Synth Microprocessor Applications

Something people forget is how much was done with so little compute power in the early days of the digital synth and how powerful modern microprocessors have become today. Rough order of performance from top to bottom.

[edit] 20240607 Thanks to all the comments and suggestions from r/synthdiy. Added Ksoloti Core rev 0.5/Axoloti Core rev 1.2 which are both 168MHz STM32's.

Microprocessor	Cores	CPU Speed (MHz)	Application	Description
Snapdragon X Elite	12	Up to 3800	Copilot+PC	12-core Oryon CPU, 4nm process
Apple M1	8	Up to 3200	Mac Mini, MacBookAir/Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air	8-core CPU 4 performance 4 efficiency cores 5nm process
Intel Core i3-1115G4	2/4	1.7-3.0 GHz base 4100 turbo	Ableton Push 3	Dual Core Hyperthread
Apple A10X Bionic	6	Up to 2380	iPad Pro (2nd gen)	6-core CPU 3 high-performance Hurricane cores and 3 energy-efficient Zephyr cores 10 nm process
Raspberry Pi 5B	4	2400		ARM Cortex A76 @2.4GHz
Raspberry Pi 4B	4	1800	Korg Opsix Mk2, Wavestate Mk2, Modwave Mk2	ARM Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC at 1.8GHz
ARM?	4	1800	MPC Live/2/One/+/X MPC 61/MPC X SE	1.8GHz quad-core 2GB RAM 4GB RAM
VisionFive 2	4	1500	RISC V	starFive Jk 1110 64bit SOC with RV64GC, up to 1.5GHz
Raspberry Pi 3B	4	1200	Korg Opsix,Wavestate, Modwave,MonomeNorns Critter&GuitariOrganelle	ARM Cortex-A53 SoC processor running at 1.2 GHz,
Atom D510	2	1660	Korg Kronos	x86 standard Intel D510MO motherboard with a dual-core Atom D510 at 1.66GHz.
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W	4	1000		ARM Cortex-A53 CPU at 1GHz.
Raspberry Pi Zero W	1	1000	Mini Dexed	1GHz ARM11 single core
Teensy 4.1	1	600	M8 Trakcer,	ARM Cortex-M7
Daisy DSP (Cortex-M7)	1	480	Daisy DSP	ARM Cortex-M7 MCU running at 480MHz
Renesas RZ/A1L	1	400	Synthstrom Deluge	ARM Cortex-A9 core running at 400MHz with 3MB of on-chip SRAM
ESP32	2	Up to 240	Woovebox	Tensilica Xtensa LX6
Raspberry Pi Pico	2	Up to 133	pikoCore, zeptoCore	ARM Cortex-M0+ Dual-core
STM32F446ZET6	1	180	Korg NTS-1	ARM Cortex-M4 core
Teensy 3.6	1	180	MicroDexed, MicroDexed Touch	ARM Cortex-M4F
STM32F427/429 STM32F427	1	168	Ksoloti Core rev 0.5 Axoloti Core rev 1.2	STM32F429ZGT6 ARM Cortex-M4 core
DSP563xx	1/2 5/8	upto 150	Virus A/B/C/TI/TI2 Waldorf MicroQ Nord Lead3/Modular Korg MS2000/Microkorg NovationNova/Supernova	24bit DSP
Adafruit NeoTrellis M4	1	120	Adafruit NeoTrellis M4 with Enclosure and Buttons Kit Pack	ARM Cortex-M4 Single Core 120Mhz
ArduinoDue	1	84	Linnstrument	ARM Cortex-M3 Single Core 84Mhz
STM32l476VGT6 (or 475)	1	80	Plinky	ARM Cortex-M4
STM32 Blue Pill	1	Up to 72		ARM Cortex-M3
Arduino UNO R4	1	48		ARM Cortex-M4 microprocessor and a 16-fold increase in memory 32-bit
Spin Semiconductor FV-1 DSP	2?	33.55	Various Effect Pedals	Parallel Processing DSP sample rate at 32.768 KHz.t
ATmega328	1	8/16		ATmega328
Motorola 68000	1	7 to 25	Yamaha TX16W Akai MPC 60? Amiga/AtariST/Mac	16/32bit
YM21290 EGS "envelope" chip YM212805 OPS "operator" chip	1	2	Yamaha DX7	Generated frequency+envelope data Generated sound waveforms I think the chips were about 2Mhz
SID 6581	1	1	Various Hardware Interfaces Various Software Emulations Commodore 64	Three oscillators Four distinct waveforms per audio oscillator One multi mode filter Three ADSR volume envelopes Three ring modulators Oscillator sync for each oscillator Two 8-bit ADC External audio input Random number/modulation generator I think the chips were about 1Mhz

Korg Kronos 2 v Korg Nautilus Specs Comparison

Just a quick note to compare the specs tables and highlight differences.

