PRODUCT OF THE WEEK!

KORG KROSS2

The mobile synthesizer workstation that does everything.

More features, more sounds, more possibilities.
A state-of-the-art platform with ever greater functionality.
The mobile synthesizer workstation that does everything.

  • KROSS288MB – 88-Key Synthesizer Workstation (Super Matte Black)
  • KROSS261MB – 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation (Super Matte Black)

KROSS 2, the long-awaited successor of the KROSS, is a compact, portable workstation with a huge range of sounds. While maintaining its identity as ultra-lightweight, compact, and capable of running on batteries, this new model dramatically enhances KROSS’s sounds and functionality. In addition to a total of more than a thousand preset sounds, expansion PCM memory has been newly added. Also new is a pad sampler that allows full-fledged sampling, and USB audio/MIDI interface functionality. The color scheme is even more stylish, and the user interface allows intuitive operation even by beginners.

Effortlessly select the sound that you want to play, shape it to match your imagination, sample a sound, create phrases and rhythms, record your vocal or guitar, bring KROSS 2 on stage, and perform. Whatever you artistic vision, you can make it happen. KROSS 2 is a versatile synthesizer platform made with creative freedom in mind.

    Even more powerful preset sounds, with specialized optional expansion sounds

    A rich variety of more than 1,000 preset sounds
    The sound quality of KORG synthesizers is endorsed by top-ranking musicians around the world. The evolved KROSS 2 expands polyphony from 80 to 120 voices, and dramatically powers-up the number of internal programs from 809 to 1,075 programs. Including multi-layered pianos and electric pianos, thick strings and other new sounds that will work well with any band, as well as the latest drum kits to cover current styles such as EDM. The wide selection of programs covers your needs from live performance to studio production.

    Built-in expansion PCM memory, and support for optional libraries
    The KROSS 2 now provides 128 MB of built-in expansion PCM memory. By selecting from optional libraries that will be released following KROSS 2, you can expand KROSS 2’s internal sounds to meet the needs of your performing style or situation.

    The rich expressive power of the EDS-i sound engine, with a full complement of effects
    The high-quality EDS-i Enhanced Definition Synthesis-integrated sound engine is inherited from KORG’s professional synthesizers. You can use a total of seven effects units simultaneously: five insert and two master. Rich expressive power is available from the selection of 134 high-quality effects, including standard effects such as delay and reverb as well as amp modeling, vintage effect units, and even a vocoder.

    Superb sampling function and a pad sampler

    As a first in its class, the KROSS 2 is newly equipped with a unique sampling function that provides 16 playable pads. You can record the input from the LINE IN jack and assign a stereo sample of up to 14 seconds to each pad. Up to four pads can be triggered simultaneously. You can edit the sample waveform using functions such as start/end loop point settings and normalize, and even resample within the KROSS 2, allowing you to perform extensive sampling without requiring any additional equipment. Long audio files from an SD card can also be assigned to these pads.

    Straightforward access to the sounds and functions you need

    It’s easy to get around on KROSS 2, thanks to a user-friendly layout. The panel of the KROSS 2 has been further improved since the first KROSS, ensuring that anyone can quickly access desired sounds and functions from the enormous range of choices.

    Realtime control section
    The new realtime control section lets you directly control KROSS 2’s main parameters without having to navigate through a menu hierarchy. In addition to realtime control of the sounds and effects, and simple editing of programs, you can use the knobs to easily control the vocoder settings or adjust the tempo of the arpeggiator and sequencer.

    Favorites function
    The favorite function lets you register frequently-used programs and combinations and recall them at a single touch, and has even been expanded to allow 128 favorite locations, twice the number of the first generation of KROSS. This function is ideal for live players that need quick access to a specialized set of sounds on stage.

    Quick layer/split
    The layer/split function, which lets you layer two sounds or assign separate sounds to the left and right regions of the keyboard, is now easier to set up, thanks to a dedicated quick layer/split button.

    Category dial
    A category dial is provided, allowing you to immediately find the sounds you’re looking for amid the vast range of choices. Just choose the general type of sound, such as piano or organ, and then make your selection quickly and efficiently.

     

    Ultra-lightweight and compact body, with support for battery operation

    The amazing mobility of the KROSS series is better than ever. The 61-key model features a new and stylish design, and its weight has been further reduced from the 4.3 kg of the previous model to an even more lightweight 3.8 kg. Additional improvements in power efficiency allow up to seven hours of battery-powered operation from six AA batteries. The 88-key model newly provides an accessory compartment that can hold spare batteries or cables, as well as an easily accessible front-located battery panel. On both models, the rear panel KORG logo is fully illuminated, letting you stand out on stage.

