Yamaha Montage M X VS Korg Kronos

The Kronos is the undisputed greatest of all time (in my book), but this comparison was inevitable. It's kinda long, but it was so fun to make this video! It's detailed and gives my honest opinion. I hope you enjoy it! Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
KRONOS OR MONTAGE M????
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[@hugoriders]

I own both, Kronos 73 and a M7. Kronos still delivers more but the Montage M sounds so beautiful and adds a lot in the modulation realm.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Definitely a lot of truth here

[@corpeningd]

Great review. Professional and to the point. Three thumbs up. I liked & subscribed.

[@GianlucaBucalo]

Another great video! I love my Kronos... Thanks from Italy!

[@ericjohnson1811]

The Kronos kicks the living shit out of the Montage, period.

[@percywalker3960]

FACTS

[@FranciscoDiazMusic]

Kronos is still GOAT! For being a keyboard released in 2011. The competition is barely catching up. I’m optimistic korg will bounce back

[@gabrielmoore6099]

I pray so, I love Korg man

[@torbenanschau6641]

That's the thing. Like before that it was like every two years something came out which made the others look bad. You had the M1 then the SY77 came, Korg countered with the T-Series, Yamaha brought the SY99 - hold on, foul from the left side with bringing the K-2000, Ensoniq TS-10 and 12, Korg catching the ball again with 01/W, Roland coming into play with the XP-50/60/80, Yamaha EX-5 couldn't keep up, Trinity GOAL-- K2500XS GOAL - Roland getting sleepy with a Fantom S, some contenders like Ensoniq and Emu leaving the contest completely, then Motif Boom, Triton Boom, K2600 Boom Motif ES Boom, Triton Studio Boom... Fantom X wow, boom again, Triton Extreme.... close, M3 meh, Motif XS boom, Fantom G... hold on, no SRX? No touch? - out. Kronos Touch down...... Motif XF nice try... Roland forgetting workstation.... a few moments later Montage... well ok but not a true workstation... few more moments later,,, years after years.. .Fantom Goal. Nautilus - whats that? stripped down Kronos for the same price?..... Montage X... So after 11 years the game is on. We'll see if Korg decides to counter again.

[@crandallexpo0648]

​@@torbenanschau6641straight facts

[@madness8556]

​@@torbenanschau6641that's an excellent synopsis for the last 35 years of synthesiser history. Well done!

[@b.hornetiii.6771]

fast workflow, never ending options, the sounds, the automation of everything inside Korg Kronos is light years ahead ... Montage M is a great special tool to add, with a great sound coloring that can compliment Kronos and as a creative hub for making great new ideas and combinations that you can refine and complete as a song in Kronos with its 9 engines. It could be the best combo ever. Kronos is the ultimate workstation, Montage M is the ultimate synth.

[@reedereed]

Thank you for this video; I have the Oasys, Motif XF and ES AND the mighty Kronos 2!!! You are absolutely correct; the Kronos is STILL the champ…easily!!! Why do you think they haven’t been in a rush to make a successor?? They’re still winning!!!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Lol great point!!!!!!!!

[@ikkejick]

Thanks SO much for your detailled video! I'm on the verge of ordering an M8x as replacement for my Kronos V1 73. I have one question about layers and splits: on the Kronos I'm able to set keyboard zones for each layer (or 'part', in Yamaha language). I know the Montage obviously can do this too. However, on the Kronos, I'm able to make the top and bottom end of the arranged keyboard zone (respectively) fade out and in. I've not seen this option on a montage. Do you know if this is possible? I use this quite often in my performances. Thanks so much!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I will have to check and see if there are crossfades. I think Kronos has them within multisamples of each OSC too.

[@Michael-le5ph]

Hi Julius, Would you buy a used Kronos of any kind today and can you get any parts for it if it fails and are there websites for those parts? Do you spend 2500 for a kronos 88, and is it a huge risk? I know I saw a Nautilus 88 for 1999.00 used and wondered if that is the best thing right now? I miss all the faders and I do know you can do a lot of that with the screen on the Nautilus. What is your opinion--Kronos or Nautilus 88 ?

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Yes I'd buy a used Kronos. If you have the option though, I'd look at Kronos 2 because some of the parts for it (although still older) are more recent than the OG Kronos or the Kronos X. Yes there are places to get parts (the ones that are available). Some stuff just can't be found very easily right now though. So you are taking a risk there. I think 2500$ may be too much to pay for one though... You may be able to find a better price than that. But I haven't checked prices as of late. Nautilus is going to be the better long term option. It's still in production and has active support from KORG. Nautilus is a great option from Korg as a more current alternative to Kronos. I have videos on this channel that speak specifically about using a KORG nano kontrol with the Nautilus. And programming it to work as faders for your combis. You won't go wrong with either Kronos or Nautilus. But if you are concerned with longevity and the ability to get parts, the Nautilus is the easy answer between the two.

[@aristotlekumpis7095]

Good points. I have a Kronos 2. I thought about selling it. But the fact that I have invested in over 20 libraries for it, makes me want to hang on for it. It still sounds great. I just wish it had some of the more modern features like a step sequencer, etc.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Definitely still sounds great and holds up vs the newer stuff too.

[@torbenanschau6641]

It actually does have a step sequence for each program! But another example of how simple thing can be so hard to program.

[@jerryKJose]

Exactly, never ever sell it for this crappy montage machine.. Kronos is a complete workstation this thing is just a synth

[@wilcandou]

Believe it or not but, Ensoniq SD series was the first to pioneer the polyphonic aftertouch I still have the board, but it's up for sale now.

[@dylanhall6136]

This may seem like a dumb question. I'm between buying a used Kronos 2 and the Montage M8x. I'd prefer the Montage M8x as I would be able to purchase it new. However I would like to be able to create complete songs on it without using a DAW. Is that even possible on the Montage as its not a "Work Station" ?

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Hi Dylan! Thanks for watching the video! I appreciate it! Check out this video. I think it will help a lot. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipCwepmEeZqNmqM

[@dylanhall6136]

Ok that video was incredible! Well done sir, I can't wait to see the video elaboration on the song mode feature. Being newer to the workstation game which keyboard would you honestly choose? @@JuliusDeBerryJr

[@markferreri5814]

My last Yamaha purchase is my PSR 4600 that I bought in 1992. My currently most used keyboards are my 88 key Kronos 2, my Fantom 7 (soon to be upgraded to an EX) and my arranger, a Korg Pa5X. I also use the software synths in Arturia’s V Collection and Steinbergs Absolute Collection. I’m thinking that I need another Yamaha to add updated Yamaha sounds to my arsenal, and my newest 88 key keyboard is the Kronos 2 (another is my Trinity Pro 3), but $5,500 is a lot to just update my Yamaha library to satisfy my GAS. What do you think?

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Well if that's the only reason... And you can honestly say it's just gas.... Then I'd definitely say no. But the difference in 1992 and the psr vs now can't even be described. Do you do any sound programming? Are you reaching the full potential of your current boards? As far as sounds are concerned...?👀

[@MFitz12]

I'm old enough to remember when synthesizers had just one engine and were really hot shit if they had more than 8 voices. 40 years ago a pretty cool rig for a working keyboardist might be something like a DX-7 with 16 voices of monotimbral FM, a Prophet 600 for some analog (6 voices) and the Ensoniq Mirage (8 voices in 8 bit) for some sampling. Then you will need at least a rack mount delay, reverb and something to do wobbly bits (chorus/Flanger etc) since none of those boards have effects and multi-effects processors don't exist yet. And oh yeah an external sequencer too. At that point we are waaaayyyy over $20,000 in today's money. And now people say board like the Montage is "expensive".

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Wow man. Yeah it's a great time to be a musician. Lol. It's expensive as far as numbers but great value for what's in the box comparatively.

