The New Korg Kronos: Video Manual Part 4 - Sequencer and Effects

[@Anuradha506]

These are some tips I received from Nickie . I am pasting them here as anyone who need these can benefited . The Kronos sequencer is much, much better. It lets you loop each track and control how long the loop is. Here's how you do it. .................................................................... Looping a Track in KronOS Method 1 : 1. Record a track with the bass or drums or whatever you want to loop. It does not loop yet. 2. Push the "MIDI Track Loop" button and select the track you want to loop. 3. Select how many times you want the track to loop, 2 x's, 3 x's, it's up to you. 4. Now go back and play what you recorded and you will hear it loop as many times as you set it to. 5. If you decide not to loop it, uncheck the "Loop" knob. 6. Now, do the same for any other track you want looped. .................................................................... Method 2 : 1. Record a track. It will not loop. 2. Select the "Track Edit" knob. 3. Make sure the track you want to edit is selected. 4. On the menu, select "Repeat Measure" and select how many times you want the measure to repeat. 5. Play the sequence and you will hear the track loop exactly how many times you want it to. 6. You can do this for each track separate, so you control each separate track. .................................................................... Pattern Sequencer 1. You can create a song as long as you want, up to 1,000 measures! Of course, most songs only go to maybe 64 or 124 measures, that is already long! 2. You can create 100 patterns (user patterns - you create your own sounds and pattern). For example, you can make a bass for pattern one, C G C A C C. Then pattern 2 can be another bass, but new notes, D D F F A D F D. Then pattern 3 can be another bass or if you want, a lead with another sound, maybe an organ lead, C D E F A F A F (whatever you want, as fast or slow as you want). You can do this with any of the 16 tracks, 16 sounds. So maybe track one is a bass, track two a guitar, track 3 a piano, track 4 another guitar, etc. Always use track 10 for the drums, and set to MIDI channel 10. 3. You can control in your song, when each pattern will play. So in bar 1, you can have pattern 1, in bar 2, both pattern 1 and 2, in bar 3, both pattern 1/2/3/4/5 - as many as you want. And if you like, bar 5 can be ONLY A DRUM FILL, or whatever type of pattern or sequence you want. Thank You Nickie for your effort and valuable time !

[@THEREALTWISTEDINSANE]

I want to be able to edit a program in real time in the sequence mode with the nobs, can I do this ?

[@peterstanton4283]

I hope nobody has given up, because the Kronos sequencer is awesome, incredibly powerful, and actually, very easy to use. The problem is a) there just aren't enough tutorials, in fact, very, very few, and b) the language used for the commands on the sequencer are for the professional, so things like "put to midi track" or "bounce all tracks to...", etc., will make it hard to know what commands to use to get the sequencer to do what you want. the solution is, well, for me to do a bunch of tutorials, as I understand exactly how it works, and it just comes easy for me, so I can explain. Trust me on this! This is an incredible sequencer, very logical, well thought out, and once you get the basics and vocabulary, it becomes very easy to use. Best of all, it does anything you can imagine, which is part of why it's difficult, did you want a toy sequencer that does almost everything for you (and then, don't expect it to really do the things you want), or for $3,000 want a sequencer that kicks ass! Don't worry, after I post my tutorials, you will understand it fully and be blow away what this baby can do, it is a monster! stand by!

[@gerardjones7881]

Still standing by, put up or shut up.

[@PaulAdamssongs]

following this step by step and learning a lot !! BUT Nowhere does it give me the option to save song. I have tried ecvery tab?? in preferences in top right of screen??? I don't see how he had write and I don't?

[@williamwmcqiv6157]

Does anyone make a textbook for this with practical work exercises? so hard to navigate through all the settings!

[@chopinisbackinmallorca4135]

is it possible to put my own created combi into sequencer or if not, is it possible to make a audio recording track with kronos combi sound?

[@rafikdewan499]

Sir we are eagerly waiting same demo for KORG pa700 Multi Track Recording 16 Channels thank you

[@williamwmcqiv6157]

Does anybody make a text book for this? something with practical work exercises for self teaching? Also is there a quick way to access each engine without loading a preset?

[@forrestperkins6237]

The best you can do is watch KZbin videos, reference the manual, press the help button, and join forums for kronos.

[@bobcatt2294]

Are each of these tracks in the sequencer stereo?

[@TylerTripsTunes]

This would be great if he was starting from scratch and not using templates! I need to know how to get to track two lol?

