KORG KRONOS 3 88 - Professional 88-key RH3 workstation with 9 synthesis engines and 16+16 sequencer

KORG KRONOS 3 88 - Professional 88-key RH3 workstation with 9 synthesis engines and 16+16 sequencer

The KORG KRONOS 3 88 brings back the gold standard of workstations, now with 60% faster boot-up , an all-black design , and a selection of 256 additional programs (128 new + 128 selected from the KRONOS Sound Libraries). Its graded-action RH3 keyboard — with a piano-like feel — is combined with nine independent synthesis engines (SGX-2, EP-1, HD-1, AL-1, CX-3, STR-1, MOD-7, MS-20EX, PolysixEX), an 8" TouchView display , Set List mode with graphic EQ, and SST (Smooth Sound Transitions) for seamless sound changes. All backed by the Open Sampling System , a powerful 16-track MIDI + 16-track audio sequencer, and a chain of 16 internal effects processors .

The approximately 3 GB PCM RAM and 120 GB internal SSD make it easy to load libraries and samples, including over 300 titles from the KRONOS Sound Libraries and over 21 GB of internal waveforms. Connectivity includes a USB-B 24-bit/48 kHz (2x2) audio and MIDI interface , MAIN and four individual analog outputs, optical SPDIF , balanced audio inputs with MIC/LINE select, and USB-A ports for peripherals and storage. With generous polyphonies per engine, vector joystick control, ribbon , aftertouch , and nine faders , the KRONOS 3 establishes itself as the ultimate creative hub for live and studio use.

Main features

• Keyboard : 88 weighted RH3 keys with aftertouch.
• 9 sound engines : SGX-2 (premium piano), EP-1 (MDS electric pianos), HD-1 (High Definition PCM), AL-1 (analog modeling), CX-3 (tonewheel organ), STR-1 (modeled strings), MOD-7 (VPM/FM + waveshaping), MS-20EX and PolysixEX (analog CMT).
• Optimized boot : 60% faster startup and more responsive TouchView.
• New Sounds : 256 pre-installed additional programs (128 new + 128 selected from KSL); access to 300+ expansion libraries .
• Open Sampling System : sampling/resampling in any mode; loading AIFF/WAV/SF2/AKAI.
• Sequencer/Recorder : 16 MIDI tracks + 16 audio tracks (simultaneous recording up to 4 tracks at 24/16-bit/48 kHz).
• Internal effects : 12 insert, 2 master, 2 total (197 types; 783 presets); 3-band EQ per timbre/track.
• Second-generation KARMA : 1 module in Program; 4 modules in Combi/Sequencer.
• Set List with 9-band graphic EQ per list and SST for seamless transitions.
• Memory : approx. 3 GB PCM RAM; SSD 120 GB .
• Screen : TouchView color 8" (800×600).
• Connectivity : USB-B audio 24-bit/48 kHz (2x2) + MIDI; USB-Ax2; AUDIO IN 1/2 (balanced TRS with MIC/LINE level); MAIN L/MONO, R; INDIVIDUAL 1–4; Optical SPDIF ; MIDI DIN I/O/Thru; pedal inputs (damper with half-damper, switch, pedal).
• Dimensions/weight (88) : 1,457 × 370 × 148 mm; 23.4 kg ; consumption 40 W.

Product benefits

• Lag-free performance : Smooth Sound Transitions prevent dropouts when switching sounds or modes.
• All-in-one live performance : Set list with notes, colors, and EQ per list; instant control via faders, knobs, or joysticks.
• Reference sonority : SGX-2 pianos without loops, CX-3 organs with rotary, classic analog (MS-20/Polysix) and advanced synthesis (AL-1/MOD-7/STR-1).
• Integrated production : 16+16 sequencing, open sampling and studio-grade effects.
• Modern Flow : Large touch interface, faster startup, and a large, expandable sound library.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What's new compared to previous KRONOS models? New black design, 60% faster startup , 256 additional programs , and usability improvements while maintaining compatibility with KRONOS libraries.
• Does it act as a USB audio interface? Yes, 24-bit/48 kHz (2x2) via USB-B, plus optical SPDIF digital audio.
• Can I use my KRONOS/NAUTILUS libraries? Yes; KRONOS 3 is compatible with the KRONOS Sound Libraries, and sound packs for previous models are announced.

Description for projects

KORG KRONOS 3 88 Workstation: 88-key RH3 keyboard with aftertouch; 9 engines (SGX-2, EP-1, HD-1, AL-1, CX-3, STR-1, MOD-7, MS-20EX, PolysixEX); max. polyphony: 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; PCM RAM ≈ 3 GB ; SSD 120 GB ; 16/24-bit sampling at 48 kHz; 16 MIDI + 16 audio sequencer (simultaneous recording up to 4 tracks); 12 insert + 2 master + 2 total FX (197 types); 8" 800x600 touchscreen; USB-B 24-bit/48 kHz audio (2x2) , optical SPDIF , AUDIO IN 1/2 (TRS, MIC/LINE), MAIN L/MONO-R, INDIVIDUAL 1–4, headphones; MIDI DIN I/O/Thru; USB-Ax2; pedals (damper half-damper, switch, pedal); dimensions 1,457x370x148 mm; weight 23.4 kg; consumption 40 W.