Kronos	Nautilus	Check
https://www.korg.com/us/products/synthesizers/kronos2/page_2.php	https://www.korg.com/us/products/synthesizers/nautilus/specifications.php
System	System, Keyboard
System	System
KRONOS System Version 3.0	NAUTILUS System Version 1.0	Different
Keyboard	Keyboard
88 key: RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3)	88 key: RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3), A - C	Different
73 key: RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3)	73 key: Natural Touch Semi Weighted, C - C	Different
61 key: Natural Touch Semi Weighted	61 key: Natural Touch Semi Weighted, C – C	Different
	Velocity sensitive is supported, after touch is not supported.	Different
	NAUTILUS AT comes in two versions: an 88-key model with a premium weighted RH3 keyboard for an incredible piano feel, and a 61-key model with a light, responsive and smooth synthesizer keyboard feel. (*) NAUTILUS-73 does not have an AT version.	Different
Tone Generator	Tone Generator
Synthesis Types	Synthesis Types
9	9
SGX-2: Premium Piano (Acoustic Piano)	SGX-2: Premium Piano (Acoustic Piano)
EP-1: MDS Electric Piano (Electric Piano)	EP-1: MDS Electric Piano (Electric Piano)
HD-1: High Definition Synthesizer (PCM)	HD-1: High Definition Synthesizer (PCM)
AL-1: Analog Synthesizer (Analog Modeling)	AL-1: Analog Synthesizer (Analog Modeling)
CX-3: Tonewheel Organ (Tonewheel Organ Modeling)	CX-3: Tonewheel Organ (Tonewheel Organ Modeling)
STR-1: Plucked String (Physical Modeling)	STR-1: Plucked String (Physical Modeling)
MOD-7: Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer (VPM Synthesis)	MOD-7: Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer (VPM Synthesis)
MS-20EX: Component Modeling Technology (Analog Modeling)	MS-20EX: Component Modeling Technology (Analog Modeling)
PolysixEX: Component Modeling Technology (CMT Analog Modeling)	PolysixEX: Component Modeling Technology (CMT Analog Modeling)
Maximum Polyphony*1*2	Maximum Polyphony*1*2
SGX-2: 100 voices*3	SGX-2: 100 voices*3
EP-1: 104 voices	EP-1: 104 voices
HD-1: 140 voices	HD-1: 140 voices
AL-1: 80 voices	AL-1: 80 voices
CX-3: 200 voices	CX-3: 200 voices
STR-1: 40 voices	STR-1: 40 voices
MOD-7: 52 voices	MOD-7: 52 voices
MS-20EX: 40 voices	MS-20EX: 40 voices
PolysixEX: 180 voices	PolysixEX: 180 voices
*1: In rare cases, when a large number of processor-intensive effects are active simultaneously (for instance, more than 14 O-Verbs), polyphony may be slightly reduced.	*1: In rare cases, when a large number of processor-intensive effects are active simultaneously (for instance, more than 14 O-Verbs), polyphony may be slightly reduced.
*2: A portion of the multicore processor in KRONOS is devoted to generating voices, and a separate portion is devoted to generating effects. KRONOS dynamically allocates the voice processing power between the engines as necessary. The quoted maximum numbers of voices apply when 100% of the voice processing power is devoted to a single engine.	*2: A portion of the multicore processor in NAUTILUS is devoted to generating voices, and a separate portion is devoted to generating effects. NAUTILUS dynamically allocates the voice processing power between the engines as necessary. The quoted maximum numbers of voices apply when 100% of the voice processing power is devoted to a single engine.
*3: 100 dual-stereo notes (equivalent to 400 mono voices)	*3: 100 dual-stereo notes (equivalent to 400 mono voices)
Preset PCM	Preset PCM
314 MB (ROM 1,505 Multisamples, 1,388 Drumsamples)	RAM 496 MB / DISK 2.3G (ROM 1,771 Multisamples, 3,955 Drumsamples)	Different
Build-in Expansion PCM Libraries	Build-in Expansion PCM Libraries
EXs1 - ROM Expansion	EXs301: German2 D Piano	Different
EXs2 - Concert Grand Piano	EXs302: Italian F Piano	Different
EXs3 - Brass & Woodwinds	EXs303: Japanese Upright U Piano	Different
EXs4 - Vintage Keyboards	EXs304: Prepared Piano	Different
EXs5 - ROM Expansion 2	EXs305: Historical Keyboards	Different
EXs6 - SGX-1 German D Piano	EXs306: Vintage Keyboards 2	Different
EXs7 - SGX-1 Japanese C Piano	EXs307: Strings & Synths	Different
EXs8 - Rock Ambience Drums	EXs308: Guitar Collection	Different
EXs9 - Jazz Ambience Drums	EXs309: Bass Collection	Different
EXs17 – SGX-2 Berlin D Piano	EXs310: World Essence	Different
EXs18 – KORG EXs Collections	EXs311: Background Loops	Different
	EXs312: SFX & Hits	Different
	EXs313: Found Percussions	Different
	EXs314: Expansion Drums	Different
PCM RAM Capacity	PCM RAM Capacity
Approx. 2GB *4	Approx. 2GB *4
*4: The memory available for Sampling Mode will change based on the use of Expansion PCM libraries and User Sample Banks. Approx. 760 MB is available when shipped from the factory (When loading the file named “PRELOAD.KSC”).	*4: The memory available for Sampling Mode will change based on the use of Expansion PCM libraries and User Sample Banks. Approx. 260 MB is available when shipped from the factory (When loading the file named “PRELOAD.KSC”).	Different
Wave Sequences	Wave Sequences
598 User memory, 187 Preload	598 User memory, 377 Preload	Different
Support for stereo multisamples, synchronization of individual notes, and tempo-based settings.	Support for stereo multisamples, synchronization of individual notes, and tempo-based settings.
SGX-2 Program	SGX-2 Program
Premium Piano	Premium Piano
Virtual Memory Technology (VMT) plays large samples directly from the internal SSD		Different
Full key stereo sampling, Chromatically sampled at up to 12 velocity levels, no looping.	Full key stereo sampling, Chromatically sampled at up to 12 velocity levels, no looping.
Damper resonance and mechanical noise are reproduced.	Damper resonance and mechanical noise are reproduced.
