Pa5X OS Update V1.4

[KeysFla]

I'm warming up to the idea of switching to the Ketron if there are enough people buying sounds, beats, and specifically full sets. I'm already of the idea that Korg will not be releasing the update any time soon and quite likely are missing the source code for parts of the OS, missing the man power to fix it, and their engineers are very stuck in their ways and completely in denial about any bugs. I've gone back and forth with 2 of them with no progress whatsoever.

I have ordered a FISA Suprema C. Should I be concerned of this model? Already some were reporting the bellows came apart on the first release of the full size accordion.

[Basspig]

A scary thought is that several engineers have jumped ship to another company and now there's no one to finish the OS build. I've heard a rumor here and there about such a thing, and if it's true, that explains the delay. Could be a year or more, if Korg has to hire new engineers and familiarize themselves with the OS and the update plans.
My original prediction was for a June release. Well here we are in June. Let's hope!

[pa4x_user]

KeysFla

“Make Google your friend’

https://www.korg.com/au/news/2025/040202/

[KeysFla]

KeysFla

“Make Google your friend’

https://www.korg.com/au/news/2025/040202/

Actually, this has been posted on the Korg site. A user friend of mine had the accordion bellows come apart. They did good by replacing whole units. Not sure if the FISA Suprema and Korg arrangers are the same team, but they have not released the Smaller version Fisa Suprema C since mentioned in January. Mine has been preordered, now they say August. Maybe quality issues? If it goes beyond August, I may cancel and wait till 2026. Kind of of hope more positive on the PA5x, as I own one and seen improvement since 1.1…no problems yet except the exit button broke. Is the plastics less quality? I have been in the plastics industry for a while and one small mixer and molding settings mistake could be costly.
PA1x, had to replace many buttons as well on my PA3x. But seem over a longer period of time usage?

[D575]

Putting aside previous comments in this thread and with standing a few of my own niggles (polyphony, dual player access via the X-FADER), the current OS has remained solid, and I am enjoying my replacement (control panel button issue) keyboard as it stands which means I am looking forward to the new up and coming update.

One thing I have learned with Korg is that I won't be an early adopter of the latest T/L arranger (previously PA3x, PA4x) next time. I will sit back and watch all the fireworks if a PA5X replacement ever evolves, pending, of course, if Korg dismisses the concept of my earlier post in this thread. But I remain to be surprised, which I hope I am, as that would be good for everyone.

P.s.
Will we ever see a EC5 replacement? (Midi solution exists but not as comprehensive as PA4X)

[KeysFla]

Putting aside previous comments in this thread and with standing a few of my own niggles (polyphony, dual player access via the X-FADER), the current OS has remained solid, and I am enjoying my replacement (control panel button issue) keyboard as it stands which means I am looking forward to the new up and coming update.

One thing I have learned with Korg is that I won't be an early adopter of the latest T/L arranger (previously PA3x, PA4x) next time. I will sit back and watch all the fireworks if a PA5X replacement ever evolves, pending, of course, if Korg dismisses the concept of my earlier post in this thread. But I remain to be surprised, which I hope I am, as that would be good for everyone.

P.s.
Will we ever see a EC5 replacement? (Midi solution exists but not as comprehensive as PA4X)

Putting aside previous comments in this thread and with standing a few of my own niggles (polyphony, dual player access via the X-FADER), the current OS has remained solid, and I am enjoying my replacement (control panel button issue) keyboard as it stands which means I am looking forward to the new up and coming update.

One thing I have learned with Korg is that I won't be an early adopter of the latest T/L arranger (previously PA3x, PA4x) next time. I will sit back and watch all the fireworks if a PA5X replacement ever evolves, pending, of course, if Korg dismisses the concept of my earlier post in this thread. But I remain to be surprised, which I hope I am, as that would be good for everyone.

P.s.
Will we ever see a EC5 replacement? (Midi solution exists but not as comprehensive as PA4X)

As far as eC5, midi is somewhat more complicated when you want to move forward or back the variation. As some want to start on a particular variation when the save in a songbook. You will need the pedal to know the saved variation to start with. I spent some time on this and think it can be done, but need to know the variation message, when you choose your songbook number. As far as moving forward and back, that is easy…someone I believe is working with this on this forum…I am hoping I hear more positives on the pa5x. I like you, are happy. Looking further for updates.

