More info http://www.korgpa.com/pa_root/en/news/news.html?en

Looks great. Thanks for the info.
I don't see where they mention that it will display text files for lyrics.
The weight is RIGHT, 29 pounds.
DonM

[This message has been edited by DonM (edited 09-15-2006).]

Any info about price and availability?


R.

Manual pg.148

Wow, that looks pretty good! I like some of the pa1x styles. Curious about cost.

------------------
Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

The PDF manual is there on the link, should answer all the questions. That is if you want to wade through another manual I'm sure it wouldn't be the first. LOL

Looks like a great rig!

Jerry

So now is the pa1x still the best?

I'm not to the point where I want to read the manual. Just curious. Do you recall if the manual said it would display Text files?
Thanks,
DonM

it's really an upgrade to the 80, not a replacement for the PA1x (THAT will come next year imo , maybe at summer Namm) although i think that some of the things on the 800 will find their way onto the new PA2??X....like the increased poly and RAM and the 3 USB ports (one is a host port)....price is believed to be at $2500 Euros...the keyboard guy i deal with has just returned from a dealer demonstration day with the board, and he was mildly impressed...speakers are good, some new styles, it's got the TC Helicon vocal processor..NO option for the MP3 board, and the HDD is an option...bottom line if you have a PA80 you would upgrade but not if you have a PA

don, the reading of the text files is a function of the "songbook"...(i have the PA1XPro)its works okay i suppose, but imo it is not very well implemented if you just want to write your own lead sheets for display...the karaoke function works well for karaoke files though, not that i use them but i have experimented with it to see how it works
dennis

[This message has been edited by miden (edited 09-15-2006).]

Thanks,
One of the things I enjoy about both the Tyros 2 and Midjay is the ability to load all my lyrics onto the hard drive and call them up with a style associated. It actually lets me leave my laptop at home.
I probably know the words and chords to a thousand or so songs, but it's really nice to have an almost unlimited repertoire on board.
I will certainly check out the PA800 SOMETIME.
Right now, I'm extremely pleased with what I have though.
DonM

http://www.musicpascher.com/boutique/korg+pa800-p-41.html

------------------
www.tagworld.com/vicentelopez


HE'S COMING, MAKE MUSIC, GET READY!

I just spoke with my Korg Rep and the price here in the USA will be:
list price $3400
map price: $2700 (map price is the price the stores can advertise the product and will become the street price)
Availability should be within the next 30 days but there is no official date set yet.
This will be in competition with the Roland E80 but it will have a sampler with 64mB of memory and the E80 has no sampling capability.



------------------
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566
www.kayesmusicscene.com

With an MSRP of $3400, and MAP of $2700, this is closer to the G70's price range (especially now it's sold through MI division stores).

The E80. we were told, will be in the $4500 MSRP range, probably with a MAP of $3700 or upwards.

So, no real direct Roland comparison (and Rolands are SO overpriced since they went CK Division). But it seems to offer good value at it's price point, somewhat more than an E60, but way less than an E80, and the sampler is very good, especially compared to T2's rather closed system. Akai compatibility is HUGE if you want a good, inexpensive choice of sampler libraries (but still no USB2, so it will load slowly....).

Korg's are definitely the arranger of choice if you want to do anything remotely contemporary (hiphop and urban styles), and the easy to use sampler will make it a real challenge to the T2 if a sampler is an essential thing to have. Plus, is it just me, or is the piano demo on the PA800 site the first Korg piano sound I actually like? Sounded really full and warm to me, a first for Korg arrangers (and keyboards pre-Oasys)!

Hi,
Is going to be a Ketron SD5 vs Korg PA800 as far goes price range, there are several areas that make them very different, the Riff, the sampler option, etc...
I play most in "Tea dances" for many of the Senior Centers that Arizona has, I use also the Tyros2, and for most Foxtrots, I found the Korg patterns more suitable than the Yammis, the Yamaha is more Big Band full brass oriented, I sold the PA60 because I want to update, either I get the SD5 by Ketron or the Korg PA800.
I am glad that Korg keep the user interface very similar, perhaps the screen menus to learn, but not the whole thing.

It seems that the only major difference with Korg pa1x is the memory (64MB) for sample ram.
I wonder, is it possible to upgrade korg PA-1x memory to 64 by taking out the 16MB and replacing it with two 32 MB Rams?!!!

hi korgfan...the other BIG difference is the 800 has 12o note poly...the architecture of the PA means that it can only recognise 16mb edo ram chips..ergo a max of 32..
dennis

Hi Don. This is a key feature I too have grown to appreciate & use on Tyros2. After perusing the PA800 USER MANUAL , I've discovered 'good news' on page 170:

"Linked TXT:

You can select a text (.TXT) file, and link it to the Style or Song associated with the current SongBook entry. When you select this entry, the text file is automatically loaded.