[@MFitz12]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr - I think it helps to throw a little historical perspective at things for younger generations to appreciate just how great we have it today. To get what you get in a $5k Montage M8x today, 40 years ago you would have needed a DX-1, a TX-816, a Prophet 5's, OB-8 and Memorymoog (and probably a CS-80), a bunch of pianos and electric pianos, a Hammond Organ and probably 6-8 loaded Synclavier's. Or you could get a really nice mansion in L.A. And a Ferrari. Good days indeed.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

😂😂😂

[@torbenanschau6641]

Well this is only half of the truth since Moore's law. Take a look at the prices of computers at that time when the DX7 came up. State of the art were Apple II, IBM-PC, C64 and the Mac was just about to come. And they'd cost about as much as that DX7 or even more. Today we'd laugh about these machines knowing our little smart phones have xtimes the power and functionality for a fraction of the price. This is exactly the point our beloved synthesizers did not follow. We sorta know the big standards cost about 4-5000, the extra plus maybe 6 and then there is some specialty for the really rich ones. Back then a Fairlight or a Synclavier, today a Moog One. Partially this is due to hardware where Moore doesn't quite fit, but also because the main manufacturers still keep these prices up and charge fees for what doesn't really cost that much. Like Mono-Aftertouch on a Wavestate SE for 1000 $ more. If you take a look at the computing power of the Kronos, it could be had easily for 300 $s. Add maybe 1500 for keybed, chassis, Display and buttons and the audio stuff. But it sold for 3000 to 5000.

[@LjubaJovanovicc]

can portamento work on samples? Does it apply only to FM synthesis or does it also work on AWM2? Does that portamento work as mono legato? I would be grateful if someone could answer my questions. Because to me mono legato is important because of the bass guitar so that it sounds like a real one.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Great question. I'll have to check and see if the portamento works with AWM2. Not sure why it wouldn't.

[@LjubaJovanovicc]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr Yes, please!

[@joestover626]

The repetition was fine. Volume could have been turned down a bit. While im listening, i find my thoughts start to drift and my head bobbing.. then i gotta rewind 1 min cuz i have no idea what you just said!!! Lol

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

😅😅😅😅😅. Maybe I need to keep that for the algorithm 😂😂😂

[@Sagittarius-88]

Close to 2024 and I'm still using my Korg Triton Extreme 88. LoL. I'm upgrading next year, and I'm leaning towards the Montage M8x. Pricey for sure, but definitely one hell of a board.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Great choice! And yes the Extreme is a great board and has stood the test of time! Congrats on a well deserved upgrade!

[@markferreri5814]

Thank You! I am lucky enough to have an 88 key Kronos and I’m never gonna sell it. I also bought a Fantom 7 a couple of years ago and last year, the Korg mid-sized 76 key Pa5X rompler/arranger..I wanted to buy the upcoming ing Korg flagship that we all anticipate in the next year or two and started setting aside a stash of cash for it. This Montage M8x has really caught my ‘GAS’ eye though. I really like your video comparing it to my owned keyboards i am now saving for this one. Currently, my newest Yamaha keyboard is a 30-year-old PRX 4600. I also have a Korg Trinity 88 key Pro 3, a Roland Integra 7, and an original Proteus 1. Also have Arturia’s latest V Collection and Steinberg’s Absolute Collection in my computer. Still, the new Montage M8x looks too tempting to pass up.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

You are definitely loaded!!! Be careful. Gas is real and it hurts😅😅😅. Did you see the video comparing it to the Fantom as well? Stay connected, I'm trying to get some more content ready to upload. There has been so much going on lately with music tech.

[@n3ver3nd1ng]

I have Kronos 2 88 and tons of soundlibraries and sample sets for it. I was thinkering a thought an other day to sell my Kronos and switch to Montage m, but after listening&watching a lot Montage m demos etc. I don't think it has that much to offer that I'm willing to sell my Kronos.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Cool man. As long as you are happy and can confidently continue to make music, KEEP IT! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@n3ver3nd1ng]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr It is awesome to have a new tech, but there is learning curve to learn the new user interface, program all the sounds etc.. I think it is better to use that time learn how to play your instrument. And there is also the VST thing, just feel that we have too many sounds and effects etc nowadays that ruin our focus to learn how write a song and how to play an instrument

[@budspencer7363]

Yamaha is King 👑

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@88mokeyz8k]

Julius, Yamaha, just modernize their interface control surface. This new Montage M is the best one so far! But, the Kronos is still the God King of Board's. The 2 together are just going to complement each other! I have the Ans, Piano, and Dx in my Motif Es and each board added more Polyphony! ROLAND AND YAMAHA $ KURZWEIL are still doing a good job in catching up! Great channel!❤❤❤ THEY are all pricey compared to 9 engines in the Kronos and Nautilus

[@anijon]

Nice comparison.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Thank you very much!! More to come! Stay connected

[@ebonystylemusic8619]

Great video review. Agreed. Korg kronos is the king of all kings.

[@dmoss1285]

One point you failed to mention, the libraries. Korg shop has a ton of libraries for the Kronos and I use quite a few of them. Some of my libraries almost rival VST's. There just isnt much from Yamaha, still. I have a Montage 1 and yes it sounds pretty good, but not even close to my Kronos 2 with my libraries. My montage is my backup. I also have a kronos 1 so I play 2 kronos boards in my profession. You also did not talk about storage. Yes they upped it some on the new Montage, but I have 2 ssd drives in both of my Kronos boards that house tons of libraries and sounds. I think Yamaha did a good job here and deserves credit, but as you stated still playing catch up. Kronos is still king especially for professional live musicians. I look forward to see what Korg is going to do as a Kronos replacement. The Natulis is not a replacement for the Kronos.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Thanks so much for your feedback. Yes sample RAM and libraries, has been reserved for a separate video. This one went long, and I decided to wait on a few topics. I wanted to see what the response was like in this video first. Yes as long as Kronos has been alive, many many many relevant libraries have been established for it. Yamaha has a place to buy sounds, but from my memory, it's nowhere near as robust as the Korg Shop. Even back in the motif days, it was very lackluster. I don't think any of it was sample based either. I'm curious as to why you don't think the Nautilus is the replacement. Just a question though. I have a ton of videos on my channel for the Nautilus. Thanks again for watching and the feedback. Please stay connected. The sample portion of the review will come later.

[@torbenanschau6641]

Problem comes when you wanna load some of these Libraries from the start... while guitarists and drummers already have their sound set you'll still be waiting for that welcome screen to go away.

[@dmoss1285]

The Nautilus is just a in between something at a lower price point. It was never meant to be the flagship. Its giving Korg a while to figure out their new OS that they will use or use parts of on the new flagship. The lack of surface controls immediately shows the customer that this was never meant to be a flagship. It seems to me that this was a Krome upgrade and put it more in the MODX category. Korg really has its job cutout for them as far as designing a Kronos replacement. Im sure whatever they come up with will be awesome. @@JuliusDeBerryJr

[@dmoss1285]

Yeah thats true that it takes a while to load all the libraries. I dont see that as a problem. For those that are like "oh what if the power fails"bla bla bla. Get a battery backup. Its a mighty small inconvenience for having the massive amount of power and sound pallet that Kronos offers. It takes a long time on any computer to load VST libraries. Nothing new here. The 2 minutes or whatever isnt going to kill ya. @@torbenanschau6641

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

@torbenanschau6641 it's only 2.5 min. Lol. At most. Put the board on the stand, plug it up turn it on. By the time you get the cables out the bag and turn around good, it's on and ready to go. 😁 I've never had problems with the start time. I digress though.

[@jamesstyles5415]

Hello my friend again how do u load D M1 and how do u get the elements to work in D nautilus

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I have a specific video that talks about the m1 set for the Nautilus. It's on this channel.

