I'm still having a lot of fun playing (even on those little micro keys) and exploring this powerful little microArranger's many features.
In the process I've come up with a few observations & questions.

Single Touch Button (STS): (pages 13, 16, 26 Owners Manual)
On the Pa3x, this button includes 3 dif. status modes:
1) Light off - STS does not change when selecting a dif style
2) Light On - STS changes to STS1 of the newly selected style
3) Light Flashing - STS is linked to var. buttons 1,2,3,4 respectively, and STS changes accordingly when switching between the four variations.

I've discovered, at least on my micro-Arranger that only the above first 2 modes are supported.
In other words, there is no way to link the 4 dif. STS to the four respective variations, requiring you to select from & press one of the 4 STS buttons manually.
Was the Pa50 limited this way as well?

Direct SD Button: (owner's manual: page 40)
allows you to view & call up styles directly from the SD card.
The manual says the micro-Arranger supports up to 6 pages (48 styles) read directly from the SD card,
but I'm only able to get it to recognize the first 16 styles (USER01 style file).
These appear via Direct SD button, on pages 1 & 2 respectively , 8 styles per page, BUT . ..
For whatever reason, the USER02 file (16 styles) and USER02 file (16 styles) aren't recognized from the DirectSD button.
When I move to page 3-6 in Direct SD, pages 3 & 4 simply show the factory styles already residing in the 'User2 style bank button' and pages 5 & 6 appear as empty.
Does the micro-Arranger only support directSD play of 16 styles (USER01) only, and not 48 as stated in the manual?
Anybody else experiencing this and/or have any idea what's going on?

btw: Thanks to John Smies for posting the excellent step by step instructions for connecting the micro-Arranger up to a Controller keyboard.
I admit I'm still having too much fun playing the micro on its own, but do plan to try midi-ing it up to my Tyros 4 as well as the Roland A-33 keyboard Controller soon.
I'll of course report back how it goes.

Scott

Scott I hope you get the info you need it will help others also .....I never explored that direct SD feature at all on the KMA.

Scott,

Almost forgot to tell you that the interface between the Harmony-M and PSR-3000s Auxiliary input worked. The volume was still as high as I would like, but it did work this time around. I'm not sure if it will work on your current setup, but if I were you, before I spent money on the interface I would try going direct into the Micro and see if it works.

Good Luck,

Gary

Hi Scott,
Not being able to change voices with each variation would be a deal buster for me.

Deane

Hi Gary: I assume that you were able to get enough volume into the PSR3000 without requiring an in-line volume amp unit.

Just 'how loud' are you able to turn your vocal volume up (via the Harmony M's input knob) when heard thru the PSR3000's speakers? I assume you're able to get your vocals well above the backing track & live keyboard play volume?

Gary, thanks for taking the time to perform that test.

Scott




Hi Deane:

Though it's a little irritating to have to first select a new variation button follwed by another STS button,
it's certainly not a deal buster for me, esp at the micro-Arranger's $499 price point.

That said, even on my Tyros 4, which includes the OTS link to variation feature, I usually 'don't' have this activated anyway,
because I typically prefer not to have the OTS automatically change (and often surprsing me with an unexpected dif instrument),
so, more often times than not, prefer to select a different OTS manually instead.

Scott

That's something I rarely use either, Scott...I think I have only two of my custom styles whereby it is more convenient to have the OTS automatically selected with the link function.

The rest of the time, that feature is off.

Ian

I NEVER use the auto OTS either on my S910....all my styles are custom tweaked and OTS imbedded to my liking as I love to select what ever sounds I want while I'm playing changing it up all the time..but hey to each his own I guess everyone plays different.

I also tweak the OTS selections but have them linked to the auto selection process so that each variation has the sound I prefer. I think this is a big plus.

Deane

I don't like to use OTS/STS etc...I think it tends to sound too fake...more like an arranger than a live band sound..

I like to keep the same players in my band or combo...

I prefer to use my basic user program (Roland speak)...Same bass player, same drummer, same piano player, same organ guy, same sax guy and the scat ready to go...I have these ready with the push of a part button...No surprises

This allows a more realistic band sound...

OTS selects such a wide variety of sounds ..it is like having a 30 member "Trio"

I always have a selected instrument in each family of sound..that is easily ready to select..again a single button push.

