Official link for Korg PA4x - your comments here please

[Dikikeys]

I wonder if Korg read my posts?!

I've been talking about having the CS saved and linked to a Songbook entry since the day it came out! It's the obvious next step (obvious to Korg, anyway... Roland's new E-A7 doesn't even have the CS, let alone a Link to stored CS's, which the BK-9 at least can do - the stored CS's that is, not the link )

Streaming and direct USB reading of styles, SMF's and perhaps a certain amount of .wav data is a VERY welcome addition, long overdue.

And the capacitive touch screen should be splendid... the ones on the G70/E80 were awesomely responsive.

But is anyone other than me disappointed that this has been made to look almost identical to the PA3X? You would have thought such a radical under the hood revamp deserved more than just a darker paint job and a bit sleeker end pieces. Are Korg beginning to take a leaf from Porsche's playbook?

It looks like a great leap forward in the basic sound area, but I'm not sure, other than the lead stuff, it really advances the arranger concept. Still the same number of Divisions, still no velocity modulation of the backing (or did I miss that?), no Karma or arpeggiator (right?), no Ableton Live-like clip launching. No synth engine or radically reworked CX3 sim (right?) that might have migrated from the Kronos.

I think one of the original posts on this thread got it perhaps on the nose... Korg, taking a leaf out of the Tyros playbook. Under the hood, some nice new toys (and I'm not discounting the streaming content's impact), but little new in basic arranger approach, wrapped up in a shell VERY similar to the previous one.

I wonder how many of us, despite the ecstasy of finally directly read content, were perhaps hoping for just a bit more, something that advanced the 'arranger' rather than just its raw sound? The musical world is changing around us, synths and arpeggiators dominate today's pop sound. How hard would it have been to add even a BASIC arpeggiator (even as simple as graced the Triton's)?

Oh well... there's always the PA5X, right?

[Bachus]

It looks like a great leap forward in the basic sound area, but I'm not sure, other than the lead stuff, it really advances the arranger concept. Still the same number of Divisions, still no velocity modulation of the backing (or did I miss that?), no Karma or arpeggiator (right?), no Ableton Live-like clip launching. No synth engine or radically reworked CX3 sim (right?) that might have migrated from the Kronos.

This (sadly) was to be expected, Steven Kay even contected Korg Italy to ask them if they wanted to cooperate and add a Karma to the PA series. All het got was a response that they (and their customers) where not interested in a Karma, arrangers are fine as they are. Thats litterally the response het got. And posted in a thread here on the Korg forums.

I am with you on these features, no clue why they dont make their way to arrangers. Tough seems surprisingly Yamaha is moving into this direction with an arpeggiator, assignable encoders and Deejay styles in their PSR S970 series. And i expect them to take another step with the Tyros6 adding a synth world feature with Virtuall synths(like the ones from the reface series) and a clip launching interfae as they allready have on the mobile sequencer ipad app.


The one thing that could make this PA4x a huge succes however is when they make the assumed disk streaming of samples available to the users, giving them unlimmited expandabillity like with the Kronso EXs expansions.

If thats not there, it will just keep feeling like what it looks, a slightly upgraded PA3x.

[Dikikeys]

I'm not sure we all want a full Karma implementation, but heck, even the arpeggiator from the old Triton's would add a contemporary feel and ability to the arranger paradigm.

It's legacy code, shouldn't be a bear to add...

[Keymn]

As a pa3x owner I have an interest in wireless midi and Bluetooth connectivity. Surprised Korg not having a bluetooth or wireless midi function. I now use a Roland accordion that I purchased wireless midi external hardware and iPad Bluetooth external hardware.

As far as the screen, I use my iPad and a great app Songbook+ that works well with the songbook entries where I can display lyrics, PDF music, playlists, etc. Imagine, the rumor iPad is goes to a bigger screen? Sheet music size? Or Why not a keyboard that the screen can be duplicated on the iPad!

Accordion players are using the bk-7m Roland. Why can't Korg produce a product similar product that has functionality of the pa3x, 4x arranger. I am more impressed with the styles and sounds of the PA series.
Thanks Korg for making one of the best arranger keyboards in the world!

[Dikikeys]

The little BK-7m (I have one myself for my keytar) is a little $1000 unit. That is probably why it is so popular with accordion players!

BTW, I left my favorite accordion in the back seat of my car, and someone broke in the other day

.... and left two more! I have got to get better locks on it!

