A Highly Recommended First Synth: the KORG / KROSS 2-61!

Hello! Now that the new school season has settled down, it’s now the perfect time to try something new. This time, I’m introducing a highly recommended synthesizer for aspiring keyboardists in bands and for students just starting their musical journey!

KORG / KROSS2-61-MB – 61-Key Synthesizer Keyboard

We even have a demo unit available in our showroom!

The synth I’m recommending today is none other than the KORG KROSS 2-61! But you might be wondering, “what exactly makes it so great?” Let’s dive into five key points that show off its charm!

① Over 1,000 High-Quality Sounds Built-In!

One of the most important factors when choosing a keyboard is the number of sounds it offers. The more sounds available, the better equipped you’ll be to handle a variety of music genres. The KROSS 2 comes loaded with over 1,000 preset sounds that range from realistic piano and organ tones to aggressive synth leads!
It’s packed with versatile sounds that are perfect for everything from live performances to music production, and it lets you perform with a professional feel right out of the box, without needing to know complicated sound editing. For your first synthesizer, a workstation synth like the KROSS 2 offers a wide range of usable tones that’s a much better choice than analog synths that might lack essential sounds like pianos.

② Intuitive Panel Layout and Excellent Usability

“It’s great that it has so many sounds and features, but with so many buttons and knobs, I’m not sure I can handle it…” — If that’s your concern, don’t worry! The KROSS 2 features an incredibly intuitive panel layout that lets you quickly access the sounds and functions you need, without complicated operations.

With the Real-Time Control Section, you can directly tweak sound effects and program settings without navigating through menus. Even settings for the vocoder, arpeggiator, and sequencer tempo can be easily adjusted using the dedicated knobs!

③ Effortless Sound Switching During Performances

There are moments during live performances when you need to switch sounds instantly—no time for hesitation. With the KROSS 2, it’s no longer a problem! Thanks to the Favorite function, you can register your go-to Programs and Combinations and access them with a single button press. You can save up to 128 favorites, so it’s easy to keep your preferred sounds ready to go at any time.

Additionally, the Category Dial lets you quickly switch between general sound types like piano or organ, perfect for fast-paced changes or spontaneous jam sessions. You can also easily set up layers (stacking sounds) or splits (assigning different sounds to the left and right side of the keyboard) using dedicated quick-access buttons. These features make the KROSS 2 a powerful tool for any live situation.

④ Super Lightweight and Easy to Carry!

When you're heading to band practice or a live gig, bringing your own instrument is often a must, but lugging around a heavy keyboard every time can be exhausting. This is where the KROSS 2 really shines. Despite all its packed-in features, it weighs only 3.8 kg! When I first heard the weight, I was genuinely surprised—it’s much lighter than expected.
Even better, it runs not only on a power adapter but also on six AA batteries, meaning you can take it anywhere and play wherever you like. This portability makes it an ideal first synth for students and gigging musicians alike.

⑤ Can Be Connected to a PC for Music Production!

If you’re hoping to get into music production using your computer in the future, this is another reason why I highly recommend the KROSS 2! It supports both USB MIDI and USB AUDIO, so with a separately sold USB cable, you can connect it to your PC and use it as a MIDI keyboard or even record your performance directly into your DAW.
Additionally, with the downloadable KROSS 2 Editor and Plug-In Editor software, you can tweak a wide range of parameters right from your computer screen, and even use KROSS 2 like a soft synth inside your DAW. It’s a versatile tool not just for live performance, but also as a powerful partner in music production.

To wrap things up, we’ve introduced the appeal of the KROSS 2 across five key points. So what did you think? Now you can see exactly why it’s the perfect first synth, right?
On top of everything we’ve covered, the KROSS 2 also features convenient functions like sampling and a pad sampler, though we’ve skipped over those this time. If you’re curious about the full details, be sure to check out the official KORG website!

And finally, for those of you who’ve read all the way to the end—I’ve got a special recommended set just for you:

KORG / KROSS2-61-MB Synth Debut Support Set

We want to support everyone’s brilliant synth debut! With that in mind, we’ve prepared a limited-quantity super-value set. For just an additional 1,100 yen on top of the main unit price, you’ll get a soft case, X-style stand, sustain pedal, expression pedal, pedal switch, and headphones included!
With this set, you’ll be ready to perform live right away. Don’t miss this great opportunity and consider getting it!