Korg Kross 2- 88 MB - Synthesizer/workstation with 88 Natural Weighted Hammer Action keys, 120 voice polyphony, 896 combinations, 58 drum kits, built-in effects, polyphonic arpeggiator, and many other top features, is the successor to the KROSS 1 model, a compact and portable synthesizer with a wide range of sounds, retaining the specific characteristics of the series, it has a lightweight design and can operate on batteries. This model surpasses the capabilities of the KROSS 1, featuring over 1000 presets, built-in PCM memory expansion, sampling pads, USB and MIDI connectivity.
Select effortlessly the sound you wish to use and edit to fit your ideas. KROSS 2 is a versatile synthesizer that offers great freedom of expression.
It offers a rich selection of over 100 enhanced presets, 128MB of built-in PCM memory, and compatible sound libraries. A great expressive power provided by the EDS-i system, with a wide range of 134 effects, sampling function with 16 pads, button arrangement that allows easy access to all synthesizer functions, real-time control for quick parameter editing, a "Favorite" function that allows instant use of up to 128 frequently used sounds, layering and keyboard splitting function that allows sound overlap and keyboard splitting into two sections with different sounds by pressing a single button.
The synthesizer is built to be very lightweight. The 88-key model weighs only 12.3 kg, making it the lightest in its class. It has a long operating time powered by 6 AA batteries, up to 7 hours.
It allows audio playback and recording that can be easily activated using the pads, features a sequencer, drum track, and arpeggiator, a wide range of input connectors, vocoder input, and also functions as a USB audio interface.
Benefit from a wide range of over 1000 stronger presets with the possibility of adding specialized expansions.
Extended polyphony from 80 to 120 voices, and the number of internal programs from 809 to 1075. It offers the ability to layer sounds of different pianos and the latest drum kits, provided by the EDM system.
The superior quality of the EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis-integrated) system carries on the tradition of KORG professional synthesizers. You can use up to 7 effects simultaneously: five insert type and two master type. The expressive power of the new KROSS 2 is astonishing, with a wide range of 134 effects. High-quality sampling and dedicated pads for this function.
KROSS 2 is equipped with a new sampling function that offers 16 dedicated pads. You can capture sounds from the LINE IN input with a maximum duration of 14 seconds for each pad. Up to 4 pads can be pressed simultaneously. Samples can be transformed into sequences from which other samples can be made later. Longer audio files can be read from an SD card and then allocated to the pads.
It allows quick access to the sounds and functions you need. KROSS 2 is very easy to use, featuring an interface that allows very quick access to the main sounds and programs, as well as real-time editing.
The new real-time control section allows control of the main parameters of the synthesizer without needing to navigate through its menu. Additionally, this section allows you to edit the programs used simply by using the knobs. They can also control the settings of the vocal modulator or the arpeggiator.
The "Favorite" function allows you to save recently used programs. These can be accessed with the simple press of a button. The function has been expanded to allow the saving of 128 presets, a number twice as large as that of its predecessor. This function is ideal for musicians who perform live and need quick access to different presets.
The sound layering/splitting function allows the pianist to overlap two sounds or assign each to half of the keyboard. This has become easier with the new KROSS 2 thanks to the dedicated button for this function.
Calling the category allows you to immediately find the sounds you need, saving you from searching for them. You just need to select the general category, such as piano, organs, etc., making the selection much easier and more efficient.
Lightweight, compact shape, and the ability to power the synthesizer with batteries.
The amazing portability of the KROSS series has reached a new level. The 88-key version features an unprecedented colour, "dark blue", which adds a significant style boost to the innovative design. Another improvement of the new model is the extended battery life. Thus, 6 AA batteries can power the synthesizer for up to 7 hours. It has a panel on the front that facilitates battery changes. Both versions feature the illuminated KORG logo, adding a design enhancement that stands out on stage. A superb synthesizer that places it at the top of its class.
KROSS 2 allows you to record audio using the built-in system. Thanks to this, you can overlay an external audio track, such as a vocal line, over your melody. Additionally, this can be allocated to one of the pads for later editing. This function allows recording longer segments, with the only limitation being the capacity of the SD card. By pressing a pad, you can play an entire backing track. Compatible with music production, it transforms musical inspiration into reality.
The 16-track MIDI sequencer allows you to record melodies as MIDI data. It can also record pad activity, providing you with an easy way to create sketches for your songs.
The step sequencer allows you to use the 16 pads and create rhythmic sequences of up to 64 steps.
The drum line allows you to add a rhythmic boost with the simple press of a button. You can choose from 772 presets covering a variety of styles.