How well is the Ketron module selling? I see a lot more accordion players and MIDI guitarists etc. using the little Roland than that one. A PA4X module, at PA4X prices, might be a pretty hard sell... They already paid a fortune for the MIDI accordion, now you gotta add in a $3000+ module?

OTOH, a module PA900 might be in the ballpark...

[Keymn]

http://www.quicco.co.jp/archives/shop_m ... ace-mi-1-2
May work with keytar to your Roland bk-7m. I use it with my accordion to Pa3x. Wireless midi in/out bridged through my iPad. Although, no extra midi in out like the pa1x had is available with this plug in module.
I select the Korg songbook songs from my iPad with Songbook+ no need to use Korg screen songbook list with this hardware too.
This product only $45 on Amazon. No batteries, uses midi power.

Yes, those freakin accordion players use this Roland BK-7m, except me. That is why a Similar Korg module even at 3k would be a versatile item. Agree a lower cost PA 900 module may be sufficient. Accordion gig, use this module, small and compact. Keyboard gig, bring PA keys. Both units will have the same songbook and sounds programs. 75% of my gigs are with accordion. Hope Korg is listening!

[nightplayer]

Hi there,

I am a new member to the forum, and I am in the market for a new pa flagship arranger keyboard.

I am trying to decide between buying a pa4x or a pa3x

Please forgive me if you find me if I wrote something and I did not describe it with more details due to trying to keep it to a minimum.

So, here are my thoughts about the pa4x:
No Digital Output port.
No motorized screen.
Hardware layout is borrowed from the pa3x Le with added sliders and a few more buttons here and there.
Less hardware buttons comparing to the pa3x.
Less number of style and sound banks comparing to the pa3x.
Materials used seem to be a lower quality than that was used to build the pa3x.

price in the USA is $4K.
Comparing this price to the list price of the pa3x, which was $5600, I wonder if korg is re-doing the same thing that they have done with the Kronos, which is using cheap quality materials to build their flagship synthesizer, and rely heavily on the software features of the OS.

I also noticed that there is a blank space next to the "pa4x" logo that is large enough to carry the word "pro" or maybe "Le" in the future.
I am not sure if this pa4x should be looked at as the flagship arranger for the next 3-4 years.
I am also not sure if we are going to see a "pro" version of the pa4x a year or two down the road.

This was noticed in the past with the pa1x series and also the Kronos series.
Korg first released the pa1x 61-Key (with the speakers version), then later on they introduced the pa1x pro 76 Keys with no speakers.
Then they introduced the pa1x pro "Elite" edition, which has all the hardware options installed (expanded memory and a CD-RW drive).

Same thing with the kronos.
They released the original Keonos with the impression that this is the flagship synth, then they released the KronosX with expanded memory and added 30GB SSD.

So, I think, it is really hard for me to tell if this keyboard really is the top of the line keyboard for the pa4x family or will there be more disappointments in the future.

Speaking of the design of the keyboard, I am not really impressed with replacing the Volume and Accompaniment sliders with those two knobs.

To me, the pa3x was an elegant design that I was hoping for korg to continue to carry on and make it even more better.

The current design of the pa4x was mainly taken from the pa3x Le edition.
So now we have a new "flagship" arranger that for the most part used the same hardware layout of the cutdown version of the pa3x, which is the pa3x Le, and added on top of that 9-sliders and a few other buttons here and there and call it a Pa4x.

Also the OS is the same as the one used in the Pa3x but in a different skin.
The screen also, does not seem to be rugged as the one used in the pa3x
The lefting mechanism doesn't seem to be solid enough comparing to what the pa3x has

I am trying to buy a korg pa top of the line arranger today and until now, I remain undecided in terms of if I should buy a pa3x or a pa4x (which I am not truly certain if this is the flagship arranger for the pa4x series due to the reasons discussed above).

I find myself personally leaning more towards the Pa3x than the Pa4x.
My impressions about the pa3x is that it is built from top quality materials, and is very well designed to the point that it meets my taste, and that matters to me.
I don't have the same impressions about the Pa4x.

Not sure which one should I buy.
I don't want any regrets.
Software wise, I give thumbs up to the pa4x system.
Hardware wise, I give thumbs up to the pa3x system.

Over the past 15 years, I find myself being more inspired when I set in front of a well/elegant designed keyboard that has a well though-of hardware layout. This doesn't seem to be the case with the pa4x.

