KORG KROME EX 88-KEYS MUSIC WORKSTATION

The Next-generation Krome EX 88

The Korg Krome synth workstation made its mark at Sweetwater by packing the most usable sounds into a user-friendly platform. Now the Krome EX ups the ante with tons of exciting new sounds and features aimed at contemporary music production in all genres. In addition to the essential classics, Krome EX has numerous new sounds that include custom piano programs designed specifically for the Krome EX series. These are high-quality and immediately usable sounds that take full advantage of the instrument’s high-performance architecture. To accompany the new sounds, the updated chassis features smooth, flowing lines and a lustrous aluminum front panel that’ll look awesome under stage lights. The Krome EX 88 features Korg’s 88-note NH (Natural Weighted Hammer Action) keyboard that faithfully conveys every nuance of your playing dynamics when playing sounds such as piano or electric piano.

Packed with sounds for modern music production

Keeping up with a constantly evolving worldwide music scene is a challenge for any electronic instrument designer. With Krome EX, Korg designers meticulously selected the sounds that should be included in today’s workhorse synth workstation. First, they focused on EDM, with effects-heavy polyphonic sounds dripping in rich ambience, searing synth leads, and punchy drum kits that bring music fans to their feet. Ethnic instruments such as kalimba, steel pan, and kokyu — as well as sound effects like those used in movie trailers and commercials — are also onboard. Classic bread-and-butter sounds that never go out of style are also a top priority for Korg sound designers. Piano, electric piano, and drum sounds are the foundation for so much music, and they are well represented in the Krome EX 88. You’ll never have to search or go menu diving to find the perfect sound for any occasion.

Crucial high-fidelity piano sounds

Having great piano sounds is critically important for any serious keyboard workstation. The Krome EX piano sounds were recorded under the supervision of Seigen Ono, renowned authority on DSD recording and mastering. These are beautifully vibrant sounds that build on the success of the German D Grand in the original Krome, further expanding the range of piano sounds in the Krome EX. An upright piano frequently used in pop music has also been included.

Electric pianos with luscious warmth and realism

For many keyboardists, realistic electric piano sounds are just as important as their acoustic counterparts. Krome EX features three types of electric pianos. To ensure accurate expression response, eight velocity levels have been used, along with lavish amounts of PCM memory. Just one of Krome EX’s electric piano types contains more sample data than the entire sound memory of a typical PCM synth. No EP is complete without vintage amps, cabinets, and classic effects, which in the EX have been meticulously modeled to deliver a fully immersive electric piano playing experience.

Drum sounds with resonance fine tuning

When producing music on a keyboard workstation, onboard drum kits play a major role. The Krome EX supplies a massive collection of more than 2,500 drum samples to power its 48 preloaded kits. One of the most notable kits is Jazz Ambience Drums. Its glorious sound takes advantage of Krome EX’s high-capacity PCM memory to deliver new levels of realism and clarity. Adjusting the mix balance between the close-miked direct sound and the room mic–enhanced ambient sound lets you create a full, rich drum sound with the exact balance and character you want.

Drum Track serves up realistic grooves

Simply pressing a single button turns on the Krome EX’s Drum Track feature, which serves up realistic grooves played by professional drummers using the Krome EX’s studio-grade drum sounds. You can play along or use them in your music production. In addition to 600+ preset patterns inherited from Korg Kronos, there’s generous memory for saving user patterns as well. Drum patterns can be created and used with the onboard sequencer, and they can provide a rhythm guide while you play. You can also use them creatively in your live performances.

Dual polyphonic arpeggiators

In Combi or Sequencer mode, you can run two arpeggiators simultaneously. In addition to standard arpeggio patterns, the arpeggiators can generate guitar or bass riffs and drum patterns; they can even be used for sound design to create motion-enhanced pads, synth sounds, and sound effects. What’s more, you’re free to edit any of the patterns to create your own custom arps.

Never run out of expertly designed sounds

In addition to piano, electric piano, and drums, Krome EX sports a generous array of sounds that covers a broad range of music styles. Instantly ignite your creativity with any of the 896 programs or 512 combinations. Each patch has been carefully created by professional studio engineers and musicians to provide exceptional real-world usability for clean, rich backing tracks and soaring solos. Of course, you can customize, tweak, create from scratch, and save your own sounds as well.

Workstation wonderland

Krome EX has everything you expect in a Korg music workstation, and naturally that includes a 16-track sequencer. But there’s so much more. Krome EX comes with a formidable suite of tools to jump-start your creativity. For instance, pressing the Auto Song Setup function’s REC button starts recording immediately when inspiration strikes while playing a program or combination. Each template song preassigns popular sounds to sequencer tracks through pre-routed effects to suit a specific musical genre. Whip up a quick arrangement using Korg’s Cue List, and build an army of instant-access patterns using the RPPR (Realtime Pattern/Play Recording) feature. Go back, and you can make any changes using convenient piano-roll editing.

Intuitive TouchView display

Krome EX’s big 800 x 480 pixel TouchView color display shows multiple parameters simultaneously, ensuring great visibility even on a darkened stage. Simply touch the screen to change sounds or edit parameters. Finger-drag editing is also supported, allowing you to use the on-screen sliders and knobs directly. Numerous functions take advantage of the TouchView interface, such as the piano-roll editor, a stopwatch that’s convenient for keeping track of a live performance, and a calculator keypad for entering numerical values.

Tech Specs

• Type:Synthesizer Workstation
• Sound Engine Type(s):Enhanced Definition Synthesis – eXpanded, Updated Piano Programs
• Analog/Digital:Digital
• Number of Keys:88
• Type of Keys:Natural Weighted Graduated Hammer Action, Velocity-sensitive
• Other Controllers:Joystick (assignable)
• Polyphony:120 Voices (single mode), 60 Voices (double mode)
• Presets:896 Programs, 512 Combinations, 48 Drum Kits, 256 GM2, 9 GM2 Drums
• Oscillators:Oscillator 1 (single), Oscillator 1+2 (double)
• LFO:2 x LFO
• Filter:2 x Multi-mode Filters (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, band reject)
• Envelope Generator:2 x EG (filter, amp)
• Effects Types:193 Effects; 2 x Master, 5 x Insert, 1 x Total Effect, 32 Preset per Effect
• Arpeggiator:Dual Polyphonic Arpeggiators, 960 Preload
• Sequencer:16-track + Master, 128 Songs, Touch-based Piano Roll Editing, Realtime Pattern/Play Recording
• Memory:4GB PCM Memory
• Storage:SD/SDHC card slot (32GB SDHC max)
• Audio Outputs:2 x 1/4″ (L/Mono, R)
• Headphones:1 x 1/8″
• USB:1 x Type B
• MIDI I/O:In/Out/USB
• Pedal Inputs:3 x 1/4″ (assignable switch/pedal)
• Power Supply:12V DC power supply (included)
• Height:5.16″
• Width:57.01″
• Depth:15.08″
• Weight:32.4 lbs.