NAMM 2025: Korg announces KRONOS - The Flagship Returns

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.

Key featuresReengineered system architecture with 60% faster startup time.
Enhanced TouchView® display for faster, more intuitive control.
Powder-coated metal body with sleek black wooden side panels.
62GB SSD for extensive user sampling and sound library expansion.
Over 300 premium Sound Libraries available, including curated content from top designers.
256 new programs, with highlights like the Italian Grand Piano and Tine EP I Early.
Nine powerful sound engines, each excelling as a standalone synthesizer.
Advanced Set List mode with customisation options and performance notes.
Comprehensive eXects suite with 16 onboard processors and detailed EQs.
16 MIDI and 16 audio tracks for advanced sequencing and recording.
RH3 weighted hammer action and semi-weighted keyboard options
Open Sampling System for flexible audio manipulation.
Backward compatibility with earlier KRONOS models.
Integrated KARMA® and Drum Tracks for creative phrase and groove generation

New sounds, unmatched expression

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.

Exclusive programs and combinations

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, realtime 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 oXer, making it the ultimate music workstation for any creative endeavour.

Designed for musicians, built for performance

The KRONOS control surface has been meticulously engineered to provide unmatched ease and precision, allowing musicians to focus entirely on their creativity. Its thoughtfully designed layout features eight real-time knobs, nine sliders, and an extensive suite of performance controls—all positioned for intuitive access and fluid operation.

At the heart of this seamless experience is the enhanced TouchView® display, now more responsive and faster than ever. This large, high-resolution touchscreen puts everything you need at your fingertips, delivering instant access to key settings, parameters, and performance tools. Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, navigating the KRONOS is eXortless and precise.

For long-time KRONOS users, the familiar interface ensures a smooth transition, while newcomers will appreciate its simplicity and intuitive design. With its blend of sophistication and accessibility, KRONOS redefines what it means to have control at your fingertips.

Unmistakeable style

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.

Optimised for speed and precision

KRONOS raises the bar for performance eXiciency 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 oXers unmatched responsiveness, making every interaction feel instantaneous and eXortless. Whether navigating menus, adjusting parameters, or diving into complex workflows, the KRONOS ensures that speed and precision are always at your fingertips.

Effortless compatibility

Since its debut in 2011, KRONOS has consistently evolved, with each generation receiving substantial updates while maintaining full compatibility across models. This long-term approach ensures that all KRONOS systems can utilise the extensive range of KRONOS Sound Libraries, allowing musicians to seamlessly integrate new sounds and features as they become available.

Looking ahead, a Soundpack will be released in the second half of 2025 for previous KRONOS and NAUTILUS owners, bringing the latest KRONOS sounds to earlier models. This commitment ensures that every musician can benefit from Korg’s ongoing innovations, regardless of their system. Additionally, the new KRONOS oXers two types of preloaded data, optimised to support both KRONOS 1/X and KRONOS 2 in their respective program orders. For those seeking even greater versatility, premium sounds like the Austrian Piano and Italian Piano are available for purchase through the KRONOS Sound Libraries, further expanding its capabilities.

*Two types of preloaded data are available for the new model to support both KRONOS 1/X and KRONOS 2, in either program order.

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

RRP: from £2649

For more information please visit: https://www.korg.co.uk/kronos









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