I also prefer the style players to be the same for each song...Some brands even screw things up with different bass players and other instruments, just by going to a variation within the same style (really stupid)..

Now I feel better!!!!

Well put.
I like how Korg allows you to accomplish this with the "Style Change" button. When performing in auto accomp mode, with the "Style Change" button activated, and STS button deactivated, you are able to freely change styles, yet retain the same band instrument members throughout, aka: RT and LH live played parts. You can then optionally call up a diferent band member(s) on your terms.

That is a great KORG feature on the KMA...man this lil' unit has so much going for it !

So, let me see if I have this right.

Your "enhancements" for the Korg PA-50SD will also work on the new microArranger?

So, any discoveries in this thread, regarding microArranger, will also apply to those who already have, or wish to buy a Korg PA-50SD?

Was there as much interest in the PA-50SD when it was introduced, or do you feel the seemingly bigger popularity of the microArranger is due both to it's much cheaper price, and/or it's tiny keys and overall smaller size (portabilty)?

Was/is there a similar situation on Korg forums, and was the PA-50SD received with as much fanfare when it was introduced?

Finally, has the microArranger increased the interest in your PA-50SD enhancements, if they will work for both instruments?

Ian

Hey Donny,

Did you like the way I abbreviated the Korg Mini Arranger to KMA. I see you are using my abbreviation readily and freely at will now without a word of thanks, never mind I was glad I was of help. Save your little playing fingers for playing, now you are doing less typing.

But ples D can we hav sum mor demos on kma

T

Scott,
First of all thanks for expressing your appreciation as regards my settings for hooking up the Micro to a (Yamaha )main keyboard. I hope some of you guys will try this out soon and report back.

As to your suggestion here about chosing different styles , have any of you guys ever thought about the REVERSE ?
However this starts on the assumption that you have good or worthwile performances loaded. Me too I don't like OTS/STS settings at all and have never ever been bothered. BUT:
If you have selected a style and sound for the right hand and after that
(while playing or not) DISENGAGE the Style Change button and then choose another Performance, the style will continue but the right hand will change to whichever sounds progammed for the right hand in the Korg.In this way you theorettically have 160 STS settings at your command. Give it a try !!

regards,
John Smies

I just got my KMA(thank you Tony) yesterday so am still noodling with the factory syles, and trying to learn the OS.

One thing that baffles me is why some styles have an active left hand voice and some don't. I know how to raise the volume, but when there is no icon it is inactive, OTS or not.

Generally speaking, I love the little beasty. I am new to Korg and love most of the styles. I will try John's suggestion soon about a controller. However, I have small hands and can do a lot better job playing full piano with some of the great jazz styles.

Ian
Very good question about the sudden interest. It struck me that Korg might be slimming down their profit margin to introduce the masses to their keyboards. I know I would not have gotten one except for the specs and price point.

More later

Bernie

Do any of you use a volume pedal ? Mine don't seem to work.

Hi Bernie,

did you check page 126 of your manual where it says PAGE 3 , assignable pedal ? You need "continuous pedal " + "master volume " + the correct polarity.....

regards,
John

P.S. I do not use a volume pedal myself hence I can't say more than that...

[quote=Tony Hughes]Hey Donny,

Did you like the way I abbreviated the Korg Mini Arranger to KMA. I see you are using my abbreviation readily and freely at will now without a word of thanks, never mind I was glad I was of help. Save your little playing fingers for playing, now you are doing less typing.

But ples D can we hav sum mor demos on kma

T









I thought it was abbreviation for "Known Mentality Adjustment"

KMA: Urban Dictionary Definition

Tony love the nickname...good job.....I've been swamped with gigs lately, but I will try to do a few more demos on the KMA next week as I have a few days off.....

Sorry Bernie I cant help you I use no pedals at all.....I'm sure someone who does can give you some advice...good luck with your new KMA.

I am forgetting about the pedal right now.
I have hooked up my KMA to my Nord and want to control chords with my Nord, but want to have Nord sounds.
Global ch 1
lower ch 3

The Nord controls the arranger alright but brings down KMA sound accross the board.

I am not any midi expert and I have no idea about this.

Thanks Bernie.

I suppose the important thing is that anyone already owning a PA-50SD (on which the new microArranger is based) would be advised to follow this thread and see if there are any tips and tricks that may apply to their instrument.