[@tonylancer7367]

Nice video Julius. I feel you were a little bit restraint in saying that the Yamaha sounds really good, don't worry the Kronos won't hear you. 😉 I think we live in a great time, any keyboard you choose will do you very well unless you have a specific context (film scoring or theatre plays). To answer "why only 16 voices?" is mainly due to architecture (Yamaha uses in-house ARM chip, Korg an Intel Atom chip), so the Korg has more "power" (really CPU cycles) to crunch through the algorithm than the Yamaha, but Yamaha have gone the approach of a traditional analog synth like the Prophet 5, CS-80, Juno 60 etc. there's only so much voices you can generate until you start dropping voices or rejecting new ones. If Korg is releasing a new board, they should focus on usability, sit and play and tweak without jumping into menus. Yamaha is almost the same, except that they have the super knob, which does multiple things at once, which may or may not float your boat.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Lol. I told someone else it was during the part where I spoke about the control surface. Lol. That's funny that you could tell I was a bit "uncomfortable" 😂😂. And yes it's a great time to be a keyboard player. I think the Kronos has the ability to allow some pretty deep editing without a bunch of menu diving. I'm serious that control surface is under cover.

[@artymusicchap]

Great video review. I love my Kronos (X) and enjoy playing and tinkering about with it to this day; there's such a vast array of possibilities every time you switch it on. Sure, it's an older keyboard now but it's still awesome in so many ways!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Definitely plenty of life in it! Tons to program and discover.

[@dirkkeersmaekers4343]

The pads are the best.

[@Eurystheas]

Fantom,montage m,Kronos. All great instruments ,I really expect korg s answer. If they had 9 great engines,what will they release as replacement ??? Maybe adding the z1???some physical modeling ? Anyway when the time comes I’ll be buying the Kronos replacement.

[@toneseldelaquimica646]

WAITING ON KORG I HOPE THEY COME CRAZYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

🫣👀😁😀. KORG always comes hard!

[@bahblacksheep1262]

Where can I find the anx expansion for Motif XF

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

There isn't one. Did I mess up in the video and say XF?

[@bahblacksheep1262]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr@ 7:06 is why I asked I assumed all motif series but you stated classic and es. Thanks for responding 👊🏽

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

No problem!! I'm here to help. Thanks for watching the video! Stay connected!

[@joestover626]

Good review. Im considering the montage m. That backing track was ok for the first few mins but then it just got cringey. It made it harder and harder to focus on what you were saying. Ive only ever touched 1 korg in my lifetime. And that was a looong time ago. Montage M back ordered.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Ok thanks for the feedback. It's a weird spot...some people love background music and others don't. I even thought about doing two different versions of all my videos. One with background music and one without. 😅 Super hard to find a middle ground though.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Maybe I'll leave it out for longer videos. ... We'll see.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Thank you so much for watching the content. I appreciate it!

[@MarianoPerez]

The Montage sound is money dude. I got to play it and loved the sounds. The pianos are beautiful. However, the action on the M8X is a deal breaker for me as a classical pianist. The kronos action is really nice, I'd say it is one of the best emulations of a grand piano action. The RH3 is reminiscent of the Millennium 3 action in Kawai pianos.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I like the rh3 too. The mx8 keybed feels good. It just will take a sec to get used to. I like how the keys feel. I made a short video about changing the key sensitivity to make it feel more natural. Try that out and see if it helps you.

[@nicholasdorazio10]

​@@JuliusDeBerryJrAwesome ima check that out!

[@geoffk777]

Have you tried the PHA50 action on the Fantom 8? It's rather heavy for a digital piano action and feels very natural to me. I'd be interested in your opinion. (the RD-2000 stage piano also uses this same action).

[@D.O.C916]

PHA50 is extraordinary. For me, the best

[@kylegraham8049]

Always hyped to hear your opinion bro, especially since I want to buy a Korg Kronos X or 2 pretty soon.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Great to hear man! Kronos is still valid today! I hope you enjoy the video! Let me know what you think.

[@judsonchristudas]

Hi Julius, Do you think It is a good idea to sell my Kronos 2 and Get the Montage M7? Just want to keep one keyboard. Is it really worth?

[@dave3987]

The portemento knob isn’t anything knew it’s a feature on the Yamaha rs7000 it’s very useful.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Dang that thing is old. Guess it's been a while then! 😆. Thanks for the info!

[@dave3987]

Have 2 Yamaha rs7000 one is functional and I’m repairing the second one still use it because the features made so many good beats with it. The rs7000 only has 64mb memory for sampling lol but I was able to maximize by using over bit and sampling rates of 8 bit 2khz lofi grit. Paired with the Yamaha modx6 sounds great!!!

[@khonjek125]

I agree with you brother Kronos is forever my favorite

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I mean don't get me wrong. I like new tech as much as the next guy. But still...

[@jordanking7711]

I agree though with what you said about the Kronos. To me the Kronos still is and always will be the GOAT. I haven't got a Kronos, but to me it just looks more appealing than the Montage M8x, and if I can find one used, then happy days. But then again it could be just because I'm not a Yamaha person, but still.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Have you looked much into the Nautilus?

[@jordanking7711]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr I'm kind of on the fence with the Nautilus if I'm being honest. On one hand I think it would look cool, but on the other hand, at least to my eyes anyway, the screen looks smaller than the Kronos. On the Kronos, it looks massive and I like that. Same as with the Korg Pa5x that came out. I have a Pa3x right now, and the screen on the 5x is massive, and I like that. I know screen size in a way doesn't matter, but to me it does help.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I can't say for certain if they are the same size. I never really paid specific attention to that. I'll have to check and get back to you.

[@marcusholder495]

Stay blessed the Kronos is the King

[@mrdali67]

The reason for the behavior of the Montage is Yamaha relies on Programable VLSI's. Which has a set ammount of Polyphony. Yamaha still uses the same VLSI's on the Montage M. just added some more of them. Problem is they are totally seperate "Synths" you don't get a unified ammount of 400 notes Polyphony. They would have to make a new VLSI that either does it all in one chip or supports working together dependent if you have 1 or 4 Off'em . Also the reason for the 128 notes for internal sounds and 128 for user samples is It's just 2 VLSI's that practically can't talk to each other. and they each only support a rather small ammount of memory adressing which is most likely because they are 32bit so max adressable memory is roughly 4.3gb. And designing a new VLSI would have added a lot of R&D. Where the Kronos is actually an X86 computer running a 32bit Linux OS with Korgs Sub system running on it with their own DAW system and proprietary 9 sound plugins and effect plugins just as cubase and vst plugins runs on your PC or MAC sharing what ammount of processing power it have. You can say that the Montage M uses a fairly powerfull system with their now 7+ year old VLSI's that is a relic of early 80's tech that can't really be upgraded unless you use the money it costs to design a new customized VLSI which is VERY expensive. While if Korg wanted to react now, they could relatively easy just rebuild their subsystem with a few slash commands to a 64bit Linux kernel and the synth subsysten and run it on a current mobile X86 mobo with a processor that is over 20 times more powerfull than the old Atom processor powering the Kronos 2. You can kind of say it's close to that you could run the Kronos software on a Pi single board computer which they actually use for their small Synths today like the Modwave etc. Imagine the power you'd have with a new Korg Synth based on current PC or ARM hardware. Korg already have both the MS20, Polysix, Wavestate, M/T series, Triton Extreme and countless other of their classics made as VST's. They just need to get the Piano, EP, Analog Synth and a little more modern Sampler added with a VST host to land another Touchdown. Think of how many tracks you can run on a modern PC each with various wffects running at once. For a top laptop youre well in reach of having 100+ tracks running at once. Problem is most of us would still be willing to have slightly less flexibility to have all this combined in a Keyboard and Yamaha's approach using VLSI's is more safe aginst sudden lockups as the Kronos approach of using a computer based on Off the shelf components within the keyboard. In all aspects they are still both software based. It's just a question of what you feel safest with, and that is propably the best thing Yamaha have going for them. And designing a new "Kronos" made last 10+ years is not cheap either and the hardware required will still be old within the next 5 years.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Wow. Very detailed response. Thanks for your input. I your first sentence, you mentioned the behavior of the Montage. Which behavior are you talking about?

