Seems like a long time since the X1/SD-1 came on the scene?

You are right Don, but to be honest I have strong doubts if there will ever be a new model from Ketron. (it is far too quiet)

My guess is that right now they are putting all their best efforts into the Midijay, and that could be a good idea: get a nice controller and you are set.

With present day technology there should no need to keep producing replacement models. Software upgrades should be the way to go. Why offer a new model every 2 years like X.Y.Z.

But is that not what generally happens anyway? The differences from one model to another is not what i'd say HUGE enough to justify a replacement always. Most of the time it's cosmetic, same old with modern features and some new updated sounds/styles thrown in.

Some people here are still happy using keyboards such as the G1000 or PSR9000pro which is absolutely fine.

I used to own the X1 and i still think it's a fantastic keyboard, some of the best sounds around.

[This message has been edited by DannyUK (edited 08-07-2005).]

Danny you are correct in your thinking Newer is not always better......I revise my statement and say that maybe its too long for Ketron to at least UPDATE the SD-1 or X1 with some needed CONSUMER requested improvements that would increase sales....I personally loved the sounds on Ketron Kb's that Ive owned and performed with, BUT I HATE their Navagation OS in a live situation....if this could be improved by listening to real musicians advice who play every day out there then I would take another look & posibly and other purchase.

New model is a big financial undertaking for a smaller company, but at least support owners out there now with Upgrades and some competitive improvements for models people have already.

I have not seen anyone using a Midjay & a Kb controler on stage .....that combo is just more gear and wires to carry set up.....at home is another story, but when Your gigging every nite Less is more......Ciao

HankB uses the Midjay on stage. Setup is quick and easy. Sound is outstanding.
Supposedly Ketron IS working on a new model, according to AJ. Maybe sometime next year.
DonM

The great thing with the Midijay is that all the sounds and loops have been sampled at 44.1 kHz/16 bit; that's a big plus, compared with the SD1.

... and it can read all the SD1 styles!
very !

Don is Hank using it with a Kb controler?

I also have test the midjay, and it is a fantastic module!!! i love the mp3 function and the "standard" midifile playing is good you don't have to make many changes on sounds and controllers if you use the original midifile. In my pa1x pro you must re-arrange the most midifile's to let the midifile sounds great. I'm always a big fan of the ketron products and that will in the future also !!!

notlos
www.notlos.com

I like the Midjay..It sounds better than any thing on the market..After they fix a few bugs and features, I am 99% sure I will use one..It does everything we use a laptop for..on the job..
They have to improve selections of tones /styles to be more suitable live..The MP3/Wav/SMF capabilities are great...
Put this unit together with a light 76 key controller[like a Roland 37 or a maybe the new M Audio Stage /controller piano].
There are not a lot of wires to connect..It is about the same as hooking up a laptop..

He uses the PSR3000 as a controller, thus having full benefit of BOTH units.
DonM

hey notlos are you using the "best sound" feature on the updated resources? this actually looks at the GM pacth number and then applies the best sounding PA1X patch in the same group instead..automatically!!
cheers
dennis

In my opinion Ketron does need a new board! They need a board with USB, bigger hard drive, better and bigger screen, more polyphony and a really good style and song sequencer. These are the areas where Ketron is running behind the competition right now. Software upgrades won't help these issues. A new processor with more memory has to be designed. I hope Ketron is reading these posts!
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

Hello

It's good to hear the good reports on the Midjay. The research I've done on it was enough for me to buy one! Should get it in a few days. It will be interesting to test it out first hand. I imagine I'll post a review on it.

I have recently talked on the phone to Jaime Reyes who started the Logitech craze some time ago. He now plays out with a Midjay, M-Audio Evolution MK-461C MIDI keyboard and a Bose PAS. He transports it using a fold up luggage carrier all of which fits in the trunk of his car!

The weight and portability is what is really interesting me. I will be listening very closly to the styles and sound quality of the arranger as I test it out. At this point I'm not overly interested in using it to play WAV, mp3 or midi files, but am more interesting in being able to record an entire set digitally without fumbling around turning it off and on in between songs as is neccesary on the Tyros.

Am looking forward to putting a Midjay demo on my web site.

Best
Scott Langholff http://www.ScottLMusic.com

Actually, i agree wholeheartedly with this, this is the main reason why i actually changed from the PA80 to the PA1X, even though the PA1X does have the entire PA80 included, the main reason for the upgrade was for it's features as i was more than happy to stay with the PA80. If Ketron had done a similar thing, i may have even looked at that option.

I think Ketron could do this, although i still think as a board itself it still competes when it comes to sounds and styles so if people were not too bothered about upgrades and modern features then it's still pretty much up there, however, people are demanding more in terms of features that are found on laptops and that can connect easily to laptops..

I think Ketron could produce the first keyboard to have bluetooth, infrared or wifi connectivity, now that would be fantastic..

[This message has been edited by DannyUK (edited 08-07-2005).]

Hello Manic,

I have indeed the last upgrade and set the sequenser on best gm sounds. With this future the pa1xpro search automaticly for better replaced sounds on a midifile.
This is a great future but sometimes you must change sounds in that mode and choose another bass (and edit the velocity) and balance track-volume.

regards,

notlos www.notlos.com


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[This message has been edited by notlos (edited 08-08-2005).]

I would love to see an arranger KB that has a Totaly seperate arranger mode & sequencer mode so you can play both at the same time seperatly.

Ketron is preparing a new AK, probably to be released in 18 mo to 2 years. No 'inside info' just enough general info to make it a sure thing, at least IMO. With the best of the SD1 and Midjay, (let's hope) it's gotta be a great board.

Glenn