Since today players will start receiving their units I thought I'd start this thread so we can keep all the NEW SD7 reviews in one place to compare notes on the SD7...potential buyers can also read reviews here also in one place...

Thanx

It's deep. Easy to get around. Just getting into it, but needed a coffee break.
Sounds really good.
Will try mic after while.

More More More please.... ;-)

Frankiev has some doesn't he ? ... shoot up there and try one yourself ... let me know when and I'll drive down to meet you ...

Tony I'll be at the SD7 ketron workshop on June 27th to see hear & play one, much closer..

That's OK, but you won't have a chance to have lunch with ME ! ...

Tony.....I was hoping you were going to attend also in DE......
oh well there will be more chances for sure down the road to get together.

Vocal and harmony processing really good.

I wish they had put the headphone jack in front! Takes a long cord to not get in the way when you're playing. No big deal.

I'm listening....

Just got a call from Ernest. Have to go work. I'll get back on this tomorrow. Way too soon to take it to the job!

Cool! I forgot about it. Temporarily. Hope it's great.

How you loving it Don?

June 28 Donny ...

sorry I stand corrected.... June 28th Yea! I'll be there.

Jerry you comin?

Oh-oh!!! How good?

God Bless,
Don

Don, I will try to record something later with vocal harmony. May not be today. I think it is at least as good as the TC Helicon in my PA900.
Guys, I'm liking it a lot better than I did yesterday, as I get it tweaked a little. By that, I mean setting up some registrations mostly, getting it to remember what I want, loading some of my old custom styles in, etc.
Basically, the Registrations save everything. But you just tell it what parameters to recall when you load. Pretty much like everyone else does it, but the big touch screen and much improved operating system makes it really easy.

Thanks Don..... Please keep the information coming!

Thanks Don, I realize everybody is bombarding you with questions...
But how do compare it, sound wise and style wise, to Roland BK9? Drums, particularly...?

It compares very favorably with the Roland. Drums are real drums mostly, and the midi sets are very good also.
The lead sounds are excellent. I am not a big fan of the voices that do everything for you, like SA voices or Korg DNS voices. I want to control when the pitch changes or dynamics. By using joystick, touch sensitivity, aftertouch and pedals you are in control.

Yes Donny, I'm planning to go,

Thats great Jerry....bring your Ketar too ...its gonna be fun paisan

ciao

I took the SD7 to the job. Had to use a different stand and the one I took didn't have lights illuminating the kb. That is a MUST with the SD7 because you have black buttons on black background and not many of them light up. I had to Cajun-engineer a light so I could see what buttons I was pushing!
I haven't listened to much of the recordings yet, so don't know if I had balances and levels totally correct, but it sounded really good to me and I got lots of good feedback from audience.

List of stuff to address before tomorrow night, or at least before too long:
*Take light.
*Take some style parts out of certain styles, and change a few drum kits. Take out some claps. I hate claps.
*Find out how to play all MP3s in a folder, for breaks.
*Find out how to associate text files with Registrations.
*Change a few more OTS settings. It's quick and easy to do!
*I'll be making more Registrations for months.
*Tweak vocal harmonizer settings.
*Find out how to change and save Second Voice.
*Find out if there are more chord fingering options that I'm not seeing. I want the one that only changes key when you hit three notes at the same time--below the split.
*I'm have a 6-button foot switch. I'm using #1 for Vocal Harmony on/off. Number 6 is for Break. I need to figure out what to assign to the other four. You can assign almost any parameter or task to a switch. I will probably use one for text scroll, one for glide, maybe one to bring in Second Voice.
*I'm sure there is much more!

Good things:
Great sound.
Great key touch and feel.
Touch screen works really well.
I played a midi file. It sounded great.

I'm too tired to do anything now but sleep til 10 a.m. or so!
My first impression is that the keyboard will be a keeper for me.

Don I'm happy for you and really appreciate the information your providing all of usas you go along .....
but, I don't know if I should be excited yet about the SD7 until I get my hands on one and actually play it & navigate it's features June 28th at the Ketron Workshop in DE.?....all I can go by is the fact of owning a SD5 a while back, but the SD7 although a close relative is much different in many ways. Can't wait to hear your audition songs from the gig last night also.

Well,
My SD7 Arrived late yesterday in the afternoon just as I was leaving for a gig. Later I opened it up, got it setup and began my adventure as a first time Ketron owner.

First, the touch screen is absolutely awesome! Easiest one I have ever used. Second, making choices with the screen, changing voices on the fly, or changing styles on the fly is a breeze. I have not had time to do much more. Off to 2 gigs today. Will report more here tonight. Oh Yes, the AJam stuff is pretty neat.

By the way. It is so simple to use I considered taking it out to the gigs today.

