Korg KROME-61 EX

KROME EX
MUSIC WORKSTATION

Evolution of a Synthesizer

KROME, one of KORG's best-selling synths, based on an extensive high-quality sound database and a simple, intuitive operating environment, now receives an important restyling to better satisfy every musician at the forefront of today's music scene. On KROME EX, even greater emphasis is placed on the accuracy of timbre selection, to obtain the widest possible range of applications in all musical genres. For this reason, numerous new Programs and PCM data have been introduced on KROME EX, specifically designed to provide new sounds that fully exploit the high-level technical specifications of this instrument; these join the "standard" sound resources that will never age. The aesthetics of the instrument have also undergone an update in both the cabinet and the overall look.
KROME EX is a workstation that satisfies all musicians and producers.

Accurate timbre selection

KORG enthusiastically embraces the daily challenge imposed by the constantly evolving global music scene on every instrument manufacturer. KROME EX responds to the question: "What sounds should today's Synth Workstations make available?"

For the creation of the new sounds, KORG Sound Designers focused primarily on EDM (Electronic Dance Music), one of the most popular and widespread genres in the world, creating and adding many timbres particularly suitable for this style: polyphonic synths rich in ambient effects, incisive and dynamic leads, effective and penetrating drum kits, designed specifically for dance music. In addition to these, ethnic sounds such as Steel Pan, Kalimba, and Kokyu are included, as well as "cinematic" sounds, ready for soundtracks or commercials. In short, KROME EX now has an updated timbre database capable of immediately providing the best conditions for composing, arranging, or simply playing.

The best basic sounds

The absolute priority for KORG Sound Designers was to create sounds for widespread and immediate use. KROME EX has timbres destined to last, like pianos: acoustic and electric, fundamental in any Workstation, as well as equally indispensable Drum Kits.

The importance of KROME EX piano sounds

Acoustic piano sounds are of fundamental importance for most keyboard instruments. KROME EX features new grand piano sounds, created under the supervision of Seigen Ono, a true authority in DSD recording and mastering. In addition to these, an upright piano has also been included, very popular and frequently used in Pop music. For these sounds, a clear and defined timbre character was chosen, following the success of the "German D Grand" present on the original KROME, thus further expanding the possibilities of this important timbre family.

Highly realistic electric pianos

For many keyboardists, the sound of an electric piano is as fundamental as that of an acoustic piano. KROME EX has three types of electric piano. To ensure maximum realism and expressiveness, 8 different velocity levels were used, with intensive use of PCM memory; in fact, the amount of memory used for just one of these sounds is greater than all that available in commonly sampling-based synthesizers. Furthermore, for the optimal rendering of these timbres, the typical effects used on these instruments, as well as the simulation of their Vintage amplifiers or speaker systems – fundamental elements for these now classic sounds – have been implemented with KORG's refined physical modeling technology: REMS, thus offering the user an immersive and complete timbre experience.

Drum sounds with ambiance control

When creating musical pieces entirely on a Synth Workstation, the internal Drum Kits play a fundamental role. KROME EX provides 48 Presets, created using a wide collection of over 2,500 percussive samples. One of the most important Kits is: "Jazz Ambience Drums," which leverages KROME EX's vast PCM memory to bring this type of sound to a higher level of dynamics and realism. By adjusting the mix balance between the direct sound, obtained with a microphone positioned near the performer's head or cymbals, and the ambiance, recorded by a distant microphone to capture the room's resonance, it is possible to create a full and dynamic drum timbre with the desired balance and character.

Drum Tracks with realistic Grooves

Pressing a single button activates the Drum Track function, which performs incredibly realistic percussive grooves. These were created by real drummers and percussionists, using KROME EX's formidable internal sounds, and can be used as an effective rhythmic guide for playing, studying, or incorporated into productions. Over 600 ready-made patterns are available, acquired from the KRONOS library, and many more can be created using the internal Sequencer.

Double polyphonic arpeggiator

In Combination or Sequencer mode, two arpeggiators can operate simultaneously. In addition to normal arpeggio patterns, these devices can generate guitar or bass riffs, drum patterns; or they can be used as modulation sources to add refined movement effects to pads, synths, and sound effects. Each pattern can be freely modified or new, original, and personalized ones can be created.

Extensive sound database: 896 Programs and 512 Preset Combinations

In addition to acoustic pianos, electric pianos, and percussion, KROME EX possesses a wide variety of timbres of all kinds, capable of satisfying almost all musical needs. Stimulate your creativity by selecting the 896 internal Programs and 512 Combinations; each of these sound resources has been carefully created by the best programmers and Sound Designers to provide immediate high-quality musical support and thus satisfy every performance need, from accompaniment parts to the most inspired solos. It is naturally also possible to modify, create, and save your own personal sounds.

The Workstation of wonders!

KROME EX has all the typical functions of a professional KORG Workstation, starting with the powerful 16-track Sequencer, equipped with clear and intuitive "Piano Roll" Editing; but in reality there is much more. KROME EX in fact has a series of useful tools to stimulate the creative spirit, such as the Auto Song Setup function, which allows you to immediately record every performance by simply pressing the REC button. Or the Song Templates that automatically assign sounds and effects to tracks based on a specific musical genre. And again, the Cue Lists with which to quickly create complete arrangements, or the RPPR (Realtime Pattern/Play Recording) function.

Natural expressiveness

The KROME EX 61 and 73 key models are equipped with a semi-weighted keyboard, whose tactile feel and dynamic response make them ideal for playing piano, organ, or solo parts for most genres and musical styles. KROME 88 is equipped with the KORG NH (Natural Weighted Hammer Action) keyboard, which ensures accurate control of every dynamic nuance for acoustic or electric piano sounds.

Design and construction

KROME EX features an elegant design with a curved profile and a dark colored cabinet. The upper control panel is made with two aluminum panels of different designs. The result is an immediately recognizable, unmistakable look even on a crowded stage. Thanks to its Look and sound, KROME EX is able to make a strong impression on the public.

Intuitive Touch View™ interface

KROME EX's large 800 x 480 pixel Touch View color display can show numerous parameters simultaneously, ensuring excellent operability; simply touch the screen to select sounds or modify parameters, and thanks to the Finger-drag function it is possible to act directly on the virtual sliders and knobs on the screen. Many functions use the Touch View interface, such as the Sequencer's Piano Roll Editor, the stopwatch, and the numeric keypad used for data entry.

USB and SD Card

KROME can be connected to a computer via USB to easily transfer MIDI data. For general data management, an SD Card, a widely available commercial medium, can be used.