KROME-73 EX

KROME EX
MUSIC WORKSTATION

Evolution of a synthesizer

KROME , one of KORG 's best-selling synthesizers based on an extensive, high-quality sound database and an easy-to-use operating environment, has now received a major makeover to better satisfy every musician in today's music scene. The KROME EX places even more emphasis on accurate sound selection, to achieve the widest possible range of applications across all musical genres. For this reason, numerous new programs and PCM data have been introduced to the KROME EX , specifically designed to provide new sounds that take full advantage of the high-level technical specifications of this instrument; these are combined with the Standard sound resources that are destined to never age. The aesthetics of the instrument has also undergone an update, both in terms of the cabinet and overall look .
KROME EX is a workstation that satisfies all musicians and producers.

Accurate timbre selection

KORG enthusiastically takes up the daily challenge that the ever-changing world music scene imposes on any instrument manufacturer. KROME EX answers the question: " What sounds should be made available by today's Synth Workstations ?"

To create the new sounds, KORG Sound Designers have focused mainly on EDM ( Electronic Dance Music ), one of the most popular and widespread genres in the world, creating and adding many sounds particularly suited to this style: polyphonic synths rich in ambient effects, incisive and dynamic leads, effective and penetrating drum kits, designed specifically for dancing. To these are added ethnic sounds such as Steel Pan, Kalimba, and Kokyu, or other “ cinematic ” sounds, that is, ready to create soundtracks or commercials. In short, KROME EX now has an updated sound database capable of immediately providing the best conditions for composing, arranging or simply playing.

The best base sounds

The top priority for KORG Sound Designers was to create sounds that are widely and immediately usable. KROME EX has sounds that are designed to last over time, like pianos: acoustic and electric, essential in any workstation, as are the equally indispensable Drum Kits.

The Importance of KROME EX Piano Sounds

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

Highly realistic electrical plans

For many keyboard players, the sound of the electric piano is as fundamental as that of the acoustic piano. KROME EX features three types of electric pianos, and to ensure maximum realism and expressiveness, eight different velocity levels have been used, with extensive use of PCM memory; in fact, the amount of memory used for just one of these sounds is more than the entire amount available in commonly sample-based synthesizers. In addition, to optimally render these sounds, the typical effects used on these instruments have been implemented with KORG's refined physical modeling technology (REMS), as well as the simulation of their Vintage amplifiers and speaker systems, fundamental elements of these now classic sounds, thus offering the user an immersive and complete tonal experience.

Drum sounds with ambient control

When creating songs entirely on a synthesizer workstation, the built-in Drum Kits play a vital role. KROME EX provides 48 preset Drum Kits, created using a vast collection of over 2,500 percussion samples. One of the most important Drum Kits is " Jazz Ambience Drums ," which uses KROME EX's vast PCM memory to take Jazz Ambience Drums to the next level in dynamics and realism. By adjusting the mix balance between the direct sound, obtained with a microphone positioned close to the performer's head or cymbals, and the ambience, recorded by a distant microphone to capture the resonance of the room, you can create a full, dynamic drum sound with the balance and character you want.

Drum Tracks with realistic Grooves

A simple press of a button activates the Drum Track function, which plays incredibly realistic percussive Grooves. These were created by real drummers and percussionists, using the formidable built-in sounds of KROME EX, and can be used as an effective guide to the rhythm, for playing, studying, or inserted 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 function simultaneously. In addition to the normal arpeggio Patterns, these devices can generate guitar or bass riffs, drum patterns; or they can be used as modulation sources, to add refined motion effects on the Pads, Synths, and sound effects. You can freely edit each Pattern or create new, original and customized ones.

Extensive Sound Database: 896 Programs and 512 Preset Combinations

In addition to acoustic piano, electric piano, and percussion, KROME EX features a wide variety of sounds of all types, capable of satisfying almost any musical need. Stimulate your creativity by selecting from the 896 Programs and 512 Combinations; each of these sound resources has been carefully crafted by top programmers and sound designers, to provide immediate, high-quality musical support, and thus satisfy every performance need, from backing parts to the most inspired solos. Of course, you can also edit, create, and save your own custom sounds.

The Workstation of Wonders!

KROME EX has all the typical functions of a professional KORG Workstation, starting from the powerful 16-track Sequencer, with clear and intuitive “ Piano Roll ” Editing; but in reality there is much more. KROME EX has a series of useful tools to stimulate the creative spirit, such as the Auto Song Setup function, which allows you to immediately record each performance, simply by pressing the REC button. Or the Template Songs that automatically assign sounds and effects to the tracks base 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 61- and 73-note KROME EX models feature semi-weighted keyboards, whose responsive feel and dynamic response make them ideal for playing piano, organ, or solo parts in most musical genres and styles. The KROME 88 features KORG’s NH (Natural Weighted Hammer Action) keyboard, providing precise control of every nuance of dynamics for acoustic and electric piano sounds.

Design and realization

KROME EX features an elegant curved profile and dark cabinet color. The top control panel is made of two aluminum panels with different designs. The result is an instantly recognizable appearance that stands out even on a crowded stage. With its look and sound, KROME EX is able to make a strong impression on the audience.

Intuitive Touch View™ interface

The 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 change 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 take advantage of 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

You can connect the KROME to a computer via USB for easy MIDI data transfer. For general data management, you can use a widely available SD card.