Later,
Deane

Dean congrats on the SD7 arrival....looking forward to hearing your review and getting it all set up experiences good or bad & of course demos when you get comfy with it..

[quote=Dnj
but, I don't know if I should be excited yet about the SD7 until I get my hands on one and actually play it & navigate it's features June 28th at the Ketron Workshop in DE. [/quote]

ABSOLUTELY !!!

I would have seriously thought about attending if not for a 'band family' reunion that weekend, as I mentioned in a post a while back ...

Gonna miss you paisan,.....

By exploring the manual,
I have found how to associate text files with Registrations.
I have found how to change and store Second Voice (and other layers if needed.
I have found how to play all files in a folder.
I will have to wait until I get the keyboard in front of me to actually employ these functions, and address some of the other issues mentioned.
More encouraged each day!

Good news Don..... Slow but sure... Share what you learn with us.

Ketron styles are probably the best... So soundwise you cant go wrong with the SD7


Still my questions have not been answered, not by Ajam, and not by anyone else..


How does the SD7 compare to the midjpro and the audya? I tried to compare them on paper, bit the information on the websites is in a different format for every one of them..

I didn't have Midjpro, but I had Audya for a couple of years. The operating system on SD7 in much improved. Way easier to get around, save things, change things, etc. Big color touch screen is great. Audya of course has audio guitars in many of the factory styles, and it has WAY more factory styles on board.
I like the lead sounds better in SD7.
I still don't have enough practical experience with SD7 to have a complete opinion, but I'm learning fast, mostly on the job at this point!
I'm going in an hour early to adjust some things I learned researching the owners manual today!

I recorded a few things with the SD7 but for the life of me can't figure out how to get the WAV file saved to the thumb drive so I can post it. Maybe AJ will chime in here.

Deane

Don,

Some answers as we await DVD manual to follow:-

List of stuff to address before tomorrow night, or at least before too long:
*Take light.
>>>AJ:- Not sure what to recommend.

*Take some style parts out of certain styles, and change a few drum kits. Take out some claps. I hate claps.
>>>AJ:- For this you have to go to STYLE and select the style you want. Remember, you can not save over a factory style but you can start with it, EDIT and save as a USER style under the same STYLE GROUP (eg. Pop).
* Select the style you want.
* Press VOICE & VARIATION to access this neat screen.
* To take out/in style parts, press any of the 3 VARIATION buttons that corresponds to part of the style you want out/in.
* To make modifications to the style, press VIEW - and proceed to edit levels, effects ... etc for the various parts using the group buttons below the screen ... OR ... the buttons to the right of the screen (DRUM, BASS, CHORD, DRUM MIXER ... etc) to edit detailed elements of the style. For each of these selections made, the screen will display various sub-functions related to the group button you selected - eg. if you press DRUM, the screen will also show Auto Fill, Fill to Arranger .. etc - all functions which are related to DRUM

*Find out how to play all MP3s in a folder, for breaks.
>>>AJ:- Press PLAYER 1 or PLAYER 2.
* Go to the folder where your MP3 files reside
* Press FUNCTION below the screen (bottom right)
* Turn on AUTO PLAY and next to it, set the space (in sec) you want between songs (0 - if you want it to instantly go from song to song ... any space heard will be the space at the end of the current song or at the beginning of the new song within the Mp3 file). You can also select MARKER (for songs that have MARKERS in them) and program the selection to be made immediately, end of bar, end of measure of song ... etc.

*Find out how to associate text files with Registrations.
>>>AJ:- When you create/save a REGISTRATION, give it the same name as your text file or pdf file. When this registration is recalled, the equivalent text/pdf file will also be recalled.

*Change a few more OTS settings. It's quick and easy to do!
>>>AJ;- Someone had commented on this not being possible before but it was USER ERROR on their part. It is very easy.... take an existing OTS voice.
* Press and hold down for 2 seconds to EDIT that voice. Within the editor, you can change the OCTAVE, shift, effects ... etc of this voice ... make it your own.
* When done, press SAVE and give this new voice a new name ... then save.
* This voice is now the new voice in the OTS you just edited.
* Press SAVE and save this new USER STYLE with this new USER voice. You can now recall this style and save as a REGISTRATION for future use ... the original factory voice and factory OTS remain un-changed.

*I'll be making more Registrations for months.
*Tweak vocal harmonizer settings.
>>>AJ:- Press and hold down MICRO/VOICETRONE to access the microphone and vocalizer parameters and tweak to your taste.
* When done, simply press SAVE and save as your own (make sure you do not overwrite the AJAMSONIC settings - use new USER locations!)