    Audio player/recorder that you can easily trigger from the pads

    The built-in stereo audio recorder lets you record your KROSS 2 performance, or overdub an external input source such as vocals. There’s also a pad audio play function that allows recorded sounds or audio files imported from an external source to be assigned to each of the 16 pads for playback. Unlike the sampling function, this allows extended recording and playback that is limited only by the capacity of the SD card; you can strike a pad to play back the backing of an entire song while you perform on the keyboard, or use the pads to trigger sound effects or background music.

    Supports your song production, turning inspiration into reality

    16-track MIDI sequencer
    The 16-track MIDI sequencer records your keyboard performance and controller movements as MIDI data. It can also record your pad sampler performance, providing an easy way for you to create sketches of ideas for songs.

    Step sequencer
    This lets you use the 16 pads to intuitively and quickly create original rhythm patterns of up to 64 steps.

    Drum track
    The drum track lets you add rhythm to your performance simply by pressing a button. Choose from 772 preset drum patterns that cover a variety of styles.

    Arpeggiator
    This function is a great way to generate ideas for songs; simply hold down keys to generate rhythmic chords, bass phrases, or guitar strumming.

    Mic connection for the singer-instrumentalist or for vocoder performance, with no other equipment needed

    The 1/4″ phone MIC IN jack lets you connect a mic directly, so there’s no need for a singer-instrumentalist to provide a separate mixer when performing live. A vocoder function is also built-in, and you can easily perform vocoder sounds with rapid access via the realtime control section. Also provided is a LINE INPUT stereo mini-jack that’s convenient for connecting your audio player or for sampling.

    Also operates as a USB audio interface

    KROSS 2 Editor

    In addition to USB MIDI interface functionality, USB audio interface functionality has been newly added. You can connect the KROSS 2 to your Mac or Windows computer and enjoy DAW recording, or easily use the instrument for playing in conjunction with your iPad or iPhone. The KORG Module high-quality sound module app can be used as an external sound module that’s played from the KROSS 2, or you can perform with the backing of tracks that you created using the KORG Gadget DAW app, all with the ease of connecting a single cable.

    A dedicated KROSS 2 Editor and Plug-In Editor are also provided. These let you edit while viewing numerous parameters at a glance on your computer, or allow you to use the KROSS 2 as a software synthesizer from within your DAW.

    *For connection to PC, use the USB cable (sold separately).
    *For connection to the iPad/iPhone, use the Apple Lightning – USB camera adapter (sold separately)
    *The KROSS 2 Editor and Plug-In Editor requires KROSS 2 System Version 1.1.0 or later.

    Download – Editor/Plug-In Editor, System Updater

    KROSS Option Libraries

    New sound libraries for KROSS 2 are now available for free! They include the professional-quality sounds installed in the higher-end recently released KROSS2 88 MB covering acoustic and electric pianos as well as some contemporary music sounds which will expand your world of music-making on the mighty KROSS2!

    Click here to download

    Keyboard

    KROSS261MB
    61 keys (velocity sensitive; aftertouch not supported)
    Normally C2–C7(adjustable in the range [C1…C6]–[C3…C8]
    KROSS288MB

    88 keys NH (Natural weighted hammer action) keyboard (no aftertouch)
    Normally A0–C8 (adjustable in the range [-A-1…C7]–[A1…C9])

    * The NH keyboard delivers a playing feel similar to that of an acoustic piano, with low notes being heavier and high notes being lighter.

    System

    EDS-i(Enhanced Definition Synthesis – integrated)

    Sound Engine

    Maximum Polyphony

    120 voices (120 oscillators), single mode
    60 voices (60 oscillators), single mode

    * The actual maximum polyphony will vary depending on oscillator settings such as stereo multisamples and velocity crossfading.