Modeled String Resonance.		Different
Una Corda sample support	Una Corda sample support
PCM	PCM
EXs6：SGX-1 German D Piano	EXs301 – German2 D Piano	Different
EXs7：SGX-1 Japanese C Piano	12 velocity levels, includes Ambience Piano type/samples	Different
EXs12：SGX-1 Austrian D Piano (Option Sound libraries)	EXs302 – Italian F Piano	Different
8 velocity levels, no Una Corda samples	12 velocity levels, no Una Corda samples	Different
EXs17：Berlin D Piano	EXs303 – Japanese Upright U Piano	Different
12 velocity levels, includes Una Corda samples	8 velocity levels	Different
	Exs304 – Prepared Piano	Different
	1-4 velocity levels	Different
Piano Type	Piano Type
64	128	Different
(With the factory settings, the 16 varieties of EXs12 SGX-1 Austrian D Piano do not produce sound. The EXs12 option must be downloaded.)	(With the factory settings, the 64 varieties of EXs6: German D Piano, EXs7: Japanese C Piano, EXs12: SGX-1 Austrian D Piano, EXs17: Berlin D Piano do not produce sound. The options must be downloaded. (Those will be released at a later date.))	Different
Oscillator Control	Oscillator Control
Damper Resonance	Damper Resonance
Damper Noise	Damper Noise
Mechanical Noise	Mechanical Noise
Note Release	Note Release
String Resonance	String Resonance
Una Corda	Una Corda
EP-1 Program	EP-1 Program
MDS Electric Piano	MDS Electric Piano
Tine and reed-type electric pianos powered by Multi-Dimensional Synthesis (MDS), and vintage effects.	Tine and reed-type electric pianos powered by Multi-Dimensional Synthesis (MDS), and vintage effects.
Electric Piano Model Types	Electric Piano Model Types
6	7	Different
Tine EP I, Tine EP II, Tine EP V, Tine EP DMP, Reed EP200, Reed EP200A	Tine EP I Early, Tine EP I Late, Tine EP II, Tine EP V, Tine EP DMP, Reed EP200, Reed EP200A	Different
Oscillator Control	Oscillator Control
Harmonic Sound Level, Attack Noise, Level, Release Noise Level, Attack Brightness, Hammer Width	Harmonic Sound Level, Attack Noise, Level, Release Noise Level, Attack Brightness, Hammer Width
Panel Control	Panel Control
Tine Type	Tine Type
Preamp Volume, Tone (Treble, Bass), Vibrate (On/Off, Intensity, Speed), Amp/Cabinet (On/Off, Drive)*5	Preamp Volume, Tone (Treble, Bass), Vibrate (On/Off, Intensity, Speed), Amp/Cabinet (On/Off, Drive)
Reed Type	Reed Type
Preamp Volume, Tone (Treble, Bass), Vibrate (Intensity, Speed), Amp/Cabinet (On/Off, Drive)*5	Preamp Volume, Tone (Treble, Bass), Vibrate (Intensity, Speed), Amp/Cabinet (On/Off, Drive)
Effect Types	Effect Types
9	9
Small Phase, Orange Phase, Black Phase, Vintage Chorus, Black Chorus, EP Chorus, Vintage Flanger, Red Comp, VOX Wah	Small Phase, Orange Phase, Black Phase, Vintage Chorus, Black Chorus, EP Chorus, Vintage Flanger, Red Comp, VOX Wah
HD-1 Program	HD-1 Program
Advanced Vector Synthesis	Advanced Vector Synthesis
Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope.	Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope.
Structure	Structure
Single: only OSC1, Double: OSC1 and OSC2.	Single: only OSC1, Double: OSC1 and OSC2.
Double mode lets you layer two completely separate synth voices, each with their own velocity-switched oscillator, dual filter, EGs, LFOs, etc.	Double mode lets you layer two completely separate synth voices, each with their own velocity-switched oscillator, dual filter, EGs, LFOs, etc.
Drums: One drum kit, Double Drums: Two drum kits.	Drums: One drum kit, Double Drums: Two drum kits.
Oscillators	Oscillators
Virtual Memory Technology (VMT) plays large samples directly from the internal SSD.		Different
8 velocity zones per oscillator, with switching, crossfades and layering	8 velocity zones per oscillator, with switching, crossfades and layering
Each zone can play mono or stereo Multisamples or Wave Sequences	Each zone can play mono or stereo Multisamples or Wave Sequences
Filters	Filters
Two multi-mode filters per voices (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject),	Two multi-mode filters per voices (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject),
Four-mode filter routings (single, serial, parallel and 24dB mode)	Four-mode filter routings (single, serial, parallel and 24dB mode)
Driver	Driver
Per voice non-linear driver and low boost circuit	Per voice non-linear driver and low boost circuit
EQ	EQ
Three bands, with sweep-able mid	Three bands, with sweep-able mid
Modulation	Modulation
Three envelope generators, two LFOs per voice, common LFO, four key tracking generators, AMS (Alternate Modulation Source), two AMS mixers	Three envelope generators, two LFOs per voice, common LFO, four key tracking generators, AMS (Alternate Modulation Source), two AMS mixers
	Quick Layer / Split function	Different
EXi Program Common	EXi Program Common
Advanced Vector Synthesis	Advanced Vector Synthesis
Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope	Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope
Modulation	Modulation
Common Step Sequencer, AMS (Alternate Modulation Source), Common LFO, 2 Key Tracking Generators	Common Step Sequencer, AMS (Alternate Modulation Source), Common LFO, 2 Key Tracking Generators
EQ	EQ
Three bands, with sweep-able mid	Three bands, with sweep-able mid
	Quick Layer / Split function	Different
AL-1 Program	AL-1 Program
Oscillators	Oscillators
Ultra-low-aliasing oscillators	Ultra-low-aliasing oscillators
OSC1, OSC2, Sub-oscillator and noise generator; ring modulation, FM and Sync	OSC1, OSC2, Sub-oscillator and noise generator; ring modulation, FM and Sync
Audio Input	Audio Input
External audio can be processed through the ring modulator, filter, driver, amp, and EQ	External audio can be processed through the ring modulator, filter, driver, amp, and EQ
Filters	Filters
Two multi-mode filters (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject) with four types of filter routings (single, serial, parallel and 24dB mode),	Two multi-mode filters (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject) with four types of filter routings (single, serial, parallel and 24dB mode),
Multi Filter mode (only Filter-A; modulatable mix of Low Pass, High　Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects)	Multi Filter mode (only Filter-A; modulatable mix of Low Pass, High　Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects)
Driver	Driver
Per-voice non-linear driver and low boost circuit	Per-voice non-linear driver and low boost circuit
Modulation	Modulation
Five Envelope generators, four per-voice LFOs, two AMS Mixers; Per-voice Step Sequencer	Five Envelope generators, four per-voice LFOs, two AMS Mixers; Per-voice Step Sequencer
CX-3 Program	CX-3 Program
Tonewheel Organ Modeling	Tonewheel Organ Modeling
Phase-synchronous tonewheels (clean and vintage modes), percussion, key click, wheel brake	Phase-synchronous tonewheels (clean and vintage modes), percussion, key click, wheel brake
EX Mode	EX Mode
Four additional, user-specified drawbars, and expanded percussion.	Four additional, user-specified drawbars, and expanded percussion.
