Korg Kronos: Korg Attempts Relevancy In A Softsynth World
Nine Engines, Sampler, Wave Sequencer, Synthesizer– more, more, more. Geez. Kids, this is your Oasys on drugs. My synth-blog friend Matrixsynth gave a good spread on it here… and I let him outline the details…but this is my take.
In declaration, I am not a “softsynth,” guy. Well, except for Renoise, but that is just a sandbox/blackboard in which to play around, run a few free VSTs, and trigger really long samples my old samplers refuse.
Anyway, you can use softsynths all you want. Personally, I like tactile feel of a traditional synth, and the less I stare at a computer, the happier I am. I’d like more than anything to be happy with any product designed to help make hardware synthesizers (kind of a misnomer, most digital synthesizers are simply a proprietary computer built in to a keyboard, anyway) something I can get behind. Maybe.
Generally speaking, I haven’t been impressed with a newer Korg synthesizer in a long time. I think probably the Electribe EA-1/EA-1 Mk II may have been it. Perhaps the MS2000. I once had an N5, but I could never fall in love with the menu system, glitchy knobs and final results of my patch editing. No, generally speaking, Korg did great with the Kaoss pads and that which came after them, the Electribes and once in a while, the Karma. I also really liked the Radias, and eventually would love to get my grubby little knob-turning hands on one. Notably, and certainly, NOT the Kaossilator: I dubbed that one, “The fastest way to get bored with $150.”
Korg used to be the company you went to when you said, “Man, I wish I could get good gear for cheap.” Then Korg would say, “We have your back, but we’ll split it up onto different pieces and/or revisions,” only to tempt your meager paycheck into buying THREE Korg items to get the result from what you wanted. Or they’d simply come up with a second revision of the product, a MkII or an “EX,” and you kicked yourself for not just waiting. Then again, Korg also said, “Here, have this multi-thousand-dollar workstation of doom.” Thus, the Oasys. Which, as a guy who doesn’t do workstations, had little use for such an electronic surfboard.
Nah, Korg’s been kind of crappy at times.
So I was shocked to find out about the “Kronos.” Now, not being a workstation kind of guy AND not being a softsynth guy, I’m disturbed at the fact they’re basically trying to create VST-wannabe computer workstation with a keyboard attached. Yeah, I know, I saw the Roland Fantom and all its derivatives, and yeah, like it or not, I know that’s the way synthesizers are going. I also hear countless colleagues, musicians and Internet folk groaning over the cheap, crappy virtual analog synths that exist out there, and why the synthesizer companies won’t put more effort into them. I rarely hear people talking about how only a $4,000 workstation will do. I hear most people saying $400 – $600 (plus the price of your laptop and whatever MIDI controller you use) Digital Audio Workstations (DAW’s) are the thing.
It isn’t going to replace my old, trusty synthesizers, nor should it.
Korg’s Kronos seems to be a bit of a non-issue in the face of the needs of the synthesist, and a total sequel to those that already have workstations. Finally, it isn’t a “softsynth killer,” or anything even close. I probably won’t even bother trying it out in the store, but maybe I will. Maybe it’ll sound unbelievable. I just see it as a serious let-down to anyone that was eager for Korg to come up with something innovative for musicians, or at least something they want. I also wonder if Korg is at the end of its rope, and will pull a “Casio,” on us: giving up pro-equipment, making toys and novelties, software, and maybe USB-only-MIDI controllers (which I hate to death). Maybe some watches for the dying watch industry? *hiss*
Finally, the synth world is obviously enjoying analog synthesizers years after they were made, some others loving virtual analog synthesizers, and sampler-synthesizers to this day. Why the all-in-one, six-foot long behemoths that 90% of the buyers won’t use 90% of the features, and why NOT reasonable synth engines with logical layout, designed for each KIND of player (knob-tweaker live player, sample master and/or professional pianist) that may require something different?
This, to me, is showing Korg’s failure at connecting with the wants of the public and simply trying to compete with the Jones’ next door.
(photo courtesy hispasonic.com)
9 Responses to “Korg Kronos: Korg Attempts Relevancy In A Softsynth World”
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I don’t get what so many people don’t like about “soft synths”. These hardware synths are also just soft synths with a keyboard attached. What’s the difference? I’ve heard so many say the same thing ” I don’t like staring at a computer screen all day, but that seems much better to me than staring at a 7″ screen all day and having the headache a small screen demands (menus upon hidden menus).
