I love the Ketron’s Latin styles but even the SD5 is out of my price range- besides I would like something lighter for air travel. So I thought maybe the midijay would be good solution. Anybody here uses one? I’m interested in your general thoughts of this module as I know nothing at all about it. Also I have a few specific questions that maybe some of you could answer.

1. Does it have the same great sounding Latin styles found on the SD5?
2. Is it easy to use and connect to a keyboard?
3. Could I use a Yamaha psr e413 as a controller?
4. Do you load midi files via thumb drive or the old floppy discs?

montunoman,

Answers to your questions:-

1. Does it have the same great sounding Latin styles found on the SD5?
>>> No. The Midijay Plus does.

2. Is it easy to use and connect to a keyboard?
>>> Yes. Via Midi.

3. Could I use a Yamaha psr e413 as a controller?
>>> Yes. If it has the 5pin Midi Out jack.

4. Do you load midi files via thumb drive or the old floppy discs?
>>> Both by USB connected to a PC and Floppy (not thumb drive unless both are connected to a PC).

You will find the Midijay Plus very 'fitting' for your purpose.

Thanks,

AJ

You cannot use the Yamaha PSRE413 as a controller because it does not have midi jacks. It only has a USB midi jack which only works with a computer.


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

Yes, that's what I thought.

Could someone kindly lead me to the list of styles on the Midijay plus?

Midjay Plus isn't that much less than an SD-5 anyway, I thought?

My biggest gripe with these kinds of things is the whole ergonomics of it. They're really designed with MIDI accordionists, guitarists etc. in mind, but you use a module with a keyboard, and you have to get it in so close you can work the buttons while you play, you end up obscuring all the controls and display of whatever you are controlling it with!

OK if you are just using a dumb one MIDI channel out controller, but if you are using something else that makes some sound of its' own too, things can get pretty complicated...

I think there is about a $700.00 differance between the two. I know that's spare change for some folks around here but for me that is substantial.

Also the weight is a facotr. I figure could leave a keyboard in Mexico and travel back and fourth to the US with the module.

As for the ergonomics, I agree. I'm wondering where do you put the thing?

Also I'm concerned how complicated it it to set up and such. I've never a used midi module.

[This message has been edited by montunoman (edited 04-09-2010).]

[This message has been edited by montunoman (edited 04-09-2010).]

The thing that I miss about the Midjay when I performed with it was the fact that it can play all play modes simultaneously STYLES>SMF>SFX>WAV>MP3> with separate VOL slider controls for each, and it can sync to lyrics as well, plus cross fade between them....no arranger on the market can do that.

I currently use the Midjay Plus, I’m very happy with it; it is very versatile and has great ‘live’ sounding drums and bass. I use it with a couple of different controllers including midi accordion and yes, I still occasionally use a Yamaha KX5 on gigs.
I used the Midjay before I bought the Plus and I found that the Plus styles are limited to 136 or so internal styles and the couple of different styles from the SD5. I miss the capability that I had with the Midjay to use the styles of several of the earlier Ketron products, especially the SD1 styles. But, AJ did say – about a year ago - that the SD1 etc, styles were being converted for use with the Plus and SD5. Is that still in the works AJ?
Ciao,
Jerry

Just not sure really what's the POINT in running all those different things at the same time, Donny...

I admit that mixing style mode and SMF's can be cool, but Yamaha and I think Korg can already do that. But run a style while you are playing an MP3? Or two Mp3's at the same time? Just don't see the need...

Diki when your mixing it up all night long overlapping, segue tracks, for continuous transitional music playing it really comes in handy.....please tell me how a yamaha or korg arranger can do this simultaneously/