Korg Kronos OS V3.0.2 - Well Done Korg!

[Losendoskeys]

Anyone who has not yet installed this, what are you waiting for?

This is a brilliant upgrade in many ways, and most manufacturers would be charging for it. Well done Korg!

 

KRONOS System Version 3.0.2

 

KRONOS software version 3.0 is a major upgrade featuring:

- the new SGX-2,

- system-wide touch-drag gestural input from the touch-screen,

- larger on-screen fonts

- the ability to edit Programs in the context of Combinations and Songs,

- 12 vintage effects,

- a raft of improvements to Set Lists,

- a new Find feature for locating Programs and Combinations by name,

- audio level meters for Oscillators, Timbres, Tracks, and effects,

- improved support for non- equal-tempered scales,

- support for editing text via USB alphanumeric keyboards, and

- if a sound requires samples which arent currently loaded, you can now load those samples in a single step.

 

[EscapeRocks]

Quick question:

 

So, If I were to buy a now heavily discounted (at a local store) new Kronos X61, I could install the new OS, and basically have a new Kronos without the new "wood" end caps?

 

This is not a facetious question. I'm debating finally getting a Kronos, and trying to decide to get a current X or wait.

 

What do you think?

 

[ElmerJFudd]

LINK TO UPGRADE

http://www.gearzonemusic.com/Kronos/KRONOS_Update_3_0_2.zip

 

RELEASE NOTES

KRONOS 61/73/88

KRONOS X 61/73/88

System Version 3.0.2 ! ! ! November 29, 2014

Changes Since KRONOS System Version 2.1.2

New features

KRONOS system version 3.0.2 includes a number of new features, as listed below.

Please refer to the updated PDF manuals for more information.

SGX-2

The updates to the SGX-1 are so significant that we thought it deserved an

updated name as wellhence, the SGX-2. First, the SGX-2 now includes modeled

String Resonance, for an even more realistic playing experience (older sounds will

need to be edited manually to enable this feature). Under-the-hood changes also

enable powerful new Piano Types with up to 12 velocity zones and dedicated Una

Corda samplessuch as those of the EXs17 Berlin D Piano.

Touch-drag gestural input

Throughout the KRONOS, you can now simply touch your finger to a parameter

and drag on the display to change its value. This applies to all knobs, sliders,

drawbars, and numeric parameters. You can also touch and drag to create and

delete connections on the MS-20EX and MOD-7 patch panels.

Editing Programs from within a Combination or Song

You can now jump directly into the editing pages of a Program from within a

Combination or Songwhile still hearing all of the other Timbres or Tracks. Tweak

a step sequencer pattern, for instance, or experiment with patch cables in the

MS-20EX.

Vintage effects

The new Vintage effect category includes 12 effects based on the CX-3 and EP-1.

Classics such as the Small Phase and Vox Wah, are now available as insert,

master, and total effects.

Set List improvements

Set Lists now support different colors for each Slot, to make them easier to

distinguish quickly. Slots can now also be transposed individually.

You can make more room for comments by showing only 4 or 8 Slots at a time, or

show 16 Slots so that you have the maximum number of sounds under your fingertips. A new Comment Panel, accessible by touching the comment area and

swiping downwards, temporarily dedicates the entire screen to the comment. You

can also choose different font sizes for each Slots comments, from small (to fit

more text without scrolling) to ultra-large (for easy visibility).

Find

The new Find feature, accessed by a magnifying-glass shaped button in most

selection dialogs, lets you search for Programs, Combinations, and other data by

name.

Meters

On-screen meters now show audio levels for Program Oscillators (on the Control

Surface page), Combination Timbres, Song Tracks, insert effects, and the main

output.

Improved scale support

A new Global parameter, Osc/Timbre/Track Transpose, determines how the

Program Oscillator, Combination Timbre, and Song Track Transpose parameters

interact with the Scale and Key.

Load Required Samples

If a Program, Combination, or Song uses EXs, User Sample Bank, or Sampling

Mode data which is not currently loaded, the Samples Not Loaded message

appears at the top of the display. You can now use the Load required samples

command to load all of the required samples in a single step.

USB alphanumeric keyboard support

Anywhere that you can enter text, you can now use a connected USB

alphanumeric keyboard as an alternative to the touch-screen keyboard. A keyboard

with the standard US IBM PC QWERTY layout is recommended.

Other improvements

Program banks I-AF may now be configured as either HD-1or EXi.

