Korg Krome Operation Guide

Operation Guide

About this manual

Thank you for purchasing the Korg KROME Music Workstation. To help you get the most out of your new instrument, please read this manual carefully.

The manuals and how to use them

The KROME comes with the following manuals.

• Video Manual (approximately 60 minutes)

•Quick Start Guide (printed and PDF)

•Operation Guide (PDF)

• Parameter Guide (PDF)

• Voice Name List (PDF)

All of these manuals are on the included accessory disc.

A printed copy is included only for the Quick Start Guide.

Video Manual

This video illustrates the main functionality of the KROME.

Quick Start Guide

This provides a simple explanation of the KROME’s functions. To begin, please watch the Video Manual and read the Quick Start Guide.

Operation Guide

Put simply, the Operation Guide is designed to answer the question, “How do I do this?”

It explains the names and functions of each part of the KROME, basic operation, an overview of each mode, how to edit sounds, record on the sequencer, and so on. This guide also explains the basics of effects, the Arpeggiator, Drum Track, and Drum Kits.

Finally, it also contains a troubleshooting guide as well as supplemental information such as a list of specifications.

Parameter Guide

The Parameter Guide is designed to answer the question, “What does this do?”

Organized by mode and page, the Parameter Guide includes information on each and every parameter in the KROME.

Voice Name List

The Voice Name List lists all of the sounds and setups that are in the KROME when it is shipped from the factory, including Programs, Combinations, Multisamples, Drumsamples, Drum Kits, Arpeggio Patterns, Drum Track Patterns, Template Songs, and Effect Presets.

PDF versions

The KROME PDF manuals are designed for easy navigation and searching. They include extensive PDF contents information, which generally appears on the side of the window in your PDF reader and lets you jump quickly to a specific section. All cross-references are hyper-links, so that clicking on them automatically takes you to the source of the reference.

Conventions in this manual

References to the KROME

The KROME is available in 88-key, 73-key, and 61-key models. The manuals refer to all models without distinction as “the KROME.” The front panel and rear panel illustrations in the manual show the 61-key model, but they apply identically to the other models.

Abbreviations for the manuals: QS, OG, PG, VNL

In the documentation, references to the manuals are abbreviated as follows.

QS: Quick Start Guide

OG: Operation Guide

PG: Parameter Guide

VNL: The Voice Name List

Symbols , , Note, Tips

These symbols respectively indicate a caution, a MIDIrelated explanation, a supplementary note, or a tip.

Example screen displays

The parameter values shown in the example screens of this manual are only for explanatory purposes, and may not necessary match the values that appear in the Display of your instrument.

MIDI-related explanations

CC# is an abbreviation for Control Change Number.

In explanations of MIDI messages, numbers in square brackets [ ] always indicate hexadecimal numbers.

What is REMs * ?

(Resonant structure and Electronic circuit

Modeling System) is Korg’s proprietary technology for

digitally recreating the numerous factors that produce and influence a sound, ranging from the soundproduction mechanisms of acoustic instruments and electric/electronic musical instruments, to the resonances of an instrument body or speaker cabinet, the sound field in which the instrument is played, the propagation route of the sound, the electrical and acoustic response of mics and speakers, and the changes produced by vacuum tubes and transistors.

* All product names and company names are the

trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

Introduction to the KROME . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Front and rear panels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Objects in the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Basic Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

About the KROME’s modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Basic operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Turning the power on/off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Connecting the AC adapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Turning the power on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Turning the power off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Audio connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Connecting a damper pedal, foot switch, or foot

pedal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Connecting the KROME to a computer. . . . . . . . . . . .20

Connecting MIDI devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Playing and editing Programs . . . . . . . . 21

Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Automatically importing a Program

into Sequence mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Playing and editing Combinations . . . .43

Playing combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Selecting Combinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Using controllers to modify the sound . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Performing with the arpeggiator or drum track . . . 45

Easy Combination editing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Changing the program of each timbre. . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Adjusting the mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Simple editing using the knobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Saving a Combination you’ve edited . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Detailed Editing with Combinations . . . . . . . . . . 47

A suggested approach for editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Restoring edited settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Layers, Splits, and Velocity Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

MIDI settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Altering Programs to fit within a Combination . . . . 51

Arpeggiator settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Drum Track settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Automatically importing a Combination

into Sequencer mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Playing Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Selecting Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Program information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Using Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Performing with the arpeggiator or drum track . . .26

Easy Program editing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Adjusting the EQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Adjusting the volume balance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Using realtime controls to edit the sound or effects .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Using Tone Adjust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Comparing the unedited sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Saving your edits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Detailed Editing with Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Before you start editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

An overview of the edit pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Basic oscillator settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Creating time-varying changes (LFO and EG) . . . . . .35

Diverse modulation settings (AMS and AMS mixer). .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Controlling Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Using Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Using the Amp section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Making controller assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Arpeggiator settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Drum Track settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Creating songs (Sequencer mode) . . . .53

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

About the KROME’s Sequencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Sequencer mode structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Transport control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Playing Songs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Playback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Preparations for recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Recording MIDI in real time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Step recording. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Recording multiple tracks from an external

sequencer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Recording System Exclusive events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Recording patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Other way to record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Song editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

MIDI tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Track view edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Piano Roll Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Creating an RPPR pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Creating RPPR data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

RPPR playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

iii

Table of Contents

Realtime-recording an RPPR performance . . . . . . . .72

Creating and playing a Cue List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Creating a cue list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Converting a cue list to a song. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Saving your song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Using Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

An overview of the KROME’s effects . . . . . . . . . . 77

Effect I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Effects in each mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Routing effect settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Program Effects settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Using effects in Combinations and Songs . . . . . . . . .81

Dynamic modulation, Common FX LFO . . . . . . . 82

Dynamic modulation (Dmod). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Common FX LFO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Arpeggiator function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Using the arpeggiator while you play . . . . . . . . 85

Using the arpeggiator in Program mode . . . . . . . . . .85

Using the arpeggiator in Combination mode. . . . . .88

Arpeggiator settings in Combination and Sequencer

modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Linking the arpeggiator to programs or

combinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Creating a user arpeggio pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Regarding arpeggiator synchronization. . . . . . . . . . .96

Drum Track function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Performing with the Drum Track function . . . . 97

Using the Drum Track function in Program mode .97 Using the Drum Track function in Combination mode

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Drum Track function settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Drum Track function settings in Program mode . 100 Drum Track function settings in Combination mode.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Drum Track function settings in Sequencer mode . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Synchronizing the Drum Track function. . . . . . . . . 102

Creating a Drum Track pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Pedal and other controller settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Creating user scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Setting Category Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Loading & saving data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Saving data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Saving data on the KROME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Writing to internal memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Editing names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Saving to SD card (Media–Save) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Using the KROME as a data filer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Loading data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Data that can be loaded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Loading data from SD card (Media–Load). . . . . . . .120

Media utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Formatting media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Setting the current time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Restoring the factory settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Loading the preloaded data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Audio output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Programs and Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Songs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Arpeggiator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Drum Track function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Drum Kits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

MIDI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Damper pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Connections with a computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Error messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Error and confirmation messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Operating requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

MIDI Implementation Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Using Drum Kits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Drum Kit Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Before you start editing… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Editing a Drum Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Adjusting Global KROME setings . . . . 109

How Global mode is structured . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Global settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Basic setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

MIDI Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Introduction to the KROME

* The diagram shown is for KROME-61

Front and rear panels

Front panel

1. Volume

VOLUME knob

This knob adjusts the volume of the AUDIO OUTPUT L/MONO, R outputs, as well as the volume of the headphone jack. (See page 15)

2. SW1, 2 and Joystick

8 9

(For details, please see “Using realtime controls to edit the sound or effects” on page 28.)

11 10

13 14

4. Arpeggiator

ARP button

This button turns the arpeggiator on/off. The button will be lit if the arpeggiator is on. (See page 85)

SW1 and SW2

These buttons are used to control the programs or effect parameters, or to turn the joystick lock function on/off. (See page 24)

Joystick

You can control synthesis parameters or effect parameters by moving the joystick up/down/left/right. (See page 24)

3. REALTIME CONTROLS

These realtime controllers consist of four knobs and one button. You can use them to do the following things.

• Control the sound and effects of programs and combinations

• Control the arpeggiator

SELECT button, knobs 1–4

Use the SELECT button to select the functions controlled by knobs 1–4. By using knobs 1–4 you can control the sound, effects, and arpeggiator.