The arpeggiator function allows you to automatically generate arpeggios, bass lines, or rhythmically played guitar chords by pressing a key.
It offers a microphone connection that allows voice modulation without the need for other equipment.
The 1/4" jack connector allows direct connection of a microphone to the synthesizer. Thus, the vocal-instrumentalist will not need to use a separate mixer to perform live. The "Vocoder" function allows real-time voice modulation due to quick access to its control section. KROSS 2 also offers the possibility of using a separate LINE INPUT that can be used for audio playback and sampling, and KROSS 2 can also be used as a USB audio interface.
The USB audio functionality is another feature that has been added to the new KROSS 2. You can connect the synthesizer to your PC running Mac or Windows, thus gaining access to the digital recording platform (DAW Recording), or to play along with backing tracks. The KORG MODULE application can be used as an external sound module played from the KROSS 2 synthesizer using a single cable.
KROSS 2 comes with an Editor and a Plug-in for it that allow you to immediately view many parameters and also make it possible to use the synthesizer within the digital recording platform (DAW).
*For connection to a PC, use a USB cable (sold separately).
*For connection to iPad/iPhone, use an Apple Lightning - USB adapter cable (sold separately).
Technical specifications:
- Keyboard:
- 88 keys, NH keyboard (natural-weighted hammer action), without aftertouch
- Normal from A0 to C8 (adjustable in the range A-1 to C7 and A1 to C9)
- The NH keyboard offers a piano-like playing experience, with heavier keys in the lower register and lighter keys in the upper register.
- System technology: EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis-integrated)
- Sound engine:
- Maximum polyphony:
- 120 voices (120 x oscillators), single mode
- 60 voices (60 x oscillators), single mode
- Current maximum polyphony varies depending on the oscillator settings, such as stereo multisamples and velocity crossfading
- PCM memory:
- Approximately 128 MB (at PCM data equivalent of 48 kHz / 16-bit linear)
- 496 x multisamples (including 7x stereo)
- 1014 x drum samples (including 49x stereo)
- PCM memory expansion:
- Approximately 128 MB (when converting to 48 kHz / 16-bit linear PCM)
- Used when loading optional PCM
- Program:
- Oscillator:
- OSC1 (single), OSC1+2 (double)
- Stereo multisamples support 4 velocity zones per oscillator, with switching, crossfades, and layers.
- Filters:
- 4 x filter routing types (single, serial, parallel, 24 dB)
- 2 x multi-mode filters per voice (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, band reject)
- Modulation:
- For each voice: 2 x envelope generators (Filter and Amp), 2 x LFOs, 2 x key-tracking generators (Filter and Amp), 2 x AMS mixers
- Pitch EG, common LFO, two common-key tracking generators
- User programs: 1280 (768 pre-loaded)
- Preset programs: 265 (256 GM2 programs + 9 GM2 drum programs)
- Combinations:
- Timbres:
- Up to 16 timbres, selectable via key zone or velocity zone
- Supports Layer and crossfade
- Tone adjustment function allows program settings to be offset
- Master Keyboard functionality: Allows external control for MIDI devices
- User combinations: 896 (384 pre-loaded)
- Drum kits:
- Stereo and mono drum samples:
- 4-way velocity switches with crossfades and adjustable crossfade shapes (Linear, Power, Layer)
- User drum kits: 58 (42 pre-loaded)
- Favorites:
- Patch memories: 128 (16 favorites × 8 banks)
- Effects:
- Insert effects:
- 5 x insert effects
- In-line processing
- Stereo in, stereo out
- Master effects:
- 2 x master effects
- 2 x effect sends
- Stereo in, stereo out
- Types of effects:
- 134 x types (select from 74 types for insert effects, 101 types for master effect 1, and 120 types for master effect 2)
- Modulation: dynamic
- Effect control bus: Stereo sidechaining for limiter, gates, vocoder, etc.