Note: KRONOS System Version 3.0.2 provides nearly all of the features of the new

KRONOS, except for the updated sounds and sample libraries. These updated

sounds and libraries, including the EXs17 Berlin D Piano, EXs18 Korg EXs

Collections, and new Programs and Combinations, are expected to be made

available for owners of previous KRONOS models in late January 2015 (price

TBD).Other improvements and bug fixes

In addition to the new features, KRONOS system version 3.0.2 includes the

following functional improvements and bug fixes.

General

Improvements

In the Category/Program Select window, redundant GM Drum Programs were

displayed. This has now been fixed.

Bug fixes

In the Category/Program Select window, the GM variation bank programs were not

displayed. This has now been fixed.

In the Auto Power-Off warning message, the Change Setting button did not

open the Auto Power-Off Setting dialog. This has now been fixed.

In HD-1 Program and Global Wave Sequence edit pages, in rare cases, EXs

Multisample Lists might have displayed incorrectly. This has now been fixed.

MIDI

Bug fixes

When playing on an external MIDI device and switching the Convert Position

parameter in Global mode, stuck notes might have occurred. This has now been

fixed.

Stuck notes might have occurred on external MIDI devices if a new Combination

was selected or the mode was changed while notes were being held, depending

on specific Combination parameter settings. This has now been fixed.

When Control Surface was in EXTERNAL mode, Knobs and Sliders might have

sent redundant MIDI CC values. This has now been fixed.

Transmitting and receiving User Drum Track Pattern data via the Dump Drum

Track Pattern command did not update the Drum Track Pattern Names. This has

now been fixed.As with most other KRONOS parameters, the settings on the Global Special

Function Assign page transmit and receive MIDI System Exclusive parameter

change messages. If these settings were changed by spinning the data entry knob

very quickly, the resulting SysEx transmission might not have matched the actual

values. This has now been fixed.

KARMA

Bug fixes

When the Initialize KARMA Module command was used, the gray-out conditions

of some KARMA parameters may not have been reset correctly. This has now

been fixed.

In Custom Note Maps, the Octave Replication option did not work correctly after

Combination or mode changes. This has now been fixed.

In Sequencer mode, the per-Scene Drum Track On parameters were not set

correctly by the Initialize Song and Copy KARMA Module commands. This has

now been fixed.

Set List mode

Bug fixes

When loading individual Set Lists from inside of a PCG file, the Global modes Set

List Memory Protect setting would become invalid. This has now been fixed.

When using the Auto Song Setup function from a Set List Slot, depending on

operation order, selecting a Slot might jump into Program or Combination modes.

This has now been fixed.

Program mode

Bug fixes

In the Control Surface - Osc Mixer page, controller reset via the RESET

CONTROLS button might have functioned incorrectly. This has now been fixed.

In Double Drums Programs, Tone Adjust edits to Osc 2s Drum Kit selection could

not be stored by Write Program. This has now been fixed.Combination mode

Bug fixes

In Combination and Sequencer modes, the Copy Drum Track command had

copied all Drum Track-related parameters. Now, only Drum Track pattern-related

parameters will be copied; Drum Track Input/Output MIDI Channels are not

changed.

Sequencer mode

Improvements

The Auto Song Setup functions handling of Combination sounds including

KARMA phrases has been improved.

The operations of the CONTROL ASSIGN and MIXER KNOBS buttons may now

be recorded into sequencer tracks.

When copying a Program to a Song using the Auto Song Setup function, the

CONTROL ASSIGN setting is now copied to the Song.

Bug fixes

In rare cases, editing Program Banks and numbers in the MIDI Event Edit dialog

might have caused an operational error. This has now been fixed.

When coping a Program to a Song by the Auto Song Setup function, the LED

status of the SW1/2 buttons might have been incorrect. This has now been fixed.

Importing Region/WAV function in the Region Edit dialog had not worked for WAV

files inside an .SNG file. This has now been fixed.

Sampling mode

Bug fixes

When using the Convert MS To Program command with the Use Destination

Program Parameters option, the sound might not have matched the settings

shown on the display. This has now been fixed.After using the Auto Sampling Setup command with the Auto Resample

through IFX option, an incorrect Sample might have been played during the auto

resample operation. This has now been fixed.

When editing the parameters on the Audio CD page, in rare cases an operational

error may have occurred. This has now been fixed.