(For details, please see “Realtime control knobs” on page 25.)

5. DRUM TRACK

DRUM TRACK button

This button turns the Drum Track function on or off.

This button also indicates the operating state of the drum track. (Unlit: off, Blinking: waiting for trigger, Lit: on. See page 97.)

6. Effect buttons

MASTER FX button TOTAL FX button

These buttons turn the master effect and total effect on/ off. When the button is on (LED lit), the effect settings of the program, combination, or song will be enabled. When the button is off (LED unlit), the corresponding effect will be off.

The on/off status of these buttons is remembered even when you switch programs, combinations, or songs. (See page 110)

Introduction to the KROME

7. Display

Display

The TouchView display features simple touch control and selection of numerous features and parameters. (See page 4)

8. Mode

COMBI, PROG, SEQ, GLOBAL, MEDIA buttons

KROME has five different modes, each one is optimized for a specific set of functions.

Press one of these buttons to enter the corresponding mode.

For more details, please see “Selecting modes” on page 9.

9. PROG/COMBI BANK

A, B, C, D, E, F buttons

These buttons select program banks A–F and combination banks A–D (see page 21, and page 44). You can also use these buttons to select the bank of timbre programs in a combination, or the bank of track programs in a song (see page 46, and page 57).

If you want to select a GM bank, use the numeric keys (see page 22) or the Bank/Program Select menu (see page 22).

12. Save (Write)

WRITE button

Use this button to save programs, combinations, global settings, drum kits, or arpeggio patterns to internal memory (see page 9).

You’ll also use this button to save songs to media (see page 75).

When you press this button in the appropriate mode or page, a Write dialog box will appear. Press the button once again to save the data.

13. Sequencer

The buttons in this section are used for operations in Sequencer mode, such as recording and playback (see page 54). The REC () button is also used to save a program or combination, or when using the Auto Song Setup function (see page 59).

PAUSE ( ) button REW ( ) button FF ( ) button LOCATE ( ) button REC ( ) button START/STOP ( ) button

14. TEMPO controls

10. VALUE controllers

Use these controllers to edit the parameter that’s selected in the display.

INC and DEC buttons VALUE dial 0–9, –, ., and ENTER buttons

Together, these controls specify and confirm the value of the selected parameter. (See page 10)

COMPARE button

Compares your current edited sound to the sound before it was edited.

For more details, please see “Compare function” on page 11.

11. PAGE SELECT, EXIT

PAGE button

When you press this button, a list of the pages within the selected mode will appear in the display. Press the button of the desired page. (See page 9)

EXIT button

Press this button to return to the main page of the current mode. (See page 9)

TEMPO knob

This knob adjusts the tempo of the arpeggiator, drum track, or internal sequencer.

TEMPO LED

This LED will blink at quarter-note intervals of the current tempo.

TAP button

By pressing (or tapping) this button on the beat, you can enter the tempo used by the arpeggiator, drum track, or internal sequencer (see page 25).

15. Headphone

Headphone jack

Connect your headphones here.

This jack will output the same signal as the AUDIO OUTPUT L/MONO and R jacks.

The headphone volume is controlled by the VOLUME knob.

Rear panel

456

Front and rear panels Rear panel

1. Power supply

Be sure to see “Turning the power on” on page 15 and follow the correct procedure described there.

Note: The KROME has an auto power-off function that automatically turns off the power when the keyboard or front panel buttons have not been used for a certain length of time. With the factory settings, this is set to 4 hours (see “Auto power-off function” on page 16).

Power switch

This switch turns the power on/off. (See page 15)

AC adapter connector

The included AC adapter is connected here. (See page 15)

Connections must be made with the power turned off. Please be aware that careless operation may damage your speaker system or cause malfunctions.

Cable hook

Use this to secure the cable of the included AC adapter. After connecting the AC adapter, loop the cable around the hook located on the KROME’s rear panel so that the cable won’t get pulled out inadvertently. Leave enough slack on the plug end so that you can disconnect it if you want to. (See page 15)

Be careful not to bend the base of the plug any more than necessary.

3. PEDALS

You can connect a damper pedal, foot switch, and foot pedal to these jacks. This gives you a broader range of functions and effects to control. (See page 18)

ASSIGNABLE PEDAL jack ASSIGNABLE SWITCH jack DAMPER jack

4. MIDI

MIDI lets you connect the KROME to a computer or other MIDI devices, for sending and receiving notes, controller gestures, sound settings, and so on. (See page 20)

MIDI IN connector MIDI OUT connector

5. SD

SD card slot

You can insert an SD card here, and use it to save/load KROME programs, combinations, or song data. (See page 118)

6. USB

2. AUDIO OUTPUTS

AUDIO OUTPUT L/MONO & R jack

These are the stereo audio outputs. Use the VOLUME knob to adjust the volume. (See page 17)

USB connector (for connecting to computer)

You can connect your computer to this connector. Using a single USB cable, your KROME can send and receive MIDI information directly to and from a computer, without requiring a MIDI interface. (See page 20)

Note: The USB connector of the KROME is only able to transmit and receive MIDI data.

Introduction to the KROME

h: Toggle buttons

b: Current page

e: Edit cell

g: Check boxes

i: Popup button (1)

j: Popup button (2)

k: Menu command button

a: Mode button l: Stopwatch button

f: Sliders and knobs c: Tabd: Parameters

When selected in Program, Combination, or Sequencer mode

When selected in Global or Media mode

Mode button Page number and name

Tab nam e

Objects in the display

c: Tab

Most pages are divided into two or more tabs.

The KROME uses Korg’s TouchView graphical user interface.

By pressing or dragging objects shown in the display, you can select programs or combinations, or edit parameter values. Here we’ll explain the names and functions of these objects.

a: Mode button

This indicates the mode that’s currently selected.

When you press this button, the Mode menu will appear. In the mode menu, press the name of the mode that you want to move. If you select the currently selected mode, the Page Select menu for that mode will appear. Even in another mode, pressing the right side of the name will display the Page Select menu for each mode.

To close the menu, press the Close button or the EXIT button.

If you access this menu from Global or Media mode, it will include an item named Return. If you press Return, you will return to the mode where you were before selecting Global or Media mode.

d: Parameters

The parameters for various settings are shown in the display.

e: Edit cell

When you touch a parameter in the display, the parameter or parameter value will usually be highlighted (displayed in reverse highlighting). This is called the edit cell, and the highlighted item will be available for editing.

Use a value controller such as the VALUE dial (see page 2) to edit the value.

Alternatively, you can edit the value by pressing the edit cell and using your finger to drag in the direction of the triangles that appear. (The shading of the triangles will change in three levels; this function will become available when the darkest shading is reached.)

In addition, you can display the edit pad by pressing twice in succession on the edit cell, or by holding it down for a time and then releasing it (see page 6).

f: Sliders and knobs

To edit the value of an object shaped like a slider or knob, press it to move the edit cell. For details on how to edit the value, please see “e: Edit cell,” above.

The parameter will be active if it is checked, and inactive if it is unchecked.

Mode menu

b: Current page

This indicates the current page within the selected mode.

Beginning on the left, this area shows the mode button, page number: name, and tab name.

g: Check boxes

The presence or absence of a check mark in these boxes will enable/disable parameters or functions. Putting a check mark in the box will enable the item, and clearing the check mark will disable it.

h: Toggle buttons

This type of button will change its function or switch on/off each time it is pressed.

Play/Rec/Mute button (Sequencer mode)

Solo On/Off button (Sequencer mode)

On/Off button for Effect

Front and rear panels Objects in the display

Press here to scroll to left or right.

Press here and slide to left or right to scroll to the desired location.

Press here to scroll to the corresponding location.

Menu command button

Tex t ed it b utt on

Cancel button OK button

i: Popup button (1)

When this button is pressed, a popup menu will appear, showing the parameter values that are available for selection.

To enter the parameter value, press the desired value in the popup menu.

* Popup menu

This switches the popup menu display between locked and unlocked.

When locked, the pin will be shown closed, and the popup menu will remain displayed even after you press a parameter value. When unlocked, the pin will be shown opened, and the popup menu will close immediately when you press a parameter value.

j: Popup button (2)

When you press this button, a tabbed menu will appear.

To close a tabbed menu, press the OK button or Cancel button.

Scroll bar

Use this when you need to see parameter values that extend beyond what can be shown in the display at one time.

* Dialog box

When you select a menu command, you’ll see a screen containing the settings needed to execute the command. This is called a dialog box. The dialog box that appears will depend on the menu command that you select. Some commands, such as Exclusive Solo, do not display a dialog box.