*Find out how to change and save Second Voice.
>>>AJ:- Every lead voice has a 2nd voice programmed by KETRON. To change the 2nd voice of any lead voice:-
* Press and hold the voice on the screen for 2 seconds to enter the voice editor.
* The 2nd voice associated with this lead voice is the last column.
* Press it to insert a new voice - and edit it's parameters (shift, pan, chorus .. etc as you see fit). Press save to save this USER voice with it's new 2nd voice. Whenever you select this voice and press the 2nd voice button to turn on the 2nd voice, this voice will be heard.

*Find out if there are more chord fingering options that I'm not seeing. I want the one that only changes key when you hit three notes at the same time--below the split.
>>>AJ:- Within the STYLE, when you go to VIEW - press CHORD.
* MODE (Easy and Fingered) are below the screen. More modes will be added with software soon.

*I'm have a 6-button foot switch. I'm using #1 for Vocal Harmony on/off. Number 6 is for Break. I need to figure out what to assign to the other four. You can assign almost any parameter or task to a switch. I will probably use one for text scroll, one for glide, maybe one to bring in Second Voice.
*I'm sure there is much more!

Deane:-
I recorded a few things with the SD7 but for the life of me can't figure out how to get the WAV file saved to the thumb drive so I can post it. Maybe AJ will chime in here.

Deane
>>>AJ:- • Set the keyboard up (style, voices … etc)
• Press the RECORD button (RED for standby mode)
• Select AUDIO on the screen (for AUDIO recording).
• Play a little and adjust the RECORDING VOL/Input level so the VU meter goes into the YELLOW ZONE on the screen
• Press REC on the screen (REC starts flashing and recording begins)
• Play your song
• Press REC on screen again to end recording
• Wave form is formed in the middle of the screen
• Press PLAY to test your recording.
• If all is ok, press the SAVE button (below the ENTER button on the panel)
• “Do you want to save Audio Rec_0” is displayed. Say YES.
• On next screen, name your song and press ENTER to save it.
• It will be saved in your internal SSD.
TO COPY YOUR SONG FROM INTERNAL SSD TO USB/

• Insert a USB stick in one of the USB jacks up front.
• Press MEDIA
• Make sure KETRON is highlighted (the drive where your song file resides and you want to copy from)
• Press DISK EDIT (MEDIA flashes).
• Scroll up to your new song and select it on the screen.
• Press COPY on the screen below.
• Now go and select your USB stick.
• Press PASTE on the bottom of the screen to paste your file into the USB stick.
Do not forget to EXIT DISK COPY mode by pressing MEDIA – DISK EDIT (It is no longer YELLOW/Selected).

Detailed DVD is coming soon.

Thanks AJ. I had figured just about everything out.
Is there a way to make a custom vocal harmony setting? I want to hear JUST my original voice and one voice above. I keep hearing my voice plus it seems to be reproduced again along with the harmony voice. On previous models I was able to just turn down the volume on one or more of the harmony voices and save the edited version.

AJ thank you for the great informative step by step SD7 information,..
Answering questions straight forward & easy to understand also.
Each feature has it's steps to achieve what you need.
You also mentioned an upcoming Tutorial DVD and that my friend is a GREAT IDEA !!!
Please let us know when it will be released.

Thanx

Thanks AJ. Just what I needed for now.
I am slowly working my way through the voices and styles and so far like what I am finding. I have attached my first recording using the Afterhours style-no tweaks straight out of the box. I'll try to do other recording after I figure out how to adjust some of the parameters.

Deane

Dean thanx for sharing,.....
I'm sure your dance floor will be packed with people with classic songs like this one,.....everythng sounds "LIVE"
A great style choice. Hope to hear more in the future as you progress & experience the SD7.

Good job Deane, it sounds just like my Audya 76

I like your new icon and equipment list DNJ!

What is with the fancy function of spliting a song into it's intrumental tracks? Is it about a certain type of multi-track wave file or how is it?

Bachus,

Sorry for the delay in getting to you.

The SD7 has more functions (such as the Audio Multi tracks, Phrase Recording ... etc etc) which are NOT found in the Midjay Pro. Remember that the Midjay Pro is predominantly a PLAYER and the arranger is secondary, meanwhile the SD7 is predominantly an Arranger Keyboard and the Player is secondary, and so each one offers features in this direction not offered by the other.

Looking at the Arranger part of it, the SD7 has over 400 samples used to make it's internal sounds, while the Midjay Pro has 200. The SD7 has 260 styles while the Midjay PRO has only 143 (unless you get the AJAMSONIC version in either case).

The STYLE MODELLING feature on the SD7 is more extensive and in depth like on AUDYA series. The AUDYA of course offers even more in depth editing capabilities than any KETRON keyboard to date, more Audio components for it's style, more features like 6 outputs and SPDIF vers 3(SD7) and 2 (Midjay Pro) ... etc. It all boils down to what you want to accomplish and what you are willing to spend:-

* AUDYA:- Musician who is into totally creating their own, very picky on sound and so most elements must sound live (drums, bass and guitars). They rely solely on the AUDYA to represent their band both on stage and studio, being able to use or incorporate their own live audio drums (either you like those in the SD7/Midjay Pro or you don't).