Internal Effects	Internal Effects
Rotary speaker, vibrato/chorus, amp modeling with overdrive, 3-band EQ	Rotary speaker, vibrato/chorus, amp modeling with overdrive, 3-band EQ
Drawbar Control	Drawbar Control
Controlled via nine front-panel sliders (via Tone Adjust)	Controlled via nine front-panel sliders (via Tone Adjust)
Split	Split
Upper, Lower (even in EX mode)	Upper, Lower (even in EX mode)
Modulation	Modulation
Two AMS mixers	Two AMS mixers
STR-1 Program	STR-1 Program
Physically Modeled String	Physically Modeled String
Includes physically modeled damping, decay, dispersion, nonlinearity, harmonics, dual pickups, and more.	Includes physically modeled damping, decay, dispersion, nonlinearity, harmonics, dual pickups, and more.
Most string parameters can be controlled in realtime.	Most string parameters can be controlled in realtime.
String Excitation	String Excitation
Three independent excitation sources can be used simultaneously: Pluck, Noise, and PCM.	Three independent excitation sources can be used simultaneously: Pluck, Noise, and PCM.
16 preset “pluck” types, with modulatable width and randomization. Noise generator with saturation and dedicated low pass filter	16 preset “pluck” types, with modulatable width and randomization. Noise generator with saturation and dedicated low pass filter
PCM Oscillator:	PCM Oscillator:
KORG’s ultra-low-aliasing technology, as introduced in the HD-1;	KORG’s ultra-low-aliasing technology, as introduced in the HD-1;
4 velocity zones per oscillator;	5 velocity zones per oscillator;	Different
Uses any mono Multisamples, including ROM, EXs, User Sample Bank, or Sampling Mode.	Uses any mono Multisamples, including ROM, EXs, User Sample Bank, or Sampling Mode.
Supports Virtual Memory.	Supports Virtual Memory.
Excitation Filter:	Excitation Filter:
Dedicated 2-pole multimode filter for shaping the string excitation.	Dedicated 2-pole multimode filter for shaping the string excitation.
Filter can be enabled/disabled separately for each excitation source.	Filter can be enabled/disabled separately for each excitation source.
Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes	Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes
Audio Input and Feedback	Audio Input and Feedback
Run real-time audio through the string, including feedback through effects.	Run real-time audio through the string, including feedback through effects.
Modeled feedback includes modulate-able instrument-to-amp distance and orientation.	Modeled feedback includes modulate-able instrument-to-amp distance and orientation.
Filters	Filters
Dual multi-mode filters per voice; Single, Serial, Parallel (with split stereo output), and 24dB (4-pole) configurations. Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes	Dual multi-mode filters per voice; Single, Serial, Parallel (with split stereo output), and 24dB (4-pole) configurations. Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes
Multi Filter Mode (Filter A only).	Multi Filter Mode (Filter A only).
Modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects	Modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects
Modulation	Modulation
5 Envelopes, 4 per-voice LFOs, 2 Key Track generators, String Tracking generators, 4 AMS Mixers.	5 Envelopes, 4 per-voice LFOs, 2 Key Track generators, String Tracking generators, 4 AMS Mixers.
MOD-7 Program	MOD-7 Program
Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer	Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer
Combines Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), Waveshaping ring modulation, PCM sample playback, and subtractive synthesis; Able to convert-load SYX files.	Combines Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), Waveshaping ring modulation, PCM sample playback, and subtractive synthesis; Able to convert-load SYX files.
Oscillators	Oscillators
6 VPM/Waveshaper/Ring Modulation Oscillators:	6 VPM/Waveshaper/Ring Modulation Oscillators:
Phase and modulatable pitch per oscillator.	Phase and modulatable pitch per oscillator.
101 Waveshaper tables plus modulatable Drive and Offset.	102 Waveshaper tables plus modulatable Drive and Offset.	Different
Use as oscillators, or as Waveshapers or Ring Modulators for other signals.	Use as oscillators, or as Waveshapers or Ring Modulators for other signals.
PCM Oscillator:	PCM Oscillator:
KORG’s ultra-low-aliasing technology, as introduced in the HD-1.	KORG’s ultra-low-aliasing technology, as introduced in the HD-1.