I’m pretty sure the reason they developed midi controllers is so you could have the best of both worlds. Not to mention the (until only recently) impossibility of having to pipe your sound through an additional set of A/D D/A converters. And to top things off, I’ve yet to hear a hardware synth pump out as quality sounds as say EastWest Quantum Leap makes in terms of realism. (granted those softies cost a small fortune)
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for people using what inspires them the most, I just don’t get the reasoning behind the anti softsynth sentiment.
Hi Sean:
Actually, you’re already repeating what I mentioned above! :) I acknowledge most synthesizers are already proprietary computers built into keyboards. Though I must say, with the collection of crap I own, a seven-inch screen would be a luxury: Try a two-inch screen with sixteen character spaces, or simple LED markers above buttons!
If you read carefully, I actually don’t hate on softsynths as much as you may be implying. I simply don’t prefer them.
My main problems with softsynths are two:
1) When I buy a piece of software, it goes down in value, it is only upgradeable. Hardware synths are a tangible investment.
2) I like to tinker with things. Since I’m not a programmer or a *cough*– “hacker,” softsynths don’t interest me. I can upgrade, modify, improve and restore old relics of the past. That’s why it’s a fun hobby.
I could give two chips about “realism,” or “quality.” I make music. If music is determined by pleasure of the creator and of the listener, catting about realism is a point left to critics. There will always be someone’s holy grail out there. Softsynths, so-called “MIDI,” controllers that only use USB and behemoth airplane-wing sized workstations are not it for me. I’m not a partial Luddite, either, bring on the technology, but quit tying everything into computers and iphones. There’s obviously room for both, and the industry needs to hear this. We’re willing to spend $2000 + $500 worth of computer/software packages but a $700 self-contained, quality synthesizer with the player in mind is out of the question?
As for me to top things off, I have yet to see a Macintosh and wonky MIDI-controller look as cool all set up on stage or in a studio as an imposing ring of honest-to-goodness SYNTHESIZERS. :)
Well Kyle, I was so impressed with everything I heard in the demo and learned about its specs, I pre-ordered a Kronos 88 yesterday. Once it arrives and I have an opportunity to put it to use, I’ll come back and share the results.
I was confused by some of your comments, because even though this keyboard can act as a controller, it strikes me as being first and foremost a stand alone, mind blowing, digital piano/synth.
I am finally of the opinion that the digital piano recordings made with the Kronos, will be virtually indistinguishable from recordings made by actual pianos. 99% of the listening public will not be able to tell the difference between the Kronos and a real grand piano sound. Typically in the past, the digital gave itself away in the after tones. Now the Korg Kronos rings out with the natural sustain of an actual piano.
Finally, I’m looking forward to having a really excellent version of a classic “DX-7 sounding” sample. Many have tried to simulate the classic Yamaha sound, but most have fallen short.
Jeff:
Thanks for visiting! I really do hope you enjoy your Kronos, but more to the point of my note, it isn’t an instrument for everyone, if not for a very select few who can 1) afford it, 2) use it to the extent it was intended, and 3) be willing to haul around such a beast. This is far from a touring instrument or a start-up/budget musician piece.
Also, for anyone wanting to emulate a DX7 sound do they ever consider getting a… DX7? :) Simulating simulations of simulated simulations… yikes. No wonder classic synths hold their value. Now, if you can simply buy a piano for as much as a Kronos, and the Kronos will sound better than a $4000 piano, and have it be a little more portable than a piano, then fair game. Me? I don’t play the piano. I play synthesizers.
Korg is putting obvious and endless engineering in this single area, while still missing a larger piece of the consumer/music producing public out there, and I stand by it.
well, you said something about IF YOU WANT A DX7 SOUND ON YOU SHOULD CONSIDER GETTING A DX7.
well, i do studio sessions on vocals and keyboards alot.
This instrument models the DX7 style synth PLUS the Polysix type instrument plus the ms-20 style instrument plus ETC ETC.
i am guessing that in a SIDE BY SIDE comparison you would find differences but i dont know too many recordings of ENSEMBLES that give you the listening environment to tell the difference. Sounds to me like you are a purist who has attached a very religious view of synths and manufacturing.
I own a MOOG, I own a DAVE SMITH, i have owned ARP, and even an old KORG analog and to my ears this KRONOS is simply ANOTHER INSTRUMENT WITH CONVIENIENCE…turn it on and BURN. and it sounds IN THE CONTEXT OF A RECORDING like a real synth.
knobs? instant gratification? JUST LOOK AT THIS THING….how many MOOGS or ARPS have two joysticks and a ribbon and a TOUCH SCREEN?
COME ON KORG!!!! GIVE US SOMETHING TO USE!
you are hard to please buddy.
