This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the Korg Kross 2-88-MB Synthesizer Workstation. If you are interested in buying the Kross 2-88-MB or you just want to know more about the synthesizer, you should keep on reading.
Product Description:
The Kross 2-88-MB has easy access to the power batteries. It has now two compartments: one to the left of the Kross’s interface, which has a large battery compartment, which houses an additional compartment for backup batteries or a USB cable, and the second compartment, that can hold anything you’d like, is on the opposite end of the interface. Those compartments allow you to store necessary cables and power supplies in a hand reach, rather than storing them completely separately.
The Korg Kross 2-88-MB is a class-leading synthesizer, which is designed to be your main keyboard. Kross 2 features everything a performer needs. Delivering a broad range of sounds that leave even previous-generation flagship models in the dust.
The LED lights that move across the surface of the keyboard are informative and the central screen in the middle is very clear and also informative. But don’t worry, the control is not limited only to a tiny screen, luckily you can plug in your laptop, computer, or even an iPad/iPhone.
The Kross 2-88-MB features a great-feeling rubberized finish in “super matte black” simultaneously sleek and elegant, but also durable and comfortable.
Price:
The Kross 2-88-MB is a well-made and affordable synthesizer. The prices can vary depending on the website you are buying it from, but mainly it stays between 900 and 1500 euros.
Pros:
- It offers sound quality of a Korg workstation without a premium price.
- It’s a considerable improvement over the original Kross.
- It’s light and manageable.
- The keybed, while not first-in-class, is much better than it seems.
- The keyboard has two compartments for storage.
- Can connect to a device for better control and editing.
Cons:
- The synthesizer does not come with a case for transport.
- Might be too long for your liking. (Might find yourself bumping into things while moving it, so be aware of scratching/damaging the exterior.)
- Its screen is small and the onboard editing system harks back to the 1990s.
- Its keyboard doesn’t generate aftertouch.
- There’s no XLR mic input.
- It uses an external PSU.
Is it Worth it?
Kross 2 will appeal to someone who wants something they can make complete tunes with, on the road. Gigging composers will love it, to put those hours on a tour bus to good use, as will studio producers. If you’re in need of a quality workhorse composing tool, then this really is probably the most affordable and fully featured contender for your cash out there right now. A great bit of kit for the asking price.
In-Depth Review of the above articles
Benefits
- 120 voices of polyphony eliminate note stealing.
- Powerful sampling engine and sample trigger pads.
- Ideal for a broad range of musical styles.
- Extremely lightweight (27 pounds; 12,25 kg)
- Sound Selector makes it easy to find the sound you are looking for.
- Favorites function lets you register 64 sounds or audio songs for one-touch access during gigs.
- External input jacks let you connect a mic or external audio source.
- Quick Layers/Split function for on-the-fly versatility.
- A stereo audio recorder allows you to record and overdub your performance and vocals.
- Connects to your computer via USB for plugin integration with your favorite DAW
Specifications
Dimension (WDxH)
Width: 1,448 mm (57.01”)
Depth: 383 mm (15.08”)
Height: 136 mm (5.35”)
Weight
12.3 kg / 27.12 lbs (excluding batteries)
Keyboard
88 keys NH (Natural weighted hammer action, no aftertouch) keyboard. Normally A0-C8 (adjustable in the range [-A-]…C7]-[A1…C9])
*The NH keyboard delivers a playing feel similar to that of an acoustic piano, with low notes feeling heavier and high notes feeling lighter.
| Split Zones | Yes |
| Modulation Wheel | Yes |
| Sound Engine | Sample-based |
| MIDI interface | 1 x In, 1 x Out |
| Storage | Medium USB to Host |
| USB-port | Yes (1 x Type B) |
| Effects Multi effect processor | Yes, 134 different effects |
| Effect Types | Reverb, Compressor, Chorus |
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Audio Outputs | 2 x ¼” (line out) |
| Audio Input | 1 x ¼” (mic), 1 x ⅛” (line) |
| Digital Output | No |
| Display | Yes |
| Power Source | 9 DC power supply / 6 x AA batteries |
Sound Engine of the Korg Kross 2-88-MB
The Number of Combinations/Programs/Drum Kits:
User Combination – 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
Accessories (sold separately)
Keyboard – Standard-L-SV
Soft case – SC-KROSS 2 88/KROME 88
Quality of the Korg Kross 2-88-MB
The quality is simply stunning, bolstered by PCM data that are approximately twice as large as predecessors like the X50 and the PS60. For your giggling pleasure, Korg has lavished attention on frequently-used sounds such as rock/jazz organ, strings, brass, and synth sounds. But you also get ear candy flavors like a toy piano, accordion, combo organ, church organ, and even a vintage tape sampler, along with cutting-edge dance music/electronica sounds — unique sounds you won’t find in any other synth at this price.
