KORG NAUTILUS 73 - Professional 73-key workstation with light action and 9 synthesis engines

KORG NAUTILUS 73 - Professional 73-key workstation with light action and 9 synthesis engines

The KORG NAUTILUS 73 is a 73-key workstation keyboard designed for performance and studio use, packing the power of nine sound engines , open sampling , a 16-track MIDI sequencer , and a 16-track audio recorder . Its semi-weighted Natural Touch (C–C) keyboard offers a light, fast response for synth leads, organs, and glissandos. The interface revolves around the 7" TouchView touchscreen (WVGA 800x480) and dedicated controls: the DYNAMICS knob for shaping velocity response, Realtime Knobs for sculpting filters, envelopes, and rhythms, and the stage-ready Set List Mode with color-coordinated knobs and 9-band graphic EQ .

The NAUTILUS 73 features Smooth Sound Transitions (SST) for switching between Program, Combi, or seamless modes, as well as sampling support for AIFF, WAV, SoundFont 2.0, and AKAI S1000/3000 . It features an internal 60GB SSD for libraries and projects, and a USB-B port that doubles as a 24-bit/48kHz 2x2 audio/MIDI interface. Professional-level connections include MAIN L/R outputs and four individual balanced TRS outputs , two balanced audio inputs with switchable mic/line and headphone levels, MIDI In/Out/Thru , and two USB-A ports for controllers, storage, or an Ethernet adapter. All this in a rugged, lightweight chassis (14.6kg) for its class, making it easy to transport without sacrificing high-end performance.

Main features

• 9 synthesis engines : SGX-2 (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).
• Keyboard : 73 Natural Touch semi-weighted (C–C) keys, velocity sensitive. Aftertouch not available on the 73-key model .
• 7" WVGA TouchView touchscreen with name search, dark mode, and advanced touch control.
• SST – Smooth Sound Transitions : seamless transitions between sounds and modes.
• Set List Mode with 16 color buttons and 9-band EQ for quick adaptation to the venue.
• Open Sampling System : resampling and loading of AIFF, WAV, SF2 and AKAI S1000/3000.
• Sequencer/Recorder : 16 MIDI tracks + 16 audio tracks with up to 4 simultaneous recording tracks at 48 kHz/16–24 bit; automation and mix editing.
• Processing : 16 internal effects (12 insert, 2 master, 2 total) and 3-band EQ per timbre/track.
• Arpeggiator and Drum Track : 1 module in Program and 2 in Combi/Sequencer, with 1,272 drum patterns and 2,048+128 arpeggio slots.
• Professional connectivity : MAIN L/R + 4 individual balanced outputs , 2 balanced inputs (mic/line), headphones, MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB-A ×2 and USB-B audio/MIDI 2×2 .
• Storage : 60 GB SSD for EX projects and libraries.
• Dimensions and weight (73 keys) : 1,227 × 386 × 116 mm; 14.6 kg .

Product benefits

• True sonic versatility : from multi-speed concert grand pianos to classical organs, analog synthesis, FM and physical modeling without additional hardware.
• Agile workflow : Touchscreen, DYNAMICS, real-time controls, and Set List reduce steps when preparing live shows or sessions.
• Studio Integration : 2x2 USB audio/MIDI interface, 4 individual outputs for advanced routing and 2 inputs for recording external sources.
• Guaranteed expansion : pre-installed EX libraries and approximately 2 GB of user RAM for sample storage, with a 60 GB SSD for expansion.
• Portability : Light action and low weight for rehearsals, touring and backline, while maintaining high-end specifications.

Use cases

• Live : Organize repertoires with Set Lists, adjust the 9-band EQ per venue, and seamlessly change sounds with SST.
• Production : record complete ideas on the instrument itself (16 MIDI + 16 audio) and transfer via USB.
• Composition : arpeggiator, drum track and phrases to quickly create beats, textures and arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the NAUTILUS 73 have aftertouch? No. The standard NAUTILUS doesn't offer aftertouch, and the NAUTILUS AT model is only available in 61 and 88 keys.
• Does it work as a USB audio interface? Yes, via USB-B with 24-bit/48 kHz stereo audio (2 in/2 out) plus MIDI.
• Can I load my own samples? Yes. It supports AIFF, WAV, SoundFont 2.0, and AKAI S1000/3000, and allows resampling of the instrument itself.

Connectivity and control

L/MONO, R and 4 balanced individual outputs (TRS), headphones , 2 balanced inputs with mic/line levels, control inputs for sustain pedal with half-damper, footswitch and continuous pedal, MIDI In/Out/Thru , USB-A ×2 (controllers, storage, Ethernet adapter) and USB-B for audio/MIDI. Frequency response 20 Hz–22 kHz, THD+N 0.01 %, S/N 95 dB.

Description for projects

KORG NAUTILUS 73 workstation with semi-weighted Natural Touch keyboard (73 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 touchscreen ; 16 MIDI sequencer + 16 audio recorder (4 simultaneous tracks) at 48 kHz/16–24 bit; 16 effects (12 insert/2 master/2 total) + 3-band EQ per track; arpeggiator/Drum Track with 1,272 patterns; 60 GB SSD storage ; 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 1,227 × 386 × 116 mm; weight 14.6 kg; consumption 40 W; includes AC cable and quick guide.