* SD7:- Budget is a factor and so they don't mind loosing features like separate outputs, audio elements to styles especially Live Guitars that make a difference in all Audio styles in Audya (since only the drums are live), lighter weight, want the touch screen OS (AUDYA doesn't have a touch screen), want 61 keys (if you want 76, you must get AUDYA), want a module with the basic KETRON features to use in a studio or with existing gear (Midjay Pro)... and so on ....

So you see, there is a fundamental difference between both - or all 3. Whichever one suits your needs is what you go with - if you are willing to live with it's short-comings. AUDYA series is still the flagship if you want it all.

Don ... being able to control individual harmony parts, edit each one's parameters ...etc ... we had to reserve some features for AUDYA now, right :-)

Donny - welcome back to KETRON.

Thanks,

AJ

AJ, I'd appreciate a simple answer to my question about the multi-track separation. Is this working with a special wav type (surround was mentioned at one point)? Thank you.

A simple answer as requested is ... yes, it is working with a special surround file wave format.

"Don ... being able to control individual harmony parts, edit each one's parameters ...etc ... we had to reserve some features for AUDYA now, right :-)

Not really, since this was available on SD1, SD5 and even X1!
It would be a relatively simple software fix I would think.

1- Is there an internal HD for storage in the Ajamsonic SD7 or do I keep
all my folders of Mp3s, txt files, etc, on a USB thumb-drive
in the KB?.....

>>>AJ:- There is 16GB internal SSD storage. When you press the MEDIA buttons, it's the drive labeled KETRON. You can create a MP3 folder and dump all your MP3s there or create a MIDIFILE folder and do likewise. Just make sure any text or pdf files you want to associate with the MP3 or Midi or wave are also in the same folder.

2- Do I have to
install the Ajamsonic upgrade or is it already inside,or ..?

>>>AJ:- It is already inside (if you got the AJAMSONIC version from Frank as he ordered some of both). To verify if you have the AJAMSONIC version,
* Keyboard should have the AJAMSONIC label above the USB slots and on the back below the SD7
* When you press MEDIA, you will see the AJAMSONIC drive with all the various bonus material already installed.
* When you connect to a monitor, the AJAMSONIC logo is the default logo displayed.

3- When you set up song Registrations how do you link TXT files for each song
for easy access if needed in live play..?

To set up a REGISTRATION effectively,
* Select the style you want to use ... e.g LATIN - Cumbia
* If you want to make any modifications to this style (including it's OTS), you will have to do this and save this style as a USER style then recall this USER style before proceeding. See OTS & USER STYLE below.
* Set the tempo, transpose .. etc
* When satisfied, press the REGIS button to activate the REGISTRATION.
* Press SAVE and chose REGISTRATION to create/save your registration. You can also save the current style as a USER STYLE from this screen.
* Press SAVE AS if you want to give it a unique name (save means save with the default name REGIS_001)
* Now when you name your registration, give it the same name as any text/pdf file you want it to load when it is recalled. Press ENTER on the screen to create the new registration.
* You will notice Bank 1-4 ... so you can create +1000 Registers in each Registration Bank. This done so you can keep all your say wedding registrations in one bank, all your birthday registrations in Bank 2 ...etc.
* To recall at the gig, press the REGIS button once more.
* Scroll down to the REGISTRATION you want to load and press ENTER to load it OR ... Press Num Pad and enter the number corresponding to the Registration you want to load (this becomes useful when you have more than 20 Registrations to sort through .. OR .. (we will soon be adding a keyboard pad to search via typing in the name of the registration too).

*** OTS AND USER STYLE ... (share this on the forum with others) ....
Since on the SD7 you cannot overwrite a factory style or voice, once any changes are made to either of these, you simply press SAVE and save as a USER style or voice.
Remember that the OTS is linked to a style so to modify any OTS, first select the style whose OTS you want to modify.
* Once you have selected the style, then press and hold down the OTS you want to change
* You will be in the voice editor.
* Change as you see fit and SAVE. When you save, this 'new voice' will be saved in the same location it was in before but under USER ... so if this was a Grand Piano you just edited, the new voice will be saved under USER - PIANO -and you will see GRAND Piano.
* Repeat this for all the 4 OTS.
* When done, press SAVE and save the new USER style. This still will remember the new OTS you have associated with it.
* Now to use in a registration, simply recall this style (Remember once you are in the STYLES to press USER styles then the group the style belonged to...e.g. POP), set up and SAVE your REGISTER. At the gig, when you recall this REGISTRATION, it will recall your USER STYLE which in tern will recall the associated OTS that you programmed into it. Everything is linked as you can see so the REGISTRATION doesn't really manage the contents of the style - you do and store as a USER STYLE .. then use that style in a REGISTRATION. The registration will then load that style, any text/pdf file that has the same name as it (and we are expanding this to include any MP3, Midifile or wave that has the same name as the registration too to be loaded as well in the new OS - as is the case with AUDYA!