* Text edit button

When you press this button, the text edit dialog box appears for changing the names of Programs, Combinations, Songs, etc. For details, please see “Editing names” on page 117.

Character Set Selects

Text

Cursor

the type of character.

Character buttons

k: Menu command button

* Menu

When this button is pressed, a list of menu commands will appear.

The menu commands that appear will differ depending on the selected page.

You can also select up to ten menu commands by holding down the ENTER button and pressing a numeric key 0–9. The menu will close when you press the display in a location other than the menu, or when you press the EXIT button.

Shift button Switches between uppercase and lowercase

Cursor buttons Move the cursor to left or right.

Space button Insert a space at the cursor location.

Delete button Deletes the character to the left of the cursor.

Clear button Delete all characters of the text.

Cancel button, OK button If you are satised with the text that you input, press the OK button. If you wish to discard your input and exit the text edit box, press the Cancel button.

characters.

* OK and Cancel buttons

After performing other operations in the dialog box, you can execute the command by pressing the OK button. To cancel without executing, press the Cancel button. (The operation will occur when you press and release the button.) The dialog box will close.

The EXIT button corresponds to the Cancel button, Done button, and Exit button.

* Done, Copy, and Insert buttons

There are buttons which perform function when they are pressed and released, such as Done, Copy, and Insert (similar to the OK and Cancel buttons explained under “* Dialog box,” above).

l: Stopwatch button

When you press the button on the upper right of the display, the time elapsed since power-on will be displayed. You can use the START/STOP button and RESET button to measure elapsed time. This is

Introduction to the KROME

m: Radio buttons

Numerical input pad Calculator

convenient when you want to check the time during a live performance or rehearsal, or to determine the approximate playback time of a song.

• START/STOP: Starts or stops the stopwatch

• RESET: Returns the time to 000:00:00

m: Radio buttons

Press a radio button to select one value from two or more choices.

* Edit pad

Numerical input pad / calculator

If you press an edit cell, slider, or knob twice in quick succession, a pad for inputting numbers or using a calculator will appear. The various buttons have the following functions.

• OPERATION DIRECT/CALCULATE: Switches between numerical input pad and calculator.

• CE (clear entry): Clears the currently-input number.

• Ent: Enters the number from the pad into the parameter, and closes the pad.

• RECALL: Copies the parameter value into the pad.

•Close: Closes the pad.

Value slider / Wheel pad

When you hold down an edit cell, slider, or knob for a while and then release it, the wheel/value slider will appear.

To change the value, drag the wheel/slider pad.

SLIDER

WHEEL

Note: If you don’t want the edit pad to appear, clear the “Value Edit Pop-up” check box in the menu found in Global P0: Basic Setup– System Preferences (see page 111).

* EG, Velocity Split

You can change the values of a EG or velocity split object by dragging in the display.

Note: Some parameters cannot use the calculator function.

Bank and number select pad

If you press twice in succession on Program Select, Combination Select, or Timbre Select, the bank and number select pad will appear.

Bank and number select pad

• BANK: Selects the program or combination bank.

• For other functions, see “Numerical input pad.”

* Realtime control popup

When you use a REALTIME CONTROLS knob, a popup will indicate the function that’s being controlled and its value. A certain length of time after you stop using the knob, this popup will close automatically. If you press the popup while it’s displayed, it will stay visible, allowing you to enter the value using a value controller such as the numeric keys.

Note: If you don’t want the realtime control popup to appear, clear the “REALTIME CONTROL Pop-Up” check box in the menu located in Global P0: Basic Setup– System Preferences.

Basic Information

About the KROME’s modes

The KROME has numerous functions that let you play and edit programs or combinations, record and play back sequence data, and manage media. These functions are grouped into “modes.” The KROME has five modes.

Program mode

Programs are the basic sounds of KROME.

In Program mode, you can:

• Select and play Programs.

• Use one arpeggiator in your performance.

• Play back Drum Track patterns while you perform using a Program.

•Edit Programs

You can use the realtime controls and the Tone Adjust function to easily edit the program.

You can adjust the parameters and settings of the oscillators, filters, amps, EGs, LFOs, effects, arpeggiator, drum track, etc.

You can use up to five insert effects, two master effects, and one total effect.

Plus, you can create drum programs using drum kits (as created in Global mode).

Basic Information About the KROME’s modes

Sequencer mode

Sequencer mode lets you record, playback, and edit MIDI tracks. You can:

• Use the sixteen-track MIDI sequencer to record and play back songs.

Record a single MIDI track at a time, or record as many as all sixteen tracks simultaneously. You can also record exclusive messages.

• Use multiple tracks to record and play back performances generated by two arpeggiators.

• Use one or more tracks to play back the patterns in the drum track.

• Edit songs.

• Use the KROME as a 16-part multi-timbral sound module.

• GM/GM2 playback is also supported.

• Use the Tone Adjust function to easily edit the program of each track.

• Use up to five insert effects, two master effects, and one total effect.

• Record patterns and assign them to individual keys, using RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/ Recording).

• Create a Cue List that will play back multiple songs in the order that you specify.

• Create user Drum Track patterns.

Combination mode

Combinations are sets of up to 16 programs that can be played simultaneously, letting you create sounds that are more complex than a single Program. In Combination mode, you can:

• Select and play Combinations.

• Use multiple timbres to play arpeggio patterns generated by two arpeggiators.

• Use one or more timbres to play back the patterns in the drum track.

• Use the KROME as a 16-track multitimbral tone generator.

• Edit Combinations

You can use the tone adjust function to easily edit the program of each timbre.

You can assign Programs to each of the 16 Timbres, each with separate volume, pan, EQ, and keyboard and velocity zones; make settings for effects, arpeggiator, drum track.

Plus, you can use up to five insert effects, two master effects, and one total effect.

Global mode

Global mode lets you adjust overall settings for the entire KROME, and edit drum kits, arpeggio patterns. In Global mode, you can:

• Adjust settings that affect the entire KROME, such as master tune and global MIDI channel.

• Create user scales.

• Create drum kits using drumsamples.

• Create user arpeggio patterns.

• Rename program, and combination categories.

• Set the function of the assignable pedals and assignable buttons.

• Transmit MIDI System Exclusive data dumps.

Media mode

You can save or load data using an SD card. In Media mode, you can:

• Save and load Programs, Combinations, Songs, and Global setup data.

• Format SD card, copy and rename files, etc.

• Perform file operations such as copying data to or from media.

• Export and import sequences to and from SMF (Standard MIDI Files).

• Use the Data Filer function to save or load MIDI System Exclusive data.

Introduction to the KROME

IFX 1

IFX 5

MFX 1

MFX 2

TFX

Insert / Master / Total Eect

TRACK 1

TRACK 8

TRACK 2

TRACK 3

TRACK 4

TRACK 5

TRACK 6

TRACK 7

PROGRAM

TRACK 9

TRACK 16

TRACK 10

TRACK 11

TRACK 12

TRACK 13

TRACK 14

TRACK 15

PROGRAM

Arpeggiator B

Arpeggiator A

Drum Track

IFX 1

IFX 5

MFX 1

MFX 2

TFX

Insert / Master / Total Eect

TIMBRE 1

TIMBRE 8

TIMBRE 2

TIMBRE 3

TIMBRE 4

TIMBRE 5

TIMBRE 6

TIMBRE 7

PROGRAM

TIMBRE 9

TIMBRE 16

TIMBRE 10

TIMBRE 11

TIMBRE 12

TIMBRE 13

TIMBRE 14

TIMBRE 15

PROGRAM

Arpeggiator

Arpeggiator B

Arpeggiator A

IFX 1

IFX 5

MFX 1

MFX 2

TFX

Insert / Master / Total Eect

MIDI TRACK 1...16

PCG / SNG

PCG

DrumTrack

DRUMS PROGRAM

ARPEGGIO PATTERN

Preset Drum T rack Pattern

User Drum Track Pattern

Preset Pattern: P0 - 4

User Pattern

OSC 1

PITCH1

FILTER1

AMP1/

DRIVER1

OSC 2

PITCH2

FILTER2

AMP2/

DRIVER2

Multisample 1

Drum Kit

Multisample 5

Multisample 2 Multisample 6

Multisample 3 Multisample 7

Multisample 4 Multisample 8

Multisample 1

Drum Kit

Multisample 5

Multisample 2 Multisample 6

Multisample 3 Multisample 7

Multisample 4 Multisample 8

Key Assign

DRUM KIT

Drumsample 1

Drumsample 5

Drumsample 2

Drumsample 6

Drumsample 3

Drumsample 7

Drumsample 4

Drumsample 8

GLOBAL MODE

PROGRAM

COMBINATION

SEQUENCER

DRUM KIT

MEDIA MODE

ARPEGGIO PATTERN

Relational diagram of the KROME’s modes

Basic operations

After you’ve turned on the KROME, here’s how to perform basic operations, such as selecting modes and pages.

