I have read many posts where people disagreed and debated and everyone was right. What needs to be added to any opinion is what I am trying to accomplish and the reason for selecting my method.

THE SD CARD AND HOW TO USE IT EFFECTIVELY?

Bernie’s post was good. He used the SD card to store song settings and then uses My Favorites to call them up. This leaves the registration memory for instruments that he favors. Great, but he does not state his reason for using this method in favor of other methods.

This was my method before retiring from playing out.
People are dancing and I want to get to the next type of song as quickly as I can. I also need to know what song I want to play next. Speed and a list of songs to chose from are essential.

Example; I am playing New York New York – I open the panel memory banks and I have 13 banks, eight on a page to chose from. I am still playing the first song and I find LeRoy Brown, Bank 2 memory #4. As soon as the ending of my first song finishes I push #4 and Leroy Brown begins its introduction. I have accomplished what I needed – It is fast, very fast and I had a list to chose from – and the dancers are still on the floor.

The downside is that I lose the use of the Registrations to add different instrument setups. I have tried to work around that problem by saving my style with my own OTS settings. I can use Favorites on the right side of the keyboard to add a different instrument but that only changes a single instrument not a complete setup. Is there a faster way? I’m open.

Now that I am retired and my needs have changed I will be using the SD card differently. I am hoping that reading the older posts on this subject and reading what may be added here on this post will help. (Options) If Bob and Roger are willing to give an outline of how they are using the SD card I am sure I/we will all benefit.

John C.

I think we need a little more from you, John. For example, how many panel memories do you tend to use in a single song?

First I should say that in my opinion there is no right or wrong way to do anything with the KN7000. Whatever works for someone is right for him or her. But, their selection of a method may create limitations in use of the keyboard. Having said that, this is an attempt to describe what I do.

Most songs can be broken down into four sections. Usually it starts with section A, then it repeats section A. It then moves to section B and after that, returns to section A. There can be bridges and that sort of stuff but these sections are usually easily identified. I tend to want some sort of voicing and/or rhythm change for each of those sections. Sometimes it’s a major change in rhythm and/or voicing. Sometimes it may be as simple as muting or adding one of the composer parts. The point is, I tend to need a minimum of four panel memories as I progress through a song. If there is a bridge, I tend to want a different panel memory assigned for that. If the song is played through a second time, I want four entirely new registrations and rhythms for that. So, I usually need a minimum of 8 panel memories set up for a single song. Ever wonder why there are 8 panel memories in each bank? That tends to fit the minimum needs of a song . . . Without those changes a song can quickly get boring. Larry Gosmeyer’s stuff is a prime example of how lots of voicing and rhythm changes make a song sound so much better. He is a gifted arranger.

With hundreds of songs in a library, it’s a good idea to keep things as orderly as possible for each song. So, I always start every song at panel memory bank A, memory 1. My next panel memory is put at memory A2, the next at A3 and so on. It is easy to use a foot switch to increment panel memories at the appropriate time. If more than 8 memories are needed, the next increment will move the panel memory progression to bank B memory 1. And it continues from there for 24 possible panel memories. I have never found a need to use panel memory banks other than A, B, and C. So, when a new registration is needed, a simple touch of the foot switch selects the next panel memory needed for that part of the song. Your eyes don’t even need to look at the keyboard.

After the keyboard is set up for a song, I save the entire keyboard using the default selections of the SD save menu. The song setup is saved in a SD memory location and named appropriately for that song. I am cautious to make certain that the Sequencer is empty unless I have a sequence that will be used. I want an empty sequencer file saved with the song so that if anything exists in the sequencer it is deleted in the load process. So, that save contains, as a minimum, a complete unique sound file with whatever edits are used for that song as well as 24 panel memories, Composer memories A, B, and C with all their variations, a sequencer file, and a current panel file that has the keyboard set up for the start of the song. I seldom use Performance Pads but the file is there because it is one of the defaults of the save process. Whatever is in the Effect memory is also saved.

John, this is not all that different than the process you needed to follow to set up your music finder database for the T-3.

In an earlier post I went through the process that I use to select and play the songs. I tend to use SD Favorite Songs (not the favorites button at the bottom right of the keyboard) for song selection. It’s as simple as pressing the yellow SD button, then selecting Favorite Songs from the display, and pushing the single button that is next to the song I want. I play from lead sheets. The SD memory location is noted on each lead sheet, and in those rare occasions where I want a song that I have not put into the SD Favorite Songs list, I load the song by number based on the notes I have on the music sheet. It usually takes a few more seconds to load by number than using the favorite songs menu.

I guess I should say that I consider a medley as a single song as it relates to use of the SD card. So all the songs of a medley need to share common files of the save and load process.

Good post, Bob
We work in the same way, and I would like to remind everyone about the alphabetical search in addition to numerical. There have been times I didn't have the number handy. Choose alphabetical, go to first letter of song, and all A's, or whatever, are right there.

Bob and Bernie, Thank you, I will now I'll get into what you have written. Much appreciated.

John C.