[@mrdali67]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr The way it works with 128 voices for the buildin Samples and 128 for user samples. Like he also said. The only way you will be reaching 256 notes Polyphony is if you ballance your sounds with both internal and extra loaded samples out. You can't eg have a Piano sound with 256 notes Polyphony. So calling it 400 notes totally polyphonic syth is not completely true only true if you can ballance your use of internal awm user awm, FMX and ANX. But then again, if you add up all the listed Polyphony of the Kronos 9 engines you get a bit over 1000 notes Polyphony total and there is no way the processor in it can handle that. if you use many effects on each engine sounds it also can take its toll on the processing power. You can say the Yamaha CAN give you the 400 notes if you use each engine optimal. The Kronos will NEVER be able to give you 1000 notes as th CPU will crumble long before reaching that. Maybe in an updated version with an Intel 13900K processor, but then you would able to roast chickens on the keyboard while playing 😂

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

😂😂😂😂@roast chickens

[@mrdali67]

Would be an interesting keyboard tho with buildin Water cooling and RGB Fans 😄

[@judsonchristudas]

Well, they have added a fan in the new Montage M series. It is also a computer made of Raspberry Pi which runs on Linux.

[@jokumvildmoosehawkfield3176]

I agree. 16 voices polyphony for the ANX engine indeed is to few. Especially when most synthesizer and keyboard marks already for a long time have worked with 128 voices polyphony

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

It's 16 just for the anx only. That's quite good for a dedicated synth.

[@xp50player]

Stil rocking my 2011 Kronos. MODX does everything I want for that kind of stuff. No use for the Montage M. The AN-X engine probably uses component modeling like Roland’s ACB, hrnce the the similarly low polyphony. It’s hard to blindly judge the polyphony of competing brands’ VA synthesis engines without knowing the nature of the technology involved. Some of Korg’s VA engines have been around since 2004 and were optimized for Pentium processors, so of course they are low CPU overhead.

[@SowingSeedsForAll]

I like the original Montage and tbh I like it better than my Kronos and I did sell it and Ill wait for a new one to come out. The Nord is best sounding and the Montage is close second, the Fantom and the Kronos are there together with a slight edge to the Kronos

[@jordanking7711]

Sorry Julius, but respectfully I disagree with what you said about wishing Korg would ad an actual wheel to their keyboards instead of the joystick. To me the wheels on the Yamaha look like they are so cumbersome to use, especially when you're doing a lot of bending and modulation, depending on the instrument of course, like what Jordan Rudess would do. Having it on the Korg keyboards is so easy, but on the Yamaha you would have to manipulate your hand some way to emulate that which would be hard to do. To each their own though, but for me it would be difficult.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Point taken! And thanks for the feedback. One small thing though. Let's ADD a wheel! Not replace the joystick😉💪🏾😀. And keep the vector. 😆. The stick is definitely better for soloing. That modulation wheel is clutch though. Push it up, leave it, and don't have to keep your hands on it.

[@Donetur]

Well Rudess didn’t have issues with his Kurzweil gear regarding wheels. Joysticks are nice, but the problem is that you cannot stick the J +/- and leave it fix in middle section or full, it always return to its zero position, this is not nice while using computer libraries in a computer, for example a choir or string library, the mood wheel serves to manipulate the dynamics. Or even for some sounds, you may want to leave active a small vibrato, deactivate it, increase or decrease it, but this is not possible with a joystick as far I know, you may program something but it may have limitations. I like the joystick but not in all scenarios. The best is having a joystick AND the wheels :)

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Yep. But just so you know, the vector joystick can provide this type of of control.

[@petruscrobanita8559]

Montage ❤❤❤

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

😊😊😊💪🏾

[@petruscrobanita8559]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr 👍✌️💪

[@gabrielmoore6099]

The Kronos reminds me of Broly…

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Lol what is a Broly?

[@gabrielmoore6099]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr Broly is an over powered Drangon Ball Z character… I’m just a nerd bro

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Lol.

[@rjakiel73]

Comparing the Kronos to the Montage M8x is kind of silly. While the Kronos is still a great piece of kit there’s really no comparison. Processing power, Poly aftertouch, new weighted bed which feels about as close to a real piano as you can get. AN-X engine on top of the FM-X and AWM2. Incredible controls and now with the OS 2.0 update coming end of June giving even more features as well as new effects. Using the deck as a guitar effects and amp modeler the list goes on. Oh and 35 seconds to boot from an off state vs 3 minutes or so.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

You may need to dig a little more. It's not as far off as you think.... Beyond surface level stuff. Thanks for watching!

[@gabrielmoore6099]

I believe that Korg dropped the ball on the nautilus. It sounds phenomenal, the only issue is that it’s missing some important elements as far as control capabilities. No physical draw bars is a big deal for me. Almost like they took steps backwards, usually a company will upgrade a predecesor… not downgrade 😬

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I get what you are trying to say. But I don't see it as a downgrade. They just extended the life of the Kronos. Lol. Have you seen my videos about the nano kontrol and using it as fader control of your sounds? They incorporated a lot of the control into the screen. The control is still there (not the exact same but still there) it's just more software than hardware. The nano kontrol changes everything though. Check out the videos if you haven't seen it already.

[@torbenanschau6641]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr They've stripped quite something out of the Kronos to make it a Nautilus. The controls directly on the workstation are important. The Nano you could also connect to the Kronos, so no advantage here. But the Vector stick isn't on the Nautilus is it? And btw. - where is KARMA? The original didn't even have Aftertouch which is a shame. Now it's beck for some hefty price gain. I mean honestly if you compare the Nautilus to the Kronos just optically you know it IS a downgrade. Technically it's the body of the Krome with some features of the Kronos. But nothing in advantage.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Basically what I meant by the nano kontrol was that it levels the controls playing field significantly. It's not the same, but you can get some of the functionality back. The vector stick for the Nautilus, is in the screen now. I have a video about that in my channel. KORG doesn't own Karma, it's kinda not fair to expect that to be in every keyboard from now on... But I get why it would be missed. They added a nice arp function in its place which also has a step Sequencer for drums in it. (There's also a video about this on my channel) Yeah aftertouch was a missed component but they fixed it (which is a good thing)... Of course it's going to cost more. Hard to ask for all this stuff and not expect the price to change. It's kinda not fair either ... The Nautilus gives the exact same sound engine without the onboard surface controls for 1000$ less than the Kronos was. That's significant to the majority of people. It also maintains the build quality which is important to most gigging musicians. The Krome body is nowhere near the body of the NAUTILUS. I have a Krome guts open right now on my workbench replacing hammers for someone. The guild quality is nowhere near the NAUTILUS. The same sound engine, the price point, and the build quality are the advantages.