I also wondered if the instrument (PA-50SD) was received here on SZ with the same excitement as the KMA (thanks Tony) back when it was introduced, but that was way back in 2002 or so, and I wasn't even a member here, or at the very least, a new member.

I also wonder what goodies could be found on the Korg Forums, but haven't checked back that far.

Since John Smies has indicated, in another thread, that this elderly model is still being produced along with the KMA (thanks again, Tony), it would certainly be of interest to those not liking the small keys, to have a sincere look at the PA-50SD, especially if Korg reduces the price.

Certainly buying a PA-50SD would be as cheap as getting a microArranger and a controller with full size (normal) keys?

Ian

Bernie...again I never midi anything as far as keyboards so even though I would love to help you I would suggest you seek assistance with John Smies or anyone with MIDI intelligence.
Aside from that have you played the KMA thru a big PA yet?.. or compared it to your other KB's in your arsenal?

Ian

I hear you, and it may be valid to get an PA50SD for some, but isn't it around $750 or so ? OTOH, dragging a controller around is excess baggage. I would midi to an active keyboard like John says, and do double duty with the master.

I am now getting my Nord working with the KMA. Two small, light KB's and one heck of a good sound. I just have to iron a few wrinkls out.

Bernie

You could try posting on Korg Forums, Bernie...perhaps someone familiar with the KMA (thanks Tony) and/or the PA-50SD could help.

http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpBB2/index.php

Ian

Donny

I have KMA and Nord hooked up to Bose L1. It is a great sound. A comparison to my Audya sounds is less than stellar, but good in some cases. For example, the styles are real good in many cases, but then, they are new to me and get the creative juices flowing.

Many of the sounds are as good, if not better than other boards I have had. A few are a bit cheesy, but not many.

It is the best $450 I ever spent, I know that.

Bernie

Perfect set up, Bernie!

I was just considering those who may not have an active, standard sized key, keyboard already, and would be considering a KMA (thanks Tony) and adding a controller.

Maybe with the introduction of the microArranger, the full-sized key PA-50SD will get a reduction in price?

After seeing what can be done on the KMA (thanks again, Tony) the PA-50SD may look attractive to those wanting those features.

Ian

Thanx Bernie .... I love the KMA mini keys...no problem for this PRO to play at all as is any keyboard keys..the pure fact that at $499.00 this KMA can even be talked about in the same breath as arrangers costing 10x the price is unheard of.......btw which NORD are you using.... they are excellent KBS!

Amazing...no pedals at all?

How do you do piano parts on an arranger without a sustain pedal?

Ian

I'm not a 'piano player" & it is my least used sound, although I might use pedals when recording in studio for certain parts if needed but not on stage, I hate carrying & hooking up EXTRA anything,....and for my style of playing no need for any pedals...we all do it different.We have discussed this many times in past threads years ago, please do a search.

Thanks Donny...I was wondering how you did any legato parts on piano, but your explanation certainly explicates why.

Personally, I can't live without a sustain pedal (always carry a spare), and I use it for many other sounds besides the piano, but to each his own.

Ian

Hi Bernie,

I am not familiar with the Nord, but any particular reason that you did not hook it up to your Audya ? I understand that the Nord has a split midi transmit channel ?
Of course you have to ask yourself what you want to achieve in the first place with your (master) keyboard. Just the chord/style play of the Korg Micro or also the rendering of the upper sounds ?
Personally I think the wisest set up eventually is what I called the "definitve set up", which is simply hooking up Chord/style only. See my explanation on page 8 of my webpages. But like I said what is your final aim here ?

regards,
John

http://pasounds.intropagina.nl/page-8-hooking-up-your-micro-to-major-arranger-keyboard.html

If the micro is anything like its big brothers, then as with any Korg, the pedal to buy is Korg's EC-5. Five pedals fully assignable to many functions.

True, but it does not handle VOLUME, beware !!

John

Hi John

The reason for not using the Audya, is that I gear everything for gig performance. In short, I can't see the advantage of adding the KMA with the inherent complication. The Audya is light years ahead of it.

On the other hand, the Korg is fun and different. I am an old organ man that wants to add styles, midi, and other solo sounds for a light setup using the Nord with my Ventilator and KMA.