Text files can be seen in the display and in an external monitor (provided the VIF4 Video Interface has been installed). Since there is no automatic synchronization between this kind of lyrics and the associated songs, you must scroll them manually. This can be accomplished in either of two way:

1) when a ".TXT" file is selected, a special vertical scrollbar appears in the Lyrics/STS page of the SongBook mode. Touch it to scroll through the text during the performance."


Another appealing feature I especially like about the PA800 right off is its weight & size:

Korg PA800 (including speakers)
Weight: 30.64 lb
Dimensions: W:43.7" x D:15.27" x H:6.45"

----------------------------------------
Comparatively

Korg PA1X (including speakers)
Weight: 48.6 lbs
Dimensions: W: 44.21 x D:16.85" x H:7.44"

Tyros2 (no speakers)
Weight: 31.97 lbs
Dimensions: W:48.88" x D:17.72" x H:5.39"

PSR3000 (including speakers)
Weight: 24.5 lbs
Dimensions: W:38-5/16" x D:15-11/16" x H:6-5/16"

Two questions (important to me) I'd like answered are:

1) Does the PA800 include jazz style rootless chord voicing recognition, as the PA1X/PA1Xpro now include?

2) What acoustic grand piano sample is included on the PA800? Same one included in the PA1xPro or different?

As much as I continue to LOVE my Tyros2, the new Korg PA800 looks to be a terrific lightweight road worthy keyboard addition worth serious consideration.

Scott

Scott,

The PA800 includes the same chord recognition engine as the Pa1X. So, yes, the jazz style rootless chord voicing recognition is definitely there.

The acoustic piano sample is different than the one in the Pa1X, and is derived from the new sample made for the SP-250, C-520 and C-720 digital pianos. You can have a taste of it by listening to the demos in the www.korgpa.com web site.

Best regards,
Paolo

I am wondering what the differences and similarities are on the Tyros2 and PA800 as far as expanded and rootless chords? Does one give you more of this than the other? Also wondering how close the fingerings are between the two kb's and also in relationship to what a regular piano player would use on a standard piano as far as fingerings and voicings.

Anybody know as of yet?

I agree this looks interesting enough for me to want to try and possibly add it to the T2 or, who knows?

Scott

hi Paolo. Many thanks for the quick reply. The PA800 is SOUNDING more & MORE attractive to me by the minute. Really enjoyed the IMPRESSIVE demos. As a former Korg Synth owner (707 & O1W/FD) I admit to missing Korg's signature progressive sounding sounds & styles on the T2. In addition, it appears the PA800 includes a USB 2.0 port for much faster data tramission than T2 (USB 1.0). I can't wait now for the PA800 to finally hit the stores and test drive this baby in person. In the meantime, another question:

Realizing the PA800 includes a 'color' TOUCH SCREEN, are you able to optionally call things up on the screen from buttons and/or scroll wheel, or limited to selecting via touching the screen only Thanks. - Scott

USB 2.0? Are you sure, Scott?

FINALLY.......!!

If the sampler loads at USB2 speeds, this would be an incredible boost in the effectiveness of an on board sampler. Currently, most hardware samplers top out at about 1MB/sec load time, so 64MB would take about a minute (give or take) to load.

But USB2? Theoretically it could load that much in about 10 sec or less. THAT would be revolutionary....... (especially if it would load without interrupting the sound engine).

Dikki: Here's exactly what it STATES on page 304 of the Korg P800 User Manual :

Connections
USB: 2 Host (2.0 HI Speed) and 1 Device (1.1 Full Speed)

Scott

Scott,




Actually, two of them. You get two USB 2.0 ports for connecting external devices (like an USB pendrive or hard disk), plus a single USB 1.1 port for connecting to a computer.



In general, you must first touch something in the screen, then use either the screen or the scroll wheel to changes values. In some cases, like when choosing Styles or Sounds in auto Select mode, you might not use the screen.

Best regards,
Paolo


[This message has been edited by ptram (edited 09-17-2006).]

Hey - what is everybody doing over here!?!?

We have our own Korg section now. I was over there wondering why no-one was even talking about the Pa800...

Now I see everyone is over here.

