KORG Announce After-Touch Models for Their Flagship Workstation Nautilus

Korg has announced new after-touch models to their flagship workstation and performance synth, Nautilus with 61 and 88-key versions. Korg is also making this available to existing Nautilus owners who can upgrade their standard Nautilus to the after-touch version with a keybed replacement. The spiritual successor to KORG’s hugely popular workstation, the Kronos, now has all the performative options that after-touch offers with the Nautilus AT.

There are two kinds of keyboard players in the world – those that care for after-touch and those that don’t. For those that don’t know, after-touch keybeds detect whether a player exerts more pressure on the keys after the initial strike which triggers a change or modulation in sound. For instance, you have a nice lush string sound and wish to bring in a synth pad underneath but don’t want to use a fader or panel control; the synth pad can be assigned to after-touch control so that when you apply extra pressure the synth-pad begins to be played.

This can be a dynamic performance feature and add another layer of complexity to your sounds. For such a powerful workstation like the Nautilus that features 9 different sound engines and an absolute truckload of polyphony, after-touch is a great addition and perhaps something the original launch models were missing. And to keep everyone happy, if you’ve just purchased a Nautilus and think after-touch is for you, there is now an option to purchase and upgrade kit and install an after-touch keybed in your current instrument along with a firmware update so you don’t have to buy an entire new instrument and can take advantage of the re-worked programs and combinations with after-touch.

Here’s what KORG are saying:

Powering new heights of musical expression
NAUTILUS is KORG’s flagship workstation. The successor to the wildly popular KRONOS, the range now includes two new AT models. Available in 61 and 88-key versions, NAUTILUS AT introduces Aftertouch to the lineup, putting new heights of musical expression at your fingertips.

NAUTILUS AT features an expertly-tuned sound library that brings exciting aftertouch-controlled effects to the existing programs, meaning you can fully embrace the expressive capabilities of Aftertouch right out of the box.

Aftertouch, in combination with initial touch and the DYNAMICS knob (giving instant control over the changes in sound) opens a wide range of musical expression in just one instrument. Combined, these features truly unlock the full potential of nine powerful sound engines, and a vast array of other features on NAUTILUS.

NAUTILUS AT comes in two versions: an 88-key model with a premium weighted RH3 keyboard for an
incredible piano feel, and a 61-key model with a light, responsive and smooth synthesizer keyboard feel. (*) NAUTILUS-73 does not have an AT version.

Flagship model, Premium quality
NAUTILUS is manufactured in Japan to the highest levels of quality. The 88-key model uses the critically acclaimed RH-3 piano keyboard, a four-stage weighted hammer action keybed that provides an extremely realistic piano feel for even the most discerning of players. RH-3 keyboards are gradually weighted, meaning that the lower notes are heavier, and the higher notes lighter for superb playability. The 61-key NAUTILUS AT features a synthesizer keyboard with a light touch able to reproduce the most complex of performances reliably and with the smoothest feel.

As part of the wider NAUTILUS range, it’s easy to identify aftertouch-equipped models thanks to the AT mark above the NAUTILUS logo on the front panel.

Upgrade your NAUTILUS

Existing owners of 61 and 88 key NAUTILUS* need not miss out. KORG is rolling out an upgrade service that updates both the hardware and software of your keyboard, transforming your NAUTILUS into a NAUTILUS AT. For more information and pricing of the upgrade service where you are, contact your KORG dealer.

*This service is only available for 88 and 61-key models

Expect the new Nautilus AT Models in store in November

Korg is distributed by CMI Music & Audio in Australia.