A state-of-the-art platform with ever greater functionality.
The mobile synthesizer workstation that does everything.
KROSS 2, the long-awaited successor of the KROSS, is a compact, portable workstation with a huge range of sounds. While maintaining its identity as ultra-lightweight, compact, and capable of running on batteries, this new model dramatically enhances KROSS’s sounds and functionality. In addition to a total of more than a thousand preset sounds, expansion PCM memory has been newly added. Also new is a pad sampler that allows full-fledged sampling, and USB audio/MIDI interface functionality. The color scheme is even more stylish, and the user interface allows intuitive operation even by beginners.
Effortlessly select the sound that you want to play, shape it to match your imagination, sample a sound, create phrases and rhythms, record your vocal or guitar, bring KROSS 2 on stage, and perform. Whatever you artistic vision, you can make it happen. KROSS 2 is a versatile synthesizer platform made with creative freedom in mind.
Korg has upgraded key features of the new Kross 2 series to make it incredibly powerful for live performance, studio use and more! The evolved Kross 2 61 expands polyphony from 80 to 120 voices, and dramatically powers-up the number of internal programs from 809 to 1,075 programs. Including multi-layered pianos and electric pianos, thick strings and other new sounds that will work well with any band, as well as the latest drum kits to cover current styles such as EDM.
Korg Kross 261 MB 61 Key Synthesizer Workstation Features
- A rich selection of more than 1,000 powered-up presets
- 128MB of expansion PCM memory is built-in, and option libraries are supported
- The rich expressive power of the EDS-i sound engine, and a rich selection of effects with 134 types
- Superb sampling functionality and 16 sampler pads
- A panel layout that lets you access functions without confusion
- Realtime control section for quick parameter editing
- Favorite function lets you register and instantly recall up to 128 frequently-used sounds
- Quick layer/split can be specified by a single button
- Ultra-lightweight compact body; the 61-key model weighs only 3.8 kg, the lightest in its class
- Long operating life, with six AA batteries allowing up to seven hours of use
- A color lineup with a peerless finish that exceeds its class
- Audio player/recorder that can be easily triggered by the pads
- Sequencer, drum track, and arpeggiator to support your song production
- A rich array of input jacks for singer-instrumentalists or vocoder performance without requiring additional equipment
- Also functions as a USB audio interface
Built-in expansion PCM memory, and support for optional libraries
The KROSS 2 now provides 128 MB of built-in expansion PCM memory. By selecting from optional libraries that will be released following KROSS 2, you can expand KROSS 2’s internal sounds to meet the needs of your performing style or situation.
Rich expressive power of the EDS-i sound engine
The high-quality EDS-i Enhanced Definition Synthesis-integrated sound engine is inherited from KORG’s professional synthesizers. You can use a total of seven effects units simultaneously: five insert and two master. Rich expressive power is available from the selection of 134 high-quality effects, including standard effects such as delay and reverb as well as amp modeling, vintage effect units, and even a vocoder.
Superb sampling function and a pad sampler
As a first in its class, the KROSS 2 is newly equipped with a unique sampling function that provides 16 playable pads. You can record the input from the LINE IN jack and assign a stereo sample of up to 14 seconds to each pad. Up to four pads can be triggered simultaneously. You can edit the sample waveform using functions such as start/end loop point settings and normalize, and even resample within the KROSS 2, allowing you to perform extensive sampling without requiring any additional equipment. Long audio files from an SD card can also be assigned to these pads.
Straightforward access to the sounds and functions you need
It's easy to get around on KROSS 2, thanks to a user-friendly layout. The panel of the KROSS 2 has been further improved since the first KROSS, ensuring that anyone can quickly access desired sounds and functions from the enormous range of choices.
Product Specifications
- Keyboard
- 61 keys (velocity sensitive; aftertouch not supported)
- Normally C2 - C7(adjustable in the range [C1…C6] - [C3…C8]
- System: EDS-I Enhanced Definition Synthesis – integrated
- Sound Engine
- Maximum Polyphony:
- 120 voices (120 oscillators), single mode
- 60 voices (60 oscillators), single mode
- Maximum Polyphony:
- Preset PCM Memory:
- Approximately 128 MB (calculated as 48 kHz / 16-bit linear PCM data equivalent)
- 496 multisamples (including seven stereo), 1014 drumsamples (including 49 stereo)
- Program:
- Oscillator: OSC1 (Single), OSC1+2 (Double): Stereo multisamples are supported 4 velocity zones per oscillator, with switching, crossfades and layers.
- Filters: Four types of filter routing (single, serial, parallel, 24 dB)
- Two multi-mode filters per voice (low pass, high pass, band pass, band reject)
- Modulation: For each voice, two envelope generators (Filter & Amp), two LFOs, two key tracking generators (Filter & Amp), and two AMS mixers. In addition, pitch EG, common LFO, and two common key tracking generators
- Combination:
- Timbres: Up to 16 timbres, switchable via key zone or velocity zone, layer and crossfade supported, Tone Adjust function allows program settings to be offset
- Master Keyboard functionality: These allow you to control external MIDI devices
- Drumkits: Stereo and mono drumsamples. 4-way velocity switches with crossfades and adjustable crossfade shapes (Linear, Power, Layer).