As I said, I don't want any regrets in this buy.
I am asking for your proffessional opinion when it comes to making a buying decision.

If you think that the pa4x is worth getting than the pa3x which has a lot of the features found in the 4x except for the direct USB, the Setlist mode, the MIDI to style conversion tool and a few other updates, I will go and buy a pa4x (giving the fact that you can get a brand new pa3x today for a lowered price after the announcement of the pa4x).

Just my 2c's.

your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Dikikeys]

I think everyone is pretty much in 'wait and see' mode...

When the full manual is upped, we'll have a much better idea of how the PA4X sits. Until then, it's just fevered speculation!

[Reuben]

The Pa4x might be worth it just for the new piano sounds. The demos sound pretty good.

[Keymn]

I agree with the piano sounds, although the PA3X piano demos sounded good too. I went from a Pa1x to the now Pa3x. The piano sounds are not impressive. To me, not much improvement from the 1x. If I was a piano player, the Casio Privia has a better piano sound under 600$. I almost returned the 3x because of the piano sounds. The strange thing about them, they had no decent attack and other settings which I had to modify.
I use the Korg screen for reference since I use my iPad to display lyrics and Korg songbook. And as my eyesight gets worse, go with the iPad Pro with the larger screen.
I have used the Korg for a year now over 150 gigs and it works flawless. The styles sounds to me are a big improvement over the Pa1x, especially the oldies rock which I get a great audience response when I am doing my shows.

The bottom line I would go with the PA4x, have latest software updates and maybe new styles will be added that can not be downloaded on the PA3x. I have tried some after market styles but to me there is nothing like the Original Korg styles.

[nightplayer]

Thanks a lot for the replies.

I agree too. I think going with pa4x would make a lot of sense at this point.
So in regards to the "flagship" top of the line pa4x, do you think this is it?

I am a little concerned about a "pro" version that may show up in the next one or two years from now.

Thanks again for your feedback.

[nightplayer]

Also, what about missing the following options in the pa4x:

1. No Digital output port - Very needed in Studio Recording to avoid A/D conversions and losing a significant part of the sound quality.
I don't see any mention of "Audio over USB" like the Kronos in the pa4x.
Do you think Korg has a different method to substitute for the Digital Output port, or did Korg just got rid of it? or maybe it will show up in their future "Pro" edition (if there is any in the future)?

2. No motorized screen.

So, would it be OK to live without those options in a the Pa4x? or do I need to wait for another 1 or 2 or maybe even 3 years to find out if there will be a "pro" version of the pa4x with options that were standard with the pa3x76 as I anticipate?


Thanks again.

[Fransman]

do I need to wait for another 1 or 2 or maybe even 3 years to find out if there will be a "pro" version of the pa4x with options that were standard with the pa3x76 as I anticipate?


Thanks again.

I don't think there will be a higher version of the PA4X (which is Korg's new flagship) in the coming plusminus 5 years.
The 76 key version is the most "pro" version (76 key and internal hard drive), but the 61 key version is about the same (high) quality.

No motorized screen; I consider that an advantage (motor can't break down ).
But I haven't actually seen the PA4X in real, so I don't know if it's a well built screen; but I guess it must be, considering the price tag...

[Keymn]

Like I said earlier, I use the IPad for my performances, Korg Songbook duplicated and directly communicates to the Korg through the Host both ways. The tilt does not matter to me.

[Dikikeys]

Also, what about missing the following options in the pa4x:

1. No Digital output port - Very needed in Studio Recording to avoid A/D conversions and losing a significant part of the sound quality.
I don't see any mention of "Audio over USB" like the Kronos in the pa4x.
Do you think Korg has a different method to substitute for the Digital Output port, or did Korg just got rid of it? or maybe it will show up in their future "Pro" edition (if there is any in the future)?

2. No motorized screen.

So, would it be OK to live without those options in a the Pa4x? or do I need to wait for another 1 or 2 or maybe even 3 years to find out if there will be a "pro" version of the pa4x with options that were standard with the pa3x76 as I anticipate?


Thanks again.

I'm sorry, but I disagree with #1... Hits have been made for decades without needing digital outs on keyboards. Trust me on this one... If your song isn't a hit with analog outputs and an extra A/D stage, it isn't going to be a hit with digital outs!

And #2 as well... All a motorized screen is is something you don't need that could break down. It's not like it's too heavy to lift, is it?!