When you are in the market for a TOTL arranger, is there any reason not to choose for a PA3X?

-Its the cheepest TOTL arranger
-It comes in both 61 and 76 key versions
-Its the most feature rich arranger
-It has the most advanced style format
-Its sounding great
-Its got the best vocaliser (for the singers)


and the fact that it has no mini key version avaialable is not a valid reason.

it depends what you need; certainly, for me the only option is Ketron Audya due to the Live Styles and the fantastic way it performs through a big PA. In tests we carried out when designing the Exceed, Ketron was the only equipment that sounded true with a real Hammond.

If Live styles were not an issue the Korg would likely be my second choice or maybe an SD5. But its not a choice I have been faced with.

The only NEW boards that suit me are PA3x and Audya. I like the Roland BK7m as well, but it's not a keyboard and involves somewhat more peripheral gear.
Considering the whole package--weight, control, ease of operation, vocal processor, sounds, styles, features,etc., right now PA3X has won out.
Roland could leap right out in front if they were to bring out a new TOTL board. Of course they need to ask me what to put it in first.

For now, I've barely scratched the surface of the PA3X but what I've uncovered so far is very good.
DonM

Hi Bachus,
can't think of one good reason not to choose a pa3x, there again since purchasing my pa800 a few years back, I've become totally korg biased. haahaa


My psr1500 & VArranger/sd2 I really only use as tools & references for my style conversions to korg.
I'm certainly not knocking either my psr or VArranger, good arrangers int their own right, my preference is my korg, though.
[quote=Bachus]When you are in the market for a TOTL arranger, is there any reason not to choose for a PA3X?

Good Lord!! anyone with two fingers and two eyes can program and use the BK7-M, and ONE external keyboard....you can do it if you concentrate...

Oh, I used it for seven months Dennis, and was really reluctant to part with it. However I had to also take a mixer, external vocal processor/harmonizer, laptop and external screen in order to be ready for anything.
I spent many hours programming the Edirol controller to work with the BK7M. I think it is a really under-appreciated piece of gear and I was quite pleased with the sounds and styles.
They promised an update to it to reinstate the Pianist finger mode, and to correct some other small problems, but after nine months it hasn't been issued yet. Makes me lose a little more faith in Roland. They seem to have lost interest in higher end arrangers.
DonM

Yeah Don I agree...I am glad you took my comments as a tongue in cheek bit of fun...I re-read it and it read as a bit harsh....not intended

Roland REALLY dropped the ball on that one. Both it AND the keyboard version could have been so much more!!!