Korg Kross 2 - Pitches reversed or not sounding

[dkb]

My Korg Kross 2 (88 key), worked great for 4-5 years but this week the notes started playing backwards (highest pitches on the left, lowest pitches on the right). Three keys on the left side don't sound (Bb2-C3). And an octave of keys on the right side (C#6-B6) don't sound.

Full background
I originally had two issues. The pitch problem mentioned above and a "System warning: The internal memory has been corrupted..." Both problems occurred at the same time. I resolved the memory corruption by replacing the files on internal memory with files from a working Korg Kross 2.

Any way to resolve the pitch issue?

 

[happyrat1]

Try reloading the firmware.

 

[happyrat1]

@Gourockian has mentioned lots of problems with Korg and SD cards.

Maybe replace the card before it corrupts completely.

 

[Biggles]

Always format any memory device in the Keyboard.

After you save and programs/combis etc and before you shutdown the keyboard ALWAYS perform a SaveAll routine.

 

[Gourockian]

@Gourockian has mentioned lots of problems with Korg and SD cards.

Maybe replace the card before it corrupts completely.

Who, me? To be honest, Gary, I don't remember that. Either your memory or (more likely) mine is playing tricks.

 

[dkb]

@happyrat1 I tried several methods in an attempt to reload the firmware before posting here. Is there a deeper-level way to reload the firmware than the methods I tried below?

Here's a list of my attempts

1. I upgraded to the latest firmware 1.22 (previously on 1.21). (Did not resolve issues.)
2. Per the "Restoring the factories settings" section of the manual, I tried "Loading the preloaded data" and "Initializing the system". (Did not resolve issues.)
3. Per a Reddit thread, I used the undocumented method to rewrite the internal memory from a computer (Press and hold Global/Media and Function keys while powering on the keyboard. This opens the internal memory as USB storage on the computer.) After copying over files from a working Korg Kross 2, it resolved the memory corruption message on startup. It also happened to put me back on version 1.21. However, it did not resolve the pitch issue.

Regarding SD cards, I have an external/removable SD card in the keyboard (I use to upgrade the firmware version), but I haven't opened the keyboard up to see if there is a replaceable internal memory card.

 

[happyrat1]

Check in with Korg. It's probably a warranty issue.

 

[dkb]

Unfortunately the keyboard is out of warranty. I checked with a local dealer. They couldn't say whether they could fix the problem. When money's a little less tight, I'll see about taking it in.

 

[dkb]

Anyone know how to find out the button combination to start my Korg Kross 2 keyboard in "test mode"? I've found online button combinations for "test mode" on other models (including the original Korg Kross), but not for the Korg Kross 2.

 

[haager]

Anyone know how to find out the button combination to start my Korg Kross 2 keyboard in "test mode"? I've found online button combinations for "test mode" on other models (including the original Korg Kross), but not for the Korg Kross 2.

Start the testmode by pressing the POWER button while holding down the [8] and ENTER button

 

[Gourockian]

This may or may not be relevant but it's perhaps worth sharing. I used to own an Ensoniq ZR-76 and it had a series of Pitch Tables. One of these settings reversed the pitch of the keys so that the highest sounding notes were played at the bottom and the lowest at the top end. Incidentally, the owners manual has a typo as it refers to the highest notes being at both the top and bottom but that's not how it actually worked.

I don't know what practical use this would have but I did use it on occasion to prank some unsuspecting family and friends. Is it possible that the Kross 2 has a similar feature that needs to be reset?

 

[dkb]

Start the testmode by pressing the POWER button while holding down the [8] and ENTER button

That's the button combination I found in the original Korg Kross service manual but it doesn't seem to have an effect on my Korg Kross 2. When I press the POWER button while holding down the 8 and ENTER button, it looks like it normally does when I power on the keyboard. I don't see a test mode menu. Am I missing something?

The service manual says (bold highlighting added by me):

10-1 Confirmation of keyboard setting
Check that the low sound is generated by hitting the left edge key, that high sound is generated by
hitting the rihgt edge key.
There could have been set to "8-1 keyboard setting" wrong in this case.
If the left end high sounds, left end low sounds, it is possible that ""8-1 keyboard setting"" wrong in this
case.
Please try again from the beginning completion inspection.

The "8-1 keyboard setting" is a selection between 61 Key and 88 Key. (I have an 88 key)

 

[Biggles]

You could try backing up all your user data.

Reinitialise the Kross 2 by pressing and holding the Exit+Function buttons, then turn on the Power.

 

[dkb]

You could try backing up all your user data.

Reinitialise the Kross 2 by pressing and holding the Exit+Function buttons, then turn on the Power.

Unfortunately reinitialising the Kross 2 doesn't fix the issue. When it last did this I took it into an authorized Korg dealer who fixed the issue but wouldn't give me details on how to fix the issue if it reoccurred except to hint that it involved test mode.

As I feared, it did happen again shortly after the repair and now I'm back to trying to troubleshoot with the help of everyone here. Thank you, by the way!

 

[delaware dave]

See below ....

 

[Biggles]

See below ....

There you are, you have a brick.

You could try Korg Forums, they have a Kross section, the website is pretty lethargic in loading but it is all I can suggest.

Maybe cheaper in the long term to dump and buy a new one or upgrade to a kronos.