I am hoping rikkisbears sees this - there is no email address available! I was wondering about the advantages of an SD2 module over other modules for use midi'd to a board (in my case, a KN 2000). I was considering a GEM piano module or a Kurzweil PC2-R. Someone suggested the SD2 and said "ask rikkisbears"...so, I am askin'! What are the sounds like? Good pianos/elec pianos? can I store setups somehow? Aside from the relatively low cost, is it an acceptable way to add professional, gig worthy sounds to my rig?

Hi ykc,

for a KN2000, I don't think I'd recommend the SD2.

The SD2 is designed for PC use & it does work with controller keyboards.
I wouldn't put the KN2000 in that catergory.
I managed to midi mine to my PA800 keyboard , but it has great midi functions.
My PSR1500 & my SD1 keyboards couldn't do what the PA800 does.

It's been well over 10 years since I had a
kn2000, I don't think the midi on it would be able to send out the correct bank & program changes to control the module.
Don't know if you've actually seen one, but it has no display & no buttons to press.

It's just a little box. The sounds are chosen via the pc sequencer you're using
( in my case I was using it with Band in a box & One man Band software). Or a dedicated controller keyboard. I was just lucky that the PA800 had suitable functions.

If you really want to get some sort of a module, you have to get one where you can physically press a button to choose your sounds.

Can't really comment on the KN2000, as to whether it would be suitable to controll any type of soundmodule, but if it can, I'd go for one with buttons & a display.

And definately see if you can try before you buy.

best wishes
Rikki

Rikki
Thanks for your response. I see the importance of having a module with a display and buttons. I once midi'd a Roland JV1010 to the KN2000 and it worked well...and the 1010's display reflected the sounds beig played.

How can I find out the controller capabilities of the KN2000? I would be looking to store setups, make program changes, etc..What did the PA 800 do that the SD1/PSR1500 could not?

Any help would be appreciated.

Hi ,
I did an article on how I midied my sd2 to the Korg PA800
May not be of much help in your case, but may explain some things. http://www.createsongstyles.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=104&Itemid=56

My other 2 keyboards didn't quite work out for totally different reasons.

THe PA800
I can set the midi up (& I'm refferring to using it for melody & left hand voices not for style tracks) so that the PA800 plays it's internal voices,
or plays only the SD2 voices
or plays the pa800 & sd2 voices layered.
Also the PA800 can be set so that it sends out the "correct" bank & program changes to suit the sd2. That's why I didn't need buttons or a display.

From memory,the sd1 pretty much sends out the correct bank & program changes to suit the sd2 ( they're both Ketrons) but from memory I think my problem ,was , I wasn't able to set it to just playing the external sound. I think I was only able to layer the sounds.

The PSR had a different problem. It sends out bank & program change numbers, but they suit a psr , not a ketron. I was only able to access the default gm bank, not the other 3 or 4.

I'm inclined to think you'd be likely to have the same problems as I did with the psr, not being able to send out correct bank & program changes ( except for maybe the default bank)
Also I can't rember if a technics allows you the option of setting up the midi to play, internal, external or both.
If you've still got the manual, have a look thru.

If the only way you could change sounds & get the correct ones on your JV was thru button pressing, the sd2 certainly won't suit.

best wishes
Rikki