    Preset PCM Memory
    Approximately 128 MB (calculated as 48 kHz / 16-bit linear PCM data equivalent)
    496 multisamples (including seven stereo), 1014 drumsamples (including 49 stereo)
    Expansion PCM Memory

    Approximately 128MB (*when converted to 48 kHz 16-bit linear PCM

    * Used when loading option PCM

    Program
    Oscillator
    OSC1 (Single), OSC1+2 (Double): Stereo multisamples are supported 4 velocity zones per oscillator, with switching, crossfades and layers.
    Filters
    Four types of filter routing (single, serial, parallel, 24 dB)
    Two multi-mode filters per voice (low pass, high pass, band pass, band reject)
    Modulation
    For each voice, two envelope generators (Filter & Amp), two LFOs, two key tracking generators (Filter & Amp), and two AMS mixers. In addition, pitch EG, common LFO, and two common key tracking generators
    Combination
    Timbres
    Up to 16 timbres, switchable via key zone or velocity zone, layer and crossfade supported, Tone Adjust function allows program settings to be offset
    Master Keyboard functionality
    These allow you to control external MIDI devices
    Drumkits
    Stereo and mono drumsamples. 4-way velocity switches with crossfades and adjustable crossfade shapes (Linear, Power, Layer).
    The Number of Combinations/Programs/Drum Kits
    User Combinations
    896 Combinations (384 Preload)
    User Programs
    1280 Programs (768 Preload)
    User Drum Kits
    58 Drum Kits (42 Preload)
    Preset Programs
    265 Programs (256 GM2 Programs + 9 GM2 Drum Programs)

    * Total number of preload programs and preset programs:1,075 (810 preload programs, 265 preset programs

    *Click here for KROSS288MB.

    Favorites

    Number of memories
    128 (16 favorites × 8 banks)

    Effects

    Insert effects
    5 Insert Effects In-line processing; stereo in – stereo out.
    Master effects
    2 Master Effects Two effects sends; stereo in – stereo out.
    Effects types
    Total of 134 types (select from 74 types for insert effects, 101 types of master effect 1, and 120 types for master effect 2)
    Modulation
    Dynamic Modulation
    Effects Control Bus
    Stereo side-chaining for limiter, gates, vocoders, etc.

    Polyphonic arpeggiators

    Program mode
    One arpeggiator
    Combination mode
    Two arpeggiators
    Sequencer modes
    Two arpeggiators
    Preset arpeggio patterns
    UP, DOWN, ALT1, ALT2, RANDOM
    User arpeggio patterns
    Number of arpeggio patterns: 1280 (1024 preload)
    Number of tones: 12 tones,
    Number of steps: up to 64 steps

    Step sequencer

    Program mode
    Combination mode
    Sequencer mode
    One unit
    Number of tones: 12 tones + 1 accent tone
    Number of steps: up to 64 steps
    * Can be created for each program, combination, and song.

    Drum Track

    Preset Patterns
    772 patterns (Held in common with sequencer patterns.)
    Other
    Trigger Mode / Sync / Zone settings can be specified

    Sequencer

    Tracks
    16MIDI Tracks
    Number of Songs
    Up to 128 songs
    Resolution
    1/480
    Tempo
    40.00–300.00 (1/100 BPM resolution)
    Maximum Memory
    Up to 210,000 MIDI events
    Counter
    Measure/Beat/Tick
    Template Song
    16 preset/16 user template songs
    Preset Patterns
    772 patterns (shared with Drum Track patterns)
    Format
    KORG (KROSS) format, SMF format 0 and 1

    Pad sampler

    Specifications
    16 pads × 8 banks
    Automatically saved on the SD card, and automatically loaded
    Up to four pads can play simultaneously
    Recording format
    PCM audio format 48 kHz/16-bit
    Recording time
    Up to approximately 14 seconds of stereo sample for each pad
    Import

    WAVE format, file name extension: .wav, 44.1 kHz/16-bit, 48 kHz/16-bit, stereo

    * 44.1 kHz is automatically converted to 48 kHz/i>

    Edit
    Waveform display editing functionality, start address and looping settings etc., normalize and other editing operations

    Audio Recorder

    Recording Format
    PCM audio format 48kHz/16bit
    Import

    WAVE format (file name extension: wav ) 44.1kHz/16bit, 48kHz/16bit stereo

    * 44.1 kHz is automatically converted to 48 kHz/i>

    Export
    WAVE format (file name extension: .wav) 48kHz/16bit, stereo
    Recording Time
    Maximum continuous recording time: 3 hours
    Depends on the SD card used; approximately 90 minutes per 1 GB
    Number of Songs
    Up to 200 songs
    Number of overdub recordings
    Depends on the remaining capacity of the SD card
    Counter
    Hour/Min/Sec
    Pad audio play
    16 pads × 8 banks
    Directly play back data from SD card
    Multiple pads cannot be played simultaneously