Thanks for the answer AJ, very clear... Just one more question, the vce voices and the super solo voices, are they Audya specific?

Bachus,

Yes they are for the most part ... However with the AJAMSONIC package we have about 12 VCE voices in the SD7 (more on the way for SD7 AJAMSONIC users) ....

These currently reside in the Sax, Brass and Guitar groups!

Since I've been very busy & only have had an hour or two exploring the SD7 & auditioning the onboard styles, factory & Ajamsonic sorting out which ones I could use for my needs.
I just have to say WOW this KB is fun to play!!!
Ketron has Really done it's homework with this unit,...& believe me I have owned & performed with many Ketron models thru the years.
This SD7 is really well done & the styles & sounds make you feel like your really playing with a "LIVE Band" in every sense of the word. The Drums & Bass lines kick butt!! The style parts are ALL well balanced with the solo right hand sounds too right out of the box.....quality on deck Sliders are excellent.
The Big bright touch screen display is amazing & the KB is very quality built. I Know I'll have more to share once I get more time to explore the SD7, I'm taking my time setting it up for Stage performance..Let me also say that Prince AJ has been a good friend thru the years, a Superstar with support with phone calls, emails, or anything else that pops into my head with question about the SD7. I know I'll learn more at the Ketron SD7 workshop next Sunday in DE. Hope to meet some of you there, I want to play the SD7 thru my
Nano 600's also there. Stay tuned More to come ....

PS:..at some point soon I will probably sell my beloved Yamaha S-950 so if anyone here on SZ is interested give me a shout and let's talk about it. I'd like to see it go to a good SZ home.

Thanx

Donny,
You must have read my mind. Your post is EXACTLY what I have been thinking. This my first Ketron keyboard so I have nothing else to compare it too and I am still figuring out the very basic stuff but it sure does make me want to play. I certainly agree about AJ. I hope he gets some support from Ketron with all the effort he puts into this.

As you know, I don't play much modern music but I am finding dozens of styles from all the categories that I can fit into my "old folks" type music for my seniors. Like you I am very busy right now and have not had a lot of time with the SD7 yet but that will change in a few days and I will try to get things setup for a gig with it. I have not learned how to setup up a set list yet with it or use the USER or MY LIST areas correclty - that will come with time I guess.

Anyway, wanted to chime in here and second your thoughts on the SD7.

Deane

AJ or Donny,
If I wanted to fly in for the SD7 workshop which airport would I fly in to?

Deane

Baltimore-Washington International would be the closest large airport. If you were flying in that Cessna, you could put down within a couple miles of AJs place.


Gary

Deane.....Philadelphia Intl, or Baltimore, Airports would be an easy drive to the workshop in DE......it would be great to see you again there & believe me you'll learn alot about the SD7 before you leave ....hope you can make it.

Congrats Donny and to all SD7 owners! Happy Father's Day and happy gigging.

Thanx Jimmy appreciate it!!

enjoy Fathers Day!!

Mine's staying in the bag today. I'm going fishing.

Closest airport is PHL (Philadelphia International) ... about 45 minutes drive from Bear, DE.

Next is BWI (Baltimore Washington International) ... about 1hr 20mins drive from Bear DE.

Thanks,

AJ

Donny ... congrats ... can't wait to hear some of your playing/singing with it ... get posting ...

Tony slow but sure....
Just wetting my beak for now with the SD7.... so busy now.
next Sunday at the Ketron SD7 workshop I Know I'll come out of there with many of my questions answered.
As for now I'm just exploring, auditioning sounds & styles, etc,.. and getting familiar with the OS. So far I like what I hear!

Don, at least you're not "half in the bag" like me :-)

AJ,
First, Thanks for all the helpful posts. It is deeply appreciated.
A few Questions from a Ketron Newbie
1. How do you change the octave of only a single voice in a style
without effecting the entire keyboard?
2. Can the MY LIST and USER areas be put in Alpha order?
3. If connected to a computer, can styles in the MY LIST and USER areas
be deleted and re-reordered?
4. How are individual RH Lead voices be tweaked?
5. Will there be computer software to do these tasks?

Thanks for any ideas you can share. I'm making progress and so far I really like this keyboard. Something about it really inspires me to play.

Deane

Where can I edit Voices within the style parts, vol, efx, etc,.....
and/or change drum sets, or drum perimeters etc, etc, and re-save to registrations, had etc..?