My lord, please bless this Internet.
I’m not sure if everyone commenting is reading my article, or if they are just picking out three words and cutting to the chase.
Since this commentary is from the few people who can afford to drop the cash on a Kronos, let me explain this isn’t an argument of “Does The Korg Kronos Deserve To Exist?” Seriously. If you’re happy with it, have at it. I know how buying new shit is, you proudly search for gratification on the Internet. Some folks, if it ain’t all gems and gumdrops on reviews, lash out at any opposition. I suppose this is where we differ. I’m not going to storm into your studio with a bevvy of small arms and execute the thing. I’m also not attempting instill buyer’s remorse. Please, relax.
Once again, and probably for the final time, I’m going to say it: The Korg Kronos is the price of a decent used vehicle. Some of us cannot afford this. We have to put up with certain technologies and limitations to get where we are. We also would have to move it from place to place, and it weighs a ton. It is the only effort Korg is putting into their equipment, as you’ll see from my questionable reviews on the Monotron and the Monotribe. My final concern is on notions of, will Korg continue to support the Kronos in 10 years? Will your multi-thousand dollar investment become a $500 beast relic with no software support with difficult to fix “conveniences?” Touch screens are NOT known for their useage longevity–just as a point of note. These instruments can and will last for YEARS if designed properly, as you, Les, apparently know from your street-cred list of gear. I’m not convinced Korg is making these same products we can rely on 30 years from now.
We either get cheap, Chinese-made toys, or we can select from the $4,500 Kronos line. It sucks, Korg’s missing out on a whole section of the market that is making do with used relics of the past, computer software that is expensive and becomes outdated, or… nothing. So if someone is looking for a DX7 sound, go find an FM-based synth for $200. It would seem to reason someone was foolish with money if they just got a Kronos to “do it all.” Very few people are going to “do it all,” with the Kronos, anyway.
Do I have to mention touring? It ain’t a touring rig, and we don’t all work in studios or have slave roadies to deal with our gear!
Xoxbox, Teenage Engineering and a whole HOST of other companies, practically basement operations, ARE doing what I’m asking for: Portable, programmable, playable with quality and personality. Sadly, due to their small production, are also expensive. Korg, on a business level, needs to get with it: they CAN make what I’m asking. So can Roland, so can Akai/Numark. It’s a missing market. There, that’s my beef. It is what it is.
No one is likely going to stop my criticism of Korg, except well, Korg.
They’re opinions, it’s the Internet–they’ve been around in unholy matrimony in this way since about 1993 or so, and it probably ain’t gonna change–go play some Vangelis on that beast of yours: it’ll calm the nerves. :)
Hey Kyle.
I know this post/ review is a few months old, but I found it, read it, and wanted to give you my point of view.
I saw the Kronos launch at NAMM in January 2011 on the 1st day of the show and I was blown away.
I’M A GUITARIST!!! But I’m also a professor of music technology at a junior college in NYC with an awesome music tech program. For >>ME<>more<< than all of items individually. The D3200 used is about $900, Legacy Collection w/controller $450, an M-Audio 88-key controller (I had one before the KRONOS) $300, a good organ plugin like NI's B4II $150(?), NI's FM8 $150(?), a really good and flexible Analog Modeling plugin $300 (on the high side), NI's Kontakt $350 with a fairly library(?).
$2600 total??
I truly appreciate your review and of course – your perspective on the product. I do hope by now you have tried it. Thanks again for writing about this. Here are mys very SILLY videos on me playing the KRONOS with my guitar synth controller.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qakHJ8rNhNA&feature=player_profilepage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjwKyVFP3Ek&feature=player_profilepage
Hi Jamsire…
…I have not had a chance to try it yet. They won’t bring one to the Guitar Center here in Reno, and being out in the sticks, GC is about the only place I could go. That is, until I head to a larger metropolis.
It’s a good point you make about having all of those things that you’ve spent money on, however, it still holds true that most people have an easier time buying pieces and bits, and yes, collecting a lot of gear, for the same cost. It isn’t just about cost: it’s about what the instrument does. I’ve never begrudged anyone their taste, preference or personal wants, but it comes down to an overall viewpoint of the large instrument manufacturers that are ignoring a large section of the buying market: guys like me that don’t want what the Kronos is and/or does.
Loved your videos, they indeed made me laugh and got some creative juices pumping as to possibilities in music! Well done. :)
My god this has to be the lamest review i’ve ever read. Was this suppose to a review on the Kronos ? or the state of Softsynth versus hardware ? or Korg as a company failing to offer what people want ?….so many words for saying soooo little!