4 velocity zones per oscillator.	5 velocity zones per oscillator.	Different
Uses any mono Multisamples, including ROM, EXs, User Sample Bank, or Sampling Mode. Supports Virtual Memory.	Uses any mono Multisamples, including ROM, EXs, User Sample Bank, or Sampling Mode. Supports Virtual Memory.
Audio input	Audio input
Run real-time audio through the VPM Oscillators and filters.	Run real-time audio through the VPM Oscillators and filters.
Filters	Filters
Dual multi-mode filters per voice. (Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes)	Dual multi-mode filters per voice. (Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Band Reject modes)
Two types of filter looping (Parallel and 24 dB “4-Pole”)	Two types of filter looping (Parallel and 24 dB “4-Pole”)
Multi Filter mode (Filter A only):	Multi Filter mode (Filter A only):
Modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects	Modulatable mix of Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and dry input, for creating a wide variety of unique filter types and effects
Patch Panel	Patch Panel
Supports both preset algorithm (78 types) selection and free patching.	Supports both preset algorithm (78 types) selection and free patching.
Three 2-in, 1-out mixers for scaling and merging audio, fully modulatable, with phase inversion.	Three 2-in, 1-out mixers for scaling and merging audio, fully modulatable, with phase inversion.
Main 6-input stereo mixer, with modulatable pan and volume, plus phase inversion	Main 6-input stereo mixer, with modulatable pan and volume, plus phase inversion
Modulation	Modulation
10 Envelopes, 4 per-voice LFOs, 9 Key Tracking generators, Per-voice Step Sequencer, 4 standard AMS Mixers plus 4 simple AMS Mixers	10 Envelopes, 4 per-voice LFOs, 9 Key Tracking generators, Per-voice Step Sequencer, 4 standard AMS Mixers plus 4 simple AMS Mixers
MS-20EX Program	MS-20EX Program
Oscillators	Oscillators
Ultra-low-aliasing oscillators; VCO1, VCO2, Ring Mod, Pink and White Noise Generator	Ultra-low-aliasing oscillators; VCO1, VCO2, Ring Mod, Pink and White Noise Generator
Audio Input	Audio Input
Run real-time audio through the synthesis engine and ESP (External Signal Processor)	Run real-time audio through the synthesis engine and ESP (External Signal Processor)
Filters	Filters
12dB/octave High Pass and Low Pass self-resonant filters	12dB/octave High Pass and Low Pass self-resonant filters
ESP section:	ESP section:
24dB/octave Low Cut and High Cut filters, available per voice.	24dB/octave Low Cut and High Cut filters, available per voice.
Patch Panel	Patch Panel
Patchable audio and modulation, at audio rates	Patchable audio and modulation, at audio rates
Patch Points	Patch Points
Keyboard:	Keyboard:
Keyboard CV Out, Keyboard Trigger Out, VCO1+VCO2 CV In, VCO2 CV In	Keyboard CV Out, Keyboard Trigger Out, VCO1+VCO2 CV In, VCO2 CV In
VCO:	VCO:
VCO1+VCO2 External Frequency Control In, VCO1 Out, VCO2 Out	VCO1+VCO2 External Frequency Control In, VCO1 Out, VCO2 Out
VCF:	VCF:
External Signal In, External HP Filter Cutoff Frequency Control In, External LP Filter Cutoff Frequency Control In, HPF Out, LPF In, LPF Out	External Signal In, External HP Filter Cutoff Frequency Control In, External LP Filter Cutoff Frequency Control In, HPF Out, LPF In, LPF Out
VCO+VCF:	VCO+VCF:
Total External Modulation In	Total External Modulation In
VCA:	VCA:
External Initial Gain Control In, VCA In	External Initial Gain Control In, VCA In
EG:	EG:
EG1 Envelope Signal Normal Out, EG1 Envelope Signal Reverse Out, EG1+EG2 Trigger In, EG1 Trigger In, EG2 Envelope Signal Reverse Out	EG1 Envelope Signal Normal Out, EG1 Envelope Signal Reverse Out, EG1+EG2 Trigger In, EG1 Trigger In, EG2 Envelope Signal Reverse Out
MG:	MG:
Triangle Out, Rectangle Out	Triangle Out, Rectangle Out
Noise Generator:	Noise Generator:
Pink Noise Out, White Noise Out	Pink Noise Out, White Noise Out
Sample and Hold:	Sample and Hold:
Clock Trigger In, Sample Signal In, S/H Out	Clock Trigger In, Sample Signal In, S/H Out
Modulation VCA:	Modulation VCA:
Control Voltage In, Signal In, Signal Out	Control Voltage In, Signal In, Signal Out
Manual Controller:	Manual Controller:
Control Wheel Out, Momentary Switch	Control Wheel Out, Momentary Switch
ESP:	ESP:
Signal In, AMP Out, BPF In, BPF Out, F-V CV Out, Envelope Out, Trigger Out	Signal In, AMP Out, BPF In, BPF Out, F-V CV Out, Envelope Out, Trigger Out
Others	Others
EXi Audio In, Mixer 1 In, Mixer 1 Out, Mixer 2 In, Mixer 2 Out	EXi Audio In, Mixer 1 In, Mixer 1 Out, Mixer 2 In, Mixer 2 Out
ESP (External Signal Processor):	ESP (External Signal Processor):
Use incoming audio as a trigger and/or CV source	Use incoming audio as a trigger and/or CV source
Modulation:	Modulation:
Original DAR (Delay, Attack, Release) and HADSR (Hold, Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) EGs 1 &2,	Original DAR (Delay, Attack, Release) and HADSR (Hold, Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) EGs 1 &2,
Original MG (with MIDI sync), Sample-and- Hold, MVCA,	Original MG (with MIDI sync), Sample-and- Hold, MVCA,
KRONOS: 4 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 4 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers.	NAUTILUS: 4 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 4 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers.