>>>AJ:- This is down within the VIEW screen when you select a style.
• Press VIEW on the bottom lower part of screen to access the STYLE VIEW – all parts that make up the style.
• This default page shows the VOLUME of all the style parts. To access say the PAN (left/right), REVERB, CHORUS, EFFECTS ..etc of all style parts, use the equivalent buttons below the screen. Once selected, their parameters can be changed by pressing the number corresponding to the parameter you want to change, and turning the wheel to change it.
• Press DRUM MIXER to access the individual drum parts (volume and reverb).
• Press DRUM to access parameters associated with the drums such as:-
o VAR3 TO GROVE (On the main STYLE VIEW screen, you have 3 VARIATIONS. If this button is off, all 3 affect chord parts only. If this button is on, the 3rd variation is for GROOVES that affect the drum track (when turned on/off).
o AUTOFILL (Auto Fill in in when you switch between Variations)
o Fill To Arrange (When you press the FILL IN, the arranger automatically switches forward/backwards to the next/previous – depending on which FILL in you press.
o AFTER TOUCH FILL:- Press hard on the key to activate the fill in … no need to leave the keyboard and press a button for FILL IN anymore. Combine any of these for true musical freedom and creativity.
• When you are done with the modification .. remember, you just modified a FACTORY style. You must now save this style as a USER STYLE by pressing SAVE and given it a name. Then go back later to the USER STYLE location you saved this under (EG POP), reload the style, then set up the voices and other parameters – then press SAVE and SAVE REGISTRATION – to save this setting under a REGISTRATION.

3-.....How to I unlock OTS link to variations.......
I just want top change my OTS I choose manually NOT when I change a variation.

>>>AJ:- When you select a style,
• press VOICE AND VARIATION (below the screen).
• Now press VOICE TO ABCD (Voice to Variation A, B, C, D). If on (yellow and highlighted), then OTS is on, If off, OTS is off and you can manually select the voices being used by OTS – by simply pressing any of the 4 voices OTS above the screen (above the Variation buttons in the VOICE AND VARI screen).

Can you turn the Vocalizer harmony ON & OFF manually on the display somewhere?.....also can you use a SINGLE pedal switch to turn VH on/off? or do you have to use the ketron 6 pedal.....
or can you use a single "MIDI" pedal?

>>>AJ:- Yes you can. Press and hold down MICRO/VOCALIZER. Now on the left of the screen, you can turn ON/OFF the harmonizer. The fastest way is to use the VOCAL slider up and down to quickly access or adjust the harmony’s volume. You can program this and use one of the switches on the optional KETRON FS6/13 Effects Footswitch.

what is the procedure to save all the registrations, styles, and all the work done on SD7 as a back up
just in-case I have to reload it for some unknown reason?

>>>AJ:- Connect to your computer.
Select the KETRON Disk and drag all files and folders to a back up folder on your computer.
This will ensure all USER STYLES, REGISTRATIONS …etc, are saved.

1-......How do I set up Voc Microphone to my liking EQ,Rev etc and have it retain the settings on powerup
AND I dont want it to ever change when I change registrations songs etc.....
I want to keep the same VOC settings & Voc Harmony?

>>>AJ:- To enter the Mic and Vocalizer EDITOR (and the EDITOR for any other button that has a blue dot to it’s lower right corner .. e.g. HARMONY, INPUT, DOUBLE …etc), simply press and hold down the MICRO/VOICETRON button for 2 seconds.
• Left side of the screen is the MIC settings, eq, reverb .. etc.
Right side is the vocalizer settings, eq .. etc
• Press EDIT on the screen to enter the detailed vocalizer or Mic settings.
• Select USER or the top harmony type and you will get a drop down menu with all the other harmony types you can select. Turn the DATA WHEEL to access even more. Select TRIO (as per your example above).
• You can select VOCIETRON TO ARRANGER and select the various HARMONY types you want when ARRANGER A, B, C or D or START/STOP is selected – auto vocalizer settings so you do not have to change vocalizer settings as you switch from variation to variation – it is already tied to the variation in question .. etc.
• Press LOCK to LOCK this vocalizer setting so that regardless of REGISTRATION or STYLE or … selected, the vocalizer will remain the same.
• When done, press the SAVE button. Select VOICETRON to save the current vocalizer settings. Repeat this step and press MICRO (on the screen) to save the MICROPHONE settings too.

Question:
Is it possible on the SD7 to convert registrations from older boards in a similar way as STYLES are converted??

Many thanks,
Don p

No, it's not Don.

Wow! This has to be the neatest keyboard I have ever owned. Making progress and setting up my first set list as registrations complete with style remodeling, voice replacement when needed, tempo changes etc.. For starters once you are familiar with the OS it is very easy to do all this. Not only that but a live player could just change voices on the fly really easy too.

