Korg Kronos vs Yamaha MONTAGE M
The workstation that defined the 2010s against Yamaha's current flagship, $2,999 against $3,499. The Kronos runs nine engines including SGX-2 piano and the MS-20 and Polysix models on 88 RH3 keys; the MONTAGE M runs AWM2, FM-X and AN-X on 88 GEX keys with 4,000 sounds.
| Korg Kronos | Yamaha MONTAGE M | |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | 88 key: RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) | GEX Keyboard |
| Polyphony | -2 | 256 |
| Sounds / presets | 2 | 4000 |
| Sequencer | 16-track MIDI + 16-track HDR + 1 master track | 16-track |
| Sound engine | 9 движков (SGX-2, EP-1, HD-1, AL-1, CX-3, STR-1, MOD-7, MS-20EX, PolysixEX) | AWM2 + FM-X + AN-X (virtual analog) |
| Effects | Insert 12 / Master 2 / Total 2 | VCM + SPX |
| Speakers | None (line out only) | None (line out only) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| USB audio | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 24.1 kg | 28.1 kg |
| Released | 2011 | 2023 |
| Status | legacy | current |
| Keys | 88 | 88 |
| Category | workstation | — |
| Dimensions | 88 key: 1 443 × 371 × 148 мм | — |
| Power Consumption | 60 W | — |
| System | KRONOS System Version 3.0 | — |
| 1 Noise; Effects | — | Reverb x 12 |
| Master Effect X 26; Sequencer | — | 16 Sequence tracks Song/Pattern |
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 28.1 kg).
- Choose the Yamaha MONTAGE M if you layer sounds or use the sustain pedal heavily (-2 vs 256).
- Choose the Yamaha MONTAGE M if you want more variety of built-in voices (2 vs 4000).
Korg Kronos
The Kronos still holds its own on engine variety: nine independent engines, 12 insert effects, a 16-track MIDI sequencer plus a 16-track hard-disk recorder, and a large community patch library.
Yamaha MONTAGE M
The MONTAGE M is the current instrument: AN-X adds true virtual analog, with 4,000 sounds, seamless sound switching and a touchscreen - at 28.1 kg against 24.1 kg.
Full spec sheets: Korg Kronos · Yamaha MONTAGE M. Rows with a highlighted background differ.