The automatic naming of the Copy MS command truncated the new Multisample

number was truncated when being appended to the new

The Copy MS command appends the Multisample number to the new

Multisamples name, but only three of the four digits were included. This has now

been fixed.

In Program, Combination and Sequencer modes, when resampling sounds to

create a new Program via Auto Sampling Setup command, the resulting Program

may have inadvertently included effects settings from Sampling mode. This has

now been fixed.

Global mode

Bug fixes

On the KSC Auto-Load page, the memory usage and OVER!!! displays might have

been incorrect, depending on the Load Method setting. This has now been fixed.

When entering the Global mode Drum Kit pages from an EXi Program, Tone Adjust

had functioned incorrectly. This has now been fixed, so that Tone Adjust will work

as per the HD-1's default settings.

Disk mode

Improvements

Directory/file path lengths may now be up to 255 characters.

Bug fixes

Loading a UserBank.KSC file with the Clear All option did not work correctly. (This

occurred only in system version 2.1.2, and not in any previous versions.) This has

now been fixed.In rare cases, the Check Medium command might have caused an operational

error. This has now been fixed.

In rare cases, if data was loaded with the Load PCG dialogs .PCG Contents To:

set to Bank I-G, an operational error might have occurred. This has now been

fixed.

When using CD-RW disks with some CD drives, the Audio CD pages Write to CD

command might have functioned incorrectly. This has now been fixed.

When using the Load PCG (RAM) and Samples command with the Load ROMProgram

in Combi/Song too option, an irregular HD-1 and EXi mixed Program

Bank might have been created, causing an unstable condition. This has now been

fixed.

 

[Bill W]

Quick question:

 

So, If I were to buy a now heavily discounted (at a local store) new Kronos X61, I could install the new OS, and basically have a new Kronos without the new "wood" end caps?

 

This is not a facetious question. I'm debating finally getting a Kronos, and trying to decide to get a current X or wait.

 

What do you think?

 

Basically, yes. I suspect, however, that the new Kronos 6/7/8 will have a bit more horsepower (newer MOBO/CPU). I just bought a discounted X 73.

[ElmerJFudd]

So they made the new OS available for the older models. I'm going to assume that if they did this the older models have enough horse power to run the update. Or is Korg playing the phone game where you are better off leaving v2 on your older Kronos because v3 runs poorly. I guess we'll know soon enough as upgraders start to chime in.

[Bill W]

Yes, all Kronos models can run V3.

 

I wouldn't characterize V3 as running poorly on the first gen. There are some new features that appear to tax the first gen Kronos, but only under certain conditions. I ran into an issue where SST (smooth sound transitions) doesn't always work perfectly. However, Korg was quick to point me to an option that shuts the level meters off (new graphical feature). They also state in the manual that the meters could have an effect on polyphony. I haven't tried shutting the meters off yet, but I will this weekend and report back.

 

I also have an X 73 (slightly faster CPU) but I haven't loaded V3 on it yet so it would be interesting to compare the two.

 

[Moonglow]

I have a first generation Kronos 88, and have put a ton of work into programming it. I've also installed a third-party piano sample, and finally have everything singing the way I like. Will installing the new OS mess up anything? Anyone experience any problems with pre-existing Programs, Combis, Setlists, etc., after updating to the new OS?

[Bill W]

Moonglow - It shouldn't change a thing. There are new programs and combis coming that change the internal layout significantly, but those are being offered separately and not until next year. I updated one of my machines last night and none of my set lists, combis or programs were altered. You should be fine to update. Of course, always make sure you have a current backup or two!

[Moonglow]

Thanks Bill.

[Song80s]

So they made the new OS available for the older models. I'm going to assume that if they did this the older models have enough horse power to run the update. Or is Korg playing the phone game where you are better off leaving v2 on your older Kronos because v3 runs poorly. I guess we'll know soon enough as upgraders start to chime in.

 

Overall, it seems us kronos owners are thrilled with the update. The Korg forum demonstrates that.

 

If you are super cautious , you can wait a week. Korg typically has some minor revs to a major upgrade in a month or so.

[J. Dan]

I know when they went to the X from the original, it just meant you had more memory for loading more samples/EXi's. I assume with more horsepower under the hood, it may improve boot time and increase polyphony....but that's just speculation.

[Polkahero]

Anyone notice a significant improvement in the sound quality of the acoustic piano?

[Song80s]

Anyone notice a significant improvement in the sound quality of the acoustic piano?

