What is the KMP file format?
A .kmp file is a multisample keymap definition used by Korg synthesizer workstations - including the Trinity (1995), Triton, M3, M50, and Kronos. It maps audio samples across keyboard key ranges and velocity layers, specifying which .ksf (Korg Sample File) plays at each pitch and velocity, along with loop points and tuning offsets. A .kmp file contains no audio data itself; all waveforms reside in companion .ksf files.
.kmp files always appear as part of a three-file set. A .ksc (Korg Script) index enumerates keymaps and samples for an instrument program; .kmp files define individual multisample instruments; and .ksf files hold the actual PCM audio. The .kmp and its paired .ksf files reside in a subdirectory that shares the name of the parent .ksc file. Drum kits skip the .kmp level and reference .ksf files directly from the .ksc.
The format is proprietary Korg binary, big-endian, with no publicly documented magic bytes. It has remained compatible across Korg hardware generations since 1995. Awave Studio (FMJ-Software) is the primary third-party conversion tool, supporting import and export between KMP/KSF and formats such as SF2 (SoundFont 2).
Note: .kmp is also used by KMPlayer for skin and resource files - a completely different, unrelated format.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWKMP is a binary data file for audio hardware; no execution capability. Safe to open.
Format details
in a nutshell- KMPlayer Skin File - KMPlayer (KMP Media Player) uses .kmp for skin and resource package files; entirely unrelated to Korg.
Programs that open KMP files
Windows1 app
Awave Studio
Paid File → Open - loads KMP and associated KSF files; can convert to other sampler formats. 
Korg Trinity / Triton / M3 / M50 / Kronos
Built-in Load via KSC library on the hardware's storage (SmartMedia, CompactFlash, USB depending on model). Technical details
deep spec| File type | Multisample keymap definition - maps keyboard key ranges and velocity layers to .ksf sample file references |
| Audio content | None - all PCM audio waveforms are stored in companion .ksf (Korg Sample File) files |
| File encoding | Binary (proprietary Korg format) |
| Byte order | Big-endian (Korg hardware convention) |
| Keymap entry data | Each entry defines key low/high range, velocity range, .ksf filename reference, original key, tuning offset, and loop mode |
| KSC/KMP relationship | A single .ksc file may reference multiple .kmp files; each .kmp defines one multisample instrument or layer |
| File system | Always used within a .ksc (index) + .kmp (keymap) + .ksf (sample data) triplet |
| Directory layout | .kmp and paired .ksf files stored in a subdirectory named after the parent .ksc file |
| Sample references | References .ksf files by filename; .ksf stores 8-bit or 16-bit PCM audio at 44.1 kHz (hardware native rate) |
| Drum kit behavior | Drum kits bypass .kmp entirely; .ksf files are referenced directly from the .ksc index |
| Typical size | 1 KB - 100 KB |
| Hardware compatibility | Korg Trinity (1995), Triton, M3, M50, Kronos (2011-2024) |
| Extension conflict | .kmp is also used by KMPlayer for skin/resource files - a completely unrelated binary format |
| Third-party conversion | Awave Studio (FMJ-Software) converts KMP/KSF to/from SF2, WAV, and other sampler formats |
| Released | ~1995 (Korg Trinity synthesizer) |
| Latest version | compatible with Korg Kronos (2011-2024) |
| Specification | www.fmjsoft.com |
KMP conversions
Community Q&A
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