Korg Kross 61 Synthesizer Information, Specifications and Resources

Author: Andy Merrett / Data Driven

Music accessories on Amazon

Audio cables Headphones Akai Sampler Focusrite Scarlett Mini microphone for mobile Metronomes
Korg Kross 61

Overview

The Korg Kross 61 is a synthesizer released in 2012. It is aimed at musicians wanting to create and modify their own sounds.

The Kross 61 has 61 synth/organ style full sized keys with touch sensitivity but no aftertouch. It has 80 notes of polyphony. It has hundreds of on board sounds including pianos and real world sounds, accompaniments and rhythms, and a sustain/damper pedal.

The Kross 61 uses Korg's Enhanced Definition Synthesis, which is an improved PCM engine with filters and modulation for expressive voices.

It has the ability to record and play back user performances. It has built-in MIDI capabilities. It has no built-in learning system. It has no built-in speakers which means you will have to connect it to external amplification and speakers in order to hear it. It runs from AC power.

View Prices on AmazonView Prices on ReverbView Prices on ebayView Prices on Music & Arts

Disclosure

Check out the latest Korg keyboards on Amazon

As the Korg Kross 61 is 14 years old, you may find used models and spare parts on ebay.

Specifications

Form

Number of Keys: 61
Key Weight: Synth
Key Size: Full
Touch Sensitive:
Aftertouch:

Sound

Number of Voices: 1328
Polyphony: 80
Sound Generation: EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis-integrated)
Piano Sounds:
Real World Sounds:
Sounds Editable:
Accompaniments:

Extra Features

Recorder/Sequencer:
Tutorials:

Communication

MIDI:
USB:
Tablet Connectivity:

Power

AC Power:
Batteries:

Audio

Speakers:
Audio Out:
Audio In:

Pedals

Sustain Pedal:
Soft Pedal:
Expression Pedal:

Release Info

Year: 2012
RRP: $900

Description

Music Workstation


A mobile synthesizer keyboard with impressive features


With the KROSS, the sounds and songs that you've created at home and the system that you use every day can go with you onto the stage or into the street! Featuring rich sounds that exceed its class, yet remaining highly portable, the KROSS is designed for practical usability. There's a convenient mic input and a built-in audio recorder, and it can run on 6 x AA batteries. It's a distinctive new standard in music workstations, with specs and style that set it apart from all others.


Product Highlights:


The creative color and design will project a powerful presence whether you're performing on stage or anywhere else. The top panel as seen by the player is a sleek black color, while the rear and side panels visible by the audience use a bold, red color scheme. The two models feature different design concepts; the 61-key model is designed for active mobile use, while the 88-key model has a sophisticated design that looks great on stage.


A lightweight body that runs on AA alkaline batteries

In spite of being packed with functionality, the KROSS is lightweight and highly portable. The 61-key model with its distinctive rear bar is amazingly light; at only 4.3 kg/9.5 lb, it's the most portable in its category. The 88-key model packs a piano-touch hammer action keyboard into a mere 12.4 kg/27.3 lbs. Both models are highly portable and lightweight, and can operate on an AC adapter or on six AA alkaline or nickel-metal hydride batteries.


Top professional musicians around the world use Korg synthesizers. The piano, electric piano, and drum sounds of the KROSS have been taken from the flagship instruments used by these pros, giving the KROSS a set of sounds that surpasses other instruments in its class. The grand piano features lavishly-sampled decays with three levels of velocity as well as reproducing the noises produced by the damper pedal, ensuring that every nuance of your performance is reflected in the sound. Also included are an upright piano (unusual for a PCM synth), as well as distinctive sounds from Korg's famed SG-1D Sampling Grand and M1 Music Workstation. The five classic electric piano sounds are just as expressive as the acoustic piano sounds; they also include effect settings, giving you a complete package of the performance-ready sounds that you want. In addition, careful attention has been paid to the drum sounds that are indispensable for song production on a workstation, making them realistic and fresh.


A wide variety of sounds

Because of its portability, the KROSS will be used in a wide range of situations, and that's why it provides a broad variety of sounds that surpasses even the flagship models of the previous generation. The PCM data is approximately twice as large as preceding models such as the X50 and the PS60. Staples such as the frequently-used rock/jazz organ, strings, brass, and synth sounds have been brushed up. There are also instruments such as toy piano, accordion, combo organ, church organ, and even vintage instruments such as a tape sampler, as well as bell-type sounds and the sounds you need for cutting-edge dance music and electronica - unique sounds that have not been included in a synth of this class. Our design goal has been to make KROSS the only instrument you need.


