Jarlath, Do you know the Ketron SD2?

Snoopy, thank you. I've downloaded the demo and I'm trying to get it to do the job. So far, I can get it to address User voice bank or other GM sounds - pretty good but not the default Ketron instruments I'm looking for.

Funnily enough, if I play the midi file from the PC and connect the midi lead to input 2 keyboard (as opposed to input 1, midi) I get great sounds. I might connect midi output 1 to input two on the same keyboard and play from the ketron that way - as a sort of hack.

bzw, I tried what you suggested but only General Midi sounds are available according to the menu title. If I power on the Ketron and play a little piano and then press the 'Play' button while playing - I can hear the piano change from the nice Ketron one to the GM one. This is the same GM piano that is made available under the F1 (GM PART -> Parts) menu.

By "any onboard sounds except programs" do you mean the primary instrument sounds of the SD1, the ones that sound really good?

Many thanks,
Jarlath

did you try "user" sounds?

Dan.2000, I've looked into it and I'll definitely consider the SD2. The next thing I'm going to try tomorrow night is to connect the Midi out of the Ketron into the Keyboard (midi 2) input because when I played the midi file from the computer into the midi2 port, I got the good Ketron sounds.

bzw, I hadn't actually tried that - thank you. Unfortunately these are also general midi sounds on the SD1 (according to the menu and what I hear when I play the midi file).

Hi Jarlath,

just to make it clear : If you play a "standard" midi-file you ´ll always hear only the GM-sounds. Yamaha-keys have the possibility of "auto-revoicing", they can automatically change a few "standard instruments" to Mega- / SA-voices.

If you want to hear the "better" ( built in ) sounds you´ll have to know "only" the appropriate banks / midi-commands ( if keyboard permitts this )

Snoopy, thank you. Now I have a clear picture of my options

If I can revoice, I will. Otherwise I will use the next best option.

Thank you all for your help!

Jarlath