 

The piano engine has been upgraded and is called SGX-2. This engine will show off a new acoustic piano, Berlin D Piano, which will be available in January

 

Os3 does not contain new piano samples.

 

But most owners are enjoying the modelled string resonance . Easy to vary the amount of it per AP program.

 

[burningbusch]

A few specifics related to ver. 3.0.2.

 

These are the new vintage effect emulations which now can be applied anywhere (my best guess on the emulations):

 

- Electro Harmonix Small Stone Phaser (Small Phase)

- MXR Phase 90 (Orange Phase)

- ??? (Black Phase)

- Roland CE-1 Chorus (Vintage Chorus)

- t.c. electronic Stereo Chorus+ (Black Chorus)

- Dyno My Piano Built it Chorus (EP Chorus)

- MXR Flanger (Vintage Flanger) [not positive on this one]

- MXR Dyna Comp (Red Comp)

- Vox Wah [847 / 848] (Vox Wah)

 

Quick and dirty video I created using the new Drag Across Drawbars feature:

 

[video:youtube]

 

I use the LOAD REQUIRED SAMPLES feature all the time if I don't have something loaded in PRELOAD. MUCH easier than trying to find the library on your SSDs. Also the new FIND feature is fantastic as well. With over 2500 Program slots, it's easy to forget where you put something.

 

I don't think you're going to find much if any speed or polyphony improvements

Busch.

[Moonglow]

These are the new vintage effect emulations which now can be applied anywhere (my best guess on the emulations):

 

- Electro Harmonix Small Stone Phaser (Small Phase)

- MXR Phase 90 (Orange Phase)

- ??? (Black Phase)

- Roland CE-1 Chorus (Vintage Chorus)

- t.c. electronic Stereo Chorus+ (Black Chorus)

- Dyno My Piano Built it Chorus (EP Chorus)

- MXR Flanger (Vintage Flanger) [not positive on this one]

- MXR Dyna Comp (Red Comp)

- Vox Wah [847 / 848] (Vox Wah)

I think that is a fantastic update. I look forward to adding the Roland CE-1 Chorus to VA strings or brass for some vintage "analog" goodness.

[Electro Fan]

Busch,

Keep getting an error that the video you posted is private. Maybe because I am on my phone. Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

 

Bill

[burningbusch]

Busch,

Keep getting an error that the video you posted is private. Maybe because I am on my phone. Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

 

Bill

 

Should be good now. My fault.

 

Busch.

[bennyray]

I updated today sounds great and I like the piano sounds much better although I hear a hiss sound when u press sustain pedal I suppose that is string resonance. I can not wait to hear the Berlin Grand and has anyone downloaded the Kapro Private Collection if so How are the sounds?

[EscapeRocks]

Busch,

Keep getting an error that the video you posted is private. Maybe because I am on my phone. Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

 

Bill

 

Should be good now. My fault.

 

Busch.

 

Ya know, Busch, you are an enabler. Just when I think I'm out (of GAS) you pull me back in!

[Song80s]

Busch,

Keep getting an error that the video you posted is private. Maybe because I am on my phone. Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

 

Bill

 

Should be good now. My fault.

 

Busch.

 

Ya know, Busch, you are an enabler. Just when I think I'm out (of GAS) you pull me back in!

 

I don't know your budget. AFAIAC, getting a Kronos is a no brainer.

 

This is the kind of board that will more than cover your needs and will challenge your skills at the same time

[EscapeRocks]

 

I don't know your budget. AFAIAC, getting a Kronos is a no brainer.

 

This is the kind of board that will more than cover your needs and will challenge your skills at the same time

 

Yeah, I know. It will just be the most $$$ board I've ever purchased, so that devil/angel thing on my shoulder keeps playing itself out

[Electro Fan]

T

Busch,

Keep getting an error that the video you posted is private. Maybe because I am on my phone. Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

 

Bill

 

 

 

Should be good now. My fault.

 

Busch.

 

 

 

Thanks Busch for fixing and posting. This new drag feature would be great for using both sets of bars in live performance, but I wish there was a quick way to reach this screen from setlist mode.

 

Bill

 

 

 

[midinut]

 

I don't know your budget. AFAIAC, getting a Kronos is a no brainer.

 

This is the kind of board that will more than cover your needs and will challenge your skills at the same time

 

Yeah, I know. It will just be the most $$$ board I've ever purchased, so that devil/angel thing on my shoulder keeps playing itself out

 

I'm with you my brother. Most I've ever spent on one as well. No regrets whatsoever (except not getting an 88 instead of a 61 - but am about to fix that). It be deep!