Selecting modes

In order to use a particular function on the KROME, you must first select the appropriate mode.

• Press one of the front panel mode buttons to enter the corresponding mode.

COMBI button: Combination mode PROG button: Program mode SEQ button: Sequencer mode GLOBAL button: Global mode MEDIA button: Media mode

• Alternatively, you can press the Mode button located in the upper left of the display, and select the desired mode from a menu (see page 4).

For a summary of each mode, please see “About the KROME’s modes” on page 7.

Note: The selected mode is shown in the upper left of the display, and also indicated by the lit status of one of the above mode buttons.

Note: By pressing the GLOBAL or MEDIA button twice, you can select the previously-selected mode (Combination, Program, or Sequencer).

Basic Information Basic operations

2. Press the button for the page that you want to view.

P0: Play is the page you’ll normally use when performing on the KROME. (The same is true in Program mode.) Editing is done in other pages.

As an example here, try selecting “P4 Zone/Delay.” The P4: Zone/Delay– Key Z T01–08 page will appear.

Selecting page group and tabs

Each mode has a large number of parameters, which are grouped into pages. These pages are further subdivided by tabs; with up to twelve tabs per page.

• Make sure that the desired mode is selected.

For this explanation we’ll use Combination mode as an example.

Selecting a page group

Moving by selecting a page group

The Page Select screen shows a list of the page groups within each mode. Select the desired page group from this list.

1. Press the PAGE button.

Alternatively, you can access the mode menu and press the mode button, and then press the right side of the menu (see page 4).

The page select menu will appear.

The page where you were immediately before pressing the PAGE button is shown in a darker color for your reference.

Note: The page that appears will be showing the tab that you most recently selected.

Using the PAGE button plus the numeric keys 0–9 to access different pages

• Hold down the PAGE button and use the numeric keys 0–9 to specify the page number that you want to view.

The specified page number will appear. The page that appears will be showing the tab that you most recently selected.

Note: In pages consisting of multiple pages such as P5– 1, P5–2, P8–1, and P8–2, the first page (P5–1, or P8–1) will be selected.

Using the EXIT button to move between pages

If you’re in a page other than page 0 (e.g., Prog P0: Play) of each mode, pressing this button will take you to page 0.

This button makes it easy to return to the main page of the current mode:

• Press it once to go to the previously-selected tab on the main P0: Play page (Play/REC page in Sequencer mode).

• Press it again to go to the first tab on the main P0: Play page (such as the main Program Play page). If you had previously selected a parameter on this page, that parameter will be selected.

• Press it a third time to select the main parameter on the P0: Play page, such as the Program name in Program mode.

Introduction to the KROME

When a dialog box is open, this button cancels the settings made in the dialog box and closes the dialog box, just like pressing the Cancel button.

If a popup menu or menu is open, pressing EXIT closes the menu.

Selecting pages

• You can access tabbed pages by pressing the tabs shown in the bottom line of the display.

This example shows the Program T01–08 page through Mixer T01–08 page of Combi P0: Play.

Selecting a parameter and editing the value

1. Press the parameter that you want to edit.

2. If you select an edit cell, the display will be highlighted. Edit the value.

• The way that the value will change depends on the type of parameter or object. (See “Objects in the display” on page 4.)

The value in the edit cell can be edited by using the value controllers (VALUE dial, INC/DEC buttons, numeric keys 0–9, – button, (.) button, ENTER button, etc.).

3. You can use knobs 1–4 to edit parameters that are assigned to the realtime controls.

Note:

You can use the COMPARE button to compare the

sound you’re editing with the original unedited sound.

INC/DEC buttons

Use these when you wish to make small changes in the value.

VALUE dial

Use this dial to edit the selected parameter’s value. This control is convenient when you want to scroll through a very long list of selections.

Numeric keys 0–9, ENTER button, – button, (.) button

These buttons are convenient when you know the exact value that you want to enter. Use the 0–9, –, and decimal (.) buttons to enter the value, and then press the ENTER button to confirm the entry.

The – button inverts the sign (+/–) of the parameter value; the decimal (.) button inserts a decimal, for entering fractional values.

Note: When selecting “Program Select” (see page 21), you can select a GM bank by holding down the 0 button and pressing the (.), 1–9, or – buttons.

Functions that use the ENTER button in conjunction with another button

ENTER has a few special functions when it is pressed in combination with other buttons.

By holding down the ENTER button while you press a numeric key (0–9), you can select up to ten menu commands from within the current page.

While a dialog box is displayed, the ENTER button corresponds to the OK button. (The EXIT button corresponds to the Cancel button.)

In Sequencer mode, you can hold down the ENTER button and press the LOCATE ( ) button to use the menu command Set Location.

Other

Specifying a program bank or combination bank

PROG BANK A, B, C, D, E, F/ COMBI BANK A, B, C, D buttons

Use these buttons to change banks when selecting Programs or Combinations. The LEDs in the buttons light up to show the current bank.

In Program mode, these buttons select the Program bank.

In Combination mode, these buttons have two functions:

• When you’re selecting Combinations, they choose the Combination bank.

• When you’re assigning a Program to a timbre within the Combination, they select the Program bank.

In Sequencer mode, when a track’s Program name is selected, these buttons change the Program bank.

Using the keyboard to enter a note number or velocity value

By playing a key while pressing a parameter that specifies a note number (such as G4 or C#2) or a velocity value, you can directly enter that note number or velocity value. (This is not available in menu command dialog boxes.)

Tempo input TEMPO knob, TAP button

You can set the tempo by turning the TEMPO knob or by repeatedly pressing the TAP button.

COMPARE button

You can use this button to return the settings of an edited program, combination, or song to their original state. Refer to the following section.

Basic Information Basic operations

Menu command button

Compare function

Program, Combination mode

Use this when you wish to compare the edits you have made to a program or combination’s sound with the un-edited original (i.e., the sound that is written into memory).

When editing a program or combination, press this button. The LED will light up, and the last-written settings for that program or combination number will be recalled. When you press the COMPARE button once again, the LED will go dark and you will return to the settings that you were editing.

1. When editing a program or combination, press this button.

The LED will light up, and the last-written settings for that program number or combination number will be recalled.

2. Press the COMPARE button once again.

Note: The LED will go dark and you will return to the settings that you were editing.

If you edit the settings that are recalled by pressing the COMPARE button (i.e., the settings that are written into memory), the LED will go dark, and it will not be possible to return to the previous edits by pressing the COMPARE button again.

Sequencer mode

In Sequencer mode, you can use the COMPARE button to make “before and after” comparisons immediately after using realtime recording or step recording to record a song, or after performing an edit on a track.

For example, this can be used effectively when realtime-recording a MIDI track for a song.

1. Realtime-record a MIDI track. (Take 1)

2. Once again, realtime-record on the same track. (Take 2)

3. Press the COMPARE button. The LED will light up, and take 1 will be recalled.

4. Press the COMPARE button once again. The LED will go dark, and take 2 will be recalled.

5. If at step 3 you once again realtime-record on the same track (take 3), the Compare function will now be referencing take 1.

6. If at step 4 you once again realtime-record on the same track (take 3), the Compare function will be referencing take 2.

In this way, the Compare function lets you recall the previous recording or the previous state of event editing.

Note: If you continue editing when the COMPARE button is lit, the button will go dark. This now becomes the musical data that will be selected when the COMPARE button is dark.

Selecting and executing menu commands

The menu commands provide commands that are specific to each page, such as Write (save) or Copy. The available menu commands will depend on the selected page.

For example, the menu commands in Program mode let you write (save) the settings, or let you perform convenient editing operations such as copying settings between oscillators or effects, or a Sync function that lets you edit two EGs together.

1. On the upper right side of the display, press the button.

The menu command will appear.

2. Select a menu command by touching it with your finger.

A dialog box for the selected menu command will appear.

Check-type commands will not display a dialog box; their status will be switched, and the list will close.

By holding down the ENTER button and pressing a numeric key 0–9 you can access the dialog box for the first ten menu commands without going through the menu.

• If you want to close the list without selecting a command, press the display somewhere other than the list, or press the EXIT button.