[@gabrielmoore6099]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr no man, i hadn’t seen your video. I’m gonna go check it out.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Here's the vector stick screen control. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6uoaoecaLyCeqc

[@yamahamotifxs]

The PLG-AN expansion, which was available for the EX5, Motif, Motif ES synthesizers, only knew 5 polyphony. I think the AN-X engine is not actually the AN1x engine that many people believe. AN-X is about the same as the X next to FM. The word AN just means Analog Modeling. The X behind it is nothing but the X next to FM. So now we have FM-X and AN-X. I think X means extra, like M8X. If you look at the Montage M6 and M7, they don't have Poly Aftertouch, so the M8X also offers an extra thing in that sense. I had an original AN1x and the demos I heard do not remind me of the old AN1x. The AN1x engine was later available in the Yamaha AN200 Groove Box, which received a new Oscillator type. This was the Multi Saw Oscillator Wave. This was a response to the old Roland JP8000 which introduced the Super Saw. This made it possible to put together 7 Saw Waves, and with Detune it was possible to tune these 7 Saw Waves apart, from which you can make pleasant Bass, Pad, and Brass sounds. The Multi Saw is exactly like the Super Saw, only Yamaha introduced it to the AN200. The Multi Saw was also included in the PLG-AN expander. The AN-X engine does not include Multi Saw, although it appears that two Saw waves are included in the AN-X. A SAW1 and a SAW2, but I don't think it's the Multi Saw. Regarding AN-X polyphony, I think it would have been better to provide 128 Polyphony for the AN-X engine as well. Obviously, thanks to the 16 polyphony, the sound is very thick and sounds good, but in this respect, the Kronos AL-1 80 Polyphony, Polysix 180 Polyphony, and MS-20 40 Polyphony are a sound designer's dream. I have Nautilus, but I made several songs with AL-1 engine only, where 15 tracks contained only AL-1 engine sounds that I programmed. Polyphony was not a problem, and where it was, Polysix helped. Overall, I distribute the 200 polyphony as I want. Rather, the Montage M was designed to utilize all of its capabilities, not just the AN-X engine. The Montage M may not have 9 engines, but the piano is great, the rhodes sounds great, the new organs too, so the AWM2 engine is amazing and has the best sound on the instrument market. The Kronos is an old synthesizer, but still perfectly usable, but the Analog Modeling capabilities give the Kronos more options, only the display is outdated.

[@hakanrydman4719]

The PLG-boards was also available for the CS6x keyboard.

[@robison824]

Tenho korg 88 cor prata Platinum nunca nunca tinha saído de casa. Outro dia dei na bobagem de leva pra igreja 😂 o irmão lá jogou o celular em cima do teclado umas dez vez pra olhar cifra em tempo de aranha meu teclado todo, bateu a quina do violão 70 vezes na quina do teclado, penso que essas coisas não acontece em artistas secular, não é orgulho ou fanatismo é por que não é fácil de de adquirir o instrumento tem uma história

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

He threw his phone at your keyboard?

[@evolution227]

Great video. Yamaha just did a bunch of shit that was long overdue, sonics included. Then they beat their chests, and played with semantics in their advertising. Is sounds warmer and bigger finally, and the features are there to make up for long lost time, and $4k and up??? REALLY??? And the under 2K Nautilus competes sonically with nine engines and an fm engine that excepts DX7 original patches from the net? Kronos shouldn’t even be in the conversation because it’s still on another level . I should’ve bought two, the second one when I got wind of it being discontinued. Sonically wider and more detailed still than the Montage too. Anyway, just my two/spilling over into three cents. Lol

[@felipedsg2]

Besta vídeo of the 2023

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Thanks! Much appreciated

[@robison824]

Sinceramente posso fazer qualquer coisa o korg Kronos, namorei aquele teclado vermelho porcaria 15 anos na hora de comprar comprei o Kronos

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

lol. Enjoy the video man!!

[@Cupa68]

Sounds on Montage are greats but it lack seriously on the the poor sequencer.

[@christiankennedy2212]

It's important to understand the the Kronos is basically a customized Linux machine, with an actual x86 ATX motherboard, and a bunch of controllers attached to it. I Have a Kronos 2 73 that now lies dormant, because it suffers from a typical brand of PC hardware failure, which can only be fixed by replacing components that are near-impossible to find, especially since Korg has discontinued this unit (because you can no longer get the industrial components required to manufacture and maintain them).

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Sometimes those component level parts can be fixed vs replaced. And most keyboards in that age range have parts that are hard to find....

[@Echochamber79]

I can tell it's really hard for you to accept that Yamaha might have done something better than Korg 😂. I had a Nautilus for some time, but it froze up on me and gave me a few other problems. I must say, Korg's slow boot-up times do get on your nerves every time you turn it on. Even after all these years, what is it, 10 years since the Korg Kronos came out? It is still an absolute beast of a keyboard and still gives Yamaha a run for its money. Watch any of the late-night talk shows, and what board do the bands have? A Kronos! 😄

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

The boot up time doesn't bother me at all. I show up early enough were 2.5 minutes don't bother me. Lol. It really goes by quick. And can be adjusted based on the auto load that is set in global settings. Yep over 10 years ago and it's still ahead and if someone wants to argue that the montage M is better it's not 10 years better. THAT'S FOR SURE.

[@dionewillmann8723]

Are you a Kronos fan, a lot is said about Kronos, but I want to see the two working face to face, the Yamaha's sound quality is superior. Sound quality is what matters. There's no point in having a lot of resources and a tin sound.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Yes I mentioned that a lot in the video. I love Kronos. I'm definitely enjoying the potential of the Montage. I disagree about the sound quality difference. It's splitting hairs. Kronos stands toe to toe easily. You own the montage? Kronos ....tin sound? That don't even sound right. Lol.

[@dionewillmann8723]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr I exaggerated. In acoustic instruments, the kronos loses. yamaha wins on guitars, flutes, afro precursion, even on pianos. Orchestral sounds equalize. Hammond, Yamaha wins slightly. Eps yamaha is superior. Kronos has quirky electronic sounds that I like. I usually say that the soul of Kronos is for sound engineers and Yamaha is for musicians.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I think the EP engine in the Kronos will make the EPs in the Montage, run and hide.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I'm a fan of tech. But yes, KORG is dope! Kronos is KING!

[@dionewillmann8723]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr I'm also a technology lover, so our expectations are based on the "news" that are to come. What is the significant difference between kronos 1, kronos X, Kronos 2, Nautilus, Nautilus AT? More than 15 years and no significant changes. Has the company stagnated? Or is kronos so good that it doesn't need to be retired? I want something that surprises me, something new. Remember Motif dominated 80% of productions and stages at a time when Kronos existed, unfortunately I cannot say that Kronos is king.

[@UFO-Ark]

Alesis Fusion still rules !!

[@MIKEMOKRONOS]

What happen to the sequencer of the montage… paying all that money with no sequencing..

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

It's got one. I'll be doing an overview soon. Stay on the lookout. 💪🏾💪🏾

[@MIKEMOKRONOS]

I have the Roland Fantom 8 and it has everything …

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Yep! It's a VERY nice board. Did you upgrade to EX?

[@MIKEMOKRONOS]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr Iam about to , Roland makes it so difficult to upgrade.. 100 steps to upgrade, but it’s worth it , it shouldn’t be $200 to upgrade to ex… they want to milk customers from this cloud stuff…

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Understood. It's not a lot of steps though. Just buy it, download, then install. The install was somewhat cumbersome.... But it's straight forward.

[@mikew4646]

Great video comparison, but have to say that the annoying 2 bar music loop underneath your commentary for a 30 minute video is highly annoying and distracting.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Sorry about that. Some people like a bed of music under videos. Some don't. I get what you mean though. I tried to make it softer too. Hopefully it didn't stop you from enjoying the content. 😊😊😊

[@edwardcarelli8262]

When you talk take that back sound off please.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@amirhoseinyeganeh7362]

KRONOS ❤

[@gabrielmoore6099]

Im really saving my money for an ACTUAL new flagship from Korg…

[@vertigo0105]

Great video, but I respectfully disagree. The Montage M8x is now THE GOAT!!! It does FM-X better, the AN-X implementation on the Montage M is the best VA emulation out of any synth out there, and not a single Kronos VA engine sounds nearly as true & close to actual analog as the AN-X (plus the extra secret weapon is that it has 4 POLY UNISON, which knocks VA out of the park!!), and the AWM2 waveform based engine has the ability beyond anything else (128 stereo waveforms per 1 PART x 16 PARTs (8 of those PART playable and 8 can be sequenced). It has the best GEX keybed for playing pianos and it will be developed further for articulations and enhancements via software. It's loaded with all the best pianos, sampled perfectly! The new VCM rotary effect and new Organ sample waveforms from the Yamaha YC take this above the level of the Kronos for organs and to the level of the Nord and Hammond SK Pro. 400 stereo voice polyphony. Not shared, lowest common denominator polyphony like the Kronos, but additive polyphony. AWM2 128 stereo notes preset waveforms + 128 stereo notes User sample waveforms + FM-X 128 stereo notes + AN-X 16 notes = 400 stereo notes, and no question it can handle all 400 without dropping a single note!! It will not be hard to use the extra 128 User sample polyphony on the AWM2 engine... The Yamaha M wins hands down, no question! IMHO

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

It's definitely a tough call. I appreciate your feedback! That polyphony thing is get to be seen. I've seen responses from people that are experiencing drop outs in instances where they don't think they should be. I guess only time will tell overall. It's a very very nice machine. Also remember, I said it was hard to give the nod to the montage considering the keyboard is more than 10 years newer... We shouldn't be splitting hairs should we? It should be a clear cut decision.