Anyone else besides Don Mason, Donny, and myself working with the SD7?

Hoping to take it out for it's first gig Wednesday. We will see.
Thanks AJ for all the help - please keep it coming.

Deane

I think it's neat how you can take out style parts by just touching the Variation instruments on the screen.

I think my i30 does all of this and more for 15 years now and still has the best sequences ever invented. Ha ha. Changing voices on the fly is a big deal Hammer? Please what am I missing here?

Well Boo,
With the SD7, as compared to other keyboards I have owned(Korg, Yamaha, Roland,) it is really easy to do.

Deane

Very interesting keyboard.

My biggest concern would be for support.

Apparently those of you using Yamaha add/or Korg feel like you are getting the support you need?

Tx

The support system in the USA has been expanded vastly and is still growing as we speak. We also offer support to INTERNATIONAL buyers (many of whom are on this and other forums and can vouch for this too).

It's a new beginning for KETRON in the USA!

Thanks,

No - due to the nature of the keyboards being different (internally and externally too) :-(

Deane ... some answers for you:-

First, Thanks for all the helpful posts. It is deeply appreciated.
A few Questions from a Ketron Newbie
1. How do you change the octave of only a single voice in a style
without effecting the entire keyboard?
>>>AJ:- Take note of the voice whose octave you want to change. The idea is to edit the voice (in which you will change it's octave so it can be used in other styles too), then save as a USER VOICE - then use STYLE VIEW and recall the USER VOICE (in place of the factory voice).
* Press VOICE - Voice group and select this voice.
* Press and hold down this voice to enter the EDITOR.
* Change the octave (+/-12) and SAVE as a USER VOICE.
* Go back to the style and in VIEW, recall this voice instead. Then SAVE the style as a USER STYLE.


2. Can the MY LIST and USER areas be put in Alpha order?
>>>AJ:- Yes ... They can be put in any order but they cannot be rearranged. So you would have to know where you want to put what. EG>>> MY LIST. Once selected, press a location/voice on the screen and hold down. The SD7 will take you to the VOICE selection asking you to select a new voice you want to put into this location. It's your choice what voice you put in there - but if you know the order in which you want to arrange them, you can place them in there alphabetically. For the USER area, if you want to have them arranged in order, when you create the USER styles or USER voices, put a number before them when you name them e.g. 01-Sax, 02-Piano. Although Piano comes before Sax alphabetically, they will be saved in the order 01-Piano (in the first location), 02-Sax (in the 2nd location) ... etc.

3. If connected to a computer, can styles in the MY LIST and USER areas
be deleted and re-reordered?
>>>AJ:- Yes. Just go to the SD7's SSD and go into the appropriate folder and rename them or delete. You can also use the SD7 to do the same by pressing MEDIA - KETRON (make sure it is highlighted in RED) - touch DISK EDIT below the screen to enter the disk edit mode. You can then go to the appropriate folder and DELETE, RENAME .. etc files. Don't for get to press DISK EDIT again when done and MEDIA to exit and get back to normal operation of the keyboard.

Question:..What is the best way to navigate between
Registration Bank mode and MP3 Song play mode During live play,....going back and forth....?

AJ>>>>The best way is:-
* Press the PLAYER 1 button.
* Go to the folder that has all your MP3 files. DO NOT PLAY ANY.
* Now press the REGIS button and go to BANK 1 (or wherever your registrations are).
* You can now load your registrations and play live (PLAYER1 stays on).
* To back to the MP3 folder where you were, simply turn off the REGIST button.
* Touch your song twice to play it ... or press ENTER on the highlighted file.
* To return to live play, simply press REGIST again .... just one button to toggle back and forth!!!!

Also .... when you are in the STYLE screen ... if you want to have the YAMAHA approach and access to all fills and breaks, simply touch the (1/3) - PAGE 1/3 to go to page 2/3. Now you have access to the fills and breaks. If you go to Page 3/3, you can program the USER1, USER2 ...etc, to whatever function you want.
Simply touch them, assign and save. Now isn't that neat?

Let me add after today's setup session that the Vocal Mic processor in the SD7 & Vocalizer are excellent and very easy to operate & set up Mic FX etc, and save so that they Stay set no matter what you change Reg, Mp3, etc,....I'd say the VH is on par with TC Helicon.

Also the display screen is bright, clear, large, and very easy to see in live play..
I also tried a few Global Kb EQ settings vs "Standard" ...just pus the DSP button for the menue:..
I was using the "LOUDNESS" setting first but now I think I will stick with "BRIGHT" as the SD7 really comes alive using this EQ. You can adjust the preset EQ also I lowered the High EQ from 9 to 6....the press SAVE and Custom Startup so every tome you power up it will remain...

I'm starting to get Very Happy!!