    Media

    File, Utility, Information, additional PCM data management functionality

    Controllers

    General Control
    Pitch bend wheel, Modulation wheel, SW1, SW2
    Realtime Control
    SELECT button, SWITCH button, KNOB1 knob, KNOB2 knob
    Step Sequencer/Favorite/Pad Sampler/Pad Audio Play
    Pads 1–16
    STEP SEQ ACTIVE button, Run button
    FAVORITES ACTIVE button
    SAMPLER ACTIVE button, HOLD button
    AUDIO PLAY ACTIVE button
    BANK LEDA/B/C/D/E/F/G/H (also used by Step sequencer, Favorite, Pad Sampler, and Pad Audio Play)
    Drum Track
    DRUM TRACK button
    Arpeggiator
    ARP button
    Audio Recorder
    AUDIO REC button

    User Interface

    Display
    240 × 64 pixel LCD backlight
    Adjustable contrast (hold the EXIT button and turn the VALUE dial)
    Category
    CATEGORY dial, VALUE dial
    MODE
    COMBI button, PROG button, SEQ (GLOBAL/MEDIA) button
    Value Controllers
    Cursor buttons, EXIT,ENTER, FUNCTION, PAGE-, PAGE+, MENU buttons
    Sequencer
    REC button, START/STOP button
    Quick Layer Split
    LAYER/SPLIT button
    Other
    VOLUME knob

    Control Input

    DAMPER (Supports piano-style half-damper pedals as well as standard foot switches)
    ASSIGNABLE SWITCH
    ASSIGNABLE PEDAL

    Audio Outputs (Analog)

    AUDIO OUTPUT L/MONO, R
    Connectors: 6.3 mm (1/4″) phone jacks(TS unbalanced)
    Output Impedance: 1.1k ohm stereo, 550 ohm mono (L/Mono only)
    Maximum Level: +10.0 dBu
    Load Impedance: 10k ohm or greater
    Controllable by the VOLUME knob
    HEADPHONE OUTPUT
    Connectors: 3.5mm (1/8″) stereo mini phone jack
    Output Impedance: 33 ohnm
    Maximum Level: 40 + 40 mW
    Controllable by the VOLUME knob

    Audio Inputs (Analog)

    LINE IN
    Connectors: 3.5 mm (1/8″) stereo mini phone jack
    Input Impedance: 1.1k ohm
    Maximum Input Level: -42 to 0 dBu
    MIC IN
    Connectors: 6.3 mm (1/4″) phone jacks(TS unbalanced)
    Input Impedance: 33 ohm
    Maximum Input Level: -48 to -6dBu
    Phantom power or plug-in power is not supported.

    Others

    MIDI
    IN, OUT
    USB
    USB connector TYPE B x 1, USB-MIDI interface, USB audio interface
    SD Card Slot

    One card slat

    * Capacity recognized: SD memory cards up to 2 Gigabytes (GB). SDHC memory cards up to 32 Gigabytes (GB). SDXC memory cards are not supported.

    Main Specifications

    Power
    AC adaptor power supply DC 9V
    AA alkaline batteries x 6, or nickel-metal hydride batteries x 6
    Battery Life

    AA alkaline batteries x 6: Approximately 6 hours
    AA nickel-metal hydride batteries (1900mAh) x 6: Approximately 7 hours

    * Varies depending on the batteries used and the conditions of use.

    Power Consumption
    5 W
    Dimensions (W x D x H)
    KROSS261MB: 935 mm × 269 mm x 88 mm / 36.81″ × 10.59″ × 3.46″
    KROSS288MB:  1,448 mm × 383 mm × 136 mm / 57.01″ × 15.08″ × 5.35″
    Weight
    KROSS261MB: 3.8 kg / 8.38 lbs (excluding batteries)
    KROSS288MB: 12.3 kg / 27.12 lbs (excluding batteries)
    Included Items
    AC adapter, Quick Start Guide

    Accessories (sold separately)

    Keyboard stand
    KROSS261MB: SCKROSS261
    KROSS288MB: SCKROSS2
    Soft case
    KROSS261MB: SCKROSS261
    KROSS288MB: SCKROSS2 / KROME88
    Expression/Volume Pedal
    XVP20
    Foot Controller
    EXP2
    Damper Pedal
    DS1H
    Pedal Switch
    PS1
    PS-3
    * All products names and specification names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
    * Appearance and specifications of products are subject to change without notice.