KORG KRONOS 3 61 - Professional 61-key workstation with 9 synthesis engines and 8" touchscreen

KORG KRONOS 3 61 - Professional 61-key workstation with 9 synthesis engines and 8" touchscreen

The KORG KRONOS 3 61 is the next generation of KORG’s legendary workstation: a performance and studio instrument that combines nine synthesis engines , a streamlined 8" TouchView touchscreen interface, instant physical control (nine faders and eight knobs), and a library ecosystem of over 300 premium collections . This 61-key version features a Natural Touch Semi-Weighted keyboard with aftertouch for a fast, expressive response, ideal for organ, synthesizer, and advanced modulation control. The internal system has been redesigned to offer 60% faster boot time and a 120GB internal SSD for quickly loading pianos, multisamples, and EXs/KRS libraries.

The KRONOS 3 comes with 256 additional programs (128 of them brand new) that expand its sonic palette—including a characterful Italian piano and new “tine” electric pianos—plus thousands of classic series sounds. It maintains professional features like Set List with list-based graphic EQ, Smooth Sound Transition (SST) for seamless sound changes, a 16-track MIDI + 16-track audio sequencer at 48 kHz/16–24 bit, KARMA , open sampling, studio-quality effects (12 insert, 2 master, and 2 total, with 197 effect types ), and 2x2 24-bit/48 kHz USB audio.

Main features

• Keyboard : 61 Natural Touch Semi-Weighted keys with sensitivity and aftertouch.
• Nine synthesis engines : SGX-2 (acoustic piano), EP-1 (MDS electric piano), HD-1 (PCM), AL-1 (analog), CX-3 (tonewheel organ), STR-1 (modeled strings), MOD-7 (VPM/Waveshaping), MS-20EX, and PolysixEX (analog CMT).
• New Sounds : 256 additional programs (128 completely new), including updated pianos and EPs.
• Optimized boot : system starts up to 60% faster .
• Storage : 120GB internal SSD for libraries and sampling.
• Built-in Libraries : Wide selection of pre-loaded EXs (German/Japanese/Berlin/Italian LE pianos, Rock/Jazz drums, brass/woodwind, vintage keyboards, etc.).
• Massive Resources : Thousands of programs and combinations, with 2,560 user program memories , 1,792 combinations , and 264 drum kits .
• Polyphony per engine (maximum): SGX-2 100, EP-1 104, HD-1 140, AL-1 80, CX-3 200, STR-1 40, MOD-7 52, MS-20EX 40, PolysixEX 180 voices.
• Display : 8" TouchView (800 × 600) with advanced touch control and name search.
• Workflow : Set List with 9-band EQ, seamless SST , KARMA and Drum Track.
• Sequencing and Audio : 16 MIDI tracks + 16 audio tracks (4-track simultaneous recording), open sampling and CD ripping.
• Effects : 12 inserts, 2 masters, 2 total, 197 types; 3-band EQ per timbre/track and 783 effect presets.
• Connectivity : Balanced audio inputs (MIC/LINE), Main outputs and 4 balanced individual outputs, headphones, 24-bit/48 kHz optical S/PDIF, 24-bit/48 kHz USB-B audio/MIDI 2×2, 2 USB-A ports, MIDI In/Out/Thru and pedal inputs (damper with half pedal, switch and continuous pedal).
• Construction : Black metal chassis with black wood side panels; sturdy and elegant design.
• Dimensions and weight (61 keys) : 1064 × 363 × 134 mm; 14.2 kg.

Benefits for the performer and the producer

• Seamless live : Program/combi changes are seamless thanks to SST; the Set List centralizes the entire show with notes and EQ per set list.
• Speed ​​and stability : Faster boot times and a 120GB SSD reduce loading times and improve responsiveness when browsing large libraries.
• One keyboard, all the techniques : semi-weighted action with aftertouch for fast organ and synth play, expressive layering, and modulation control.
• Built-in studio quality : 16 tracks of 48 kHz audio, professional effects, open sampling, and 24-bit/48 kHz USB audio for direct DAW integration.
• Endless sonic palette : Nine dedicated engines and support for over 300 official libraries to cover any style.

Use cases

• Tour and Live : Prepare complex sets with instant changes, zone splits, and dynamic layers.
• Studio production : sequencing, recording multitrack audio, sampling, and sound design without relying on a computer.
• Theater, TV, and events : templates with set lists, scene notes, and quick recall of signature sounds.
• Houses of worship and education : CX-3 organs, SGX-2 pianos and ready-to-play combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the KRONOS 3 61 have built-in speakers? No, it connects to monitors or PA systems via its balanced outputs.
• Does it support USB audio? Yes, it works as a 24-bit/48 kHz 2x2 (in/out) USB-B interface.
• Can I load additional libraries? Yes, it supports KRONOS Sound Libraries (EXs/KRS) and AIFF/WAV/SF2/AKAI sampling formats.
• Does it have aftertouch? Yes, the 61-key model's Natural Touch Semi-Weighted keyboard is aftertouch sensitive.

Description for projects

KORG KRONOS 3 61 Workstation with 61-key Natural Touch Semi-Weighted keyboard with aftertouch; 9 engines (SGX-2, EP-1, HD-1, AL-1, CX-3, STR-1, MOD-7, MS-20EX, PolysixEX); max polyphony per engine: SGX-2 100, EP-1 104, HD-1 140, AL-1 80, CX-3 200, STR-1 40, MOD-7 52, MS-20EX 40, PolysixEX 180; 8" 800x600 TouchView touchscreen; 2,560 user programs, 1,792 combinations, 264 drum kits; 16 MIDI sequencer + 16 audio track recorder (4 simultaneous recording) at 48 kHz/16–24 bit; 12 insert + 2 master + 2 total effects (197 types); 2x TRS balanced MIC/LINE audio inputs; Main L/R + 4 single balanced, headphone outputs; 24-bit/48 kHz optical S/PDIF; 2x2 24-bit/48 kHz USB-B audio/MIDI; 2x USB-A MIDI In/Out/Thru; 120 GB SSD; 60% faster boot time; 1064 × 363 × 134 mm dimensions; 14.2 kg weight.