| Attribute | Korg Kronos | Kontakt | |---|---:|---| |Platform|Dedicated hardware workstation (also Kronos OS/sample engine)|Software sampler (Kontakt Player / Kontakt full)| |Sound architecture|Multiple dedicated synthesis engines, real-time effects, large factory library|Sample-based instruments, scripting (KSP), modulation via GUI and host| |Latency/CPU|Offloads to hardware; predictable performance|Depends on host CPU/RAM; latency variable| |Editing|Hardware UI with deep real-time controls|GUI on computer; deeper scripting/custom UI possible| |Distribution|Patches tied to Kronos format; sample import via user sample banks|Kontakt libraries are widely distributable (subject to licensing)|
The is widely regarded as a "super-synth" because it combines nine distinct sound engines into a single unit. For many producers, the "story" is about portability: they want the massive, cinematic sounds of a $4,000 workstation inside their laptop. korg kronos kontakt library