- Frost

Grrrr......... I don't care for those touch screens. No, I don't !

Thanks Paolo for your answers. Odd to learn that while the USB to removeable device (memory stick) speed is hi speed 2.0, the PA800's USB to host connector to PC remains a slow 1.0 USB speed. I'm baffled why Korg couldn't simpy incorporate USB 2.0 throughout, affording faster transfer, and backup of files from the PA800 HD to/from PC.

Though I'm disappointed that it appears there is no alternative to pressing the touchscreen itself, if the touch screen accuracy is improved over prior kb touchscreen makes/models, I'm hoping the PA800's higher screen resolution, brightness, and the fact that it's color will compensate for it.

Hope you guys don't mind another IMPORTANT Korg PA800 Question:

What is the PA800's onboard Sequencer's maximum ppq (parts/quarter note) resolution? Oddly enough I could find NO MENTION of this important spec in the PA800 User's Manual.

A keyboard's onboard sequencer's maximum (ppq) resolution directly affectd how accurately an original midi performance recorded is reproduced when played back. My Tyros2's sequencer supports a maximum resolution of 1,920 ppq, yet the Korg 01W/FD synth I owned years ago only supported a maximum of 96 ppq, of which (to my ears) is not good enough to accurately capture the spark of the original performance, including subtle expressive playing nuances. I hope that the PA800, supports a much higher maximum (unquantized) sequencer resolution than a mere 96 ppq.

Thanks in advance for any information on what the PA800's Sequencer maximmum ppq 'timing resolution' is.

Scott


PS: here a couple of other threads I posted on this topic several years ago:
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/001438.html
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/000069.html
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/002354.html

Scott,

Pa1X's internal sequencer's resolution is 384 TPQN (ticks per quarter note).

Best regards,
Paolo


[This message has been edited by ptram (edited 09-21-2006).]

this machine sounds very impressive. i love the punchy dance music

any one know what the exact total WAV rom is ??

Nick

Hi Paolo, many thanks. Because the finer the sequencer resolution (higher the number) the more accurate the midi recording is able to capture the nuances of the original performance, I had hoped for better than 384 TPQN (aka: ppq), but at least glad that Korg has finally (with the PA1X) seen fit to finally substantially improve their seq resolution from the dismal 96 ppq seen in their earlier keyboards.

Paolo. Where (in the PA1X PDF Users manual?) might I find this 384 TPQN spec listed? I trust that the PA800's seq resolution to be the same or possibly better? Interestingly enough, I'm not able to locate the PA800's sequencer resolution (ppq/tpqn) specification mentioned anywhere in the PA800 Users PDF manual.



Sampling: Record, edit, time slice, load/import, export - PCM RAM Memory: 64MB standard.

I only assume this internal memory is fixed memory and can't be expanded. Perhaps someone here might be able to verify this.

I've got to admit, having listened to the demos & reading its specs, and assured that it includes jazz style (rootless) chord voicing recognition as the PA1x does, the Korg PA800 HEADS my 'next keyboard' addition acquisition list.

Scott

Scott,

I meant say, Wav Rom size of the existing facotry preset voices...

Tyros 2 is supposed to be over 300meg. any one know what the PA 800 is??

Hi Scott,



Well, at 1.3ms per pulse, let me say that 384ppq is not exactly "low resolution"... We can improve on that, but is it worth the additional computation resources needed?

As for your other question, we usually don't publish this kind of information, since it has very little relevance on the quality and usability of the instrument.

This same philosophy applies to the PCM ROM memory. More megabytes does not always mean a higher quality. Furthermore, some of our competitors like to play with numbers, for example publishing measurements in Megabits, instead of MegaBytes, and we don't like this kind of PR tricks. So, we prefer our potential customers decide with their ears, instead of doing some kind of math.

Best regards,
Paolo

Well said Paulo, and thanks for monitoring this forum and for commenting. Any time table for the PA800 shipping to the U.S.?
Thanks,
DonM

Paulo. though I agree, and certainly commend Korg's recent improvement of 384ppq seq midi note resolution on the PA1X, considering the FACT that a midi sequencer's ppq note resolution is compartively similar to a (in photographic terms) 'two' vs 'seven plus' megapixel camera, or standard resolution vs Hi-DEFINITION TV, it remains interesting to ponder the question why/how Yamaha is able to include a whopping 1192ppq on even its mid-budget line PSR3000's onboard sequencer. The fact is: the finer (higher the number) the sequencer note resolution is, the more accurately its able to capture your live playing timing nuances, and that's a GOOD thing. Though you may not consciously hear the difference, it can be felt & appreciated by a diserning musician.