[@timothyknight2096]

Did you figure out how to get to track 2

[@timothyknight2096]

I need help with that

[@JohnHunter561]

@@timothyknight2096 Have a look at the screen on time 01:25 of the video. On top of the monitor (under "S000: NEW SONG", at the left) it says "MIDI Track 01: MIDI Track 01". Click on the small arrow left to this. Then you can choose the track which you want to record (make sure to choose the Midi Track, not the Audio Track).

[@givemore658]

I just got the KRONOS but i trying to get into the pattern sequencer mode.. meaning i want to make different pattern sections which makes up the full song which allow me to control each section of my progression... can you show that? thanks

[@descargamusicalny]

You mean the RPPR function? You can look up that here on KZbin I believe rich formidoni from korg did a tutorial on it for the triton and m3, it is basically the same on most korg keyboards after it was introduced back in the mid 90's.

[@carloasis]

Hello, I have an issue when recording on sequencer: I select a bass line on the track 1, I add cut off, resonaince and release, no problems recording, but when i change into track 2 to add another sound all the changes made to track 1 are lost. Is there any way to save the changes I made to the track 1 ? thanks already

[@nickienok9643]

There are at least 3 reasons you have this issue. First, and most likely, you set the MIDI channel on track 1 and track 2, to the same, so it is overwriting what you first recorded. Set different MIDI channels so the sequencer knows the 2 tracks are different. Second problem may be you set both tracks to record (multiple record), so when you record onto track 2, it's also recording on track 1 and therefore erasing what you previously recorded. To solve this, deselect "multiple record" (or make sure the track you don't want erased is NOT set to record), and if you want to record over a recorded track, set it to "overdub", and then nothing gets erased. Hope that helps, 3 years ago i think you figured it out? :)

[@Anuradha506]

Helllo Nickie , Once we create a sequence (Drum Pattern or a loop), How can we reuse same drum track when I need it again ? If you can explain that would be great! Thanks .

[@peterstanton4283]

There are 2 types of drum patterns: presets and user. Presets are always saved, so if you like certainl presets, you can always use them again, just remember which preset pattern you liked (there are over 700 preset drum patterns, actually a lot more on KARMA). Once you record in a sequence, the song will erase when you turn the Kronos off, so you must save your songs (the song will contain your drum patterns and loops, so you can then use again). 2 ways to save, as a "song" (which saves the programs you used), and "midi data" which saves the notes you played, but may not recall the programs you used to play on each track. Also, when you save the "song", it will save all the songs you've recorded that session, not just perhaps the one you're thinking of. All songs get saved that you recorded that day when you save as a "song". To save individual songs, maybe just the one that has those drums patterns you like, you can save it as midi file, just remember the programs you used in case they don't pop up next day you turn the Kronos on, and then load your songs. when turning on the kronos, no songs are loaded, you must do so yourself. Next comment, I'll show you the commands to save both songs and midi data, my Kronos is off now, so I'll turn it on so i can give you exactly the knobs to press. Don't worry, it's easy!

[@peterstanton4283]

do you mean a drum pattern from the preset, or your own drum pattern that you recorded?

[@Anuradha506]

My Own drum pattern(User)

[@keanuman1]

Cool. What is the difference between MFX (Master effects) and TFX (Total effects)?

[@nickienok9643]

TFX mean everything is affected. So if in combination mode, say you have a bass, a piano, and a flute, but want only echo on the flute. If you put an echo effect on MFX, all 3 instruments will echo. Whatever you assign to MFX will affect every single instrument (so generally you use only limiters/compressors/etc).Say you wanted only a flute sound to echo, for example, you don't use either MFX or TFX, but use Insert Effects (IFX), assigning only the track the flute is on to that particular effect. MFX is in conjunction with the Insert Effects, meaning it potentially could affect everything, but is assigned which instruments will get whatever effects are on the 2 MFX depending on the level of effect on the 2 "send" knobs within IFX. Why use it? Say you want reverb on only the piano and flute, but not the base. Set MFX #1 to the reverb you want, and in IFX, you can route each instrument to bypass the MFX or be affected by it (ie., as much or little reverb intensity as you want). It's a bit complex, i'll do some tutorials soon, but hope that helps. Don't worry, play with it, and you'll catch on, not that hard.

[@Anuradha506]

Is there a way to do a drum break ?