- The Number of Combinations/Programs/Drum Kits:
- User Combinations: 896 Combinations (384 Preload)
- User Programs: 1280 Programs (768 Preload)
- User Drum Kits 58 Drum Kits (42 Preload)
- Preset Programs 265 Programs (256 GM2 Programs + 9 GM2 Drum Programs)
- Favorites
- Number of memories: 128 (16 favorites × 8 banks)
- Insert effects: 5 Insert Effects In-line processing; stereo in - stereo out.
- Master effects: 2 Master Effects Two effects sends; stereo in - stereo out.
- Effects types: Total of 134 types (select from 74 types for insert effects, 101 types of master effect 1, and 120 types for mast
- Lightweight (at 8.38 lb) and compact portable workstation
- 61-key, velocity-sensitive keyboard
- Up to seven hours of battery-powered operation from six AA batteries
- Super matte black color with a durable rubberized finish
- Rear-panel Korg logo is fully illuminated
Rich Selection of Presets
1000+ Preset Sounds
- Wide selection of sound programs covers your needs from live performance to studio production
- 1075 internal sound programs
- Multilayered pianos, electric pianos, thick strings, and more
- Drum kits, including EDM grooves
- 120-voice polyphony
Built-In Expansion PCM Memory
- 128MB of built-in expansion PCM memory
- Expandable with optional libraries as they become available (available separately)
EDS-i Sound Engine with Effects
- High-quality EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis-integrated) sound engine
- 134 effects including delay, reverb, amp modeling, vintage effect units, vocoder, and more
- Use a total of seven effect units simultaneously, with five inserts and two masters
Sampling Function and Pad Sampler
- Sampling function provides 16 playable pads
- Record the input from the Line In jack and assign it to any pad as a stereo sample of up to 14 seconds
- Up to four pads can be triggered simultaneously
- Edit sample waveforms using functions such as Start/End loop point settings or Normalize
- Resample within KROSS 2 to perform extensive sampling without requiring any additional equipment
- Long audio files from an SD card can also be assigned to the pads
User-Friendly Layout
Real-Time Control Section
- Directly control the main parameters without having to navigate through a menu hierarchy
- Provides real-time control of the sounds, effects, and simple editing functions
- Use the knobs to quickly control the vocoder settings, or adjust the tempo of the arpeggiator and sequencer
Favorites Function
- Register frequently used programs and combinations, and recall them at a single touch
- 128 favorite locations
- Ideal for live players who need quick access to a specific set of sounds on stage
Quick Layer/Split
- Layer two sounds or assign separate sounds to the left and right regions of the keyboard
- Dedicated Layer/Split button
Category Dial
- Helps you quickly find the sounds you're looking for among the large selection of presets
- Choose the general type of sound, such as piano or organ, and then make your selection quickly and efficiently
Audio Player/Recorder
- Built-in stereo audio recorder lets you record your KROSS 2 performance, or overdub an external input source such as vocals
- Pad Audio Play function enables you to assign recorded sounds or audio files imported from an external source, to each of the 16 pads for playback
- Strike a pad to play back the backing of an entire song while you perform on the keyboard
- Use the pads to trigger sound effects or background music
- Allows extended recording and playback that is limited only by the capacity of the SD card
Sequencer
16-Track MIDI Sequencer
- Sequencer records your keyboard performance and controller movements as MIDI data
- Allows you to record your pad sampler performance
- Ideal for recording musical ideas or sketching songs
Step Sequencer
- Use the 16 pads to intuitively and quickly create original rhythm patterns with up to 64 steps
Drum Track
- Choose from 772 preset drum patterns in a wide variety of styles
- Add rhythm to your performance simply by pressing a button
Arpeggiator
- Helps spark your imagination and generate song ideas
- Simply hold down keys to create rhythmic chords, bass phrases, or guitar strumming
Microphone Input/Line Input/Vocoder
- Mic input with 1/4" TS phone jack lets you plug a dynamic mic directly in the keyboard
- Eliminates the need for a separate mixer when performing live
- Built-in vocoder function—easily perform vocoder sounds with quick access via the real-time control section
- Line input with 1/8" stereo mini jack, for connecting your audio player or for sampling
USB Audio/MIDI Interface
- Connect the KROSS 2 to your Mac or Windows computer and enjoy DAW recording
- The Korg Module (available separately) sound module app can be used as an external sound module played from the KROSS 2
- Perform along with the backing of tracks you created using the Korg Gadget DAW app (available separately)
- Dedicated KROSS 2 Editor and Plug-In Editor (free downloads, available separately) let you edit while viewing numerous parameters at a glance on your computer, or allow you to use the KROSS 2 as a software synthesizer from within your DAW