Korg Releases Kronos System Version 1.5

Kronos Music Workstation System Version 1.5 adds seven new Program Banks with 896 new locations for storing sounds. Version 1.5 also allows users to install additional memory, doubling their available sampling RAM memory to roughly 2 GB, with additional index locations to allow larger sample loads. The convenient connection of USB MIDI controllers – such as Korg's nanoSERIES2, microKEY and padKONTROL – is also possible with Version 1.5.

Korg is now offering two types of Kronos Sound Libraries. The EXs Expansion Sample Series take advantage of Kronos' built-in SSD, providing large amounts of PCM data. The KRS Professional Sound Series were created by pro musicians and programmers who are intimately familiar with each of the Kronos sound engines. Korg says that these libraries contain skillfully crafted programs, combinations, and drum patterns with infectious grooves, all designed to maximize the nine sound engines that power the Kronos.

Now available is the first of the EXs Libraries:

• EXs10 Ricky Lawson's "West Coast" Drums
  Content: Approximately 650 MB of PCM samples, 16 Programs, 4 Drumkits
  Drummer Ricky Lawson is a founding member of The Yellowjackets, and is known for his playing with internationally famous artists and groups. In addition to Ricky's drumkits, this collection includes numerous variations of snare drum, providing the exact sounds of his playing. Also included are ambient sounds that add realism and depth, delivering a studio-quality sample set that covers a wide range of genres from pop to many other styles.

• KRS-01 "Pro Grooves" by David "Fingers" Haynes
  Contents: 200 Patterns, 8 Songs
  David "Fingers" Haynes is famous as the master of finger drumming. This set includes 200 realistic drum patterns that – unbelievably – he played with his fingers. His grooves are famous from his appearance with top-rated musicians, and are now available as performance-ready backing for your own songs using the Kronos' RPPR function or Drum Track function.

• KRS-02 STR-1/MOD-7 Phase II
  Contents: 128 Programs
  This library digs deep into the two complex sound engines whose possibilities have never been exhausted. Created largely by legendary sound programmer Katsunori Ujiie, this collection of sounds for the STR-1 and MOD-7 is destined to become a new standard. Classic electric pianos and basses from the MOD-7 and unprecedentedly new synth sounds from the STR-1 reflect his deep sound design talents and skill. Enrich your songs with wondrous sounds reflecting a strange realism.

• KRS-03 Nu Electro
  Contents: 128 Programs, 120 Patterns, 3 Songs
  This is a collection of the "electro sounds" that in recent years have been appearing in a wide range of styles including pop, R&B, and hip-hop. The simple synth sounds valued in electro house and dubstep are also included. In addition, you receive a deep collection of phrase patterns, sure to stimulate your songwriting ideas.

• KRS-04 Pro Splits and Layers
  Contents: 128 Combinations
  Created by some of the best sound designers available, this collection focuses on realtime live performance, providing a great set of split and layer combinations that concentrate on in-demand keyboard sounds such as gorgeous pianos, electric pianos, clavinets, and organs. The splits are ideal for solo performances or for backing a vocalist and the layers are the perfect rich accompaniment for ballads.

Pricing and Availability:
All Kronos Libraries can be purchased and downloaded at Korg's Website. Introductory pricing on the KRS libraries ranges from $19.00 to $49.00; the EXs10 library features an introductory price of $199.00.

More information:

• korg.com

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