Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Roland FA-08 vs Korg Krome

Hi!

Does anyone use any of those two instruments? I live in a city where there are no places to test them, which one would you choose?

I'm looking for a good variety of sounds-including synth sounds- and a good pedal switch (that can switch programs smoothly) so I can do most of the work with my feet if possible.

FA-08 is generally considered to have better action than Krome 88. I'd also give it the edge on synth sounds as it has its separate "SuperNatural Synth" VA synth engine. And if by "switching sounds smoothly" you mean being able to change to a new sound without the old sound immediately cutting out, the Roland is better for that as well, esp. with the new 2.0 system sftware. I have no knowledge of how they compare in terms of what you can do with the foot switches, but you can download the manuals from the web sites and look at what the available pedal options are.

That says more about the keybed of the Korg then about the FA08 thats average at best.

The FA series however, with the latest update indeed took another step. And in my opinion where allready better then the Krome in any aspect. The FA series has a lot of very usable keyboard and piano sounds and even a super natural drawbar organ..

For the same money however as these 2 i recently bought a used Korg Kronos. Which would be an infinite better solution.

True.


The Krome had been far superior to the FA as a MIDI controller, but Roland's recent 2.0 upgrade has addressed that.


Yes, though also at much higher travel weight.

no argument here. "the Krome action sucketh" - Shakespeare.
On both weighted and synth action models... Sadly. Sounds are decent.
I'd take the FA-08 or 7 in a heart beat.
The FA-06 action also sucks.

there.
I said it.

I feel better know. I've held back for so long.

Rants about the Korg's keybed(s) are grossly overblown IMO and the 2 are very close. Not a viable reason to get the Roland. The tones are also comparable, on the whole...some better in one, some in the other...and they both have their share of unique sounds if you want the more electronica thing.

However, I think the Roland's interface/workflow is considerably better than the unfriendly Krome, and for me at least that is huge as I've neither the time nor patience to deal with one that isn't at least reasonably intuitive and easy to figure out/use.

My advice is to avoid buying a keyboard you can not try/test, unless there are no other possible choices available in your budget.

I agree, some sounds are better in the Korg, some in the Roland. One particular differentiator there is that the Roland has built-in clonewheel and VA synth functions that the Krome lacks. It also has the trigger pads (with the ability to load custom samples), a separate assignable output, and as you say, a simpler interface. Krome has some feature advantages too, like the touchscreen and the ability to put multiple insert effects on a single sound. It also has lower travel weight and costs $150 less. Though I do agree with those who say the Roland has the better action (though still not among my favorite).

p.s. -- Korg used to have a big advantage in MIDI capabilities, but the new 2.0 upgrade on the FA has largely addressed that.