And with Sound Selector and a favorites function, finding and organizing your sounds for instant onstage deployment is a piece of cake.
More of quality:
A diverse array of more than 1,000 present sounds has been supplemented by additional PCM with 128 new programs that include piano and electric piano, and also fulfill your needs for cutting-edge EDM with synth and drum sounds plus 27 drum track patterns.
The Kross 2-88-MB features Krog’s Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) keyboard. The NH keyboard has a realistic and comfortable piano-style hammer, with a heavier feel in the lower register and a touch that becomes lighter as you move into the high register, allowing the subtle nuances of your fingerprints t show through in your performance. This keyboard is perfect for playing piano and electric piano sounds while being light and portable for bringing Kross 2 to your gigs!
Additional Features of the Korg Kross 2-88-MB:
- 88-Key Natural Hammer Action Keybed
- 1000+ Present Sounds, 120-Voice Polyphony
- 128MB of Expansion PCM Memory
- Sampler with 16 Trigger Pads
- The rubberized matte black finish is sleek and uniquely durable
- Rich sounds powered by added PCM
- An additional storage compartment on the side where you can store vires or even a foot pedal would fit in there.
Warranty
Warranty coverage is provided by the Korg distributor in the country in which the product was purchased.
If you register your Korg keyboard, keyboard rack module, or digital piano online within 90 days of purchase, Korg will extend your Korg manufacturer’s warranty for an extra year for free if purchased from a Korg authorized dealer. A copy of the registration confirmation email and a legible copy of the product’s sales receipt from the authorized dealer are both required for extended warranty service. To register your Korg product, please click http://i.korg.com/Register
What Do People Say About Korg Kross 2-88-MB?
You can find some feedback and synthesizer reviews on Amazon and eBay. A lot of people prefer buying their synthesizers online due to the better prices rather than in stores. Overall the Korg KROSS 88 MB Synthesizer has been rated on average 2.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon Review.
Amazon Review #1
“So far it’s is awesome. Would have given a 5 star but the box it came in look to have been in war. The box had a hole in the back big enough to put my arm in. But to my surprise and amazon’s good packaging it appears to be alright. But that’s wasn’t Amazon’s fault or Korg’s fault! It looks to be the carrier’s but who knows.
But like I said the keyboard is everything I hope for. Just hope I can live up to it! This keyboard does it all. So I’m going back and clicking the five-star instead of the four because the keyboard is a winner. Hope I can find a mic to match up to its ability of the great sound it will produce! Just remember to get studio monitors to capture all of the great frequencies it creates.”
Amazon Review #2
“Great Keyboard workstation! I tried the Roland Juno DS88. I didn’t like the drum samples as well as the Yamaha MX88 or Korg Kross 2 88. Also, I did not like the slick ivory keys on the Roland Juno DS88. I tried the Yamaha MX88. It was nice but overall the Kross 88 was the best & had more piano sounds. I thought the Yamaha MX88 & Kross88 felt about the same when you played them. But overall I felt the Korg had the best samples. I guess that’s why it cost $75.00 more than the others. Goes back to you get what you pay for.”
Thomann Review #1
“I’ve only had the Kross 2-88 MB for a week – in this respect an “entry-level rating” – I’m semi-professional – I actually wanted to buy an electric piano …! – use it at home – focus on “home recording” – even when unpacking (18kg) you can feel that you are not dealing with a “toy” – the device is elegant (rubberized!) and very user-friendly and tidy – no show! – sensational for this price range !!
The first contact with the keyboard brings joy! – it has nothing to do with a classic synthesizer keyboard like I used to know – TOP !!!! – played the first piano samples – rich, beautiful sounds – 896 – (120 voices / polyphonic !!) – very dynamic feel!
Customer service from Thomann is absolutely top level – here you still have to deal with (consistently very friendly!) People …!”
Youtube Review #1
In this video, you can see a quick presentation from Sweetwater present on the Kross 2. The video depicts the different aspects of the synthesizer and therefore some new features that make the instrument even more special.
Youtube Review #2
In this video, you can see an unboxing of the Kross 2-88-MB by Joyce Chahine. This video gives you a thorough look at what the Kross 2-88-MB has to offer and how the different settings can be adjusted.
Is Korg Kross 2-88-MB Worth It?
The Kross 2 sounds great, even though it lacks some of the facilities of instruments costing two or three times as much, it is still a powerful instrument and its price will ensure that there’s a place for it. The additional features like extra compartments and powering the device with AA batteries will also make traveling and gigging with the Kross 2 much less of a hustle.
Yes, if you are looking to buy a reasonably priced synthesizer, then I suggest going for it. I
If you like this article and found the provided information useful, you might want to check out our other reviews at AalbergAudio.com