[@bigcdub]

And I definitely respectfully disagree with you (to an extent)... I've had my Montage M8x for two weeks now, with my Stage3, and KronosX, and of course I love them all, but in NO WAY, does my M8x win hands down against the Kronos. I prefer more of the pianos in the M8x, and of course the FM-X engine is superb, but I prefer the Kronos for orchestral, synth, wind, organ, and the effects on the Kronos are still superior to the M8x, and let's not forget the 16 audio tracks, sampling, sequencing, and even with the 128 elements on my M8x, most of the sounds on the Kronos just sound richer, and my M8x just sounds like an enhanced version of my old Montage, which certainly isn't a bad thing, but saying that Kronos doesn't have anything that sounds close to actual analog as the AN-X, is laughable, as much as I love AN-X, I'll take the Kronos all day everyday, so it's your own preference.

[@evolution227]

@@bigcdubAs a Kronos player , I agree with you 100%, even today, nobody’s touching the Kronos. Yamaha just did some things that were long overdue, and are now beating their chest while utilizing tricky advertising claims. Everybody is in trouble when Korg releases their next true flagship. Even the Rolland Fantom is a better offering than the Montage, and the offer a whole sound ecosystem and gave supernatural engines that allow versatility similar to the Kronos. The new Montage sounds bigger and warmer than the past , but again, that’s long overdue as well.

[@torbenanschau6641]

I wouldn't be too sure about the Organ part. It's not the modelling like on the YC. Yamaha actually does have an organ simulation starting with these little one. But they didn't implement it. To say the AN-X would be the best analog simulation - I don't know man. It maybe good, but reaching Novation, Roland? And there are reasons for the Kronos to offer 3 different styles. But where's the physical modelling? Yamaha was the first to use it in products but nothing in the new Montage. In both areas also the Fantom beats the Montage M.

[@dave3987]

I can just buy the an1x sample pack and load it in my modx, I’m a master of synthesis I still use my modx and rs7000 both technologies sound great.

[@khonjek125]

They should bring it back

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Same name???

[@TylerInTraining]

@@JuliusDeBerryJrInvert the colors on the chassis and the keybed, and call it the sonorK. Lol

[@UFO-Ark]

FM-x should have been updated as it's 128 notes of dated sounds.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Plenty of room to program your own though

[@christiankennedy2212]

Also, a note about the Montage's supposed advertised polyphony; Go layer the "All Jazz Out+" organ with say, the "Tines 78" Rhodes together. The watch that 'abundance' of polyphony get cut right down to a barbaric, 80's-style 8 NOTES (I shit you, NOT)! But hey, maybe that's just Yamaha pandering to the 80's-retro hipsters!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

If those sounds both belong to a single engine, then the point is somewhat mute because we know the limits of each engine.

[@TylerInTraining]

@@JuliusDeBerryJra “mute” point? That’s a dad joke there

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

The Montage M & Kronos offer different types of sounds, so it is partly down to user preferences. My first workstation was the Korg M1 when it came out. It was my main keyboard for, many, many years. I typically prefer the Montage sounds, and they were available in the very light weight and more affordable version, the MODX. The idea of the 9 engines of the Kronos was great......except.....I'm not too excited about the particular engines they put in the Kronos. Korg made a lot of great synths over the years, but really missed the mark on which ones were included. I do a lot of lead synth work in my bands, and my favorite analog synths were the OB-X, Prophet 5 & Mini-Moog. I've never been to excited about the MS-20 or the PolySix. Why didn't Korg put the Korg Mini 700 engine in? And with Korg owning ARP now, why didn't they put in an ARP 2600 engine? I use Hammond organ sounds a lot, but the Kronos organ engine seems weak. The people on the clonewheel groups always complain about it. The weakest of clonewheel engines. Korg is most famous for their digital synths like the M1 that set the world on fire, the Triton and the Wavestation. Those would have been the.....no brainer......Korg engines to include in the Kronos. Their most famous synths. Not sure what they were thinking skipping those. Tons of great sound collections for them, and no you can't get them all for the Kronos. For ages people have raved about Yamaha's CS-80, and their ANX-1 also got a lot of praise. I tend to think AN-X engine in the Montage M would generally be better than the analog engines in the Kronos. Although I mentioned my favorites. Yamaha's FM-X engine is really special, and the Montage sample engine is pretty comparable to the Kronos. The other big issue between the Montage M & Kronos is reliability. Korg has not made the Kronos in years, and the failure rates are pretty high and parts unavailable for repair them. Lots of Kronos users were switching to the Montage in part for that reason alone. Many users are not satisfied with the Nautilus as a suitable replacement. I'm not sure what Korg is waiting for to come out with either a new model Kronos, or a whole new platform. One of the best things about the Montage M has been Yamaha's upgrade ability in their top synths since 2001. A Montage M user can load sound libraries from the MOTIF XS, XF, Montage, MODX, DX-7, TX-816 & TX-802. Sounds from the original MOTIF & MOTIF ES can be converted with a paid software tool, and most if not all the factory sounds were already included in the newer models and most of the others available to download already converted. Korg has a long history of not retaining file compatibly from one model to the next even if only minor changes were made. This started with the 01/W when if I wanted to upgrade from my M1 I had to give up all the great M1 sound libraries to go with the just slightly upgraded 01/W. This continued again with the Trinity, then the Triton, M3 and Kronos. Going from the Kronos to the Nautilus is a downgrade, and Korg can't even make the same technology fully compatible with the sounds. Huge mistake. Yamaha users since 2001 can keep their sounds. I was betting the new Montage would load old Montage sounds, and it can even directly import the MODX files. Upgrading is easy. Like say a Windows personal computer, I think the single biggest advantage of going with Yamaha's platform is.....keeping your sounds for a long time! I think that is really important as a live player of classic music. Who wants to have to put in countless time re-inventing their sounds every few years. We just want to gain some new ones while keeping what we had. Currently the Montage M offers the top sounds, and all their old ones for more than 2 decades.

[@judsonchristudas]

I don't think Hammond emulation in the Kronos weak, it is still better than your Montage M offers, especially Leslie. Do you know that Kronos can even load original DX7 patches? Maybe you should get a Kronos 2 for yourself and dig deeper. I really don't agree with your downgrade talking about the synth engines on the Kronos. For example, play some lead patches on the kronos and play the same sounding tones on the montage and hear the difference. Kronos is always richer in sound when Yamaha will sound thinner. - I have a long history with Yamaha instruments (still have), and later became a Korg fan

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@judsonchristudas I've been a Korg & Yamaha owner and fan since the 80s. Join a Hammond B3 clone group, and check out the feedback on the Kronos Hammond emulation. You'll quickly find the Kronos is not too favorable Hammond clones. I've played the Kronos enough times, and know for myself. I'm not saying the Montage M Hammonds are better, but the Kronos is no Hammond clone. But sure it's organs as well as the Montage organs are better than many other regular synths and romplers. I'm well aware the Kronos can load DX-7 patches. The Montage & MODX take the DX-7 to the next level. I have played leads on both the Kronos and the Montage. I haven't found the Montage is any better at them at all. Many people say the Kronos sounds thinner, including people that own both. All subjective, and depends on the patches too. My preference of Montage M vs the Kronos though is the MODX. Super light weight, affordable, same sounds as the regular Montage and I'll get the Montage M VST when it's out for the new sounds. I make use off all different kinds of sounds in the MODX from organs to leads, but I still consider my VST engines of analog synths & B3 clones in general my most capable instruments of those types. But I'm surprised how well the Yamaha sounds stack up for some of them, and the Kronos is really better than the Yamaha sound for the kinds of sounds I use. There are still some differences in sounds and reasons to have both. When Korg offers a Kronos VST as Yamaha will soon of the Montage M, I'll get a Kronos VST. But I"m not lugging the hardware to gigs.