PolysixEX Program	PolysixEX Program
Oscillators	Oscillators
VCO:	VCO:
Saw, Pulse, PWM	Saw, Pulse, PWM
Sub Oscillator:	Sub Oscillator:
Off, 1 octave below, 2 octaves below	Off, 1 octave below, 2 octaves below
Filter	Filter
24dB (4-Pole) Octave Low Pass self-resonant filter	24dB (4-Pole) Octave Low Pass self-resonant filter
Effects	Effects
Integrated Polysix Chorus, Phaser, and Ensemble	Integrated Polysix Chorus, Phaser, and Ensemble
Arpeggiator	Arpeggiator
Integrated MIDI-synced arpeggiator, with adjustable Range, Mode, and Latch	Integrated MIDI-synced arpeggiator, with adjustable Range, Mode, and Latch
Modulation	Modulation
Polysix	Polysix
Original ADSR EG and MG (with MIDI sync).	Original ADSR EG and MG (with MIDI sync).
KRONOS:	NAUTILUS
2 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 2 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers.	2 additional multi-stage Envelopes, 2 additional per-voice LFOs, and 4 AMS Mixers.
Combination	Combination
Number of Timbres, Master Keyboard Functionality	Number of Timbres, Master Keyboard Functionality
16 Maximum	16 Maximum
Keyboard and velocity splits, layers, and crossfades of up to 16 Programs and/or external MIDI Devices	Keyboard and velocity splits, layers, and crossfades of up to 16 Programs and/or external MIDI Devices
The tone adjust parameter function lets you modify program settings, and the master keyboard function lets you control external MIDI devices	The tone adjust parameter function lets you modify program settings, and the master keyboard function lets you control external MIDI devices
Advanced Vector Synthesis	Advanced Vector Synthesis
Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope	Control oscillator volumes and synthesis & effects parameters via the Vector Joystick and the tempo-synchronized Vector Envelope
	Quick Layer / Split function	Different
Drumkit	Drumkit
Assignable stereo/mono samples with 8 velocity zones per oscillator (with crossfade functions)	Assignable stereo/mono samples with 8 velocity zones per oscillator (with crossfade functions)
Number of Programs/Combinations/Drum kits	Number of Programs/Combinations/Drum kits
User Memory Programs	User Memory Programs
2,560 (1,792 [896 HD-1+896 EXi] come preloaded)	2,560 (1,920 [1,280 HD-1+640 EXi] come preloaded)	Different
User Memory Combinations	User Memory Combinations
1,792 (512 come preloaded)	1,792 (256 come preloaded)	Different
User Memory Drum Kits	User Memory Drum Kits
264 (78 come preloaded)	264 (104 come preloaded)	Different
256 GM Level2 preset programs + 9 GM Level 2 drum preset programs	256 GM Level2 preset programs + 9 GM Level 2 drum preset programs
Set List	Set List
Number of Set Lists/Slots	Number of Set Lists/Slots
128 set lists, 128 slots per set list	128 set lists, 128 slots per set list
Each set list provides a 9-band graphic EQ, and a Tone Adjust function that allows program settings to be adjusted.	Each set list provides a 9-band graphic EQ, and a Tone Adjust function that allows program settings to be adjusted.
Transpose setting.	Transpose setting.
Hold Time setting of Smooth Sound Transition (SST) supported for each slot.	Hold Time setting of Smooth Sound Transition (SST) supported for each slot.
Sampling	Sampling
System	System
Open Sampling System (resampling, In-Track sampling)	Open Sampling System (resampling, In-Track sampling)
Bit Depth/Sampling Frequency	Bit Depth/Sampling Frequency
RAM: 16-bit/48 kHz stereo/mono sampling	RAM: 16-bit/48 kHz stereo/mono sampling
DISK: 16 or 24-bit/48 kHz	DISK: 16 or 24-bit/48 kHz
Sampling Time	Sampling Time
RAM: Depends on the amount of available PCM RAM	RAM: Depends on the amount of available PCM RAM
DISK: Maximum 80 minutes stereo (879MB: 16bit)	DISK: Maximum 80 minutes stereo (879MB: 16bit)
Sample Locations	Sample Locations
16,000 samples/4,000 multisamples (128 indexes per multisample)	16,000 samples/4,000 multisamples (128 indexes per multisample)
Ripping		Different
Direct sampling (ripping) from audio CD (CD-DA)		Different
Formats	Formats
KORG format, AKAI S1000/S3000 data (with advanced Program parameter conversion); SoundFont 2.0, AIFF, and WAVE formats	KORG format, AKAI S1000/S3000 data (with advanced Program parameter conversion); SoundFont 2.0, AIFF, and WAVE formats
Editing	Editing
Time Stretch, Time Slice, Crossfade Loop, and other standard editing features.	Time Stretch, Time Slice, Crossfade Loop, and other standard editing features.
Effects	Effects
Insert Effects	Insert Effects
12	12
Stereo in / stereo out	Stereo in / stereo out
Master Effects	Master Effects
2	2
Stereo in / stereo out	Stereo in / stereo out
Total Effects	Total Effects
2	2
Stereo in / stereo out	Stereo in / stereo out
Timbre EQ	Timbre EQ
One 3-band EQ for each timbre/track	One 3-band EQ for each timbre/track
Effect Types	Effect Types
197	197
Modulation	Modulation
Dynamic Modulation and Common LFO	Dynamic Modulation and Common LFO
Effects Control Busses	Effects Control Busses
Stereo side-chaining for compressors, gates, vocoders, etc.	Stereo side-chaining for compressors, gates, vocoders, etc.