[@nickienok9643]

Yes, drum breaks are very easy. Use a separate track other than the current drum track you're using, with it's own MIDI channel, then select the drum sounds you want, and either play live or use a pattern you're looking for. KARMA offers far more great drums tracks/fills than the onboard drum machine, and the drum sounds seem superior. Since you likely have only 2 hands, set the track to "overdub" so you can record multiple times so get the kick, snare, high hat, etc., in there to suit your needs to make that drum break. If you want complete silence from all the other tracks that have recording during this drum break, go to track edit, then use the menu "erase measure" for each track, set it to the measures you don't want any instruments playing while the drum solos. Don't use "delete measure" as that will shorten the instruments and ruin the timing of them. Another way is record a quick volume change for the tracks you don't want to sound while the drum break is playing, you can also from the track edit menu turn the velocity down to zero for any track (select that track first) at exact measures, that's probably the best way as it's non-destructive. Save the song first before you do this, in case you make mistakes and accidently erase something. There are other ways, but this is what I favor. Let me know if it worked and how you did it.

[@Anuradha506]

Thanks Nickie ..Im new to KronOS.Ill try this out.Thanks a lot for your help.

[@nickienok9643]

:) I'm going to make a bunch of tutorials on using the sequencer, it's incredibly powerful, and i don't understand why there aren't a ton of tutorials and demo's on it, as it's the main feature. Think like this: the sequencer is your band and orchestra, that plays only exactly what you want, never complains, never shows up drunk at the gig, and will even sleep in your bed with you, LOL! (Also, ignore the comments how it's a lousy sequencer, they don't have a clue how it works, so they just badmouth it. You got the right synth, it's the best out there!)

[@Anuradha506]

I also need to understand how can I program Karma to play chords (Something similar to accompaniment) . If you can please do a one.

[@nickienok9643]

That's easy. KARMA has "chord rhythms", which contains nearly 900 patterns to choose from. To demo them, select for example the piano (Program 1), then click on KARMA, make sure it's on "GE set up/Key Zones" (that's the default), then select for Module A "chord rhythms", which has all kinds of styles and rhythms to choose from. Play any chord, say a C maj triad, and it will play the 3 notes as a chord perfectly, you choose which rhythm pattern and then set the tempo that suits it. To play on top of that, you need to go into combination mode, if you need that, reply, and I'll explain further, have fun! (You can also sequence chords you wish to play on top of, but with KARMA it's got preset patterns for you to use, take your pick).

[@EvertvanIngen]

Looks like Windows 3.1 :D

[@curt300s]

Windows 3.1 with NO mouse. It's funny, it's a bad touch screen without a touch operating system. WTF. Makes you appreciate Logic or Pro Tools.

[@nickienok9643]

It has no mouse because this is a real sequencer that is triggered by a touch sensitive keyboard. I find it very tedious to use a mouse to point to some image of a keyboard on a computer monitor, rather than be able to actually play the notes on a touch sensitive keyboard as you can with the Kronos. Note in the demo, he's playing a real keyboard. Would you seriously rather see him tweaking notes by using a mouse? He wouldn't look like much of a musician, would he now! The sequencer is a lot more powerful then shown in this very basic tutorial (which is good, but so far from complete). take care :)

[@nickienok9643]

Murada, I agree. The great keyboardist Rick Wakeman said the DAW's (computer synths) are not reliable enough to use on stage, they break down too much. He liked the Kronos so much he bought 2 of them. The DAW's are for novice musicians who have little talent and so need a lot of gimmicks to create music. The Kronos is for professionals who want to create real music that requires talent and musical abilities. Rap music is done mostly with computers by people with no musical talent or skills, that why you never see on stage live real guitar players, bass players, drummers, etc., because there aren't any. IN short, if you're a real musician, you use the Kronos; if you can't play musical instruments, you let the computer do it for you, it's that simple.

[@nickienok9643]

Evert, why do you say ait has a bad touch screen? All iphones have touch screens, are they also just as bad?

[@aanon2550]

I agree, it's a horrible interface, clicking on elements that are in no way optimised for finger input. Then there's the complexity, with everything hidden in tabs and the overall look, which is about as inspiring as a spreadsheet.

[@goldiemusic8394]

years later, he is still stuck in the settings.

[@drtolgaege]

Nowadays Hardware workstation concept is over. You can do all this tasks and settings much more quicker on DAW . New computers such as MacBook Air M1 chip is thousand times faster and stable than this instrument. Korg must concentrate on live keyboards such as Yamaha montage or Nord stage 3. Additionally when I see this user interface I feel in early 90’ s. Really boring.

[@forrestperkins6237]

This keyboard launched 10 years ago

[@drtolgaege]

@@forrestperkins6237 Korg release Nautilus awith lmost same internal CPU components

[@forrestperkins6237]

@@drtolgaege I got a kronos v2 last week and I love it. Dream keyboard. Cost me nearly 3 grand. It has a second ssd with 500gb capacity.

