KORG NAUTILUS 88 - Professional 88-key workstation with RH3 action and 9 synthesis engines

KORG NAUTILUS 88 - Professional 88-key workstation with RH3 action and 9 synthesis engines

The KORG NAUTILUS 88 is a professional 88-key workstation keyboard that brings the power of nine sound engines , open sampling, a 16-track MIDI sequencer , and a 16-track audio recorder to the stage and studio. Its RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) keyboard features key weights similar to an acoustic piano, offering detailed dynamic control with the DYNAMICS knob and six Realtime Knobs for instant sound sculpting. The interface is centered around the 7" TouchView touchscreen (WVGA 800x480), featuring sound search and the familiar Set List Mode with 9-band graphic EQ for performance.

The NAUTILUS 88 features Smooth Sound Transitions (SST) for seamless program and mode changes, Open Sampling System support for AIFF, WAV, SoundFont 2.0, and AKAI S1000/3000, and a 60GB internal SSD for libraries and projects. Professional connectivity includes L/R and four balanced individual outputs , two line/mic inputs, MIDI In/Out/Thru , USB-A (x2) for controllers and storage, and a USB-B 2x2 48kHz/24-bit audio/MIDI interface. All housed in a rugged, wood-sided chassis designed for touring and intensive production sessions.

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 (physically modeled strings), MOD-7 (VPM/FM and waveshaping), MS-20EX and PolysixEX (CMT analog modeling).
• RH3 keyboard with 88 gradually weighted keys for piano response and velocity control.
• 7" TouchView touchscreen with tabbed navigation, sound search, and dark mode.
• SST – Smooth Sound Transitions : seamless transitions between programs, combos and modes.
• Set List Mode with 16 color buttons and 9-band graphic EQ for quick scene adjustments.
• Open Sampling System with AIFF, WAV, SF2, and AKAI loading; approximately 2 GB of RAM for samples (effective capacity varies depending on the libraries loaded).
• 32-track Sequencer/Recorder : 16 MIDI tracks + 16 audio tracks (up to 4 simultaneous recording tracks at 48 kHz/16–24-bit), mixing automation and editing utilities.
• 16 effects processors : 12 insert, 2 master, and 2 total; 3-band EQ per timbre and per track.
• Arpeggiator and Drum Track with over 1,200 patterns and 4 scenes per program/combi.
• Professional connectivity : L/R outputs + 4 individual balanced TRS outputs, headphone input, 2 balanced audio inputs (mic/line), MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB-A x2 and USB-B audio/MIDI 2×2.
• Storage : 60GB internal SSD for EX projects and libraries.
• Software included through the KORG Software Bundle (e.g., Ozone Elements, Skoove, and KORG synths).
• Dimensions and weight (88 keys) : 1,437 × 387 × 139 mm; 23.1 kg .

Product benefits

• All-in-one for live and studio : from detailed concert grand pianos to modern synths, organs, and classic modeling, with seamless switching thanks to SST.
• Fast Workflow : 7" touchscreen, customizable Set List, DYNAMICS knob and real-time controls speed up programming and performance.
• Professional-grade sound : 16 effects processors, multiple balanced outputs, and 2x2 USB audio to integrate the NAUTILUS with your DAW without additional hardware.
• Expansion and future-proofing : 60GB SSD and compatibility with NAUTILUS-specific EX libraries.
• RH3 Keyboard : Authentic piano feel for demanding repertoires, from classical and jazz to pop/rock.

Use cases

• Scenario : Design set lists by song, control levels and EQ by venue, and make seamless sound changes.
• Production : record complete ideas on the instrument itself (16 MIDI + 16 audio) and export via USB.
• Composition and arrangement : arpeggiator, drum track and pre-programmed phrases to quickly sketch out beats and textures.
• Backline and schools : extensive bank of standard and current sounds, clear interface and solid construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it have aftertouch? The standard NAUTILUS 88 version doesn't have aftertouch. If you need aftertouch, there's the NAUTILUS AT version.
• Does it work as a USB audio interface? Yes. The USB-B port offers 2x2 audio at 48 kHz/24-bit in addition to MIDI.
• Can I load my own samples? Yes. AIFF, WAV, SoundFont 2.0, and AKAI S1000/3000 are supported via the open sampling system and USB.

Description for projects

KORG NAUTILUS 88 workstation with 88-note RH3 keyboard, 9 engines (SGX-2, EP-1, HD-1, AL-1, CX-3, STR-1, MOD-7, MS-20EX, PolysixEX), maximum polyphony per engine up to 200 voices (depending on engine), 16-track MIDI sequencer and 16-track/48 kHz audio recorder (4 simultaneous tracks), 16 effects (12 insert/2 master/2 total), 7" WVGA TouchView touchscreen, 60 GB SSD, L/R + 4 balanced individual outputs, 2 balanced audio inputs (mic/line), USB-A×2, USB-B audio/MIDI 2×2, MIDI In/Out/Thru, Damper pedals (half-damper), assignable switch and pedal, dimensions 1,437 × 387 × 139 mm, weight 23.1 kg, consumption 40 W.