3. For a parameter in a dialog box, select it by pressing it with your finger, and use the VALUE controllers (e.g., VALUE dial or INC/DEC buttons) to enter its value.

When selecting a program or combination number in a dialog box, you can also use the BANK button to enter the bank as an alternative to using the VALUE controllers.

4. To execute, press the OK button or the ENTER button.

If you decide not to execute, press the Cancel or the EXIT button.

The dialog box will close.

Global mode

The Compare function that brings back the settings prior to editing is not available in Global mode.

Introduction to the KROME

Writing/saving

After editing, you should write or save your changes as necessary.

For example if you’ve edited a program, your changes will be lost if you select another program or turn off the power. The same applies to a combination.

Settings you edit in Global mode and songs will be remembered as long as the power is on, but your changes will be lost when you turn off the power, unless you write these changes into memory.

• You can write or save by pressing the WRITE button twice.

For more details on the Write operations, see the following pages.

•Programs  p.30

• Combinations  p.47

• Effect presets  PG p.67

• Global settings (pages 0–4)  p.116

•Drum kits  p.116

• User arpeggio pattern  p.116

• User Drum Track patterns  p.103 Preset/user Drum Track patterns are saved in internal memory even when the power is turned off. Patterns that you create in Sequencer mode can be converted into user Drum Track patterns and saved in internal memory.

• User template songs  PG p.164 Preset/user template songs are saved in internal memory even when the power is turned off. Track settings and effect settings of a song you create can be saved in internal memory by using the menu command Save Template Song.

• For details on writing to internal memory  p.115

Refer to the following pages for more information about saving.

• Saving a song  p.75

• Saving to media (Media– Save)  p.118

Note: On the KROME, the action of writing to internal memory is called “Write,” and the action of saving to an SD card device is called “Save.”

Assigning a name (renaming)

You can edit the name of an edited program, combination, song, drum kit, or arpeggio pattern.

You can also change the names of the program and combination categories.

For details, please see “Editing names” on page 117.

Shortcuts

Selecting a GM bank program

• Bank GM: Hold down the 0 numeric key and press –.

• Banks g(1)–g(9): Hold down the 0 numeric key and press 1–9.

• Bank g(d): Hold down the numeric key 0 and press (.).

Moving between pages within a mode

•By holding down the PAGE button and pressing a numeric key 0–9 you can jump to the corresponding page.

Access the menu commands in each page (up to ten items)

• By holding down the ENTER button and pressing a numeric key 0–9.

Input note number values or velocity values

• While holding down the edit cell in the display, press a note on the keyboard. Alternatively, select the edit cell in the display, and then hold down the ENTER button and press a note on the keyboard.

Note: You can also use a MIDI note-on message instead of the keyboard.

Note: While a dialog box is displayed, the ENTER button will perform the same function as the OK button. This means that you can’t use this method to enter a note number or velocity value in a dialog box that contains an OK button.

Specifying the location in a song

In Sequencer mode, sets the current location as the Location (equivalent to the Set Location menu command)

• Hold down the ENTER button and press the LOCATE ( ) button.

ENTER button

• While a dialog box is displayed, this button performs the same function as the OK button.

EXIT button

This button makes it easy to return to the main page of the current mode:

1. Press it once to go to the previously selected tab on the main P0 page.

2. Press the EXIT button. You will move to the previously selected parameter of the P0 top page (Prog: Main, Combi/Seq: Program T01–08).

3. Press the EXIT button. You will move to the following parameter of the P0 top page.

Prog: Program Select Combi: Combination Select Seq: Song Select

In any page of Program or Combination mode, pressing EXIT a maximum of two times will immediately allow you to use the numeric keys or INC/DEC buttons to select programs or combinations. In Sequencer mode, pressing EXIT a maximum of three times will allow you to select a song.

EXIT button (in dialog boxes)

When a dialog box is displayed, this has the same function as the Cancel, Done, or Exit button.

Initialize the KROME

• With the power off, press the power switch while holding down the EXIT button and PAGE button. (While data is being loaded, the display will indicate “Now writing into internal Memory.”) The result will be the same as when you’ve executed Load Preload/Demo Data All. (See page 125)

Basic Information Basic operations

Introduction to the KROME

Setup

Power switch

4: Cable hook

AC adapter

When fastening the cable to the cable hook, take care not to bend this portion any more than necessary.

3: Power cord for AC adapter

1: Power

supply jack

2: Plug into AC outlet.

Turning the power on/off

Connecting the AC adapter

1. Make sure that the KROME is powered-off.

2. Connect the DC plug of the included AC adapter to the power supply jack on the KROME’s rear panel.

You must use only the included AC adapter. Using any other AC adapter might cause malfunctions.

3. Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

4. Plug the power cord into an AC outlet.

Be sure to use an AC outlet of the correct voltage for your adapter.

5. Use the KROME’s cable hook to fasten the cable so that the DC plug does not become accidentally disconnected.

AC adapter connections

If the auto power-off function is enabled, the time until auto power-off turns off the power will be shown when the system starts up. If this dialog box does not appear, the auto power-off function is disabled; the power will not turn off automatically (see “Auto power-off function” on page 16).

Turning the power on

1. Turn the KROME’s VOLUME knob all the way to the left so that the volume is down.

If external equipment such as powered monitor speakers are connected, lower their volume as well, and then turn off their power.

2. Press the power switch on the KROME’s rear panel to turn the power on.

The display will show the model name and software version. (The illustration shows the screen that will appear with the factory settings. This may change without notice.)

3. Turn on the power of the external equipment that’s connected to the KROME’s AUDIO OUTPUT L/ MONO and R jacks, such as powered monitor speakers.

4. Use the KROME’s VOLUME knob and the volume controls of your external equipment to adjust the volume to a suitable level.

Note: The page that appears when you turn on the power will depend on the Power-On Mode setting (see page 110).

Turning the power off

When you turn off the power, unsaved data will be lost. Be sure to save any important data such as edited sounds or global settings (see page 12).

If the KROME’s auto power-off function is enabled, its power will automatically turn off if there has been no user input for a certain length of time. Unsaved data will be lost even if the power is turned off by the auto power-off function.

1. Turn the KROME’s VOLUME knob all the way to the left so that the volume is lowered.

2. If external equipment such as powered monitor speakers are connected, lower their volume and then turn off their power.

Setup

3. Press the power switch on the KROME’s rear panel to turn the power off.

The KROME’s internal data may be damaged if the power is turned off while data is being written into internal memory, such as during a Save operation. Never turn off the power while processing is being performed. The following message is displayed while data is being written into internal memory. “Now writing into internal memory” If writing to internal memory could not be completed successfully, the KROME will automatically repair the internal memory by initializing it the next time you turn on the power. This is not a malfunction. If this occurs, the following message will appear in the display; press the OK button. The internal memory has been corrupted, likely due to an interruption of power while the system was writing/saving data. This has been repaired and the affected Bank has been initialized.

A small amount of electrical power is used even when the power is off (STANDBY). If you won’t be using the KROME for an extended period, turn off the power and unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.

Auto power-off function

1. While this message is displayed, press the Change Setting button in the dialog box.

The following dialog box will appear.

2. Press the popup button to select the length of time after which the power will turn off. If you don’t want the power to turn off automatically, choose the Disabled setting.

Changing the setting during operation

1. Press the GLOBAL button. (Alternatively, press the mode button and choose GLOBAL.)

2. Press the EXIT button to access P0: Basic Setup.

3. Press the System Pref. tab to access the System Preferences page.

4. In “Auto Power-Off,” specify the amount of time when you want the power to turn off. If you don’t want the auto power-off function to automatically turn off the power, choose the Disabled setting.

The KROME supports an auto power-off function that automatically turns off the power when the keyboard or front panel buttons certain length of time.

* Usage of the VOLUME knob is not included.

Note: With the factory settings, the time until automatic power-off will be approximately four hours.

When the power turns off, the settings you had been editing will be lost. Make sure that you save important settings before this occurs.

(*)

have not been used for a

Changing the auto power-off setting

If you want to change the setting so that the power does not turn off automatically, proceed as follows to disable the auto power-off function.

Making the change in the dialog box immediately after start-up

If the auto power-off function is enabled so that the power will turn off automatically, the dialog box will appear immediately after start-up, indicating the time until automatic power-off will occur.

Auto power-off warning message

When the specified length of time has elapsed without any user input on the KROME, a message will appear, warning you that the auto power-off function is about to turn off the power.

If you want to continue using the system, press the keyboard, a button, or the display. The Auto power-off function will be reset. If the same specified length of time elapses with no user input, the same message will appear again.