[@Ethaniel_UK]

I have been disappointed in the yamaha moxf 8, only 4 arps out of 16 channels, recording pitch ben over 2 octaves jumps on increments not smooth, nice sounds but hate the clunky buttons, their loud. Barely used.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

This is a whole different situation entirely.... The M8X. And the moxf....not even the same league.

[@torbenanschau6641]

Very interesting. But please: Next time leave that music away or put the volume down. It's disturbing repeating all the time, while actually actually wanting to listen to what you're saying. About the topic: Owning the Kronos for one and a half year now I'm still fascinated by it and I Know I still haven't fully explored it. However: Usability: It's true the Kronos has an awesome amount of controlling capabilities. But where it actually fails in my view is the too complicated stuff about simple things when it comes to file handling. You might think that when you load sounds with samples they are in the ROM, but they are not. To make sure they are is a night mare, always need to check out KZbin. Then the Seqeuencer - too much to get one's head around and then to actually save it. It works like on my old T3 with the Disk Drive and it shouldn't be like that in 2010. Then the organisation of sounds. How on earth could they have come up with the idea that there Banks for 8 engines except for the normal sample engine. And the programs on the Banks for Sample-Engine can't use any of the other engine. Also you can't combine say an FM-Part with a ROM-Part. Gotta go to a Performance for that. Quite a PITA. Sound Architecture: I think this is where the Kronos was beaten already by the Motif XS. A voice there back then could have consisted of 8 Elements. Most Workstation base on 4 Elements or partials per Patch/Voice. Only Korg has 2 since the days of the M1. Yamaha now exceeds even that which becomes handy for emulating natural sounds. Cause that way playing techniques are often simulated in a better way than possible on a Kronos. Which is why I think even the Motif had better guitar sounds than the Kronos. Sound: Most exciting for me will be a real comparison between the sounds of these two (or three with the Fantom). I use to go live with the Kronos on Jam sessions where I just might come up with any sound spontaneously. The Kronos here really shines - there's nothing where it would let you down and much where it really surprises. The best engine however I think is the E-Piano. Whether Rhodes or Wurly, they are on par with the best VSTs. It'll be exciting to see whether the MontageX is as good. The Hammond Engine might not be on the level of Nord or Hammond but it defintely does its job - I don't like to see it replaced with samples again, so I think that's a plus for the Kronos. Coming to FM, I hear a lot of praise for the FMX but I'm not sure. The Mod-7 is really great and probably undervalued. But the AN-X I don't know. To be fair in the Kronos the Polyphony of the VA-Engines are limited as well. But: There's 3! Actually you could compare the AN only to the AL-1. The Polysix and espeically the MS-20 give nice additions to all sort of sounds. Their character would be missing in the Montage for sure. Both actually would be beaten by the Fantom with Emulations you really wanna have (never cared too much for a Polysix). Then the Kronos as the STR-1. As a sound source of its own, it's dissapointing. If you wanna use that engine for guitar, clav or anything, look for soemthing else. But it can be used in creative ways for pads and other synthsounds. I'm sure the Montage will be lacking of that completely. So in the comparion it will basically about what the samples can do compared to each other, I see chances the Kronos gets beaten here, especially for natural sounds.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

This is a lot to respond to. But I'll address a few things. Thanks for the feedback on the music. The Kronos has 8 "elements" per osc. As far as the sequencer... I have a Sequencer Series available for the Nautilus. All the concepts apply to the Kronos. Consider signing up for membership to my channel to access it. I can't wait to finish reading your comment. I love interacting concerning that technology we have access to. 💪🏾💪🏾 Thanks so much!

[@torbenanschau6641]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr Well your channel for sure helped me a lot in chosing the Kronos and after then learning about it. Defintely the Kronos doesn't have 8 elements, only two. You may have sections in a multisample but that's not the same. An Element by Yamaha-Definition since the SY77 contains Waveform (or FM), Filter and DCA if you will and all modulators for it. It's a complete sound of which you would combine back then 4, then 8, now even more to a "voice" which then adds overall programming, EQ and Effects. The voice is what is a Program in Korg terms. And last time I checked all the Korgs have 2 Parts, 1 and 2. Been like that really since the M-1 with one exception: The Wavestation which had 4. Which btw is why you can't cover all Wavestation-programs into the Kronos but need to use Combinations for that.

[@judsonchristudas]

And no PAT on M6 & M7

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

That's definitely a bummer for some people... For sure

[@judsonchristudas]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr Yes it is Julius. They just downgraded the potential of these great keyboards. PAT was meant to be on the synth action keybed, not on a hammer action. I think Yamaha wants more money and they want everyone to buy their M8x keyboard.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

@judsonchristudas I disagree about them wanting people to buy the 8 only. Lol. If that was the case they could have JUST made the 8 and not even considered the others...

[@TamirOrkobysPiano]

The kronos got piano engine (resonances) yamaha dont.

[@judsonchristudas]

The term "400 Polyphony" is just a joke, you will get it when you make combination programs combined all engines plus user samples, press maximum number of keys.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

What makes you say that?

[@judsonchristudas]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr Yamaha is taking advantage of the term max polyphony. This is the break down - AWM2: 256 (max.; stereo/mono waveforms), FM-X: 128 (max.), AN-X: 16 (max.). People need to be be aware that 400 poly can nbe achieved only If they combine all these engines. Some of the demos are like - The demonstrator says "Now its have 400 poly" and plays a piano and that is misleading. Check Korg and Roland specs. Their breakdown of poly specs is clear.

[@dejanciric323]

Don't talk about numbers, synths, polyphony... It's ungrateful to compare a spaceship to a steamship. The latest technology, the most modern and detailed sounds and functions with "prehistory". Not to mention sound quality, outputs quality and volume, stability, etc. Yamaha is light years ahead of Korg.

[@geoffk777]

The Kronos was the best that you could get in 2014. But Korg hasn't really done much to it sinc then. Mant of the samples sound dated and the workflow and DAW integration are lacking. I don't really like the Kronos pianos. And the "9 engines" thing has always been marketing. Kronos has an EP engine and a piano engine. But the pianos and EPs are both better sounding and just as adjustable on the Montage. Kronos advantages: True workstation with powerful swquencer and user sampling. Big aftermarket libraries. Lots of storage. Karma is complex but powerful. Disadvantages: Dated samples. Cluttered screen and confusing workflow. Poor DAW integration. Slow boot-up. Can be fragile on the road (needs a case). Montage advantages: Great screen and panel. Big new samples and high rate DACs provide excellent sound. Decent DAW integration. Polyphonic aftertouch. Superknob provides unmatched performance options. Better FM engine than Kronos. Montage disadvantages: No user sampling. Poor sequencer editing options. Limited user memory and libraries. Expensive. For sound, I put the Montage as #1. As a studio centerpiece and MIDI controller, I like the Fantom. And the Kurzweil K2700 has unique sounds and works very well, although it lacks a touchscreen. Overall, unless the samplng and sequencer are most important to you, I'd advise getting an original Montage, Fantom or K2700 over the Kronos at this point. The Nautilus mostly duplicates the Kronos but with a worse screen and panel. Except for some newer samples, it's not an improvement, and I'm not a fan of it. Should you replace your Kronos? If you have lots of libraries installed, than probably not. If you like the workflow and sound and workstation features are imprtant to you, than, again, no. Otherwise, you might try out used Montages and Fantoms and see how you like them compared to the Kronos. They sell for similar money, so switching wouldn't be a big expense.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Great response and input! But alot of extremely weighted statements. I'll respond to them as much as I can.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

9 engines is not just marketing. They are as much separate engines as any more current flagships boast. That marketing statement is significantly incorrect.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

What keyboard don't need a case on the road? 😂😂😂😂. C'mon man! What's confusing about the workflow? That's an extremely individualized statement. Also. The screen isn't cluttered at all. It's huge and well laid out. There alot of info on it for sure.... But cluttered, not sure I agree with that. Less on the screen means more menu diving. People cry about that.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Super knob providing unmatched performance options is also incorrect. Roland has motion control in their screen that does the same function thing as the super knob. Kronos has the vector stick and that does the same thing. Some would say the motion control screen and the vector are actually more robust... But that can be argued, so I won't use it as grounds for any points.

