Korg Kronos vs Roland Fantom-8
| Korg Kronos | Roland Fantom-8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | 88 key: RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) | PHA-50 (Wood and Plastic Hybrid Structure, with Escapement and Ebony/Ivory Feel, channel aftertouch) |
| Aftertouch | — | yes (channel aftertouch) |
| Polyphony | -2 | 256 |
| Sounds / presets | 2 | 3 |
| Sequencer | 16-track MIDI + 16-track HDR + 1 master track | MIDI Tracks 16 (Internal/External) |
| Sound engine | 9 engines (SGX-2, EP-1, HD-1, AL-1, CX-3, STR-1, MOD-7, MS-20EX, PolysixEX) | ZEN-Core + V-Piano Technology (ZONE1) + VTW Organ (ZONE2) + SuperNATURAL |
| Effects | Insert 12 / Master 2 / Total 2 | Multi-Effects 16 systems/90 types; Part EQ 16; Insertion 2×90; TFX 1×90; Input MFX 2; Chorus 9; Reverb 7; Master Comp/EQ |
| Speakers | None (line out only) | None (line out only) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| USB audio | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 24.1 kg | 27.7 kg |
| Released | 2011 | 2019 |
| Status | legacy | discontinued |
| Keys | 88 | 88 |
| Category | workstation | workstation |
| Dimensions | 1443 x 371 x 148 mm (88-key) | 1432 x 439 x 153 mm |
| Power Consumption | 60 W | 50 W |
| System | KRONOS System Version 3.0 | — |
| Parts | — | 16 Zones |
| Scenes | — | 128 Scenes × 4 Bank |
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Korg Kronos if budget is the priority — it is about $500 cheaper (approx.).
- Choose the Korg Kronos if lighter to carry to gigs and lessons (24.1 kg vs 27.7 kg).
- Choose the Roland Fantom-8 if you layer sounds or use the sustain pedal heavily (-2 vs 256).
- Choose the Roland Fantom-8 if you want more variety of built-in voices (2 vs 3).
Full spec sheets: Korg Kronos · Roland Fantom-8. Rows with a highlighted background differ.