[@drtolgaege]

@@forrestperkins6237 it is really great instrument, ı agree. I have Yamaha montage and nord stage 3 as master keyboard. I will wait for korg's New flagship workstafion. However ı am aliitle bit dissapointed after the release of korg Pa5x.it gives some clues about kronos. No more surprising as in old days.

[@forrestperkins6237]

@@drtolgaege I would love to explore nord but they are for me in the niche category like an analog synthesizer because of their high price and limited editing you can do on board

[@DomVellaUTube]

Really though, why do you wait till two more chapters before you teach to save? Why bother teaching how to record if it's going to disappear as soon as you exit? Really, I'd rather you show me how two record two bars and teach how to save first, and then teach the rest of the stuff because I'm not sure how many people want to pay attention to a 10 minute presentation when they know it's futile.

[@curt300s]

I know. There was NO planning for teaching fundamentals and basic features before demonstrating nonsense. Hint: start with an outline and a syllabus for teaching skills to make the product USABLE. Korg: how about hiring someone with a background in TEACHING.

[@nickienok9643]

Dom Vella, It doesn't erase soon as you exit. What he said is when you turn the Kronos off, if you don't save it, it will erase. Think of it this way. If you don't put your leftover food in the fridge after you eat it ("save it in the fridge for later"), it will spoil. You don't start putting bits and pieces of your food in the fridge to save, you wait till you're done with the meal, then save the leftovers. No pro would save a song every 10 min, no reason to. As long as you don't turn it off or re-record over the song, you can go to program or combination mode, then come back and the song is still there. The Kronos sequencer is incredibly powerful and hardly can be taught in a short tutorial, but this guy does a fantastic job of showing the basics. Read and study the PDF manual carefully, it explains a lot, but dont' worry, I'm doing a complete set of tutorials on sequencing soon, hope you're still around to see it. The sequencer is incredible, does amazing things, that is for sure!

[@nickienok9643]

I'm listening to his tutorial a 3rd time, it's packed with great info and he is a very good teacher. I know the sequencer is extremely difficult, but would you want a simple one like Yamaha's Montage that doesn't give you hardly any editing options? The Kronos sequencer is for professionals, it's incredibly powerful, so I understand how intimidating it can be for beginners. This guy does a fantastic job at introducing it, he's very well spoken, systematic, etc. I have a feeling those who complain need to read the PDF manual, not like a book, but really study it and take notes. Listen, you spent thousands of dollars for this synth, do you want a toy or a sequencer that would knock J. S. Bach off his chair if he saw what it can do? :)

[@altonrhodes9493]

Hello

[@spec24]

Hey! 720p! Welcome to 1995!

[@nickienok9643]

This is still an excellent tutorial, too bad they didn't go into more detail, as the sequencer is truly amazing and offers incredible potential. I just sequenced a few of Bach's compositions, too hard for me to play at full speed, and the sequencer is so powerful, not just how perfect it plays each note, but how much control you have, such as automated velocity changes, tempo changes, etc. What this sequencer can do for a song is like having a Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson, and J.S. Bach as your command to play each part, multiply that by 10 and Welcome to Kronos sequencer, WOW! :)

[@WiredOrchard]

worst sequencer ever. Good luck editing.

[@neko64gen2]

+Nick Wegener roland is easier

[@WiredOrchard]

If I can get my 3k back maybe get a roland. My JV1080 had the worst manual ever. Hopefully they are learning english.

[@nickienok9643]

Nick Wegener, it's not the worst sequencer, it's the most powerful digital sequencer ever (compare with Yamaha's Montage which can barely do anything). I suspect you just don't understand how to use it, not to worry, soon I'll create a complete tutorial on it, after I finish sequencing Bach's 15 Inventions and Vavaldi's "Four Seasons", I just don't have the technique or skills to play that fast, but the Kronos sequencer has 16 hands that have no speed limit, wow. btw, it only took about 2 weeks to master the editing, I find it very easy, logical and systematic. It can be intimidating at first, but if was that easy, it would mean it's not for professionals. When I finish and post my sequences, you will change your mind and agree this is one of the most powerful sequencers out there, it really is! :)

[@mrawesome6239]

Nick Wegener it’s only for jotting down ideas, if someone’s using this for production that’s completely wrong.

[@nbtd1959]

@@nickienok9643 How could anybody think this is the worst sequencer ever. I feel as if it's the best and I've only been using mine since 4/20/2018, 8 short months. I guess everybody has their own opinions, and that's why I always read a ton of reviews before I purchase just about everything.