YES. Of course it is. Once keyboard owners become aware of the benefits of improved midi sequencer resolution, and how important it is for achieving midi recording timing accuracy, they'll appreciate & expect better higher (finer) sequencer resolution.

Much as if 'Camera Manufacterer A" refused to keep up with current technology by continuing to only offer 2 megapixel resolution on their 'top of the line' model cameras, while their camera manufacterer competition moved on offering 7+ mexapixel cameras at the same price: I suspect 'Camera Manufacterer A" would soon be out of business.

Scott

[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 09-21-2006).]

Hi Paolo
thank you for the link to the korg website.
The korg members in my Making Styles group will no doubt appreciate the styles etc available for download.

best wishes
Rikki

Korg already have great sounds,hardware,VH,look.

Now the problem - styles,fills - if they can only get Yammy guys to do the job.

and another big problem- OS layout that they refuse to change- needing to press shift (a/b)button if you want to select styles/sounds.(say from 8 beats to latin(bossas) need to press an additional button to go to that style page(same is true for the sound layout) .

Korg continues the path of good sounding workstation type Kb with OK arranger functions.

But even after good sounding great priced PA50,OS mistakes like that should be corrected to beat the competition(YAMAHA).

Since YAM has easier layout for instant play/control for the ARRANGER player,they got more users and their 3#rd party support grows(something that Roland and Korg can't compete).

YAMMY can still get away with cheap hardware and not so great (majority of sounds- not discussing about T2)since their OS and styles(simple yet effective ,which can cover many songs,and smooth fills that do not over standout from the styles,(not to mention pads that can play/record LOOPS(relatively new feature only for PAx series-now also with 800 I guess) ,(style drum mix in playing back of SMFs which is a great feature that KORG lacks)-in mid priced like 1500 and 3000 (with are around/near price range of PA-50). Mid and high priced YAMMIES are aimed toward THE TARGET-

"THE ARRANGER PLAYER IN A SOLO ACT,
who will buy a KB which can provide must-haves for him ;the styles,fills,OS,storage,ease of use,3rd party styles and weight against better sequencer,hardware,overall sounds(subjective).


just a thought.




[This message has been edited by jamman (edited 09-22-2006).]

I'm impressed with the initial reports of this arranger, but I guess the real deal will come if Korg decide to incorporate many of the PA800 new features in a new version of the PA1X, now getting a bit long in the tooth.

I guess we'll have to wait until they ship to find out the actual figures, but the though of a USB 2 equipped sampler has me all jazzed up. I've done a fair bit of work with the Triton sampler option, and found it to be pretty friendly about importing Akai keymaps, on the whole, and I LOVE how, after you've imported a keymap, you can easily replace the on-board keymap of a sound with the sample keymap, and this will take care of 75% of the voice programming too.

So, in other words, if you import an Akai format acoustic guitar, you replace the on-board acoustic guitar's keymap with the import, all the envelopes, LFO's velocity curves, and effects routings are already done, all that's left is a bit of tweaking (with any luck!) and you're done. Boo-yaaaaah!

Plus, I'm pretty impressed with the PA800's acoustic piano sound. First Korg other than dedicated piano 'boards that impressed me at all. Can't wait to hear the Purgatory Creek file though it..........

Hi All
Looks good, particularly as at the recent Keyboard Festival the PA1X was still up there with the likes of Roland’s E80 and the Tyros 2.
A couple of points to note though, “USB2 Hi Speed” this term was used a lot on computer peripherals when USB 2 came out, and the only thing it meant was that it would not interfere with other USB 2 devices, the port and/or the peripheral itself still ran at USB 1.1 speed. (Normally when you plug a USB 1.1 device into the same port controller as a USB 2 device the speed of all devices (Even USB 2) is reduced to USB 1.1 speed. (USB 2 Hi Speed prevented this)
The fact that the PA800 has both USB 1.1 and USB 2 Hi Speed would indicate that this is actually what is happening with the Korg. (We will have to wait and see)
Regarding Akai samples, the increase in memory is great, but still quite low, (No mention of expansion) for loading the real high quality samples. (Some of the Akai samples I have in my Wersi Abacus are close on 50Mb in size)
However as they say. “If the Price is Right”
Enjoy whatever you play.

Bill

The Korg PA 800 will be available for sale at 2190 euros in October-November in Italy.
Details here.