- Polyphonic arpeggiators:
- Program mode: one arpeggiator
- Combined mode: two arpeggiators
- Sequencer modes: two arpeggiators
- Preset arpeggio templates: Up, Down, Alt1, Alt2, Random
- User arpeggio templates:
- Number of arpeggio templates: 1280 (1024 pre-loaded)
- Number of tones: 12 tones
- Number of steps: up to 64 steps
- Step Sequencer:
- Program mode: one arpeggiator
- Combined mode: two arpeggiators
- Sequencer modes:
- Number of tones: 12 tones + 1 accent tone
- Drum track:
- Preset templates: 772 templates (common with sequencer templates)
- Others: Trigger / Sync mode / zone settings can be specified
- Sequencer:
- Tracks: 16 x MIDI tracks
- Number of songs: up to 128 songs
- Resolution: 1/480
- Tempo: 40 to 300 BPM (resolution of 1/100 BPM)
- Maximum memory: up to 210,000 MIDI events
- Counter: Measure / Beat / Tick
- Template Song: 16 x presets / 16 x user templates
- Preset templates: 772 templates (also used for drum templates)
- Format: KORG format (Kross), SMF format 0 and 1
- Sampler PAD:
- Specifications:
- 16 pads x 8 banks
- Automatically saved on SD card, and automatically loaded
- Up to 4 pads can be used simultaneously
- Recording format: PCM audio 48 kHz / 16-bit
- Recording time: up to approximately 14 seconds of stereo sample for each pad
- Import:
- WAV format
- 44.1 kHz / 16-bit (stereo)
- 48 kHz / 16-bit (stereo)
- 44.1 kHz is automatically converted to 48 kHz
- Internal audio recorder:
- Recording format: PCM audio format, 48 kHz / 16-bit
- Import:
- WAV format
- 44.1 kHz / 16-bit (stereo)
- 48 kHz / 16-bit (stereo)
- 44.1 kHz is automatically converted to 48 kHz
- Export:
- WAV format
- 48 kHz / 16-bit, stereo
- Recording time:
- Maximum continuous recording time: 3 hours
- Varies depending on the type of SD card used (approximately 90 minutes / 1 GB)
- Number of songs: up to 200 songs
- Number of overdub recordings: Varies depending on the free space available on the used SD card
- Counter: Hour / Min / Sec
- Pad Audio Play:
- 16 pads x 8 banks
- Direct data playback from the SD card
- Controls:
- General control:
- Pitch bend wheel
- Modulation wheel
- SW1, SW
- Real-Time Control:
- Select button
- Switch button
- Knob1 potentiometer
- Knob2 potentiometer
- Step Sequencer/Favorite/Pad Sampler/Pad Audio Play:
- Pads 1 to 16
- Step Seq Active button, Run button
- Favorites Active button
- Sampler Active button, Hold button
- Audio Play Active button
- Bank LED A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H (also used by step sequencer, favorites, pad sampler, and pad audio play)
- Drum Track: Drum Track button
- Arpeggiator: Arpeggiator button
- Audio recording: Audio Rec button
- User interface:
- Display:
- 240 x 64 pixels, LCD backlight
- Adjustable contrast
- Category: Category dial, Value dial
- Mode: Combi button, Prog button, Seq button (global / media)
- Value controllers: Cursor buttons, Exit, Enter, Function, Page-, Page+, Menu buttons
- Sequencer: Rec button, Start / Stop button
- Quick Layer Split: Layer / Split button
- Others: volume potentiometer
- Control inputs:
- Foot Controllers:
- Damper (supports piano-style pedals, half-damper, and also standard footswitches)
- Assignable switch
- Assignable pedal
- Analog audio outputs:
- L/Mono, R:
- Connectors: 2 x 1/4" / 6.3 mm jacks (TS, unbalanced)
- Output impedance: 1.1 kOhms stereo, 550 Ohms mono (L/mono only)
- Maximum level: +10.0 dBu
- Load impedance: 10 kOhms or greater
- Controllable via volume potentiometer
- Headphone output:
- Connectors: mini jack 1/8" / 3.5 mm stereo
- Output impedance: 33 Ohms
- Maximum level: 40 + 40 mW
- Controllable via volume potentiometer
- Analog audio inputs:
- Line input:
- Connector: mini jack 1/8" / 3.5 mm stereo
- Input impedance: 1.1 kOhms
- Maximum input level: -42 to 0 dBu
- Microphone input:
- Connector: 1/4" / 6.3 mm jack (TS, unbalanced)
- Input impedance: 33 Ohms
- Maximum input level: -48 to -6 dBu
- Others:
- MIDI: in / out
- USB:
- 1 x Type-B USB port
- USB MIDI interface
- USB audio interface
- SD card slot:
- 1 x card slot
- SD memory cards up to 2 GB
- SDHC memory cards up to 32 GB
- (SDXC memory cards are not supported)
- Power supply:
- AC adapter, 9 VDC
- 6 x AA alkaline batteries
- 6 x nickel metal hydride batteries
- Battery life:
- Approximately 6 hours with 6 x AA alkaline batteries
- Approximately 7 hours with 6 x AA nickel metal hydride batteries (1900 mAh)
- Power consumption: 5W
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 144.80 x 38.30 x 13.60 cm
- Weight: 12.30 kg (without batteries)
