The Korg Kross 88: Ultimate Synth Review In 2024

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Overview

Let’s start with the basics—the design and build quality of the Kross 88. Right out of the box, you can tell that this keyboard means business.

Its sleek and modern design is eye-catching, yet it retains a professional demeanor perfect for stage and studio use. 

Specification	Description
Dimensions (W x D x H)	1,448 mm × 383 mm × 136 mm / 57.01” × 15.08” × 5.35”
Weight	12.3 kg / 27.12 lbs (excluding batteries)
Keyboard	88 keys, NH (Natural Weighted Hammer Action) keybed
Sounds	640 programs, 384 combinations
Effects	134 effects
Editing Tools	Pitch, envelope, filter, sample import
Portability	Built-in battery, weighs 27 pounds

Design and Build Quality

The Kross 88 boasts a full 88-key hammer-action keyboard, which not only mimics the feel of a traditional piano but also gives you that satisfying tactile response with each keystroke.

The keys are substantial, and substantiality matters when aiming for expressive performances. 

The Kross 88’s chassis is built to withstand the rigors of live performances and studio sessions. Its solid construction exudes durability, ensuring it can handle the occasional bumps and knocks that come with life on the road. 

Despite its sturdiness, the keyboard remains surprisingly lightweight, making it portable enough to carry around without breaking a sweat.

The sleek black finish adds a touch of elegance, giving it a timeless appeal that won’t go out of style anytime soon.

Sound & Performance

Now, let’s delve into what makes the Korg Kross 88 shine—its sound engine and performance capabilities. 

This keyboard is no one-trick pony; it’s a musical powerhouse that spans various genres and styles.

Equipped with a vast collection of sounds, including pianos, strings, synths, drums, and more, the Kross 88 covers all the sonic bases you could ever dream of.

The EDS-i Sound Engine

The heart of the Kross 88 is its EDS-i sound engine, a true engineering marvel. This engine delivers a level of realism and depth that’s simply breathtaking. 

The piano sounds, in particular, are worth their weight in gold. With meticulous attention to detail, Korg has managed to capture the nuances of a grand piano, from the delicate pianissimos to the thunderous fortissimos. 

Whether performing classical compositions or diving into modern pop arrangements, the Kross 88’s piano sounds will leave you in awe.

But wait, there’s more! The Kross 88 doesn’t stop at just impeccable piano tones. 

It’s a playground for sound designers and electronic music enthusiasts alike. The vast array of synth sounds at your fingertips will unleash your creative potential. 

From lush pads that transport you to otherworldly realms to gritty basses that shake the ground beneath you, the Kross 88’s synth capabilities are truly remarkable. 

And let’s not forget the dynamic drum sounds that add that extra punch to your beats.

Sounds

The Kross 88 has a wide range of sounds, including 640 programs and 384 combinations. 

Feature	Specifications
User Combinations	896 Combinations (384 Preload)
User Programs	1280 Programs (768 + 128 Preload)
User Drum Kits	58 Drum Kits (42 + 5 Preload)
Preset Programs	265 Programs (256 GM2 Programs + 9 GM2 Drum Programs)
Total number of preload programs and preset programs	1,208 (943 preload programs, 265 preset programs)

The piano sounds are excellent, with various grand and upright pianos. The Korg Kross 88 also has some of the best electric piano sounds on the market, with a wide range of classic and modern tones. 

The organ sounds are also excellent, with various classic and modern tones. 

The synth sounds are great for electronic music production, and the strings and drums are perfect for backing tracks.

Here are some specific examples of the sounds that the Kross 88 can produce:

Sound	Genre
Grand Piano	Classical music or jazz
Upright Piano	Solo performances or small ensembles
Electric Piano	Funk, soul, and R&B music
Organ	Gospel, blues, and rock music
Synth	Electronic music production
Strings and Drums	Backing tracks

Effects

The Kross 88 has a variety of effects to choose from, including reverb, chorus, delay, and distortion. Several mastering effects can be used to polish your mixes. 

The effects are easy to use and can be applied to individual sounds or entire songs. Here is a roundup of some of the specific examples of the effects that the Kross 88 can produce:

Effect	Description
Reverb	Adds depth and space to your sounds.
Chorus	Thickens and widens your sounds.
Delay	Creates echo effects.
Distortion	Adds grit and edge to your sounds.
Mastering Effects	Polishes your mixes and makes them sound more professional.

