good to happen to it if it was in fact dead.

[Gargamel314]

While I think it's a bit optimistic for them to refer to what's essentially a Kronos 2.1 as a Kronos 3, that may not be the whole story here. Many of us (myself included) had just assumed the Kronos had been left for dead. Now they've put it up for sale again. Maybe they have plans in the works for a significant update that would actually make it a Kronos 3, and this is just a move to get it back in the game while they work on that. If that's the case, then sometime later this year they'll probably do a re-re-release with whatever the actual new version is.

According to the rep who was working the NAMM show, there's another update coming around when the Kronos 3 launches in May. It sounded like it was a firmware update, in addition to PCM, Program, and Combi data, and that it would be a free update for OG, X, and Kronos 2 owners. He said it wouldn't include the decreased boot time.

The only difference between Kronos and Kronos 2 was the extra PCG/EXs banks. They released OS updates for everyone, but made people pay for the new sound data. I guess that's all it would take to make it a Kronos 3.

[drama1]

I know it's wishful thinking, but I was really hoping they'd do what Yamaha did and release a VST version of Kronos along with a purchase of the hardware. Now THAT WOULD BE HUGE !!!

[BlackForest]

Stephen, are you planning to revive the Karma forum or Wiki, or tutorials, since there may be a new generation of Kronos users coming up?

Yes, I would like to "revive" it all, I have some plans that I will release more info about in the future.

That's great news, Stephen!! I have had my 2 Kronos for quite a number of years but only started to use Karma now more recently. Using it for "gigging" at home with my family... some gospels and blue grass Been fiddling with the sliders and really trying to find out what they do, especially random variations and note pattern. I was hesitant in the beginning because most GEs sounded far too busy for my liking. Until I found out I think slider 2 has a huge impact on this, also when changing it in small steps only. Very time consuming but rewartding.
I almost was thinking ot putting my findings on YT, but am not sure about this.

So, great to see your plan to revive it, seeing the Kronos legend will continue...

[drama1]

Here is my question: Are the samples in the new Kronos 3 identical to the Nautilus or are there additional new samples in the Kronos 3. Thanks.

[Dan Stesco]

Here is my question: Are the samples in the new Kronos 3 identical to the Nautilus or are there additional new samples in the Kronos 3. Thanks.

No, Nautilus and K3 have different PCM/EXs, except the Italian Piano and few selection.

[ChrisDuncan]

According to the rep who was working the NAMM show, there's another update coming around when the Kronos 3 launches in May. It sounded like it was a firmware update, in addition to PCM, Program, and Combi data, and that it would be a free update for OG, X, and Kronos 2 owners. He said it wouldn't include the decreased boot time.

The only difference between Kronos and Kronos 2 was the extra PCG/EXs banks. They released OS updates for everyone, but made people pay for the new sound data. I guess that's all it would take to make it a Kronos 3.

I saw a video interview at NAMM and something the rep mentioned in passing was about the problem of older components (most notably the motherboard) becoming unavailable, and that this was the driving reason for pulling Kronos from the line at the time. So, the K3 is really all about them refreshing it to use newer components. That's not insignificant since it means that the Kronos can live on for a few more years.

If they're not planning on the actual launch until May, that means we're looking at 2026, maybe even 2027 before the Kronos 4, i.e. an actual new version with a substantial feature set improvement that would make selling my Kronos 2 worthwhile. Nonetheless, as annoying as I find the "3" label, I see this as good news overall since with a newer motherboard a K4 is now actually possible.

And yet, I don't know if they'll ever come out with a Kronos that would make me want to spend the money on it. I have a Montage M and a Fantom EX along with my Kronos 2. I honestly have a hard time imagining what they could add to the Kronos that would make it worth me spending several thousand dollars on a new one. The one I have has all 9 engines and is a beast. I'd rather spend those thousands on fast cars and faster women.

[stuartpryer]

Hi Chris,

I get your sentiments. I had a Korg Oasys and when I was ready to buy a Kronos to replace it they stopped making them! So now Ive put an order in for a Kronos 3. If I had a Kronos 2 working well I would not upgrade. It's difficult to see what else could be added to the Kronos as it does sooo much! Maybe the Modwave? The Opsix is kinda duplicated by the Mod 7. Anyway looks like I have to wait until June to get it here in the UK. I doubt Korg will rewrite the software as a 64 bit application as it would be a lot of work, so ram is going to be limited to 4GB. Hoping they have a spare data slot to put another SSD in though! Btw I like the interface design, its really clear and in no other workstation can you deep dive as much in sound editing!

Stu

[Gargamel314]

And yet, I don't know if they'll ever come out with a Kronos that would make me want to spend the money on it. I have a Montage M and a Fantom EX along with my Kronos 2. I honestly have a hard time imagining what they could add to the Kronos that would make it worth me spending several thousand dollars on a new one. The one I have has all 9 engines and is a beast. I'd rather spend those thousands on fast cars and faster women.

A year ago I was dropping my Kronos2 off to an authorized service tech for a faulty motherboard... you know, the infamous 10-sec power off bug. This after calling to 3 other auth service reps who simply wouldn't take my Kronos because they couldn't get the parts. It took 10 weeks to get my Kronos back, and I had to use an 01/Wfd in the meantime (ironic?). Had this Kronos3 been an option, I would have bought that to replace mine. Instead, now I have a Nautilus as a back-up because i don't have faith in my now-repaired Kronos2.

[stuartpryer]

Hi,

Ive ordered a Kronos 3. I also have a Korg Triton Pro with Moss Board I purchased in 1999. It runs as well now as it did the day I bought it. The way I look at it is, the Kronos is a computer running Linux. Unless you use a Mac, most windows PCs last about 5 to 10 years then they die. The quality components in the Triton is first class. The mother board in the Kronos is an inexpensive one with a limited life. It a real pity that things can't be made to last anymore. I expect in 10 years time components for the Kronos 3 won't be available. So I will have to invest again unless they bring out a Kronos VST/Au. Which I feasible.

Cheers

Stu

[fatih89]

Unless you use a Mac, most windows PCs last about 5 to 10 years then they die.

Based.

Back to topic.
It is refreshing to see, that KORG updated the Kronos Hardware howeber for auch an "old" Instrument I expected it to be more affordable. Especially the old style OS was something that held me off buying the Kronos. I also guess that the ribbon controller is still the same and different from the Pa series.

[voip]

Based on the preliminary figures, the cost of the Kronos 3, in 2025, is going to be similar to what it was in 2011 which, allowing for inflation, would make the Kronos 3 around 35% cheaper, in real terms, than it was originally. Korg could easily have bumped the price upwards, and cited the increased cost of components to justify the increase.

.

[stuartpryer]

Hi,

I agree, the Kronos 3 is great value for money. Still the most powerful workstation. Ive ordered one and if it lasts 5 years that's not the end the world, but 10 years would be good! Deliveries starting in May according to Korg USA. I see some shops are quoting ends of March and some October. I think having Kronos 3 around will improve software support for Kronos 2 and earlier.

Stu

[average_male]

So I understand previous Kronos owners get the new updated patches for free, but any one know if that includes the Italian Grand? I’m guessing no. However, based off of this post, I’m hearing, yes?

https://gearspace.com/board/showpost.ph ... ostcount=3

Update: seems not, per Korg:

“ **Austrian Piano, Italian Piano, etc., which are not included in early models, can be used by purchasing Sound Libraries.”