Sound Selector makes it easy to find the sound you're looking for

While the KROSS provides an extremely broad range of sounds, there are two dedicated dials that let you easily find the sound you need. First use the category dial to choose the broad category such as piano, electric piano, organ, bell, synths, basses, or strings. Then turn the select dial to find the sound you want. It's a quick way to focus on selecting the needed sounds without being distracted by sounds of another type.


Favorites function lets you register 64 selected sounds or audio songs for one-touch access

Sounds that you've created or that you use frequently can be registered to four banks of 16 buttons, giving you a total of 64 sounds that can be recalled at a single touch. This is a real convenience during live performances or song production. You can also register audio songs and recall them along with sounds.


Pro-quality EDS-i sound engine is built-in

The EDS-i sound engine is a high-quality sound engine distilled from the EDS/EDS-X sound engines found on Korg’s most advanced instruments. It allows you to use a total of seven effects simultaneously: five insert effects and two master effects. Ranging from standards such as delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, and rotary speaker, and also including amp modeling powered by Korg's proprietary "REMS" modeling technology, and even a robot voice vocoder, you can choose from 134 different high-quality effects.


The MIC IN jack (1/4" phone jack) lets you directly connect a mic. If you're a vocalist as well as a player, there's no need to obtain a separate mixer. In addition, there's a LINE IN jack (stereo 1/8" jack) for you to connect your audio player, giving you the option of performing along with the playback in a variety of situations on stage or anywhere else you go.


Quick Layer/Split function

Dedicated buttons are provided for Layer/Split settings. Start by selecting the first program you want to use; then press the dedicated button to enable Layer or Split. When this is on, a screen will appear in which you can choose the other sound and specify details such as the split point. Then simply write your settings and the layer/split sound will be saved as a Combination.


Stereo audio recorder allows you to overdub your performances and vocals

The built-in stereo audio recorder can record not only the performance of the KROSS itself, but also the sound of a mic or external input. You can play backing tracks that you created, or overdub onto them to create songs and demos. Audio can be imported and exported as WAV files using an SD card (separately sold), making it easy to exchange material with your computer.


The KROSS features a step sequencer inherited from the popular Electribe series. It's a simple design in which you use the sixteen buttons to turn individual notes on or off, allowing you to quickly and easily create original rhythm patterns of up to 64 steps. The lightweight body of the KROSS contains all of the basic functionality you expect from a music workstation, including a full-featured 16-track MIDI sequencer with quantization, copy and paste, and individual note event editing. By using an SD card (sold separately), you can exchange SMF-format data with your computer. The KROSS gives you a full set of workstation and production tools, including a Drum Track function that lets you add rhythm simply by pressing a dedicated button, and an arpeggiator that can be used not only with synth sounds but also to generate guitar and bass riffs.

Connects to your computer via USB
You can connect the KROSS to your computer via USB for easy transfer of MIDI data. By using KROSS Editor and Plug-In Editor you can simultaneously view and edit large numbers of parameters on your computer, and use the KROSS within your DAW as if it were a software synthesizer.

*KROSS Editor and Plug-In Editor can be downloaded from the Korg website.

Specifications


Keyboard

  • KROSS-61
  • 61 key
  • *Velocity sensitive is supported, after touch is not supported
  • *Standard C2 - C7 (transposable in the range [C1...C6]-[C3...C8])
  • KROSS-88
  • 88-key: NH (Natural Weighted Hammer Action) keyboard
  • *Velocity sensitive is supported, after touch is not supported
  • *Standard A0 - C8 (transposable in the range [A-1...C7]-[A1...C9])
  • *The NH keyboard reproduces the touch of an acoustic piano, with a heavier feel in the low register and a lighter feel in the upper register.

System

  • EDS-i (Enhanced Definition Synthesis-integrated)


Sounds

Maximum Polyphony:

  • 80 voices (80 Oscillators) / Single Mode
  • 40 voices (40 Oscillators) / Double Mode
  • *The maximum simultaneous voice polyphony will vary depending on oscillator settings such as stereo multi-samples and velocity crossfading.


