Essential Information About the Korg KROSS2-88 Synthesizer
- Ultra-comprehensive workstation: EDS-i engine, 16-track MIDI sequencer, audio recorder, and rhythm track for end-to-end production.
- Enhanced expressiveness: 3-layer sampled piano with pedal resonance, ideal for realistic playing.
- Immediate creativity: dual arpeggiator, step sequencer, over 700 drum patterns, and a 16-pad sampler for triggering sounds on the fly.
- Mobility designed for live performance: battery operation, convenient front compartment, and 88-note format designed to remain lightweight for transport.
A modern workstation in the lineage of acclaimed Korg models
The Korg KROSS2-88 continues the legacy of Korg workstations that have influenced many keyboardists, embracing the "all-in-one" spirit and a vast collection of sounds inherited from previous generations. This KROSS2 version advances the concept with an expanded library, increased polyphony, more PCM memory, and simplified studio integration via USB audio/MIDI.
Who the Korg KROSS2-88 excels for and its applications
Designed for the versatile keyboardist, the KROSS2-88 suits both band musicians and producers. It caters to pop, electro, techno, ambient, synthwave, film music, and worship styles through its combinations, arpeggios, and drum patterns. In the studio, it facilitates composition with its sequencer and audio recorder, while live it reassures with its mobility (battery-powered) and dedicated controls for layering or splitting sounds.
Features and innovations
The KROSS2-88 features the EDS-i engine and a 2-oscillator architecture supporting stereo multisamples and up to 4 velocity zones per oscillator (switching, crossfade, and layering). Polyphony reaches up to 120 voices depending on oscillator settings, with 128 MB of PCM memory and an additional 128 MB PCM expansion memory to fuel a very broad sonic palette.
For creation, the workstation includes a 16-track MIDI sequencer (up to 128 Songs and 210,000 events), an audio recorder for capturing full sessions, a rhythm track rich in patterns, and a step sequencer for quickly programming vintage-style patterns. The 16-pad sampler allows triggering one-shots, vocals, effects, or loops, with handy editing functions (start points, looping, normalization) and SD card saving. Finally, the effects section is designed like a true rack, and the USB audio/MIDI simplifies connection to a computer without multiplying interfaces.
Technical Specifications
Keyboard
- 61-key velocity-sensitive version (adjustable range C1 to C8, normally C2 to C7) or 88-key NH (Natural Weighted Hammer Action) version (adjustable range A1 to C9, normally A0 to C8)
- No aftertouch
Sound Engine and Synthesis
- EDS-i synthesis engine
- Polyphony: 60/120 voices/oscillators depending on oscillator settings (stereo multisamples, velocity crossfading)
- PCM memory: 128 MB, 496 multisamples (including 7 stereo) and 1,014 drum samples (including 49 stereo)
- PCM expansion memory: 128 MB
- 2 oscillators, stereo multisample support
- 4 velocity zones per oscillator (switching, crossfade, layers)
Filters, Modulation, and Articulation
- 2 multimode filters per voice: low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, notch
- 4 filter routings: single, series, parallel, 24 dB
- 2 envelope generators (filter and amp) per voice
- 2 LFOs
- Keyboard tracking generators (filter and amp)
- 2 AMS mixers, pitch generator, common LFO, and 2 common keyboard tracking generators
- Rhythm kits based on stereo and mono samples, adjustable crossfade shapes: linear, power, layer
Programs, Combis, and Favorites
- 896 user Combis (384 preloaded)
- 1,280 user Programs (768 preloaded)
- 58 user rhythm kits (42 preloaded)
- 265 pre-programmed Programs (256 GM2 and 9 GM2 drum kits)
- 8 banks of 16 favorites (128 total)
Effects
- 5 insert effects (from 75 options)
- 2 send effects
- 2 master effects: effect 1 from 101 types, effect 2 from 120 types
- 134 effect types in total
- Dynamic modulation, stereo sidechain (limiters, gates, vocoders, etc.)
Arpeggiators, Sequencers, and Rhythms
- Polyphonic arpeggiator: 1 for Programs, 2 for Combi and Sequencer
- Directions: up, down, alt1, alt2, random
- 1,280 patterns in 12 keys, up to 64 steps
- 64-step sequencer: 12 keys and 1 accent
- Rhythm track: 772 patterns, Trigger and Sync modes, zone parameters
- 16-track MIDI sequencer: up to 128 Songs, up to 210,000 MIDI events
Sampling and Audio Recording
- 8 banks of 16 sampling pads (automatic saving on SD card)
- Playback of up to 4 pads simultaneously
- Pad recording: PCM 16-bit / 48 kHz, approximately 14 seconds stereo per pad
- Functions: waveform display, start point editing, looping, normalization
- Audio recorder: PCM 16-bit / 48 kHz, up to 3 hours (depending on SD card capacity), up to 200 Songs
Controls and Interface
- Controls: pitch bend and modulation wheels, 2 switches, Select button, 2 real-time knobs
- LCD screen 240 x 64 pixels, adjustable contrast
- Layer/Split button
Connectivity
- Mute pedal/footswitch input
- Left/mono and right audio outputs (6.35 mm jacks)
- Headphone output (3.5 mm mini-jack)
- Line input (3.5 mm mini-jack)
- Microphone input (6.35 mm jack)
- MIDI IN/OUT
- USB type B: audio and MIDI interface
- SD card slot
Power Supply
- 9V DC power adapter
- Also operates on 6 AA batteries
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions: 1448 x 383 x 136 mm
- Weight: 12.3 kg
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