Korg Kross vs Korg microSTATION acoustic sounds comparison
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- This video compares side by side some of the presets of acoustic sounds of the Korg MicroSTATION and Korg Kross, two of the most portable, light and affordable Workstation keyboards form the brand. Why only acoustic and no electronic sounds? Basically because both models use the same synthesis engine (EDS-i) and share neraly all synthesizer rom samples, so virtually all synth sounds from the microSTATION can be reproduced in a Koss, and vice versa. On the other hand, the Kross has an updated acoustic rom set.
The musical phrases were taken from the MicroStation "audition" function, which are also transmited via MIDI, so exactly the same MIDI data were used for both models.
All sound recordings were directly made from the source, with no further processing, compression or effects.
![🎹 Korg Kross music workstation and what I don't like about it [by Synthesaurus]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eE8Gh482Bfk/mqdefault.jpg)
After listening to this excellent and properly executed demo, I am surprisingly convinced that Microstation has better sound overall, with a few exceptions.
I am a fan of Microstation but i find the Kross also very interesting, in my opinion most of the sounds heard in this demo come from a very similar wavetable between the two keyboards with just a different parameter setting, example the wind instruments and brass are very similar but on Kross are programmed with more dynamic response on dca and dcf. With some little editing the same can be done on Microstation too. I find the Microstation flute more realistc an warm, here they used a different wave sample. Strings have more body on Kross but the same can be done with some eq adjustments on Microstation. Strings quartet presets are disapponting on both. Drums are almost the same sounds. Pianos are different because Kross pianos are derived from Krome that included very nice new pianos while Microstation still use the M3 stock pianos that are not much better than the old Triton piano samples. But they are usable in many situations anyway. On many sound is just a matter on taste to prefer one keyboard or another, both machines sound very good anyway
I've used both in stage. Kross with it's own keyboard, the microstation via midi with Yamaha KX8 controller.
And I an say that when the all band sounds, the only keyboard that has character and does not lost is the microstation. By the other side, the kross sounds like a toy on stage.
Thank you for a proper comparison of gear.
Great comparison video!
I really want to disagree (or my budget does), with you about about generally.the sounds often being 'better' on the Kross but you're right on consecutive listening you can hear that the microstations sound more studio processed and smoother, where as the strings in the Kross have that edge to them, the sound of the bow scraping on the strings is missing from some of the microstations, but not on the other one also I know there was some slight vibrato at the end of some of the Kross strings which makes it sound even more natural, getting the bowing right it is difficult by itself.. I think you could say the strings on the microstation just sound a bit too smooth, processed, but nothing especially bad about them (I would probably use either).. All strings create natural distortion, a lot of people do not realise this if you are aware of that sound you do miss it if it's not there. And by the way I like both of them equally.
Nice review and feedback. Addendum: In the context of acoustic instruments and synthesis, etc. Thank you
Do you have the Midi files of these demos?
Interesting comparison! Some in the 2nd half/ last 3rd like clarinet and oboe fare better on the Kross. Do Korg's Microstation and Microarranger sound identical?
Great job, thank you!
The microstation sounds more better - and this is not subjective. The sound of Kross has no enough of space.
Sorry to disagree, but judgements about "what sounds better" are totally subjective. The only objective aspects are those like the amount of Rom samples memory, the bitrate, the bit depth, the frequency response, and the like. All considerations about sound "warmth" or "character" are value judgements and hence subjective. You may like more the sound of one or of the other. In terms of "objective facts", the Kross is better than the Microstation as it has over twice the amount of rom samples. In my personal view, the Kross "sounds better" in terms of realism and detail in most acoustic sounds. In particular, acoustic piano sounds are like night (Microstation) and day (Kross) in terms of realism and detail. I know about what I'm saying because I've played a lot of different acoustic and digital pianos, including Yamaha, Petrof, Young Chang, Kawai, Roland, Korg and Casio. This does not mean that certain sounds of the Microstation could fit better in some kinds of music, but this has nothing to do with "sound quality".
Very useful video. Thank You.
Can I use M-1 banks on micro?
Excellent video! Microstion like 8 bit synth, but no bad, and Kross 16 bit.
microstation like 128 bit and kross - 127 ))
Microstation sounds much better
I have tried both and the Kross is outshined by the Microstation.
I have not only tried but I own both of them, and IMO the extra memory of the Kross really makes the difference, as the acoustic sounds (most of them, at least) are more realistic and detailed. But personal tastes about the sound are subjective, of course. Still, the MS has some better points, such as polyphony. Also the reduced form factor is great.
Korg kross me suena más real microstation mas digital
Surprise. Microstation sounds much better. Kross sounds are bright and thin!
the reason are the insert effects. microstation has 5 and kross 1.
That's right.I agree with your comment 💯. Because it makes sense and they both sound good but the MK sounds better 💯 percent. I'm about to add one to my collection ASAP. Thanks.