So we have sunk to my short store demo is better then your scenario ....that said,......as it serves no purpose and doesn't address the actual question,....but that's normal here most times .....there are even some who now hate me for leaving the Yamaha camp believe it or not....
Sheeeeeesh it's only a arranger KB ...lol ..... what I choose to perform with is my choice although you wouldn't think that reading some posts. But, hey everyone has an opinion which I respect but rarely abide by....btw, I never play SMF files on stage, ...when I use an arranger it’s all live style playing & vocals.......but I do use the arranger KB on many occasions to record some intricate multipart backing tracks to sing and play against via Mp3 thru a laptop when needed in bigger venues...or when I'm Dj'ing, every gig is different, and HOW I approach it, using different gear constantly is always changing also to suit, I am not a one trick pony, that’s too boring for me .......no purism in my stall, just tools of the trade executed to perfection with whatever it takes to deliver a successful gig and make my clients happy every time.....and after 45 years as a pro Kb player starting many years before arranger KB’s were ever introduced I think I know what I'm doing........right now KORG pa500 is my bag, but tomorrow could be a different story, .......gear changes BUT, like a good wine, my talent and good product only gets better with age & experience, I’m always absorbing and learning new things,.
Talk is cheap,......"What it sounds like" is the ONLY indicator in my book. Now to drift back OT I have taken my styles and setups and transferred them to many many arrangers thru the years , I know the process, and the intense dedication doing my homework to achieve perfection to make it sound fantastic....I have done it many times...some easy.....& sometimes difficult.......the PA500 was one of those Bronco Bulls that had to be broke to ride comfortably, I'd say it took about 3 months of testing and auditioning on stage in real time to get to where I wanted it, converting, tweaking, editing, etc…....
I'm very satisfied now with the result... how difficult a change to again the pa800 or pa3x in the future is yet to be seen…or even maybe to another brand altogether who knows?…

I will duck now..

Donny, don't flatter yourself, my friend, I doubt if anyone was singling you out...I know I wasn't.

"What it sounds like" is an "indicator" in my book (as well as many others here), and what the entry level PA-500 sounds like compared to the more powerful PA-800 and PA3 is quite obvious to even a relatively inexperienced keyboardist.

However, "what it sounds like" is only one of several indicators for me...ease of OS, third party support, and transportability are a few more.

One should always buy the brand (and model) that satisfies one's needs, and you certainly aren't the only one who goes by that relatively well worn objective.

I'm merely agreeing with two long-term Korgians about the difference in quality between keyboards they obviously know very well, and, in my comparatively short experience with both instruments, I must concur with their conclusions.

Ian

Donny, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the BK5.

Actually Korg PA50 is Korg's entry level keyboard. The PA500 is a mid range arranger. The sound isn't much different between the PA500 and PA800. They use the same sound engine. The difference you hear are because of the DNC sounds the PA500 doesn't have.

Really Frans...I thought PA50 wasn't being produced anymore and is not in Korg's current lineup, making the PA-500 the first in line.

I learn something new everyday.

I really though PA-800 was quite a bit better sounding than PA-500, but, opinions are just that...opinions.

Ian

No Ian the PA50 is now called PA50sd and is still available and produced.

I see...the PA50 was also the basis for MicroArranger.

I liked the PA-800 a lot, but the PA3X is quite a bit better still.

Korg is making some nice stuff.

Ian

Paul.......just a bit busy.....but very soon.....will let you know ok?

Maybe I was a bit blunt. Back to the original question:

The 500 does not map with the 800 - period! I put in my song sets and it was a disaster. I spent countless hours trying to make it work, to no avail.

I agree that the 500 is a very good sounding board, but misses many elements of the 800 (IMO).

Donny - quit messing around and go with the best - you deserve it!

I agree the PA500 misses a lot of elements and that's the reason why he is 1000 Euro cheaper than the PA800.