Preset PCM Memory:

  • Approximately 112 MB (In case of 48 kHz, 16-bit Linear PCM converted)
  • 421 multi-samples (including 6 Stereo multi-samples)
  • 890 drum samples (including 49 Stereo drum samples)


Program:

  • Oscillator
  • OSC1 (Single), OSC1 + 2 (Double): Stereo multi-samples are supported, and four levels of velocity switching/crossfading/layering are possible for each oscillator
  • Filters
  • Four types of filter routing (single, serial, parallel, 24 dB)
  • Two multi-mode filters per oscillator (low pass, high pass, band pass, band reject)
  • Modulation
  • For each oscillator: two envelope generators (Filter & Amp), Two LFOs, Two key tracking generators
  • (Filter & Amp), Two AMS mixers, Pitch EG, Common LFO, Two common key tracking generators


Combination:

  • The Number of Timbre
  • Max: 16 Timbres,
  • Key zone and velocity zone settings can be used to switch sounds, and the Tone Adjust function allows Program settings to be modified
  • Master Keyboard Functionality
  • External MIDI device control


Drum Kit:

  • Stereo and mono drum samples
  • 4 velocity zones switch (crossfades and layers)


The number of Combination / Program / Drum Kit:

  • User: 640 Program (512 Preload)
  • User: 384 Combination (256 Preload)
  • User: 48 Drum Kit (32 Preload)
  • Preset: 256 GM2 Program + 9 GM2 Drums Program


Favorite:

  • User: 64 (16 favorite x 4 bank)


Effects

Insert Effects:

  • 5 Insert Effects (stereo in/out)


Master Effects:

  • 2 Master Effects (stereo in/out)


Effect Types:

  • Total: 134 types
  • *74 types for Insert Effect
  • *101 types for Master Effect 1
  • *120 types for Master Effect 2


Modulation:

  • Dynamic Modulation


Effects Control Busses:

  • Stereo side chain (Limiter, Gate, Vocoder, etc)


Polyphonic Arpeggiator

Program Mode:

  • 1 unit


Combination, Sequencer Mode:

  • 2 units


Number of pattern:

  • 1,028 User Arpeggio patterns (916 Preload)
  • 5 Preset Arpeggio patterns


Number of Tone:

  • 12 tones


Number of step:

  • Max: 64 steps


Step Sequencer

Program Mode:

  • 1 unit


Combination Mode:

  • 1 unit


Sequencer Mode:

  • 1 unit


Number of Tone:

  • 12 tones


Number of step:

  • Max: 64 steps
  • *Step sequencer settings can be created independently for each program, combination, and song.


Drum Track

  • Preset: 700 patterns (shared with sequencer patterns)
  • Trigger Mode/Sync/Zone settings


Sequencer

Tracks:

  • 16-track MIDI Sequencer


Number of Songs:

  • Max; 128 Songs


Resolution:

  • 1/480


Tempo:

  • 40.00 - 300.00 (1/100 BPM resolution)


Maximum memory:

  • 210,000 MIDI events


Counter:

  • Measure / Beat / Tick


Template Song:

  • 16 preset / 16 user template songs


Preset:

  • 700 Patterns (shared with Drum Track patterns)


Format:

  • KORG (KROSS) format, SMF format 0 and 1


Audio recorder

Recording format:

  • PCM Audio format (48 kHz / 16-bit)


Import:

  • WAV (.wav): 44.1 kHz* / 16-bit, 48 kHz / 16-bit, Stereo
  • *Automatic conversion from 44.1 kHz to 48 kHz


Export:

  • WAV (.wav): 48 kHz / 16-bit,


Continuity recording time:

  • Max: 3 hours


Recording time:

  • Depends on the SD card that is used; approximately 90 minutes per 1 GB


Number of Songs:

  • Max; 200 Songs


Number of multi-track recordings:

  • Depends on the amount of space remaining on the SD card


Counter:

  • Hour / Min / Sec


Media

  • File, Utility, Information


Controllers

  • General Control:
  • Pitch bend wheel, Modulation wheel, SW [1], SW [2], TEMPO knob, TAP button
  • Step Sequencer/Favorite:
  • 1-16 buttons, STEP SEQ button, SET UP button for Control, RUN button, FAVORITE button,
  • BANK button for Control, LED: A/B/C/D (It uses both as “STEP SEQ” and “FAVORITE”),
  • Drum track:
  • DRUM TRACK button
  • Arpeggiator:
  • ARP button
  • Effect On/Off:
  • MASTER FX button
  • Audio Recorder:
  • SETUP button, PLAY/PAUSE (> / II) button


User Interface

Display:

  • 240 x 64 pixel LCD w/backlight, with adjustable contrast (hold the EXIT button and turn the Value dial)


Category:

  • [CATEGORY], [SELECT] dials


Mode:

  • [COMBI], [PROG], [SEQ], [GLOBAL/MEDIA] buttons


VALUE controller:

