GOOD NEWS!
I just received in the mail today, the latest version (version 1.6 (v.2.64) of the arranger keyboard Style Converter software program "EMC Styleworks Universal" and was elated to find that the program now (finally) includes support for General Music models: WK2, WK3, WK4, WK6, and WK8 keyboards. The one dissapointing piece of news is that the Technics KN6000 is not currently supported. I assume that the KN6000, Roland VA7 and Korg PA80 will be added in the future.

Current Keyboards supported by EMC Styleworks conversion software:

Technics: KN1000/750/2000/1200/901/3000/3500/5000

Roland:
E96/86/66
RA-95
E600/500/300
KR-570
G800/600
RA800
G1000
EM2000

Korg:
i1 thru i5
ix300
i30 thru i50

General Music:
WK2/3/4/6/8

Wersi:
Performer/PhonX/Pegasus+/Performer+/PhonX+/
Pegasus2

Solton:
MS 3/4/5
MS 40/50/60/100
Ketron X1

Yamaha:
PSR 630/730/7000/8000/740/9000

Scott, The VA-7 can read styles converted to the G1000 format. Backwards compatibility requires you to correct the program changes. EMC had to agree not to release the KN6000 format requested by Technics, presently..Fran

Fran,
Can you please elaborate on the backwards compatibility issue? I assume, because the VA-7 is a more recent arranger keyboard model, that it's sounds (patches) are different than the G1000. Are you saying that when making a style conversion to a VA-7, that you (after making the style conversion to the G1000) must then 'go back' and manually select appropriate VA-7 sounds to "correct" the patch changes? I hope that EMC will eventually release "full support" for the "Roland VA-7" rather than make VA-7 users have go thru this extra step.

Can you possibly provide more information on WHY Technics may have decided NOT to release the KN6000 format to EMC? Is this a "technical" software limitation or just a "legal" issue? Does anyone know if Technics produces its' own KN6000 style converter software? If so, "which" keyboard brands/models does it support conversions from? Thanks.
- Scott

Scott,
I read this post on this topic it might help you.

http://www.technote.com/rw/kn6000/messages/3658.html

Donny

Hi Scott
I would really like to get EMC Universal, but the $450 price tag is formidable. For that amount of money, it should definitely include the KN6000. This keyboard has been around for almost a year or so.
And, also, I would like to see Casio included. Hey, it's supposed to be "universal", right? I know what alot of people think about Casio. But they do have some very pleasant styles in their current higher-end keyboards. It seems natural to include them.
One question, once you purchase EMC Universal, are you then entitled to all future upgrades for free? If so, at least it stays current for that high price.
Tom

Scott, The VA-7 will read the G1000 styles correctly without making changes. The styles from the VA-7 converted to use with the G1000 needs the program changes corrected[ this can be done within the EMC program]..Fran

Donny,
Thanks for sharing the link to the Technote posting. I concur that using the EMC styleworks conversion software is both the fastest and easiest way to insure a professional sounding style or standard midi to arranger keyboard style conversion as it allows us the ability to customize the conversion (in real time) to our personal taste. You can perform a conversion w/o the EMC software but it is MUCH more difficult and TIME CONSUMING.

Tom,
My understanding from reading Fran Carango's post is that EMC is leaving out KN6000 support ONLY because of legal issues with Technics. As far as Casio style support? I'm sure they would add it as long as they have permission from Casio. I purchased my EMC software from Tastenshop (Germany) directly from the program developer (Klaus Grosser) and he has been real good about providing FREE upgrades.

The price may sound steep at first, but with EMC StyleWorks Universal, you gain access to the styles from all the other arranger keyboard brands as well as cross brand conversion. (the program comes with the "stock" styles from all the keyboards). This cost is still much cheaper than having to go out and purchase a Solton X1, Yamaha PSR9000, Roland VA7, G1000, Korg i series, or General Music WK8. If you only need to convert (one-way conversion) from another arranger brand keyboard to 'your' specific brand arranger keyboard, it will cost you a bit less to get the version of StyleWorks specific to your keyboard brand only (no cross conversion).
Check with Fran Carango for current pricing.

Fran,
Thanks for the clarification re: VA-7 and G1000 style (EMC) conversions.


- Scott

[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 12-10-2000).]

Styleworks needs to add the SC-8850 patch map to accommodate the VA-7. Check Roland Edirol sites for a patchlist.