Just the fact that it is even that close to sounding the same says volumes...of course there are some who want to
"MICRO Critique", but in a full "mix" with styles and sounds there isn't much difference.The extra monies are for extra features..

I give up

Frans...let me give it a shot

What you guys are not listening too..Bill and Frans have tried to explain....

You are listening to styles and sounds designed for the PA500, but played back as a compatible sound on the PA3x....in other words..the PA3x can sound like the PA500...but and I mean but...the PA500 can not sound like a PA3x....The reworked sounds and styles are superior to the lesser models...

This is true with all manufacturers,,the top model is always a richer more detailed sound than the middle and lower lines...

Another example..Roland E86 could not sound like Roland G800, but the G800 could sound like the E-86 ..The G800 had additional sounds that were better...likewise the G800 could not sound like the G1000..but the G1000 could sound like the G800 or even the E86..the G1000 had additional banks of sounds.

The top models have better samples , larger sample rom, better converters...and these alone will give a better sound than the mid lines...


I hope you guys get it now...if not like Frans..."I give up"

One way to find out ......just listen to some more A/B comparisons of both KB's with the same EQ and sound/style setups.......simple eh?

Hi Guys
Fran,I know exactly what you mean.

I've actually still got my PA800, the styles I'm referring to are actually the factory style for the pa800 vs the factory style for the pa3x. A lot of the styles that are on the PA800 are also on the PA3X , except that they now have 4 fills instead of the 2. I'm just saying that somehow, they sound better.

Couldn't help myself, just had to check a couple.

Easy Pop 1
New Wurly Amp chorus Piano instead of Syn Piano X. They used different DrumKits & Bass. JazzKit RX2,Standard Kit RX4. They've used a different bass Slap Finger Bass RX ( RX sounds are Velocity Sensative, ie similar to Yamaha's mega sounds.ie Bass hit at different velocity it produces a different type of sound or a sound effect) Real String2 instead of a simple GM string.
They've changed some of the sounds in the above style & they've also used a couple of brand new ones, that's why I suppose I thought it sounded better than the PA800 version.

A couple of the other styles they've replaced normal sounds with DNC sounds.

I'm not sure the if the PA500 has the RX & DNC voices?? if it doesn't, be the equivalent of my PSR1500 ( no mega sounds) vs the T1 ? or maybe even the T2.

I personally was very happy with my psr1500, at the time I didn't want to spend the extra buying a T series, I didn't know whether it would be the right brand for me. It wasn't, but the korg is , so I'm happy spending the extra money.

Hi,
Senior moment, that should read Velocity Switch not Velocity Sensative. haahaa

i dont think anyone is saying that the sounds on all the styles and all the individual sounds on the PA500 compared to the PA3x are the same. What i certainly am saying is that the number of different styles and sounds and the actual difference in sounds is not sufficent to encourage me to buy the PA3X. I dare say if i had a Tyros 2 i probably would not be interested in the T4 either as the difference is not big enough to merrit spending a hell of a lot more for not much more. Some folks feel differently and thats cool but i would guess that buying a PA3x over a PA500 in terms of styles and sounds would cost you 3 times as much for possibly 30% more/better styles/sounds. Thats not a good enough reason to buy another keyboard that sounds "almost " the same as my current keyboard. I would be looking for the same diffence the T4 is to the first Tyros to consider that sonic jump to be worthwhile upgrading.

In no way am i knocking anyone elses reasons for buy ing the latest greatest. It keeps the economy going if nothing else. Lord knows we need that to continue :-)

I thought that was the exact reason for the original topic post.


BTW...Fran, Frans, Rikki, and Bill have it correct. Newer keyboards can play older keyboard files and will sound the same or better.

Older keyboards can (sometimes) play newer keyboard files but will not sound the same, unless the exact same voices were used, which is unlikely. Even then, the newer keyboard sound engine plays a big role in the quality of the sound that the older keyboard cannot match.

My conclusions

1) I enjoyed very much the discussion on this topic.

2) Test Result: FAILED.
The Reason: I used Pa500 styles and sounds and it sounds the same in a superior model.

3) Possible tests to try:
a)compare new original Pa3x styles/sounds and standard Pa500 styles/sounds independently.
b)compare Pa3x styles/sounds played on Pa500.
The Result: Sure to FAIL
The Reason: inappropiate Master EQ settings, improper volume settings, recording problems, inadequate style/sound comparison, etc...

4) Nobody changed their minds: Pa500 and Pa3x owners are very happy with their choice. Everyone has a reason to think so.

5) A final thought: Let's say you close your eyes and ask to be driven blindfolded in a regular car for a short trip in the city. Do the same in a Lamborghini and don't touch anything. You'll get to your destiny in both at the same time and you'll probably feel a 30% more confortable in the second car. Now open your eyes and say what you think.
The pa3x offers much more than sounds.

Fortunately for me, I really like my PA500, and since I just retired, won't be seeing a new keyboard soon. In any case, all of the new arrangers have marvelous sounds and features. And when I compare the $1k I spent for a Gibson organ in 1967 with the $1k for the Korg PA500 in 2011, the advances in sound and features over the years is amazing.

Duane