For starters, I would like to be able to play a chord on my Nord and receive just the chord recognition from the Korg, not extraneous sounds in addition.

I want to start off controlling each one separately except for the above, but I don't know how to set the Korg midi.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Bernie

Bernie,

Any chance of you mailing me the manual of the Korg ?
If not please specify what Nord we are talking about, perhaps I
can find the manual on the internet ?

regards,
John

P.S. I just had someone from Pennsylvania who receives his Micro today and also ordered my Resources. I will keep you posted on his progress

John
By the wording in your post I was not sure what manual you wanted. Anyway, here is what I have.


Nord Electro2
http://www.clavia.se/nordelectro/Files/NordElectro2ManualV2_1Eng.pdf

Korg Microarranger: http://www.korg.com/SupportResults.aspx?search=microarranger

Bernie

Hi Bernie

in as much as I understand the Nord manual, in particular page 34 , you should set the lower Channel to e.g. channel 4. This should correspond to your setting of the Korg as described on my webpages:
GLOBAL EDIT MODE>> PAGE 7: MIDI IN CONTROLS: chord 1 : midi channel 4

Then I you should set the Midi Channel ( is the main channel on the Nord) completely OFF.

In this way you should have the Korg acc. on the lower keys of the Nord,
the upper sounds of both instruments on each respective upper half .
At least that would be my way of reasoning.....

I am off now, speak to you tomorrow.

John

I solved the problem by going to the Global Midi in page and turned off Ch 1 assignment. I now have the setup I was after.

Bernie

Sorry John, I posted before I saw yours. Thank you. It's the result that counts.

I will work further with you as I get used to the Korg

To address the direct SD card style bank..........
First go and save the whole set that came from the factory on a blank SD card. If you've changed anything you should first take the "backup" folder from the supplied DVD that came in the box and copy the backup folder. ( I would do this just so you have a "clean set up".
Next, go to card, "save all", Title it whatever you want. This gives you a complete original factory set.
Now, if you have several sets, whichever one is at the top of the list (these show up in alphabetical order so you might want to edit the title and add a # before a letter so the file you want at the top will be there. You can also do this in your computer if you put the SD card in the computer.) this is the file the direct SD card will read. On mine at my store I can see all 6 pages of styles and play any one of them.

Thanx for the help George always appreciated!

Hi George,

First of all, thanks for your reply.
When I first got the micro-Arranger, I performed the backups just as you wisely recommended.

On my SD card, in the 'root directory, I created a new '.set' folder naming it 'A.set' to make sure it appears first, and then created a 'STYLE' folder within that, and put 3 files: USER01.sty, USER02.sty, and USER03.sty inside that. When I then press the microArr 'DIRECT SD' button , though the first 16 (USER01.sty file) show up correctly on page 1 & 2 & play fine, pages 3 & 4 merely shows the below following styles 'already accessible' onboard via the "USER 2" physical button. Pages 3 & 4 appear as EMPTY.

16Beat John
8 Beat John
2Bt Country
Bajon

Ipanema
SambaDeSol
Ricky
Mambo 99

PopShuffle2
Front Beat
Long Train
2000 Hits

Questions
8BeatRock1
8BeatRock2
L.A. R & B.

For some strange reason, my microArranger's "Direct SD" button doesn't recognize the USER02.sty or USER03.sty files stored on my SD Card, yet if I performa a CARD LOAD view of the individual styles inside these 2 USER files, I'm able to view and load these styles into the normal USER 2 & USER 3 Style button memory fine. I'll try moving another .set to appear first on the SD Card to see if there is some kind of corruption with those particular 2 USER02 & USER03 files. fingers crossed. I'll let you know.

Scott

Woops Scott,

Send it back to italy faulty !!! In a jiffy bag.

Then what?

Italy sends it to China

Yes...and then it gets fixed...hopefully...

Ok Good News! I simply replaced the USER02 & USER03 style files with other ones and these work fine.
I'm now able to view all 6 pages of styles (48 total) via the Direct SD button. It's now clear that the original files were at fault. Problem Solved!

I encourage other Korg MA owners to checkout the 'DIRECT SD' feature as it's a terrific way to quickly audition styles without having to load them into the keyboard.

have fun,

Scott

Scott Im glad you got the problem resolved DIRECT SD is just another great feature on the KMA !!