Ok, today I recorded 7 styles on my Tyros 4. Can you guess which keyboard - S950 or Tyros 4 I recorded these styles on?

https://www.box.com/s/zx020mz3buwpxx919oxz

Deane

Just did a quick listen...I think the "B" versions of the styles were done on Tyros4.

Ian

Ian,
If you are correct - can you tell me why you believe that?
Deane

The non-"B" ones seemed a little weak in some sounds, although some of them (the non-B styles) seemed to be lower (or weaker) in volume when recorded, so that may have influenced me a little.

Deane, the Tyros4 uses a lot of SA Voices in the styles (not possible with Tyros3)...I'm not sure if the S950 is capable of same and/or comes with them that way already...can you tell me?


Ian

Ian,
I'am still sorting this all out. I copied all of my T4 styles and put them in the USER area of the S950. It will take a while for me to understand how it will all fit together.

By the way, I copied several of the T4 voices onto the S950 and set them up as a OTS in a style but they WILL NOT PLAY! So, is it not possible to take some of the T4 voices and play them on the S950. All this said, the style, even with the missing voice in all parts of the style, still sounds good enough for gigs. I can't believe I'am going to say this -- but it rather reminds me of my little Korg MicroArranger with those T4 styles.

By the way, I noticed the volumn difference too - but didn't make any adjustments. One more thing, the T4 is tweaked to the hilt for my gigs. The S950 is right out of the box.
Deane

Hi Deane,

Check your home email...I have sent you a zipped folder of my own personal styles, edited/assembled on my Tyros4...some have the rotary organ speed change in them, also I've included one of my own FreePlay styles.

I'll be curious to see how they translate over to the S950.

My Tyros4 is essentially set up as it came out of the box, with a few exceptions.

I have the Master Compressor Gain Offset setting at +7. Speakers system selected is TRS-MS04 in Master EQ (although I am using Yamaha MS-60S powered monitors..it just sounds best this way...can't explain) with no edits.

On the Mixing Console (Panel Part) I have Style Volume at 80 and use an expression pedal set up for Right Hand Voices only.

Ian

The "B" styles are much louder - makes a fair comparison harder.

considering the s950 was not "tweaked" i think it holds up ver well against the tweaked tyros 4

I adjusted the volume difference and found “B” to be fuller and more complete. (Whatever that means)

John C.

I was only listening on my cell phone but I'd guess "B" is the Tyros. There was more detail in the sounds, especially the guitars. It also sounds as if the DAC's on "A" were much poorer, had less open top end and weaker bottom end. With the exception of a few drum sounds I found the drums on both units thin and canned sounding.

I pretty much agree with Lee..If the "B" sections are not the Tyros4...then it is grossly overpriced compared to the 950..

All of the "B" styles were recorded on my Tyros 4. All the others on the S950.
By the way I took a stab at normalizing them and reposted them.

Deane

B seems to have more of a 'treble' sound while the others seemed more 'flat'

Changing the EQ settings could possibly make them identical.

It's well beyond just an EQ adjustment. The samples sounded very different with the T4 having more nuances and longer samples for sure. I also think the DAC's are quite poor on the S950 which makes sense given its price point. You want more open sound, longer samples, and broader dynamic range, you pony up the big bucks!

I'm sorry but after listening to to the demos again I can't
See the t4 sound being better than the s950 to a point
Where the price difference is justified. With eq adjustments
The s950 will be even closer to t4. In other words I don't
Hear a $3000 difference in the sound

I don't hear a $3,000 difference in sound either. Personally other than a few sounds which I think are good on the Tyros 4, I don't see why anyone would lay out that much cash for a T4. I've got samples on my 25 year old keyboard that rival the T4.

I guess it comes down to many other things, as, if I, in any way, had the available funds and means, I would choose a Tyros4 over an S950 or, any other mid range arranger (which I did!).

Let's look at it from another perspective...

Is there enough difference between a Korg PA-600 and a Korg PA3X (61) that would justify the substantial difference in price?.

Many here feel the Korg PA-600 is very close in quality and features to the Korg PA3X (the former even has DNC voices), but there are also those who feel a purchase of the latter is totally justified.

Why would that be?

Certainly getting an MOTL arranger today isn't the penalty box and consolation award it was many years ago...they appear to rival the TOTL in most areas, but, they surely aren't that equal...or are they?

So, those (both Korg and Yamaha users) who buy top range instruments over mid range keyboards.....why do you do so?

What justifies the cost to you, or are you just buying because "you can"?

Ian

I try to buy what best suits my needs. With Yamaha, while the T4 is super, it is too bulky to suit me.
With the Korg, I want the mic processor and harmonizer and text reader.
DonM

"MY NEEDS" is the key words....

I want the best sounding instrument I can afford, and, of course, an instrument that meets my "needs" too.

A PSR-S910,or S950 will, no doubt, "meet my needs", but, neither sounds as good (in my opinion) as a Tyros4.

I don't mind spending the extra amount when it has to do with my music, which is a huge part of my life.

I don't just play for others...I play for me too...playing my arranger means far more to me than just making money (although that's always been a nice by-product)...playing music is, and always has been, a passion.

I play/practise at least 3 hours a day, so, I want the best sounding arranger I can possibly manage to buy, because I am going to be the one listening to, and enjoying it, the most.

Ian

I always try to remain open minded about new equipment from any manufacturer and often try things I would never use on a gig and end up
selling whatever it is. The S950 will work just fine for my gigs.

That being said, when I changed from my Tyros 3 to my Tyros 4 I was not all that happy with my purchase for nearly 2 months until at almost all of my gigs people made comments about how great the "new" keyboard sounded. The thing is, I never told them it was a new keyboard but they apparently could hear a big difference. I know for sure I was booked at several venues in place of others because the people liked the sound of the T4.

Right now my physical situation demands I find a suitable lighter keyboard to gig with and that will not change for the rest of my life. We will see how it goes with the S950.

Deane

Ian I agree the T4 definitely has a the edge sonically on the S950...from what I've heard so far.

And, if a person can manage the difference in cost, why not treat yourself (and your ears) to the best sounding instrument.

What interests me (and more than a few others her on SZ), and, perhaps you can help answer this (although probably not until you actually have spent some time with your new KORG PA-600)...

Is there enough difference between a Korg PA-600 and a Korg PA3X (61) that would justify the substantial difference in price?

If you had the money, and all other things being nearly equal (weight etc.), would you feel getting the TOTL Korg is worth the extra cash?

Of course, if you are mainly featuring your vocals, maybe that might make a difference, since the instrumental only, or more instrumental aspect might favor the more extensive (and better?) solo sounds available on the PA3X.

Also, would either one be better for SMF, or would they basically be nearly the same?

Ian

In regard to the SMF, Pa3X has the dual sequence/Mp3 player. Not sure about the 600.
DonM

As fast as everything loads up nowadays, unless you are doing a full on DJ gig, not really sure dual MP3/SMF players is really one of the 'must have' features for most of us...

I have a feeling it being missing in the PA600 isn't going to be a deal breaker to anyone. Particularly at that price.