KORG NAUTILUS 61 - Professional 61-key workstation with light action and 9 synthesis engines

KORG NAUTILUS 61 - Professional 61-key workstation with light action and 9 synthesis engines

The KORG NAUTILUS 61 is a professional 61-key workstation keyboard that combines production, performance, and sound design into a single instrument. Its semi-weighted Natural Touch (C–C) keyboard offers a light, responsive touch ideal for synth solos, organs, and glissandos; it combines with the 7" TouchView touchscreen and dedicated controls like the DYNAMICS knob and Realtime Knobs to precisely adjust response, filters, effects, and rhythms while performing.

At its core, it integrates nine sound engines (SGX-2, EP-1, HD-1, AL-1, CX-3, STR-1, MOD-7, MS-20EX and PolysixEX) with a maximum polyphony of up to 200 voices per engine, as well as Wave Sequences and a complete Open Sampling System compatible with AIFF, WAV, SoundFont 2.0 and AKAI S1000/3000. For production, it includes a 16-track MIDI sequencer and 16-track audio recorder (up to 4 simultaneous tracks at 48 kHz/16–24-bit), 16 effects processors and 3-band EQ per timbre/track. In live performance, Set List Mode adds 9-band graphic EQ per list and SST (Smooth Sound Transitions) for seamless sound changes.

Connectivity is pro-grade: MAIN L/R outputs and 4 individual balanced outputs , 2 balanced audio inputs with switchable mic/line and headphone levels, MIDI In/Out/Thru , and USB-B that acts as a 24-bit/48 kHz 2x2 audio/MIDI interface . Plus, there are 2 USB-A ports for controllers, storage, or an Ethernet adapter, and a 60GB internal SSD for EX projects and libraries.

Main features

• 9 synthesis engines : SGX-2 (acoustic piano), EP-1 (MDS electric pianos), HD-1 (PCM), AL-1 (analog), CX-3 (tonewheel organ), STR-1 (physical string modeling), MOD-7 (VPM/FM and waveshaping), MS-20EX and PolysixEX (CMT analog modeling).
• 7" TouchView display (WVGA 800×480) with search, tabbed browsing, and dark mode.
• SST – Smooth Sound Transitions : seamless sound and mode changes.
• Set List Mode with 128 lists × 128 slots and 9-band graphic EQ per list.
• Open Sampling System with resampling and In-Track sampling; KORG, AKAI S1000/3000, SoundFont 2.0, AIFF and WAV compatibility.
• Sequencing/Recording : 16 MIDI tracks + 16 audio tracks (4 simultaneous tracks) at 48 kHz/16–24-bit; volume, pan, EQ, and send automation.
• Processing : 16 effects (12 insert, 2 master, 2 total), 197 types and 783 presets ; 3-band EQ per timbre/track.
• Arpeggiator and Drum Track : 1 module in Program / 2 in Combi/Sequence; ARP A 2,048 slots (1,593 pre-loaded) + ARP B 128 ; 1,272 drum patterns + 1,000 user.
• Included libraries : EXs301–EXs314 (pianos, historic/vintage keyboards, strings & synths, guitars, basses, world, loops, SFX, percussion and drums).
• Memory : Factory PCM RAM 496 MB / DISK 2.3 GB; User RAM approx. 2 GB (≈260 MB available with PRELOAD); Wave Sequences 377 factory / 598 user.
• Connectivity : MAIN L/R + 4 individual balanced outputs, 2 balanced mic/line inputs, headphones, MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB-A ×2, USB-B audio/MIDI 2×2.
• Dimensions and weight : 1,062 × 386 × 116 mm; 13.0 kg . Power consumption: 40 W.

Product benefits

• True sonic versatility : from multi-speed concert grand pianos to classical organs and analog/FM/physical modeling synthesis, ready for mixing or live performance.
• Agile Workflow : TouchView, DYNAMICS, real-time controls, Set List and SST accelerate repertoire preparation and editing without losing musical focus.
• Studio Integration : 2x2 USB audio/MIDI interface, 4 individual outputs for advanced routing and 2 inputs for recording external sources without additional equipment.
• Guaranteed expansion : 60GB SSD, factory EX libraries, and compatibility with user banks and new official libraries.
• Portability : Light action and 13kg weight for easy transport in rehearsals, live performances and backline.

Use cases

• Stage : Organize your repertoire with Set List, adjust the 9-band EQ per room, and seamlessly change sounds with SST.
• Production : Create demos or full tracks with 16 MIDI + 16 audio tracks, automation, and direct export.
• Composition : Dual arpeggiator and Drum Track with scenes per sound to generate ideas and textures immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the standard NAUTILUS 61 have aftertouch? No. The standard model doesn't include aftertouch; if you need it, there's a NAUTILUS AT 61 with aftertouch and equivalent specifications.
• Does it work as a USB audio interface? Yes. The USB-B port offers 24-bit/48 kHz audio in a 2x2 configuration in addition to MIDI.
• Can I load my own samples? Yes. AIFF, WAV, SoundFont 2.0, and AKAI S1000/3000 are supported; resampling and in-track sampling are also possible.

Connectivity and control

Outputs : L/MONO, R and 4 balanced individual outputs (1/4" TRS). Headphones : 1/4" stereo jack. Inputs : 2 × balanced TRS with LINE +4 dBu / MIC −22 dBu levels. USB-B : 24-bit/48 kHz audio (2×2) and MIDI. USB-A ×2 : High-speed (480 Mbps) for controllers, storage and Ethernet adapter. MIDI : In/Out/Thru. Control inputs : Sustain pedal (half-damper), assignable footswitch and continuous pedal. Audio specifications : response 20 Hz–22 kHz (±1 dB), THD+N 0.01%, S/N 95 dB, crosstalk 95 dB at 1 kHz.

Description for projects

KORG NAUTILUS 61 workstation with semi-weighted Natural Touch keyboard (61 C–C, without 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; 7" WVGA TouchView display ; 16 MIDI sequencer + 16 audio recorder (4 simultaneous tracks) at 48 kHz/16–24-bit; 16 effects (12 insert/2 master/2 total), 197 types; arpeggiator/Drum Track with 2,048+128 arpeggio slots and 1,272 patterns; factory PCM memory RAM 496 MB / DISK 2.3 GB; user RAM approx. 2 GB; Wave Sequences 377 factory / 598 user; SSD storage 60 GB; audio I/O MAIN L/R + 4 individual balanced, 2 balanced mic/line inputs, headphones; USB-B audio/MIDI 2×2; USB-A ×2 ; MIDI In/Out/Thru; dimensions 1,062 × 386 × 116 mm; weight 13.0 kg; consumption 40 W; includes AC cable and quick start guide.