  • [VALUE] Dial, [Cursor (Left/Right/Up/Down)], [EXIT], [ENTER],[FUNCTION],[PAGE+],[PAGE-],[MENU] buttons


SEQUENCER:

  • [PAUSE], [REW], [FF], [LOCATE], [REC], [START / STOP] buttons


TEMPO:

  • [TEMPO] knob, [TAP] button


Split/Layer:

  • [SPLIT], [LAYER] buttons


Others:

  • [AUDIO IN] button, [VOLUME] knob


Control Input

  • DAMPER (Half Damper is supported)
  • ASSIGNABLE SWITCH
  • ASSIGNABLE PEDAL


Outputs

AUDIO OUTPUT (L/MONO, R)

  • 6.3mm Phone jack, Unbalanced
  • Output Impedance: 1.1kO (L / Mono terminal: in case of Mono output, = 550O)
  • Maximum level: +10.0 dBu, Load Impedance: more than 10 kO.


Headphone Output:

  • 3.5mm Stereo mini phone jack
  • Output Impedance: 33O, Maximum level: 40 + 40 mW


Inputs

AUDIO INPUT (Line In):

  • 3.5mm Stereo mini phone jack
  • Input Impedance: 1.1 kO
  • Maximum level: -42 ~– 0 dBu


MIC IN:

  • 6.3mm Phone jack, Unbalanced
  • Input Impedance: 33 O
  • Maximum level: -48 ~ -6 dBu


MIDI

  • IN, OUT


USB

  • Type B x 1 (USB-MIDI Interface)


SD Card Slot

  • 1 slot
  • Max: 2 GB SD Memory Card is supported
  • Max: 32 GB SDHC Memory Card is supported
  • (SDXC Memory Cards are not supported)


Power Supply

  • AC Adaptor (DC9V), POWER button
  • AA alkaline battery x 6 or AA Ni-MH: Nickel metal hydride battery x 6
  • Battery Life:
    • In case of AA alkaline battery x 6 = Approximately 4 hours*
    • In case of AA Ni-MH: Nickel metal hydride battery (1900 mAh) x 6 = Approximately 5 hours*
    • *Varies according to the batteries used and the conditions of usage

Power Consumption

  • 5 W


Dimensions (W x D x H)

  • KROSS-61 = 37.09 x 11.06 x 3.58 inches / 942 × 281 × 91 mm
  • KROSS-88 = 57.01 x 15.08 x 5.32 inches / 1,448 × 383 × 135 mm


Weight

  • KROSS-61 = 9.48 lbs. / 4.3 kg
  • KROSS-88 = 27.34 lbs. / 12.4 kg


Accessories

  • AC Adapter
  • Quick Start Guide


Option

  • XVP-10 Expression/Volume pedal
  • EXP-2 Foot Controller
  • DS-1H Damper Pedal
  • PS-1, PS-3 Pedal Switch


Computer System Requirements for the KORG USB-MIDI Driver


Windows

OS:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home/Professional Edition SP3
  • Windows Vista SP2 (all editions including 64-bit edition)
  • Windows 7 SP1 (all editions including 64-bit edition)
  • Windows 8 (all editions including 64-bit edition)


Computer:

  • USB port (Intel USB Host Controller recommended)


Macintosh

OS:

  • Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8


Computer:

  • Apple Macintosh that satisfies the operating requirements of Mac OS X and is equipped with an Intel processor and a USB port


* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.


FAQ

What year was the Korg Kross 61 launched?

This instrument was launched in 2012

What other models did Korg release in 2012?

What models did other manufacturers release in 2012?

What other synths were released at a similar time?

Have your own question about the Korg Kross 61? Email us and we'll research it for you.

Resources

No resources to show.

Reviews

No reviews to show.

Purchase Links

Buy the Korg Kross 61 on Reverb

Find Korg Kross 61 Deals on Amazon ebay Music and Arts Reverb

More Info

Added: 2026-01-26 Updated: 2026-02-11 ID: 348

Instruments from 2011 Instruments from 2012 Instruments from 2013 Instruments from the 2010s
61 key instruments full sized key instruments Korg instruments
Search Amazon for Korg Kross 61 Online manuals


Shop Amazon for Korg Shop ReverbShop Music & Arts

Want to learn more about synths?

More...

Music Software Bundles from Pluginboutique.com

Instrument Lists

Time

By Year


By Decade

By Age


Manufacturer


Product Line


Manufacturer & Type

Type


Features

Number of Keys

Key Size


Price

Miscellaneous