 

Biggest problem I have with my Kronos is I keep it at home. As much as I spent on it, I couldn't replace it if it got broken, stolen, or dropped (and yes I have a hard case for it). I tend to take out my cheap controllers and a laptop. Any of those elements I could replace if I had to pretty cheap. Laptop is the most expensive item - and it's a $500 laptop. Considering picking up a MOXF6 to take with me live as currently I have no backup if the laptop crashed (knocks on wood). Got to sell a M3-73 first though. Anybody interested? Got a RADIAS board and Sample Memory Expansion for it too! Hit me up if you like!

[HAMEGZ]

So if I were to score a deal right now on a Kronos X(prices are dropping) and update to OS 3, I still dont have the new piano, and other librarieswhich will be available for a fee come January, right?

 

BUT if I wait for the new Kronos, do these libraries and the piano come installed on it?

[Polkahero]

So if I were to score a deal right now on a Kronos X(prices are dropping) and update to OS 3, I still dont have the new piano, and other librarieswhich will be available for a fee come January, right?

 

BUT if I wait for the new Kronos, do these libraries and the piano come installed on it?

 

I'm bumping this thread/post because I'd like to know this as well. Sounds like the new Berlin piano sample will come installed in the newest Kronos versions which should start shipping later this month.

 

Other than cosmetic changes and the new piano and famous synth banks, is there anything else improved in the new Kronos? I looked through specs on Korg's website comparing the X and the newest version (does it have a name?!) and everything else looks the same. Just wondering if it's worth holding out for the new version or purchase a gently used X version (which looks like is about 2.5 pounds lighter).

[burningbusch]

Hardware Changes:

- Wood side panels

- Gold plated connectors on back.

- Top-back ventilation. This also allows for no-fan mode of operation. The other Kronos only allow for slow/auto.

- There could be other changes to the hardware but as of now that is not known.

 

Additional Sample Libraries:

- EXs17 Berlin Grand

- EXs18 Korg EXs Collection (subset of EXs11 Legendary Strings; EXs15 Classical & Ambient Choir; EXs16 Funk and Soul Brass)

- EXs19 KAPro Private Collection-Download (Ensemble Strings, Pipe Organ, Synths, etc.)

 

Additional Programs/Combis:

- Two banks of famous song Programs

- There are a few new Combis

 

The sample libraries and the program banks will be available to owners of the earlier keyboards. Price has not been determined with the exception of EXS19 which is $49 and available for download.

 

Busch.

[Polkahero]

Thanks for that info, Busch!

 

I'd imagine the new Berlin Grand sample set will probably be priced similar to the Austrian Piano sample set which is currently $249.

 

Doesn't make the purchase new/used decision any easier though!

[M_G]

Hardware Changes:

- Wood side panels

- Gold plated connectors on back.

- Top-back ventilation. This also allows for no-fan mode of operation. The other Kronos only allow for slow/auto.

- There could be other changes to the hardware but as of now that is not known.

 

Additional Sample Libraries:

- EXs17 Berlin Grand

- EXs18 Korg EXs Collection (subset of EXs11 Legendary Strings; EXs15 Classical & Ambient Choir; EXs16 Funk and Soul Brass)

- EXs19 KAPro Private Collection-Download (Ensemble Strings, Pipe Organ, Synths, etc.)

 

Additional Programs/Combis:

- Two banks of famous song Programs

- There are a few new Combis

 

The sample libraries and the program banks will be available to owners of the earlier keyboards. Price has not been determined with the exception of EXS19 which is $49 and available for download.

 

Busch.

 

 

Great infos, thanks a lot!

"no fan mode" ..... YEAH !

Can't wait to get the new model, like the new look very much!

 

 

[Polkahero]

 

 

Great infos, thanks a lot!

"no fan mode" ..... YEAH !

Can't wait to get the new model, like the new look very much!

 

 

The fan is really that loud? Never noticed this onstage with my bandmate's Kronos.

[Song80s]

 

 

Great infos, thanks a lot!

"no fan mode" ..... YEAH !

Can't wait to get the new model, like the new look very much!

 

 

The fan is really that loud? Never noticed this onstage with my bandmate's Kronos.

 

the fan noise may have bothered a few owners recording in small room with mics.

 

now with 3.0.2 OS, its a non issue.