Some Quick Questions about PA5X

[sridharar]

All,

Sorry to post this without full diligence on the prior posts,
Thought I will post it anyway and in parallel do my diligence.
I am reading through the manuals - they are 300 pages + !


Context:

I am thinking of getting a PA5X 76 keys, and give my PA600 (a real staple for me for many years, except for some Pitch bend issues).

Questions:

1) Is PA5X sounds/styles compatible with PA series - especially PA600? where I have a large library of assets as well as custom Python Programs.

2) Does it have On board speakers? Do you need special external speakers or any good speakers will do?

3) Does it support Custom Tuning/Scales (especially user scale like PA600)

I already noted from somewhere that User Scale is Second Class - Korg does not remember it between sessions and a few other things.

4) What is the size of the built-in/default storage? *GB?

5) I observed that it has an HDMI output. Does this project the Display to large external monitor? What is the resolution? supported.

6) Does it have a Volume BAL or equivalent -- to adjust relative balance between Main and Accompaniment?

7) Is Power Supply Built-in?

Are there more robust MIDI drivers available for Windows and Mac for the unit?

That MIDi OUT stops working (see my post in PA600 forum) has been a major annoyance

9) Is the Joystick string and durable?

I had to change Joystick on my PA600 so many times.
But it is absolutely vital for Indian Music.

10) Does it Support MPE standard? Incoming and Outgoing as a Midi Controller?

11) Are there built-ins for World/Ethnic instruments and styles, especially for Indian and Asian.

12) Is PA900/PA1000/PA4X better than 5X simply from compatibility and "proven track" record.

I know this is a lot...but appreciate your sharing your thoughts on any of these.

Hopefully this also helps others in the future.

br Sri.


P.S. Last One.

a) Has anyone purchased PA5X from overseas (non-US, non-Europe) vendors? What is your experience? I am looking at ordering from India as the prices are extremely attractive compared to here in U.S.

[usaraiya]

Most of your questions are answered on the Korg Pa5X site under specs:

https://www.korg.com/us/products/synthe ... ations.php

[sridharar]

Thanks Usaraiya for the pointer.
Perfect.

Sri.

[sridharar]

usaraiya

Just checked and I had already gone through that link before posting the questions.


Most of my questions are not answered directly or have to be inferred/guessed and prone to making judgmental mistakes.

For example, I think this unit does not have On Board Speakers as far as I can tell. Of course the specs is silent about it.

Sri.

[usaraiya]

Pa5X does not have onboard speakers.
You have to purchase the Korg PAAS Mk2 speaker system, which works perfectly well with it.

[JagiChan]

All,

Sorry to post this without full diligence on the prior posts,
Thought I will post it anyway and in parallel do my diligence.
I am reading through the manuals - they are 300 pages + !


Context:

I am thinking of getting a PA5X 76 keys, and give my PA600 (a real staple for me for many years, except for some Pitch bend issues)....

Here are the answers to your questions to the best of my knowledge and experience.

Questions:

Q1) Is PA5X sounds/styles compatible with PA series - especially PA600? where I have a large library of assets as well as custom Python Programs.
A1) Yes the factory sounds/styles are compatible. Customized local resources like Indian tones will not work, because they will not be exported. Don't know about Python Programs

Q2) Does it have On board speakers? Do you need special external speakers or any good speakers will do?
A2) No onboard speakers, you can either use the PaAS system from Korg or use the LineOut and connect to external Amp.

Q3) Does it support Custom Tuning/Scales (especially user scale like PA600) I already noted from somewhere that User Scale is Second Class - Korg does not remember it between sessions and a few other things.
A3) Don't know, maybe the pro's here have the answer.

Q4) What is the size of the built-in/default storage? *GB?
A4) There is NO default storage; you can install SD cards/USB drives to get the desired storage you need. Supports 2 SD card slots (full speed and normal speed), and 3 full speed USB 3.0 slots.

Q5) I observed that it has an HDMI output. Does this project the Display to large external monitor? What is the resolution? supported.
A5) Read the manual, it is given in that.

Q6) Does it have a Volume BAL or equivalent -- to adjust relative balance between Main and Accompaniment?
A6) Yes, there is a global setting available; or you can use the sliders to adjust in real-time.

Q7) Is Power Supply Built-in?
A7) Yes, SMPS power supply capable of operating from (110V to 240V)

Q8 ) Are there more robust MIDI drivers available for Windows and Mac for the unit? That MIDi OUT stops working (see my post in PA600 forum) has been a major annoyance
A8 ) No idea. I am using the Generic MIDI driver with the DAW and it seems to work without issues

Q9) Is the Joystick string and durable? I had to change Joystick on my PA600 so many times. But it is absolutely vital for Indian Music.
A9) Which part of the joystick failed (mechanical or electrical or both). The joystick is made of 2 potentiometers positioned perpendicular to each other. Potentiometers have a certain life and the carbon contact get's eroded and they need to be replaced. There is nothing much that can be done here

Q10) Does it Support MPE standard? Incoming and Outgoing as a Midi Controller?
A10) Don't know what MPE stands for? I have never had a need for this.

Q11) Are there built-ins for World/Ethnic instruments and styles, especially for Indian and Asian.
A11) No. Korg India offers its custom Indian styles/rythms if the Keyboard is purchased in India.

Q12) Is PA900/PA1000/PA4X better than 5X simply from compatibility and "proven track" record.
A12) If you are looking for pro gigging and making a living by making music, stick to PA4X; the PA5X SW is still not mature enough.

P.S. Last One.

Qa) Has anyone purchased PA5X from overseas (non-US, non-Europe) vendors? What is your experience? I am looking at ordering from India as the prices are extremely attractive compared to here in U.S.
Aa) Yes, I have purchased the PA5X 88 Key from the local Korg India retailer and they offer the warranty and the Indian tones/styles etc.,

[sridharar]

JagiChan

Thanks very much for detailed point by point replies.

Do you live outside India and bought your PA5X online from a Korg Dealer in India?

I will write point by point responses a later in the evening.

br Sri.

[menara]

Q3: Yes.
More info in this post :
http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpbb2/ ... p?t=130453

[sridharar]

Thanks You So Much.
Lot of Information there and in PDF and Excel.
I will have to find a good way to read it without too much scrolling and strain on the eyes!!

br Sri.