[karmathanever]

....we've been trying to get full MIDI/controller Implementation manuals from Korg for over 20 years.
The absence of EC5 support on PA5x was one of the show-stoppers for me. I cannot see this changing unless Korg actually create and support all MIDI CCs (including VAR-UP/DOWN and other non-MIDI undocumented functions) - then we could control all those functions with MIDI (i.e. a MIDI pedal like FCB1010) but until then, EC5 full functionality will not exist.

After such a long time waiting for some communication and product confidence from Korg, I am very wary about the future.
Yes, these are my personal opinions having been a Korg arranger supporter for over 20 years (i3,i30,PA1xPro,PA2xPro,PA3xPro,PA4xPro) - during most of that time, Korg Italy team has been very supportive and in particular, for me personally, helped me resolve a serious issue I had with my PA1XPro. This great team is no longer allowed to communicate with us since the renewed management - yes, this has all been said many times now, but still remains a concern to me.

I am still too nervous and distrusting to jump into a PA5x (let alone the EC5 issue). It seems so many are screaming constantly for the next update. This has gone on way too long - do they care?

Sorry guys, just the way it is for me.

Pete

[KeysFla]

....we've been trying to get full MIDI/controller Implementation manuals from Korg for over 20 years.
The absence of EC5 support on PA5x was one of the show-stoppers for me. I cannot see this changing unless Korg actually create and support all MIDI CCs (including VAR-UP/DOWN and other non-MIDI undocumented functions) - then we could control all those functions with MIDI (i.e. a MIDI pedal like FCB1010) but until then, EC5 full functionality will not exist.

After such a long time waiting for some communication and product confidence from Korg, I am very wary about the future.
Yes, these are my personal opinions having been a Korg arranger supporter for over 20 years (i3,i30,PA1xPro,PA2xPro,PA3xPro,PA4xPro) - during most of that time, Korg Italy team has been very supportive and in particular, for me personally, helped me resolve a serious issue I had with my PA1XPro. This great team is no longer allowed to communicate with us since the renewed management - yes, this has all been said many times now, but still remains a concern to me.

I am still too nervous and distrusting to jump into a PA5x (let alone the EC5 issue). It seems so many are screaming constantly for the next update. This has gone on way too long - do they care?

Sorry guys, just the way it is for me.

Pete

....we've been trying to get full MIDI/controller Implementation manuals from Korg for over 20 years.
The absence of EC5 support on PA5x was one of the show-stoppers for me. I cannot see this changing unless Korg actually create and support all MIDI CCs (including VAR-UP/DOWN and other non-MIDI undocumented functions) - then we could control all those functions with MIDI (i.e. a MIDI pedal like FCB1010) but until then, EC5 full functionality will not exist.

After such a long time waiting for some communication and product confidence from Korg, I am very wary about the future.
Yes, these are my personal opinions having been a Korg arranger supporter for over 20 years (i3,i30,PA1xPro,PA2xPro,PA3xPro,PA4xPro) - during most of that time, Korg Italy team has been very supportive and in particular, for me personally, helped me resolve a serious issue I had with my PA1XPro. This great team is no longer allowed to communicate with us since the renewed management - yes, this has all been said many times now, but still remains a concern to me.

I am still too nervous and distrusting to jump into a PA5x (let alone the EC5 issue). It seems so many are screaming constantly for the next update. This has gone on way too long - do they care?

Sorry guys, just the way it is for me.

Pete

If it were me, I would just program the assignables for var up/down. Then use the Airturn bt500s-6 which has 6 pushbuttons and two analog for expression and/or? Then you will have more than you need that was offered with ec5. I use two AIRTURN’S, have 12 buttons. Then the assignable open for other things. I never had a use for ec5 as I needed more control with two AIRTURN’S. Plus the AIRTURN’S group pair to widimaster products. All wireless. The two pedals mounted on a pedal board makes it just as compact as EC5.