[@geoffk777]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr A case is always a good idea. But the Kronos has a reputation for breaking more easily than some other keyboards, maybe because it's so complex. In fact, you need to be careful of used ones and make sure that there are no issues, because a lot of Kronos have problems, especially older ones. Compared to the Montage and Fntom, it's hard not to argue that the screen is a bit crowded with many user elements being quite small. I admit that workflow is a personal thing and the Kronos works well once you get used to it. But it's pretty widely agreed that it has a steep learning curve and the manual is something like 1000 pages. So getting the most out of it requires some effort. Again, compare something like layering sounds on the Montage, Fantom and Kronos, and the Kronos is definitely the least intuitive of the three.

[@lamayciahackett3635]

KORG ran out of gas Krono's is still good but out dated to a classic, Yamaha is pushing it, the true goat is the basic motif as a controller , software synths are pushing out hardware, and they sound good , also the word is KORG is working on a new OASYS with the combine structure of analog, also we will see the KRONO'S IN VST software, it's coming !

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Gotta have a source with info like this. I think we still have a large crowd of people using hardware... I can't say the majority, but I'd be hard pressed to believe that they are being pushed out 'completely'.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I do see a good part of the community using software but hardware ain't going anywhere. Lol

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Ran out of gas? Seriously?.... Nah man. Lol

[@lamayciahackett3635]

I got the info from the programmer himself his name is kurt he did the last Krono's

[@previncoin8592]

Background music makes this video unwatchable.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Aw man. I hate you feel that way. Wish I could make two versions of every video. One with music and one without. Some people like it and some don't. It definitely helps in my opinion. But I think there is alot of valid info here that could help you. I have some other videos that don't have music. If you want to check those out. 😊😊😊😊

[@ruanof7]

I've owned Korg & Yamaha, now a Montage 7M, Can't believe any person saying that Korg product can match a Yamaha! no way in God's green earth!... unless they are paid to say that. The middle "C" action in Korg is oweful ! also piano sounds are terrible because Korg needs to buy a license for Piano sounds which is too expensive for them. Yamaha has their own Grands CFX and NORD purchased it from Steinway & Sons.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Thanks for your input. But folks, this is why things are really as bad as they are (in some aspects)... We have people that legitimately go and purchase 3,4,$5000 WORKSTATIONS...(not stage pianos)... WORKSTATIONS and judge them based on A PIANO SOUND. Make it make sense?!?!?! Korg's piano sounds are not awful but I won't ever attack a person's preference. If I was going on stage somewhere to play a piano solo, would I pick a Kronos? Nope, but I may not pick a Montage or a Motif either... I'm probably going to pick a REAL PIANO. But if I'm producing music in a studio or playing in church, I'm taking the instrument with the better sonic potential and workflow that makes the most sense for THAT PURPOSE. If you at all believe that whichever Yamaha Motif was the flagship 10+ years ago was better than the Kronos, then we really can't even have a sensible discussion. There was no question. And Yamaha after Kronos has been around for over a decade and now discontinued, Yamaha drops a keyboard that in ALOT of ways is catching up to where Kronos was a very very long time ago. So now the Montage M drops (in 2023) and "beats out" the 10+ year old Kronos... what in the world do you think is going to happen when/if Korg drops another workstation.... I'll tell you what may happen... Lol 💀 PS. I'm not paid by anybody to say anything. But I do have a very good understanding and I don't mind voicing it. Lol Again, thanks for your feedback. Let's talk about it!!! 💪🏾💪🏾

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

By the way, Yamaha is on their THIRD flagship workstation since the Kronos was released... XF, Montage, Montage M... What in the world does that really say? KORG been able to chill because of what they had sitting on the table. Lol.

[@finnyboy82]

Versus? Knowhere near as good 😂

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Be more specific.... Which is nowhere near as good?

[@briann5001]

The kronos is definitely not the greatest keyboard(in my opinion) ... The kronos is was overrated if you were a piano player. It also sounded rather fake on piano. There are so many other boards that kill it sound wise. I dont really care to much about specs if it doesnt sound good

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Hey man! Thanks for your feedback. It's hard for me to take hour opinion serious if you judge GOAT status on a 4000$ workstation based on the piano sound... That's just tough for me.... Kronos abilities and sonic potential are off the charts. !!!!

[@briann5001]

​​@@JuliusDeBerryJr Good point bro...what I like about you is you know your stuff and articulate your point extremely well, respect👊🏾! You are correct that I should not evaluate the Kronos simply for piano. I rather should have explained that for me I am first able to open up to an instrument through the piano. I can connect to the montage a little better because of the keybed and piano sound. It's not perfect. Close to perfect would be a kawaii vpc1 and ravenscroft or a piano library. I won't be either though. I have an analog synth, mpc and Piano. I guess I'm really picky lol. I really dig what you do tho bro. Respect

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words! Let me pick this question out and ask, are you saying you like the new MONTAGE M keybed? As a piano... Alot of people are not liking it. It doesn't bother me though.

[@leodelosreyes275]

Korg flagships is dead 🤣

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

NEGATIVE.

[@jerryKJose]

Absurd comparison..!! Like Comparing an SUV with a hatchback…🤣 The crappy montage m is a synth not a mighty powerful monster complete workstation like Korg Kronos… at least have a basic knowledge

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

???? 'basic knowledge'. Haha. Thanks for your input.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

And the montage isn't crappy by any stretch of the imagination...

[@jerryKJose]

How on earth can you compare two different kind of boards.? It is not at all an educative approach.. objectively

[@jerryKJose]

Even if it is me who do it it is indeed absurd

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

What do you mean 2 different kinds of boards... ? They are different but very similar at the same time.

[@MaFaKeys]

Disappointing video, I could read that from the specs. It’s not a quality comparison, sorry

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

What do you mean? Quality comparison?

[@MaFaKeys]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr All youndid was read the specs of both and sometimes even from paper. If you want to compare them, play them and compare sounds, workflow, interface, touch, and the quality if that all. There is no way the Kronos can in any way compete with this new Montage M!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

It's comparing the things that made the Kronos so great to me, to what the Montage M offers. I said in the description that it was from a technical perspective. Comparison of sounds etc will be in another video. Thanks for downvoting my video based on something you didn't understand. But thanks for your input. I guess it's true, you can't make everyone happy.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Please post a link once you post a video of your comparison. I'd love to see it. 😁

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

If you disagree, that's fine. I'm not here to argue or persuade your opinion. Do you own either board? The only thing that I read was the polyphony specs of the Analog synth engines from Kronos. Everything else was from me, pretty much unscripted. I'm allowed to compare what I want to compare on my video. You make your own video and compare what you want to compare. I stated at the end of the video that sound comparisons were coming later. I definitely talked about the differences and similarities of their interface... Again, please let me know when your comparison video drops, and I'll watch and see how it should be done. Again, thanks for your input. And thanks for downvoting the video. 😀

[@jamesjones9892]

Sale your kronos you want regret it!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

😂😂😂😂. The only reason I may not regret it is because I have 2. Lol.😁