Connections

USB

DAMPER

ASSIGNABLE PEDAL

ASSIGNABLE SWITCH

INPUT

MIDI IN

MIDI IN MIDI OUT

MIDI OUT

R L/MONO

AUDIO OUTPUT

Computer

Analog audio output

Powere d monitors, etc.

Connections to MIDI equipment

Pedal connections etc.

MIDI cable

AC adapter power supply connector

Power cab le (Included)

to an AC outlet

Connecting the AC adapter

Connections to computers

MIDI keyboard

Connections must be made with the power turned off. Please be aware that careless usage may damage your speaker system or cause malfunctions.

Connections Turning the power off

Setup

L/MONO

INPUT

PHONES

Powered monitor speakers

Headphones

Audio connections

The KROME does not contain built-in speakers. In order to hear the sound of your performance, you’ll need to connect audio equipment such as powered monitors, a mixer, a stereo set or headphones.

Connecting audio equipment

The KROME’s audio output is designed to produce a signal level that is higher than consumer audio equipment such as CD players. For this reason, performing at high a volume may damage your speakers or equipment. Please use caution when adjusting the volume.

1. Minimize the volume of all connected equipment, and turn off the power.

2. Connect the KROME’s OUTPUT L/MONO and R jacks to the input jacks of your powered monitor speakers or mixer.

Note: If you connect only the L/MONO jack, the L and R sound will be mixed for monaural output. In order to take full advantage of the KROME’s capabilities, we recommend that you listen in stereo. If you’re playing back through your stereo audio system or a cassette-radio that has external input connectors, connect the KROME to the jacks that are marked LINE IN, AUX IN, or external input. (You might need to obtain the appropriate adapter plug or conversion cable.)

Connecting headphones

Using headphones at high volume for an extended time may cause hearing damage. Please avoid excessively high volume levels.

1. Connect the stereo mini-plug of your headphones to the KROME’s Headphone jack.

2. Use the VOLUME knob to adjust the headphone volume.

The KROME’s Headphone jack will output the same signal as the OUTPUT L/MONO and R jacks.

The output from the OUTPUT jack is not turned off even if headphones are connected to the Headphone jack.

Connecting a damper pedal, foot switch, or foot pedal

If you connect an optional damper pedal, foot switch, or foot pedal to the KROME, you’ll be able to control the KROME using your feet.

Connecting a damper pedal

When you press the damper pedal, the notes you’ve pressed will be sustained so that they will continue even after you take your hands off the keyboard. This is also called a sustain pedal; it has the same function as the damper pedal of an acoustic piano.

If the optional Korg DS-1H damper is connected, you’ll be able to take advantage of the “half-damper” effect, where the depth that you press the pedal will vary the damper amount. If any other type of pedal is connected, it will function as a damper switch.

In Combination or Sequencer mode, you can also select settings so that the damper will apply to some sounds but not to other sounds.

1. Connect a Korg DS-1H damper pedal to the ASSIGNABLE PEDAL/SW1/DAMPER jack.

2. Depending on which assignable jack you have connected the pedal to, set the controller type (Type) to Damper, and set the Polarity as appropriate (see page 202 of the Parameter Guide).

Note: The half-damper sensitivity is adjusted to a standard value when the KROME is shipped from the factory. If the half-damper pedal you’re using does not respond appropriately, please adjust the sensitivity (see page 217 of the Parameter Guide).

Connecting a foot switch

This lets you use a simple foot switch, such as the Korg PS-1 or PS-3, as an assignable controller. The foot switch can perform a wide variety of functions, such as:

• An assignable source for modulating sounds and effects

• Portamento on/off

• Program select up or down

• Sequencer start/stop or punch in/out

• Tap Tempo

Connections Connecting a damper pedal, foot switch, or foot pedal

•Arpeggiator on/off

• Switch the Drum Track on/off

• Use various KROME controls (realtime control knobs, joystick, SW1/SW2, etc.)

This button will always function in the same way regardless of the Program, Combination, or Song you’ve selected. You can assign the function in the Global mode.

Using a foot switch to select Programs

You can select programs by using a foot switch connected to the ASSIGNABLE SWITCH jack. By assigning the appropriate function, you can increment or decrement the program number in steps of one.

This lets you change Programs without using your hands–great for quick Program changes in live performance situations.

There are two ways of doing this: by assigning the foot switch to Program Up/Down, or to Value Inc/Dec. Each of these is suited to a particular application, as described below.

• Prog Up/Down: When performing in the normal P0 screen

• VALUE Inc/Dec: When performing while a list such as the Category/Program Select menu is open

Assigning the foot switch to Program Up/Down

Assigning the foot switch to Program Up or Program Down lets you directly control Program changes from the foot switch. For most situations, this is the more straightforward method.

To s e t t h is up:

1. Connect a foot switch to the rear-panel ASSIGNABLE SWITCH input.

Use an optional PS-1 pedal switch.

2. Access the Global P2: Controllers– Foot Controllers page.

Proceed as follows.

Press the GLOBAL button to enter Global mode.

Press the PAGE button to access the GLOBAL Page Select. Press P2 Controllers, then press the Foot Control tab in the display.

3. Set “Foot Switch Assign” to either Program Up or Program Down.

If you choose Program Up, the next program number up will be selected each time you press the foot switch.

If you choose Program Down, the next program number down will be selected each time you press the foot switch.

4. Set the “Foot Switch Polarity” to match the polarity of the pedal you’ve connected.

If you’ve connected the optional PS-1 or PS-3 pedal, choose (–) KORG Standard.

Now, the foot switch will step through the Programs, one by one.

5. If you want to preserve this setting even when the power is turned off, be sure to Write the data. (See page 116)

6. Press the PROG button to enter Prog P0: Play, and press the foot switch to change the Program.

Note:

This setting applies to selecting Combinations, as well.

Note: With the Program Up/Down method, you won’t be able to select programs while the Bank/Program Select or Category/Program Select menus are open. Use the “Assigning the foot switch to Value Inc/Dec” method described below.

Assigning the foot switch to Value Inc/Dec

This lets you use the Assignable Foot Switch to duplicate the functions of the front-panel INC or DEC buttons.

This method is convenient if you want to open the Bank/Program Select menu or the Category/Program Select menu and switch programs while viewing the program or combination menu.

1. Follow steps 1–2 under “Assigning the foot switch to Program Up/Down,” above.

2. At the top of the page, set the Foot Switch Assign parameter to Value Inc (or Value Dec).

3. Now, the foot switch will act just like you’re pressing the front-panel INC or DEC buttons.

Note: The foot switch will work like this for the entire KROME–not just when the Bank/Program select menu or Category/Program Select menu is open.

Connecting a foot pedal

If you connect an optional EXP-2 foot controller or XVP-10 expression/volume pedal to the ASSIGNABLE PEDAL jack, you can use it to apply modulation to sounds or effects, or to adjust the overall volume.

This pedal will always function in the same way regardless of the Program, Combination, or Song you’ve selected. You can assign the function in the Global mode.

Like the Assignable Foot Switch, described above, the Foot Pedal can be used for many different functions, including:

•Master Volume

• Channel Volume, Pan, or Expression

• Assignable sound modulation, as several different AMS or Dmod sources

• Effects Send level control

• Use various KROME controls (realtime control knobs, Joystick, SW1/SW2, etc.)

1. Connect an optional XVP-10 or EXP-2 to the ASSIGNABLE PEDAL jacks.

2. After turning the power on, use Global P2: Controllers– Foot Controllers page “Foot Pedal Assign” to assign the function controlled by the foot pedal. (See page 111, and pages 202, 350 of the Parameter Guide)

Setup

MIDI keyboard

KROME

MIDI IN MIDI OUT

MIDI keyboard

MIDI patch bay

MIDI tone generator

Connecting the KROME to acomputer

USB connection

The KROME provides both MIDI and USB connectors as standard equipment. By connecting the KROME to your computer via USB, you can use it as a controller and MIDI sound module for your DAW software with single cable convenience; and with out the need for a MIDI interface.

By using the dedicated editor, you can edit some of the parameters of the KROME from your computer as though it were a software plug-in.

Note: The USB connector of the KROME is only able to transmit and receive MIDI data.

Before you connect the KROME to your computer via USB, you must install the KORG USB-MIDI driver on your computer.

Connecting via the MIDI connectors

You can connect the KROME to your computer via MIDI by using a commercially available MIDI interface.

Note: For more about MIDI interfaces, refer to the owner’s manual of the MIDI interface you’re using.