Somewhere in this thread there was a question about the level of support for the SD7. I would say AJ is doing a pretty darn good job of getting questions answered. He has posted here, emailed, and texted answers to any question I have asked. What's more, the responses have come in a very short period of time.

I will be shocked if in the near future there are not videos and written materials that better explain the SD7 than the online manual does. Anyway, so far I have been very satisfied with what AJ is doing to help with learning how to use the SD7.

Deane

Hey there you guys, I always loved the Audya that I had, what a terrific sound! This new SD7 is surely a welcome addition with a lower pricepoint. Seems to me that AJ is awfully sharp knowing these answers as well as he does. AND is able to write a coherent sentence, lol. Some tech people just cannot communicate! I hope you all continue to find good stuff and I look forward to hearing one.

Bill you wanted to see mine. It's home now. I'll call you tomorrow.

What is AjamSonic upgrade cost? It seems to me like a very significant addition to the stock sd7 and so very worthwhile.
BTW, thank you AJ for your answer!

I see, thanks Donny.

It's been 3 days and with the Support of Prince AJ and Don M. & what I still can remember from my Ketron days I have to say it's getting easier & easier to set up the SD7. It just does things so easily and logically to create Registration lists, custom USER Styles with OTS, Vol, Rev, FX, Drum kit edits, & all extensive editing perimeter capabilities that can be instantly saved. Here's what I do.....
First I pick a style>then I begin to make a template to use this style for many songs that have that use this style.
I add what ever 4 OTS sounds I like and tweak each one to my liking.
Then when I have the perfect style eg: DP Rumba I save it to a user style bank> next I start to create registrations of songs that use this "PERFECT STYLE" only changing tempo, key, variation start, etc. & so on. Then I start again creating another Style template for the next group of songs that would use whatever style I need. I keep doing this and it might take a few weeks until my song list and all MY perfect style types are finished Named and Stored in the Registration Banks for use on stage for instant call up.
Once you get the hang of the procedure it goes fast.

I also hooked up a Mic and was pleasantly surprised at how Amazing the Vocal Harmony sounds. On par with TC Helicon in sound quality & tracking, an easy Mic editor at the touch of a button let's you adjust Vocal EFX with ease & control them with the Sliders or pedals, Nice Job KETRON!. For anyone that wants to know The SD7 key bed feel is AWESOME not too heavy, not to light but solid, I really enjoy playing it.
Anyway for now I'm trying to get more done when I get the chance
in-between gigs.There is so much to explore with the SD7 features in so many ways, I look forward to doing that as time goes on.
This Sunday I'll learn much more at the workshop.

Take care.

Hi Donny,
Thanks to AJ's help I'm in about the same place - getting set lists ready. Right now I'm using Registrations and it is really simple. I'm involved in another project that will take all night. I'm converting over 6000 Ketron styles from all kinds of keyboards and getting them organized on a thumb drive. Have no idea how they will sound but there are bound to be some great ones in there. I have a gig tomorrow and am really tempted to take the SD7 out for the first time - we'll see.

Deane

To all SD7 owners: Is the weight (33 lbs) not an issue with you?
I also wish Ketron made it lighter and more compact.

Dean good luck.
Are these mixed Styles from different keyboards or?

Big band & Canadian Folk- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o83-Rw3f3AI

ChaCha & Charleston:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAleg3oRros

Cumbia, Raggaetone & Fox Country:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTdm9OTiXrI

Donny,
I am not sure about the contents of the folders. They come from just about every keyboard or Module Ketron offers. I have so far had little time to go through even 5 percent of them. There also seems to be tons of duplicates which are not actually named the same. When i get it all sorted out I'll let you know.

By the way, I now working on the fine tuning of the overall sound of the SD7. I am not a sound "techie" so it involves a lot of experimentation. I'm trying to get the SD7 setup to use with my Bose Compact Speaker. So, I'm playing around with the EQ system on the keyboard because I don't use a mixer. I'm about ready to debut it on it's first gig this week!

Deane

I thought it was cool you got an SD-7...you have always kept an open mind to different instrument/manufacturers....that's also pretty cool.

Playing new styles with new sounds on a new keyboard is like leaving one band you've been playing with, and joining up with another group...one just as competent, but the virtual musicians (the style parts) have slightly different tastes.

Of course, there's that hopefully short "getting to know you" period as you adjust to the new players' strengths and weaknesses.

Good luck on your maiden voyage.

Ian

Ian,
You hit the nail on the head! It is strange, but interesting, to play the same set list with different styles from a new keyboard. For example, I usually play Tea For Two as a Cha Cha on my Tyros 4 but will end up playing it with a swing style on the SD7. Both sound really nice but after years of doing it one way the change takes some getting use to.

Should be a fun experience and so far I have absolutely no buyer's remorse or complaints.

Deane