Korg Kronos Audio Routing Fixed in Logic Pro

When integrating a powerful hardware instrument like a Korg Kronos 2 into a DAW like Logic Pro, it’s common for audio and MIDI routing to become a point of frustration. The setup is rarely plug-and-play, and a small oversight can stop the creative flow completely.

A client recently booked a remote session with Audio Support because he couldn’t hear his Kronos 2 when recording into Logic. He knew his equipment was working, but the final connection between the synth and the DAW was a mystery.

The Client’s Challenge

The client, a seasoned producer, wanted to record the internal sounds of his flagship workstation, the Korg Kronos 2, directly into Logic Pro. His system was built around a Mac running Logic, using a reliable Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 as the primary audio interface.

The problem was simple: he had the Kronos connected and the MIDI was working, but no audio was audible or recordable on a new Logic track. This left him stuck, unable to capture his sound design work and move forward with production.

Diagnosis

My approach to any hardware integration issue is to trace the signal path step-by-step, starting with the physical connections and ending inside the DAW.

First, I confirmed the MIDI connection. We checked Logic’s MIDI Environment window, and the incoming MIDI signal from the Kronos was registering correctly. This confirmed that the computer and the Kronos were communicating, which ruled out a common class of problems.

Next, we focused on the audio signal. I asked the client to confirm which physical ports on the back of his Scarlett 18i20 he had used to connect the audio outputs from the Kronos. He had correctly used a pair of balanced cables, but they were plugged into Inputs 3 and 4 of the Focusrite.

This was the key insight. The client was expecting to see the audio on Input 1/2 in Logic—the default for most new audio tracks—but the physical cables were in a different location

Additional Support

With the primary technical hurdle cleared, we used the remainder of the session to explore some workflow optimisation in Logic Pro. The client was keen to learn some intermediate features that would enhance his creative process.

Take Folders and Overlapping Recording: We discussed Logic’s powerful Overlap Recording feature. This is an essential tool for producers, as it allows multiple takes to be captured quickly into a Take Folder, making it easy to audition and compile the best parts later.

Input Monitoring and Effects: I showed him how to enable Logic’s input monitoring feature, which allowed him to hear his Kronos with Logic’s built-in effects—such as compression or reverb—before the signal was recorded.

Reflection