Some USB-MIDI interfaces may be unable to transmit or receive the KROME’s MIDI exclusive messages.

Controlling an external MIDI tone generator from KROME

If you want to use the KROME’s keyboard, Joystick and other controllers, sequencer, and arpeggiator to play or control an external MIDI sound module, use a MIDI cable to connect the KROME’s MIDI OUT connector to the MIDI IN connector of your external MIDI sound module.

MIDI OUT

KROME

MIDI IN

Controlling KROME’s tone generator from an external MIDI device

When you wish to play or control the KROME’s tone generator from an external MIDI keyboard or sequencer etc., use a MIDI cable to connect the MIDI OUT connector of the external MIDI device to the MIDI IN connector of KROME.

Connecting MIDI devices

By connecting the KROME’s MIDI connectors to an external MIDI device you can transfer sound settings and performance data such as note messages between your external MIDI device and the KROME.

About MIDI

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and is a world-wide standard for exchanging various types of musical data between electronic musical instruments and computers. When MIDI cables are used to connect two or more MIDI devices, performance data can be exchanged between the devices, even if they were made by different manufacturers.

Controlling two or more external MIDI tone generators from KROME

You can also use a MIDI patch bay to control multiple MIDI devices.

KROME

MIDI IN

MIDI OUT

MIDI IN

Playing and editing Programs

4: INC/DEC buttons

3: Program Select

2: PROG P0: Play

4: VALUE dial

1: ROG buttons4: Numeric keypads

ENTER button

5: BANK A–F buttons

Velocit y meter

1: Mode name

(button)

Mode button Page number and name Tab name

Program Select (Program number and name) Category Select popup button

(Category number and name)

Bank number

Program Select popup button

About the KROME’s Programs

Programs are the basic sounds of the KROME.

You can play them by themselves, layer them together in Combinations, or play a different Program on each of the 16 MIDI tracks, either from the internal sequencer or from external computer-based sequencers.

This section of the manual takes a quick look at playing Programs, including tours of the front-panel controllers and basic editing techniques.

Playing Programs

Selecting Programs

There are several different ways to select Programs. Each one is convenient in a different way:

• Using “Program Select” and the VALUE controllers:

• Using the Bank/Program Select menu:

• Using the Category/Program Select menu:

•Find

• Using a foot switch: page 19

• MIDI program change messages let you select Programs remotely, from either a MIDI sequencer or an external MIDI controller

For details, please see below.

Selecting a program using “Program Select” and the VALUE controllers

1. Press the PROG button. (The LED will light up.) (Refer to the illustration below for the buttons.)

Alternatively, you can use the mode button (see “Selecting modes” on page 9).

The KROME will enter Program mode.

2. Access the Prog P0: Play– Main page.

This is shown in the top line of the display.

If a different page is shown, press the EXIT button a few times to return to the Prog P0: Play– Main page.

3. Make sure that “Program Select” is selected.

If it’s not selected, press “Program Select” in the display or press the EXIT button to highlight the indication.

4. Select the program you want to play.

You can use the following methods to select a program.

• Use the INC or DEC buttons.

• Turn the VALUE dial.

• Use numeric keys 0–9 to enter the program number, and press the ENTER button.

5. Press one of the PROG BANK A–F buttons to select a bank.

When you select a different Bank, the button’s LED will light up, and the selected bank will appear on the left side of the display.

Playing and editing Programs

For example, to select bank B, press the PROG BANK B button. The B button will light up, and the name Bank B will appear on the left side of the display.

• To select a GM bank, you’ll use the numeric keys.

GM: Hold down 0 and press –.

g(1)–g(9): Hold down 0 and press the desired number 1–9. For banks that do not have variation sounds, the basic GM sounds will be recalled. (An “*” will be appended to the beginning of the program name.)

g(d): Hold down 0 and press (.).

Auditioning the sound

Play the keyboard to audition the program you’ve selected.

The velocity meter shows the note-on velocity.

• This shows the velocity value of note-on events for the global MIDI channel, such as the keyboard, MIDI IN, and arpeggiator. (If multiple note-on events are received simultaneously, the highest velocity value is shown.)

• Since this shows the note-on velocity values, it will not be affected by the settings of the volume knob or by changes in the audio signal level.

Overview: Program Banks

As program banks, the KROME provides the six banks A–F and the GM banks (GM–g(d)). With the factory settings, the KROME has 640 preload programs in banks A–E. Bank F contains only initialized programs. Programs you’ve created should be stored in this bank.

With the exception of the GM–g(d) banks, you are free to save by overwriting these program memory areas. You can also save these programs on an SD card.

Programs are organized into six banks as shown in the following table.

Program bank contents

Bank Prog. No. Explanation

With the factory settings, these banks contain a wide

A…E 000…127

F 000…127

GM 001…128

g(1)…

001…128

g(9)

g(d) 001…128

Fac tor y Programs.

Initialized Programs.

GM2 main programs.

GM2 variation programs.

GM2 drum programs.

variety of preloaded programs that use the internal multisamples, effects, and arpeggiator.

Use these to create a program from scratch.

These banks contain 256 GM programs and nine GM drum programs that are compatible with the GM2 sound map. The programs of these banks are readonly. Bank GM contains the GM programs. GM lets you select 128 programs numbered from 001–128, and g(1)–g(d) lets you select nine drum programs. You can’t write (save) data to these banks.

Selecting by Bank/Program Select menu

You can select Programs from a menu organized by Program bank.

1. Press the Program Select popup button.

The Bank/Program Select menu appears.

Bank/Program Select menu

In this illustration, Bank A is selected. The menu displays the Programs contained in that bank.

2. Press the tabs on the left side of the display to select banks.

3. Press one of the program names in the center area to select a program.

The selected program will be highlighted, and the program will change.

Alternatively, you can use the INC/DEC buttons to switch programs.

Play the keyboard to hear the program you selected.

4. If you selected Bank GM, the Variation button is shown.

By repeatedly pressing this Variation button, you can successively step through the banks, allowing you to recall a GM2 sound set (see “To select a GM bank” on page 22).

5. When you are satisfied with the selected Program, press the OK button to close the menu.

If instead you press the Cancel button, the selection you made here will be discarded, and you will return to the program that had been selected before you opened the menu.

Playing Programs Selecting Programs

Find

Here’s how to search for a program by a portion of its name.

1. Access the Bank/Program Select menu or the Category/Program Select menu, etc.

2. Press a tab to select the bank or category that you want to search.

Note: The programs included in the selected tab will be the subject of the search.

3. On the lower left side, press the Find button to access the dialog box.

4. Press the “T” button to access the text dialog box.

Enter the alphanumeric characters that you want to find, and press the OK button. For example if you want to find programs that take effective advantage of SW1 or SW2, enter “sw”.

5. If you select the “Ignore Case” check box, uppercase and lowercase characters will not be distinguished in the search.

6. Press the Find button to begin searching.

Search results are shown in “Found.”

If one or more items are found, the number of items and the first found program will be displayed.

Press the Prev. button or Next button to find the previous or next program. This will cycle through the found items within the tab.

You can play the keyboard to audition the program that was found.

If no items are found, the display will indicate “nothing.”

7. If you are satisfied with the selected program, press the OK button to close the menu.

The selected program will be selected in the menu you selected in step 1. If you are satisfied with the selected program, press the OK button to close the menu.

If you want to search for a different program, or if no items were found, press the Cancel button.

8. Press the tab that you want to select next, and search as described in steps 3–7.

If you press the Cancel button, this selection will be discarded, and you will return to the program that had been selected prior to opening the menu.

Selecting by Category/Program Select menu

You can select Programs from within a category, such as keyboard, organ, bass, and drums.

When shipped from the factory, the preloaded Programs are organized into 16 categories, each with several sub-categories.

1. Press the Category Select popup button.

The Category/Program Select menu appears.

Category/Program Select menu

In the illustration above, the Keyboard category is selected. The menu in the center column area shows the Programs which belong to that category.

2. Press the tabs to the left and right of the display to select a different category.

The name of the selected category will be displayed in full in the top right-hand corner.

3. Press one of the program names in the center area to select a program.

The selected program will be highlighted, and the program will change.

Alternatively, you can use the INC/DEC buttons to switch programs. Touch the scroll ribbon at the bottom of the screen to see all of the Programs in that category.

Play the keyboard to hear the program you selected.

4. If you want to select from a sub-category, press the Jump to Sub button to access the Sub Category/ Prog Select menu.

Press the left tabs to select a sub-category.

