New Features In Software Version 2.1 - Korg kronos Operation Manual

New features in software version 2.1

KRONOS software version 2.1 adds several new features,
including a newly improved CX-3 and three new features
tailored for live performance: a polyphony-saving option for
Timbre/Track Mute, realtime indication of Rotary Speaker
speed in all performance modes, and the ability to assign
external MIDI CCs (from a pedal controller, for instance) to
a number of special functions.
In addition to these new features, the update includes various
improvements and resolutions to specific operational issues.
Improved CX-3
We've added a brand-new effects section to the CX-3, with
many updates and improvements to the Amp, Rotary
Speaker, and Vibrato Chorus, including:
• New amp model with warmer, smoother overdrive and
more natural control from the expression pedal
• Three new speaker types, including one based on new
measurements of a classic rotary speaker, another
inspired by a popular rotary speaker pedal effect, and a
third for bright sounds to cut through the mix, each with
an option to include some of the direct signal for greater
high- and low-frequency extension
• Improved stereo sensation, including revised mic
distance control
• Many other improvements to the rotary speaker's timbre
and authenticity
• Improved Vibrato/Chorus, more true to the original
hardware
A new parameter on the CX-3 Basic page, Amp/VC/Rotary
Mode, lets you switch between the old (Classic CX-3) and
new (Custom) versions of the effects independently for each
CX-3 instance, as desired. For more details, see "4–1c:
Amp/VC/Rotary mode" on page 229 of the Parameter
Guide.
To prevent unwanted changes to your data, existing sounds
are not automatically updated to use the new effects. For
information on converting sounds, see "Changing a Program
from Classic CX-3 to Custom" on page 229 of the Parameter
Guide. We've also provided a revised version of the factory
preload Programs, which you can load separately if desired
(see "New CX-3 Programs," below).
With either Classic CX-3 or Custom, you also can now use
JSX (pitchbend) like the speaker speed switch on a vintage
organ: move it to the left for Chorale (slow) and to the right
for Tremolo (fast).
Rotary Speaker speed indicators
If you're using a Rotary Speaker, either as an effect or in the
CX-3, a new graphic at the top of the display shows the
current state of the Rotary Speaker (Fast, Slow, or Stop).
Note that this is the current state —in other words, what you
actually hear—which is a combination of the Speed SW,
Mode SW, Rotary On, and Amp Type parameter settings
and all associated AMS modulation. The CX-3's Play page
graphics now show this as well. For more information, see
"Rotary Speaker speed indicator" on page 226 of the
Parameter Guide.
Update information New features in software version 2.1
New CX-3 Programs
We've updated the factory preload Programs to take
advantage of the new CX-3. To prevent unexpected changes
to your data, these new Programs are not loaded
automatically. Instead, please download the separate file
PRELOAD_V2.PCG and copy it to your KRONOS. You can
then load the new sounds just as you would any other PCG
file. The original PRELOAD.PCG file remains on your disk
as well, so you can re-load it at any time if desired.
Before loading the new sounds, make sure to back up your
data to a PCG file on disk; the Save All command is a quick
and easy way to do so (see "Saving memory contents to
disk" on page 197).
Mute Mode
Version 2.1 gives you a choice as to how the Mute buttons
work in Combinations and Songs.
Previously, in Combis the Mute buttons muted the Timbre's
audio output, which is convenient for sound design; in
Songs, they stopped only the sequencer's output to the
Track, while leaving the keyboard active.
These behaviors are still available when the new Mute
Mode parameter is set to Studio. A second setting, Live,
provides alternative behaviors designed for use in live
performance.
In Live mode, Combination Mute buttons stop the MIDI
input to the Timbre; this saves polyphony, and is well-suited
to muting and un-muting layered sounds as you play.
Similarly, Song Mute buttons control MIDI input from both
the sequencer and the keyboard.
For more information, see "Mute Mode" on page 757 of the
Parameter Guide.
Function Assign for External MIDI In
You can now map incoming MIDI controllers to any of the
special functions previously available only to the rear-panel
foot switch input and SW1/2. This is particularly useful in
conjunction with third-party MIDI and USB MIDI foot
controllers with multiple built-in switches, each of which
can now be mapped to a different function on the KRONOS.
For instance, you can have multiple switches assigned to
Program Up, Program Down, Octave Up, Octave Down, Tap
Tempo, Chord On/Off, Ribbon Lock, etc.—all at the same
time.
For more information, see "2–3: Function Assign" on
page 784 of the Parameter Guide.
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