When choosing a keyboard sound, it is important to consider the genre of music you will be playing. 

If you are not sure what genre you will be playing, it is a good idea to choose a keyboard that has a wide variety of sounds so that you can experiment and find the sounds that you like best.

User Interface and Controls

Navigating through the Kross 88’s sonic universe is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive user interface. 

The 240 × 64 pixel LCD backlight screen is a standout feature that looks impressive and streamlines your workflow. 

Physical knobs and buttons are also present, providing that tactile feedback that many musicians crave. These controls allow you to make quick adjustments on the fly, whether you’re fine-tuning a synth sound or adjusting the mix during a live performance. 

The combination of touchscreen and physical controls creates a harmonious synergy that caters to different preferences and playstyles.

Editing Tools

The Kross 88 has various editing tools that allow you to customize your sounds. 

You can change the pitch, envelope, and filter of any sound and import your own samples. The editing tools are easy to use and can be used to create your unique sounds.

Here are some specific examples of the editing tools that the Kross 88 can use:

Tool	Description
Pitch	Changes the pitch of a sound.
Envelope	Controls the attack, decay, sustain, and release of a sound.
Filter	Controls the frequency response of a sound.
Sample Import	Imports your own samples into the Kross 88.

These editing tools are a great way to customize your sounds and create your own unique patches. With a little experimentation, you can create sounds that are perfect for your music.

Sequencing & Connectivity

One of the Kross 88’s standout features is its robust sequencing capabilities. With a built-in 16-track MIDI sequencer, you have the power to create intricate musical arrangements without the need for external hardware or software. 

This game-changer is for producers who want to flesh out their ideas quickly and efficiently.

And let’s talk about connectivity. The Kross 88 doesn’t leave you stranded in isolation; it’s a hub that connects you to the rest of your musical world. 

MIDI in/out ports, USB connectivity, and audio inputs/outputs ensure that you can integrate the Kross 88 seamlessly into your existing setup. 

Collaborating with other musicians, recording in your DAW, or controlling external gear—the Kross 88 has got your back.

Performance & Versatility

Now, let’s shift our focus to the Kross 88’s performance capabilities. Whether you’re a solo performer, a band member, or a producer in the studio, this keyboard adapts to your needs like a chameleon changing its colors. 

Its extensive collection of sounds and effects gives you the versatility to tackle any genre or style with finesse.

For live performances, the Kross 88 truly shines. Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport, and the impressive range of sounds means you won’t have to lug around a plethora of gear. 

The keyboard’s split and layer functions allow you to play multiple sounds simultaneously, adding depth and richness to your performances. 

And with the intuitive performance mode, you can easily switch between sounds and effects with a single touch, keeping your show seamless and engaging.

Comparisons

Korg Kross 88 vs. Korg Krome 88

Many sounds in the Krome are inherited from its predecessor, the Kronos.

So how does the Korg Kross compare to the Korg Krome? Well, if we’re looking at the overall sound quality, the Krome is superior, with a cleaner, more polished sound than the Kross.

Feature	Korg Kross 88	Korg Krome 88
Sound Engine	Enhanced Definition Synthesis-integrated (EDS-i)	Enhanced Definition Synthesis eXpanded (EDS-X)
Polyphony	80/40 (single/double mode)	120/60
PCM Memory	112 MB	3.8 GB
Samples	421 multi-samples, 890 drum samples	583 multi-samples, 2,080 drum samples
Effects	134	193
Number of Keys	61, 88	61, 73, 88

When you factor in all of these facts, it’s not hard to see why the Korg Krome is the preferable instrument over the Kross.

Accessories

As one would expect from a premier brand like Korg, there are many accessories you can purchase separately to take your Kross 88 to the next level (or your next gig).

The Korg-made soft case/gig bag boasts a padded interior that offers substantial protection for your valuable keyboard. 

What’s more, the reliable casters ensure convenient transport during those longer journeys to and from your gigs. The added bonus of an extended handle means you can easily carry this versatile bag on your shoulder.

While any double X-frame keyboard stand would provide you with comfort, why not opt for a Korg-made ST-SV1 keyboard stand to ensure the ultimate gigging experience?

Conclusion

Whether you’re a pianist craving authentic grand piano tones, a synth enthusiast exploring new sonic dimensions, or a producer crafting intricate arrangements, the Kross 88 has something to offer.

From its solid build quality to its professional features, the Korg Kross 88 ranks among the most elite keyboards on the market.