Effect Presets	Effect Presets
Total 783 preset, Maximum 32 per 1 effect (Preset User)	Total 783 preset, Maximum 32 per 1 effect (Preset User)
KARMA	Arpeggiator	Different
KARMA Modules	Arpeggiator Modules	Different
One module in Program mode, four modules in Combination and Sequencer modes	One module in Program mode, two modules in Combination and Sequencer modes	Different
Generated Effects (GE)	Arpeggio Pattern	Different
2,048 presets, 1,536 Users (96 come Preload)	5 presets + ARP A 2,048 slots (1,593 come Preload) + ARP B 128 slots	Different
Controllers	Controllers
On/Off, Latch, Chord, Assign, Module, Control, KARMA Realtime Control Sliders [1] – [8], KARMA Scene [1] – [8], KARMA Switches [1] – [8], KARMA Wave-Sequencing, GE Sub Category, Freeze Randomize, Time Signature Control, Tempo Synchronize, Auto RTC (Real Time Control) setup	On/Off, Latch, Gate, Velocity, Length, Swing, Tempo	Different
Drum Track	Drum Track
Preset Patterns	Preset Patterns
718 preset (common with the preset patterns of the MIDI sequencer)	1,272 (common with the preset patterns of the MIDI sequencer)	Different
User Patterns	User Patterns
1,000	1,000
Patterns created in Sequencer mode can be converted to drum track user patterns.	Patterns created in Sequencer mode can be converted to drum track user patterns.
Trigger Mode/Sync/Zone settings can be specified.	Trigger Mode/ Sync / Zone / Swing, Drum SD, Tempo settings can be specified.	Different
Sequencer/HDR	Sequencer/HDR
Tracks	Tracks
16-track MIDI sequencer + 16-track hard disk recorder + 1 master track.	16-track MIDI sequencer + 16-track hard disk recorder + 1 master track.
Number of Songs	Number of Songs
200	200
Resolution	Resolution
1/480	1/480
Tempo	Tempo
40.00 – 300.00 (1/100 BPM resolution)	40.00 – 300.00 (1/100 BPM resolution)
Maximum Memory	Maximum Memory
400,000 MIDI events or 300,000 audio events	400,000 MIDI events or 300,000 audio events
MIDI Tracks	MIDI Tracks
16 tracks plus the master track	16 tracks plus the master track
718 preset/100 user patterns (per song)	697 preset / 100 user patterns (per song)	Different
18 preset/16 user template songs,	18 preset/16 user template songs,
Audio Tracks	Audio Tracks
16-track playback, 4-track simultaneous recording, WAV file format 16bit/24bit.	16-track playback, 4-track simultaneous recording, WAV file format 16bit/24bit	Different
Other Functions	Maximum Single-file Recording Time (mono): 80 minutes	Different
	Automation: Volume, Pan, EQ, and Send1/2	Different
	10,000 regions (max.)	Different
	Event Anchors, BPM Adjust	Different
	Other Functions	Different
RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play and Record): 1 Pattern set per song	RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play and Record): 1 Pattern set per song
Auto Song Setup function		Different
General	General
Disk Mode	Disk Mode
Load, save, utility, audio CD burning, audio CD playback, data filer function (save/load MIDI System Exclusive data), CD-R/RW (UDF format read/write), ISO9660 Level 1.	Load, save, utility, data filer function (save/load MIDI System Exclusive data), CD-R/RW (UDF format read/write), ISO9660 Level 1.	Different
Controllers	Controllers
Vector joystick, joystick, ribbon controller, switches 1 & 2	Joystick, Switches 1 & 2	Different
Control Surface:		Different
Control Assign Switches:		Different
Assigns the Control Surface to Timber/Track, Audio, External, Realtime Knobs/KARMA,		Different
Tone Adjust/EQ		Different
Mixer Knobs Switch:		Different
Assigns the Mixer Knobs to either Channel Strip or Individual Pan, Reset Control Switch, Solo Switch, Knobs 1-8, Switches 1-8(Upper Row), Switches 1-8 (Lower Row), Sliders 1-8, Master Slider		Different
KARMA Control:	Arpeggiator Control:	Different
On/Off, Latch, Module Control	On/Off, Latch, Gate, Velocity, Length, Swing, Tempo	Different
DRUM TRACK:	DRUM TRACK:
On/Off	On/Off, Swing, Drum SD, Tempo	Different
Display	Display
TouchView graphical user interface, 8 inch color TFT, SVGA (800x600 dots), adjustable brightness	TouchView graphical user interface, 7 inch color TFT, WVGA (800 x 480 dots), adjustable brightness	Different
Outputs	Outputs
== Analog ==
(MAIN) L/MONO, R:	L/MONO, R, Individual 1-4
1/4” TRS Balanced	1/4” TRS Balanced
Output Impedance: 350 Ω Stereo; 175 Ω Mono (L/MONO Only),	Output Impedance: 350 Ω Stereo; 175 Ω Mono (L/MONO Only),
Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu,	Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu,
Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 Ω or greater)	Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 Ω or greater)
MAIN VOLUME knob controls only AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO and R	MAIN VOLUME slider controls only AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO and R
Individual 1-4:
1/4” TRS Balanced
Output Impedance: 350 Ω Stereo; 175 Ω Mono,
Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu,
Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 Ω or greater)
Headphones:	Headphones:
1/4” stereo phone jack	1/4” stereo phone jack
Output impedance: 33 Ω,	Output impedance: 33 Ω,
Maximum Level: 60+60 mW (when load impedance is 33 Ω),	Maximum Level: 60+60 mW (when load impedance is 33 Ω),
MAIN VOLUME knob (link with AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN))	MAIN VOLUME knob (link with AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN))
== Digital ==		Different
S/P DIF:		Different
Optical, 24-bit, IEC60958, EIAJCP-1201, Sample Rate: 48 kHz, (the same signals as L/MONO, R)		Different
Digital output of the same signals as AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO and R		Different
USB-B:	USB-B:
24-bit, Sample Rate: 48 kHz, 2 channels	24-bit, Sample Rate: 48 kHz, 2 channels
(Digital output of the same signals as AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO and R)	(Digital output of the same signals as AUDIO OUTPUT (MAIN) L/MONO and R)
Inputs	Inputs
== Analog ==
Audio Inputs 1 and 2:	Audio Inputs 1 and 2:
1/4” TRS Balanced	1/4” TRS Balanced
MIC/LINE input level switches, LEVEL knobs
Input Impedance: 10 kΩ	Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
Nominal Level: LINE	Nominal Level: LINE +4 dBu
+4 dBu (LEVEL knob = min), –36 dBu (LEVEL knob = max)
Nominal Level: MIC	Nominal Level: MIC –22 dBu
–22 dBu (LEVEL knob = min), –62 dBu (LEVEL knob = max)
Maximum Level: LINE	Maximum Level: LINE +16 dBu
+16 dBu (LEVEL knob = min), –24 dBu (LEVEL knob = max)
Maximum Level: MIC	Maximum Level: MIC -10 dBu
-10 dBu (LEVEL knob = min), –50 dBu (LEVEL knob = max)
Source Impedance: 600 Ω	Source Impedance: 600 Ω
Signal to noise ratio: 95 dB (typical)
Dynamic range: 95 dB (typical)
Crosstalk: 95 dB, at 1 kHz (typical)
== Digital ==		Different
S/P DIF:		Different
Optical, 24-bit, IEC60958, EIAJCP-1201, Sample Rate: 48 kHz		Different
USB-B:	USB-B:
24-bit, Sample Rate: 48 kHz, 2 channels	24-bit, Sample Rate: 48 kHz, 2 channels
Control Inputs	Control Inputs
Damper pedal (half damper supported), assignable switch, assignable pedal	Damper pedal (half damper supported), assignable switch, assignable pedal
MIDI	MIDI
In, Out, Thru	In, Out, Thru
USB*5	USB
USB A (TYPE A) x 2	USB A (TYPE A)	Different
For connection to external USB devices (QWERTY keyboards, MIDI controllers, ethernet adaptors, and storage)	For connection to external USB devices (QWERTY keyboards, MIDI controllers, ethernet adaptors, and storage)
USB B (TYPE B) x 1, MIDI/audio interface	USB B (TYPE B) x 1, MIDI/audio interface
MIDI: 1 (16 channel) input / 1 (16 channel) output	MIDI: 1 (16 channel) input / 1 (16 channel) output
Audio: 2 channel input / 2 channel output	Audio: 2 channel input / 2 channel output
*5 USB high-speed ports (supports 480Mbps)	*2 USB high-speed ports (supports 480Mbps)	Different
Disk Drives	Disk Drives
60 GB SSD (2.5”)	60 GB SSD (2.5”)
Optional installation of second internal SSD		Different
	Power Supply	Different
	AC power supply terminal, Power switch	Different
Power Consumption	Power Consumption
60W	40 W	Different
Dimensions: (W x D x H)	Dimensions: (W x D x H)
61 key: 1040 x 364 x 134 mm / 40.94”x14.33”x5.28”	61 key: 1,062 x 386 x 116 mm / 41.81”x15.20”x4.57”	Different
73 key: 1221 x 371 x 148 mm / 48.07”x14.61”x5.83”	73 key: 1,227 x 386 x 116 mm / 48.31”x15.20”x4.57”	Different
88 key: 1443 x 371 x 148 mm / 56.42”x14.61”x5.83”	88 key: 1,437 x 387 x 139 mm / 56.57”x15.24”x5.47”	Different
Weight	Weight
61 key: 14.3 kg / 31.53 lbs.	61 key: 13.0 kg / 28.66 lbs.	Different
73 key: 21.1 kg / 46.52 lbs.	73 key: 14.6 kg / 32.19 lbs.	Different
88 key: 24.1 kg / 53.13 lbs.	88 key: 23.1 kg / 50.93 lbs.	Different
Accessories	Accessories
AC cord, Quick Start Guide, Accessory DVD Discs 1-3 (DVDs include KRONOS Operation Guide, Parameter Guide, and Voice Name List PDF files; Video Manual; KORG USB-MIDI Driver; System Restore Data, etc.)	AC cord, Quick Start Guide
	Option
	XVP-20: Expression/Volume Pedal
	EXP-2: Foot Controller
	DS-1H: Damper Pedal
	PS-1: Pedal Switch
	PS-3: Pedal Switch
Principal Specifications	Principal Specifications
Frequency Response	Frequency Response
20Hz-22kHz, +/-1.0dB, 10k Ω load	20Hz-22kHz, +/-1.0dB, 10k Ω load
THD+N	THD+N
20Hz-22kHz, 0.01%, 10k Ω load (typical)	20Hz-22kHz, 0.01%, 10k Ω load (typical)
S/N	S/N
95dB (typical)	95dB (typical)
Dynamic Range	Dynamic Range
95dB (typical)	95dB (typical)
Crosstalk	Crosstalk
95dB, at 1kHz (typical)	95dB, at 1kHz (typical)
* All product, company, and standard names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
* Appearance and specifications of products are subject to change without notice.
* The color of the actual instrument may differ slightly from the image shown here.
* Since natural wood is used in the side panels of this instrument, there will be individual differences in the grain and figuration of the wood.