Hi All,

I'm thinking about updating my KN7000 to a Korg PA1X but I'm a bit concerned about the length of time it's been around. I'd hate to buy one and then find out something new is coming in a couple of months.

I've heard that Korg are fairly lengthy in their product cycles and looking at the updates that their still turning out it seems that the PA1X will be around for a while yet.

What's the general feeling of their new product cycles? Roughly how long have they changed historically.

Thanks for any help.

David.

Can't answer your question about the product cycle, but I changed from KN7000 to Pa1X pro 2 month ago. Wow, for sure a major update in my opinion. Wished I had done so much sooner. Don't know how long it will be Korg's top model, but I'll keep it for at least 4 more years (changed Technics every 2 years).
Admar.

See abacus' post a little further down the topic list re. PA1X Elite.

hardware wise(functions) every 10 years.

I3 (1993) has more or less than new korg boards.same old 2 fills(now with useless break button in all PA series) ,fill problems,less smoother chord recog* than yam(even roland fails to compete with yam).

SMF play back(roland shines here)but arranger/ funcs/3 rd party support wise hard to beat yam.

but KORG ofcourse has KILLER sounds(except for ac piano complaints)(ie-true workstation quality sounds in an arranger compared to revamped (overall quality wise-dMU stuff in Yam and same old SC-88 pro with so and so larger samples thrown in).better sequencer and sound editing than the competition.and ofcourse quality VH board,mp3 ,cd drive and so on.

don't expect software update (to be a major change in function wise) since the limitation of hardware(buttons)can always in the way if it's a bad design.

If you play arranger music I would wait to check tyros 2 out.I'm sure hardware ,durability wise Korg has the edge but as you know we pay for the technology.



[This message has been edited by jamman (edited 09-20-2005).]

... ...

Probably better saying "I don't like Korg" and that's it.

Cheers.


[This message has been edited by Booby (edited 09-21-2005).]

[This message has been edited by Booby (edited 09-21-2005).]

The Korg arranger cycle is typically two years. The arrangers are designed and built in Italy and not Japan, where most of the other things Korg makes come from.

That means they come out with a new model about every two years but they don't necessarily abandon the old model. They are still making and supporting both the Pa80 and Pa50 from the last cycle.

Tom

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Bigger is not always better

[This message has been edited by Tomcat (edited 09-21-2005).]

I like Korg and most of my arrangers were/are Korgs than any other brand.and I know Korg more than most of the forum members.

I 'm just angry with them for using same os and not updating both hardware and software aggressively in several years.Pa1x,pa80,50(same old I 3 format,they forgot why I3 was a hit,the reason was the pro quality sounds , sequencer and hardware in a arranger KB in 93 when arrangers still are weak in real sounds-(still true to new Korgs),but not because of real time arranger functions-in 1993 cheaper E 86 was more selling and popular because of direct disk play-something that I3 lacks(where in I 3 you have to load for minutes or use expensive ram card which can only hold 4 style and small song mem).

the sounds and seq ,the hard ware make Korg sell but as you see in the realworld ,ARRANGER giggers are using yam(they know yam looks like a toy,hardware and durability is not as good,but the also know that arranger+smf plyback integration,natural fills,more reliable chord recognition,and ofcourse multi pads that can play loops(where even in PA series-pads does do nothing but a simple crash or single sounds.(except 1x_ with newer OS).

Korg lacks real big step updates(both hardware and software) in arrangers.It's workstation OS and design that korg shines-which has all user ram mem ,both program and combis-where yam and roland use valuable memory for ROM presets and less user programs.

So I like Korg and have Korg.but I am angry with them.arranger R & D dept must be reformed or they'll loose market share.




[This message has been edited by jamman (edited 09-21-2005).]

Hi,

> I like Korg and most of my arrangers were/are Korgs than any other brand.and I know Korg more than most of the forum members.

ok, I also know Korg arrangers from i-series line and several Yamaha, Roland and Technics models

> I 'm just angry with them for using same os and not updating both hardware and software aggressively in several years.

I completely disagree on this. Let me show how Pa1X has over "most" of the competitors and even in comparison with the earlies "i":
- double sequencer
- touch screen display
- full spec sampler w/time slice
- full spec sound editor
- mp3 handling (w/option)
- cd burning (w/option)
- 8 programmable sliders/4 prog. switches
- names for STS
- a lot of specs of the SongBook
- full marker handling
- full karaoke compatibility (also w/mp3)
- a "pro" vocal/harmonizer
.... ehm, need more ? Can you show me a similar product including all these features ? i3 times are very far ideed.

> Pa1x,pa80,50(same old I 3 format,they forgot why I3 was a hit,the reason was the pro quality sounds , sequencer and hardware in a arranger KB in 93 when arrangers still are weak in real sounds-(still true to new Korgs),

this is completely subjective. I suggest you anyway to try again the solo sounds and drum kits in Pa1X and reconsider this ....

> but not because of real time arranger functions-in 1993 cheaper E 86 was more selling and popular because of direct disk play-something that I3 lacks(where in I 3 you have to load for minutes or use expensive ram card which can only hold 4 style and small song mem).

yes but these times are definitely passed.
Now Pa1X has about 1000 locations that seems to me enough (don't know about others but anyway don't need more)

> the sounds and seq ,the hard ware make Korg sell but as you see in the realworld ,ARRANGER giggers are using yam(they know yam looks like a toy,hardware and durability is not as good,but the also know that arranger+smf plyback integration,natural fills,more reliable chord recognition,and ofcourse multi pads that can play loops(where even in PA series-pads does do nothing but a simple crash or single sounds.(except 1x_ with newer OS).

It's true that Yam is largely used but I know a lot of people using live as professionist Korg arranger, and also know several recording studios using Korg arrangers (in this case instead of others) because of its sounds and its fresh sounds styles to create backing tracks. Nobody is complaing about fill problems, smf playback and the like you mentioned. Maybe your real word is different from mine .... :-)

> Korg lacks real big step updates(both hardware and software) in arrangers.

I disagree also on this. I've not less than 10 upgrades both for my Pa1X and the old Pa80 in my hd drive. And if you think that these included minor issue download in the official pa site the manuals.

> So I like Korg and have Korg.but I am angry with them.arranger R & D dept must be reformed or they'll loose market share.

I respect you opinion, but it's clear, based on above mentioned facts, that no all people can agree with you.

Good anyway sharing our opinion, even so different, the first utility of any forum.

Cheers.

Hi Booby
A agree with you. I´m very satisfied PA1X user.
I don´t care about Tyros2
Franky

Hi Silva,

my message was only pointing out some clear errors while evaluating one musical instrument. Anyway everybody is free to explain his preference, no problem, but talking of sounds it's a matter of taste, talking of rude specs .... that's different. Everything is under the sunlight.

Tyros2 is for sure a good instrument, made by a great brand. They correct some evident mistakes of the version one (funny that "playable megavoice" sentence, or "high quality keyboard") while adding something interesting new. The battle continue :-). We'll see while having the possibility to put hands on.

In the meanwhile .... have fun !

Cheers.