Korg is known around the world as making some pretty spectacular products, synthesizers in particular. It’s no surprise that this Korg Krome 88-key synthesizer was able to make it so high on the list of the top synths to buy this year, because it is such a special keyboard, in so many different areas. This keyboard is an impressively flexible keyboard workstation loaded with sounds and performance functions adopted from the Kronos series, making it easily one of the best buys of the year. Diversity is the middle name of the the Krome, so no matter if you’re looking for an awesome piano sound for church, or a powerful bass or guitar for your show, this synthesizer can do just about anything.
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User Interface/Style
If you’ve ever used a product manufactured by Korg in the past, then you’ll know that this brand is very keen on paying attention to detail and making the best possible products. If you’ll somehow have complaints with the instrument, it’s unlikely that they’ll have to do with the physical layout and look of the Korg Krome 88. The button layout is simple yet elaborate – you won’t be confused as you might be on a different synth. The screen size, while it still isn’t massive by any means, is quite a bit larger than on some other synthesizers, like the Roland JUNO DS88. It’s by no means a large screen, but an improvement nonetheless. As far as the actual body and style of the Korg Krome 88, It’s got a fairly basic look to it. It doesn’t look or feel bad at all, but most would probably say that it’s not as sleek and seamless as say, a Yamaha Montage8. Now, obviously the Yamaha is quite a bit more expensive than the Korg Krome 88-key synthesizer, so it’s unfair to compare them in that way.
Reading most reviews on the Korg Krome, you’ll find that many people are pleased with its size for an 88-key synth. While it actually make look a little bit on the heavier side, it actually is not that at all, coming in at roughly 32 lbs. It isn’t going to be the most mobile keyboard, but it’s lightweight enough to where you shouldn’t have too much of a hassle moving it. The weighted keys and some other components of the keyboard are made of plastic, but they don’t feel cheap or fragile in the slightest.
Sounds
The sounds are the true strength of the Krome 88-key synth. Even the few people who dislike this instrument often admit that the sounds produced by the synthesizer are quite unreal, and are the true strength of most keyboards from Korg. Whether it’s the piano, the organ, or the nifty vintage sound effects included, you will find that every sound is crisp and highly impressive. Korg did a fantastic job on this product giving you easy access to basic parameters for making music right out of the gate. The unit is also capable of detailed modification of sounds and parameters if you want to dive deep into tweaking it for unique sounds and functions, and the sound library is extensive and very high quality.
The Krome grand piano sounds brilliant, it would remind you of the piano sound Jordan Rudess uses with dream theater. The synth leads sound great, and there are quite a few great pads and rhythmic synths. The combo’s are impressive, and fun to play around with as well.
Features
The Korg Krome 88 workstation has a ton of features to go along with all its other positive attributes. You’ll find that it is preloaded with 640 programs, over 280 combo’s, 900 Arp patterns, and over 600 drum grooves. It has piano and drum sounds derived from the KRONOS series, and new electric pianos for uncompromising quality. The touch view display features full color with an advanced graphic user interface, delivering an intuitive and gratifying experience. Finally, it comes with a complete 16 track sequencer with touch-based piano roll editing, and plug-in editor software.
Overall – Is The Korg Krome 88 Worth It?
In this price range, there are not many synthesizers better than the 88-key Korg Krome. Sure, you can say it has its flaws, but then again most synths will have a few drawbacks. As previously noted, it probably wouldn’t be fair to compare this workstation to the likes of a Yamaha Montage 8 or the bigger brother of this model, the Korg Kronos, but if you were to do such a thing, you would find that this workstation does not fall that short of those superior instruments. Whether or not it can do more than the OP-1 is up for debate. There are quite a few extra features that they entail which the Krome does not have, but for most casual and even amateur/intermediate players, the Korg Krome 88 is more than enough. Some even say that this is the best keyboard you can get, for the price! Check out the Korg Krome 88-key synthesizer by clicking here.