Note: You can’t select tabs for a sub-category that has no associated programs.

Select a program as described in step 3 above.

Press the OK button to confirm your selection, or press the Cancel button to discard it. You will return to the main category.

5. When you are satisfied with the selected program, press the OK button to close the menu.

If instead you press the Cancel button, your selection will be discarded, and you will return to the program that had been selected when you opened the popup menu.

Playing and editing Programs

(Lock function)

Joystick

Program information

In the Prog P0: Play– Main page you can view the following information about the selected program.

OSC Picture: This is a graphic that represents the program’s oscillator.

OSC Oct: For a double oscillator or double drums, this indicates “Oct” (the basic pitch of the oscillator).

SW1, SW2: This indicates the function that’s assigned to the SW1/SW2 buttons, and the on/off state of the buttons.

Realtime Controls – TONE CONTROLS/USER CONTROLS/ARP CONTROLS:

This shows information about the functions of the REALTIME CONTROLS knob that’s currently selected. Use the SELECT button to choose the functions that will be controlled by the knobs. For more information about these functions, please see page 28.

EQ (Low, Mid[Hz], Mid, High): This shows the 3-band EQ settings. You can use the value controllers to edit the values.

Effect Controls– IFX, MFX, TFX:

This shows the effects that are assigned. The KROME provides insert effects 1–5, master effects 1 and 2, and a total effect. For the master effects, you can edit the return levels.

Velocity Meter:

This meter shows the note-on velocity value.

The meter shows the note-on velocity of the keyboard, MIDI IN, and arpeggiator etc. (If multiple note-on messages are received simultaneously, the highest velocity value is shown.)

Realtime Controls

- Tone Controls

- User Controls

OSC

Picture

OSC Oct

SW1, SW2

Velocity Meter

- Arp Controls

Eect Infomation IFX 1-5

MFX 1, 2, Send level (On/O)

TFX (On/O)

Using Controllers

In addition to using the keyboard, the KROME lets you control the sound by using the joystick, SW1 and SW2 buttons, knobs 1–4, damper pedal, and foot switch or foot pedal.

These controls let you modify the tone, pitch, volume, effects, etc. in realtime as you play.

[SW1], [SW2]

Joystick

The joystick moves in four directions: left, right, up (away from yourself), and down (towards yourself). Each of the four directions can be used to control a different function, such as modulating Program or effects parameters. These assignments can be different for every Program, but generally, they do the following:

Standard Joystick functions

Move the joystick…

Left JS–X Pitch bend down

Right JS+X Pitch bend up

Up (away from yourself) JS+Y Vibrato

Down (towards yourself) JS–Y Filter LFO (wah)

For details, please see page 82.

Joystick Lock

This function lets you maintain the effect that had been applied prior to releasing your hand from the joystick.

You can use the SW1/SW2 buttons or a foot switch connected to the KROME to lock the current position so that the effect will continue even after the joystick returns to the center position. For details, please see “Locking the Joystick” on page 25.

Controller

Name

Normally controls…

SW1, SW2

You can use these buttons to control program parameters via AMS (Alternate Modulation), or effect parameters via Dmod (Dynamic Modulation).

They can also transpose the keyboard by octaves, turn portamento on/off, or to lock the position joystick.

Each button can work as either a Tog g le or Momentary button. In Toggle mode, the assigned function is switched between on and off each time the button is pressed. In Momentary mode, the assigned function is active on only as long as you hold down the button.

In Program mode, you can check the assignments of SW1 and SW2 on the Prog P0: Play– Main page.

For details, please see “Program information” on page 24.

Playing Programs Using Controllers

When you write a Program or Combination, the on/off status of the SW1 and SW2 buttons is saved.

For details, please see page 82.

Locking the Joystick

1. Using the standard factory sounds, select Program C027: Semi Distortion Guitar.

To select a program, make sure that you are in Program mode, and press the PROG BANK C button, numeric key 2, 7, and then the ENTER button.

2. While holding down a key, move the joystick in the –Y direction (toward yourself).

The tremolo effect will deepen.

3. While keeping the joystick in the –Y direction (toward yourself), press the SW2 button. (The SW2 button LED will light up.)

When you press the button, its LED will light up, and the modulation effect at this point will be maintained.

4. Release the joystick, and play the keyboard.

The modulation will stay the same as it was when SW2 was pressed. Even if you move the joystick toward yourself, the sound will not change.

5. Press the SW2 button once again to release the Lock function.

Keyboard

The KROME’s keyboard provides the following two types of control.

1. Press the SELECT button to select the realtime control function between TONE, USER, or ARP.

TONE, USER: Use the knobs to modify the sound or

effects (see page 28).

ARP: Use the knobs to control the arpeggiator (see page 86).

You can freely switch between these functions without losing your current edits.

2. Use knobs 1–4 to control the selected functions.

When you turn one of these knobs, that knob’s function and value will appear in a popup.

(You can prevent this popup from appearing. See page 111.)

There will be a slight amount of play when turning the knob near its minimum or maximum positions.

TEMPO knob and TAP button

This adjusts the tempo for the KROME as a whole, including:

• Arpeggiator

• Drum Track

• Songs in Sequencer mode

• Tempo-synced LFOs

• Tempo-synced (“BPM”) delay effects

TEMPO LED

The LED will blink at quarter-note intervals of the current tempo.

Velocity

Velocity is a measure of how hard you play a note on the keyboard. This can be used to modulate many different aspects of the sound, such as volume, brightness, or the character of the attack.

Note Number

Sounds can be programmed to change in character based on the note being played.

As you play higher or lower on the keyboard, the note number can modulate the timbre - such as becoming brighter as you play higher notes. Envelopes may also become faster or slower; the volume may change; and so on.

Realtime control knobs

The realtime controls consist of four knobs and the SELECT button. These controls function as follows.

• You can apply modulation to sounds or edit them.

• You can control the arpeggiator.

TEMPO knob

This knob adjusts the tempo. It’s a convenient way to make continuous adjustments.

Note: If the Global P1: MIDI– MIDI Basic page MIDI Clock parameter is set to External MIDI, External USB,

or if it is set to Auto and a clock is currently being received via MIDI, then neither the TEMPO knob nor the TAP button will have any effect.

TAP button

You can set the tempo of the Arpeggiator or Drum Track function in Program, Combination, and Sequencer modes by lightly pressing or tapping the TAP button several times on the beat. In Sequencer mode, you can control the song tempo in this way.

To enter the tempo, use your finger to gently tap the TAP button. The tempo will be entered when you press the button twice, but you should tap several times in order to increase the precision. The average of the last sixteen taps will be specified as the tempo.

During playback, lightly press the TAP button several times at the desired tempo. The tempo will follow your tapping in realtime. This is a convenient way to match the tempo in realtime to the beat of a different source.

You can use tap tempo control whenever the TEMPO knob can be used. For example in Sequencer mode, tap tempo control will not be available if you are playing a song where the Tempo M od e setting is set to Auto. (See page 110 of the Parameter Guide)

Note: You can also use a foot switch connected to the ASSIGNABLE FOOT SWITCH jack to control the tap

Playing and editing Programs

tempo function (see page 18, and pages 202, 349 of the Parameter Guide).

Performing with the

Damper pedal / Foot switch / Foot pedal

For details on using the damper pedal, foot switch, or pedal to control the sound, please see “Connecting a damper pedal, foot switch, or foot pedal” on page 18.

arpeggiator or drum track

Based on note data that it receives from the keyboard or from the MIDI IN connector, the arpeggiator can generate a wide range of phrases and patterns including arpeggios, guitar or keyboard backing riffs, bass phrases, or drum patterns. By setting SELECT to ARP and using the knobs, you can vary the duration and strength of the arpeggiated notes.

For more about the arpeggiator, please see page 85.

The drum track uses a rich variety of drum patterns to play the KROME’s high-quality drum programs. You can select any program and play along with the drum patterns.

Of course you can also synchronize the arpeggiator and the drum track patterns and use them together.

For more about the drum track, please see page 97.

+ 112 hidden pages

Korg Krome Operation Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

About this manual

Table of Contents

Introduction to the KROME

Front and rear panels

Front panel

Rear panel

Objects in the display

Basic Information

About the KROME’s modes

Basic operations

Setup

Turning the power on/off

Connecting the AC adapter

Turning the power on

Turning the power off

Connections

Audio connections

Connecting a damper pedal, foot switch, or foot pedal

Connecting the KROME to acomputer

Connecting MIDI devices

Playing and editing Programs

Playing Programs

Selecting Programs

Program information

Using Controllers