[karmathanever]

If it were me, I would just program the assignables for var up/down. Then use the Airturn bt500s-6 which has 6 pushbuttons and two analog for expression and/or? Then you will have more than you need that was offered with ec5. I use two AIRTURN’S, have 12 buttons. Then the assignable open for other things. I never had a use for ec5 as I needed more control with two AIRTURN’S. Plus the AIRTURN’S group pair to widimaster products. All wireless. The two pedals mounted on a pedal board makes it just as compact as EC5.

Nice option but doesn't replace EC5 nor solve the issue - can achieve same with FCB1010 - the problem is that there is no MIDI config data for several commands - yes, can assign to the switches but I need hands free for some of these commands.

Take care
Pete

[AZKeys]

Ya, me too!
I don't want to keep pressing the harmony button on and off between every Verse and Chorus to get my BG Vocals in with me.
Don't want to use the slider to bring them up and down throughout a song, either.
A footswitch for that would be cool. Both of my hands are busy!
Right now I've got a TC-Helicon VoiceLive Play Acoustic that does the trick, but I want to take that out of the live setup
and let the PA5X harmonizer do it's thing.
An 'All-in-One" footswitch to do multiple functions once programmed would be best for us all, KORG.
"V1.4" PLEEEEEEEEEEEZE!

[KeysFla]

If it were me, I would just program the assignables for var up/down. Then use the Airturn bt500s-6 which has 6 pushbuttons and two analog for expression and/or? Then you will have more than you need that was offered with ec5. I use two AIRTURN’S, have 12 buttons. Then the assignable open for other things. I never had a use for ec5 as I needed more control with two AIRTURN’S. Plus the AIRTURN’S group pair to widimaster products. All wireless. The two pedals mounted on a pedal board makes it just as compact as EC5.

Nice option but doesn't replace EC5 nor solve the issue - can achieve same with FCB1010 - the problem is that there is no MIDI config data for several commands - yes, can assign to the switches but I need hands free for some of these commands.

Take care
Pete

The fcb you have to run power and a midi cable. I need 100% hands free which I have achieved with even my PA3x using the Airturn. As I perform with digital accordion. The ec5 is dated and when the airturn, widimaster was developed, it changed everything for me…no wires attached…I was surprised the PA5x does not have built in Bluetooth. So these pedals can pair wirelessly without the widimaster dongles. I ordered the Korg FISA Suprema C accordion which has Bluetooth built in. Also the usb port is midi or audio compatible. Quite an upgrade from the PA5x……maybe on next PA?

[karmathanever]

The fcb you have to run power and a midi cable. I need 100% hands free which I have achieved with even my PA3x using the Airturn. As I perform with digital accordion. The ec5 is dated and when the airturn, widimaster was developed, it changed everything for me…no wires attached…I was surprised the PA5x does not have built in Bluetooth. So these pedals can pair wirelessly without the widimaster dongles. I ordered the Korg FISA Suprema C accordion which has Bluetooth built in. Also the usb port is midi or audio compatible. Quite an upgrade from the PA5x……maybe on next PA?

Agree that PA5x has several things outdated - no BlueTooth, no WAV recording, no WiFi etc..etc..
FCB does have cables but doesn't bother me - it does a great job for hands-free control, but the missing EC5 capabilities are still there - Korg should at least implement the CC/PC/Sysex in the PA5x so that all functions like VAR-UP/DOWN can be controlled by a pedal (MIDI) - they could do this in an update - AND perhaps provide us with MIDI implementation documentation. They just were lazy and "assumed" EC5's were not important I guess.

Peace...

[Bescki]

The Korg PA5X was launched in June 2022
NEXT YEAR PA6X IS COMING

FUNNY KORG

opsss... no more korg sorry

[JagiChan]

The Korg PA5X was launched in June 2022
NEXT YEAR PA6X IS COMING

FUNNY KORG

opsss... no more korg sorry

Okay get the PA6X, but then take back our PA5X and give us the PA6X in exchange. That would be a good deal and a welcome gesture from Korg. We have waited far too long paying for something that does not fulfil the promise.