Hi there!
Want to see another way of using the SD card and how the KN-7000 can adapt to many kinds of applications?
First let me tell you that I personaly use extensively the 16 tracks sequencer on board rather than the autocords. I love to fool around arranging and recording each single tracks on a song. You see, I'm basically a composer and arranger but I also play in a musical Duo gigging out at times playing Classical Rock and Pop Music. So using the sequencer is a must for me and my female musical partner.
What I do is make all the arrangements and settings on one single MIDI song and then press the panel write button in the Sequencer menu to record the settings, then save it INDIVIDUALLY to the SD card by navigating to the 3rd saving screen on the SD Save menu. I have over 70 original MIDI songs recorded this way ready for playing live.
And to go faster while playing live I also use the sequencer play option(10 songs)...Let's say that I name one particular sequencer file "Set #1". Then I load every single MIDI song using the 3rd load screen on the SD Load menu filling up the 10 spaces then I save it back using this time the 2nd saving screen on the SD Save menu...but you have to unselect(no) every tag except the sequencer one(yes). This way, when you load back onto the machine this "Set #1", you're only loading the sequencer with all the 10 MIDI songs (or less) with their original settings.
Let me tell you this is pretty fast and useful while playing live. With only 2 single loads, you have over 1 hour of music. All you have to do is navigate through the sequencer play menu from song 1 to 10.
I'd like also to talk about a great feature that I use which I think the Tyros 3 does not have(Ha Ha, I see interesting discussions coming up!)...

The SD Audio Synchro feature.

Up to now, I did not see anybody talk about this feature but this thing is pretty useful to me and my partner while singing songs that need more than 2 voices live.
How do I work around with that special feature?...What I do is put my MIDI file on a my computer with a program like Cubase or Sonar and then record live the needed extra voices with my partner, saving'em back to a mp3 format file and shooting it back through the Panasonic USB reader onto the SDcard.
Now what I have to do is load the original MIDI file, go to SD Audio Synchro, and choose the playlist number(mp3 file on the Sd), saving it all back to the SD Card....
And you're asking me...what is that "Tempo Adjust" thing for?... This is because 2 differents computers can have 2 differents clock timings. In this case, the Kn-7000 and my computer(those guys at Panasonic we're simply genius!), so you can have a gap building up while playing the MIDI file song and the mp3 (which is a wave) together. The Tempo Adjust will correct this.
...It took me a while going through and understanding this whole thing by myself. The instruction manual is not very clear about it. So I'm very happy to share my own experiences(if it may help) with other KN-7000 owners.

Cheers,

Serge

Serge,
Nice is the word that pops into my head – Nice of you to take the time to share with others so they may benefit. I purchased a Kn7000 and then I went looking for help on this forum for the things I have forgotten or never knew and a Bob, Bernie, Roger and now Serge steps up to help. Again, NICE.

I have saved each post on this subject and will be using your ideas to create what I am looking for.

Thank you, John

I remember a Canadian with the name Serge that taught me how to create 10 song sequencer files for the KN5000 about 12-14 years ago. His knowledge resulted in the article with that subject that still resides on my old KN5000 “How To” web site that is now hosted by Gunnar Johnny. It was a very popular process in those days because it took so very long to load files from the floppy disk.

I’m not sure you are the same man Serge, but in any event, we welcome you, and value your input to this forum.

Hi Bob,

No I'm not that Serge but I'm canadian too...and I used to own a KN-2000 that I bought new in 1994.
I let the KN-3000 and KN-5000 pass me by, then I jumped directly to the KN-6500 a few years ago, quite a big step for me!
I kept it only one year and upgraded to my actual keyboard(KN-7000) and I still don't see the day when I'm going to part from this baby.

Tell me Bob, am I the only one out there who uses the Sd Audio Synchro features on this keyboard?
Personaly, I'm using it to add singing voices on my midi songs but one could add a real guitar solo for example...Even if you're that good at your keyboard, you can never beat a real good guitar solo I think.

And I was also wondering if this feature is unique to the KN-7000.

The problem occurs with Audio synchro when the audio is half a semitone different from the keyboard - I've found...

Tell me Bob, am I the only one out there who uses the Sd Audio Synchro features on this keyboard? Posted by Serge

Just my 2 cents;
I have a Midi Disk recorder plugged into my mixer and the mixer has a place for my Ipod so that I can record directly to either a wave type of file or to MP3 format. In the same rack I have an Equalizer and a BBE for enhancement if desired. I can play back on one recorder and re-record and the second recorder giving me multiple recordings. Just a thought because it is simple and very effective. Is there an advantage using the SD Audio Syncho? (I have knowledge here)

The unique part of my mixer, and I purchased it for this reason, is that it has all the controls needed to operate my Ipod and it records anything played into the mixer. When I sync the Ipod to my computer I can select the songs I want and burn a CD.

Last night I give much thought to this subject of SD card and it is all starting to come together. Before this weeks ends I will post my new system working with the SD card. (Thanks to the people on this post)

John C.

Tell me Bob, am I the only one out there who uses the Sd Audio Synchro features on this keyboard?
Personaly, I'm using it to add singing voices on my midi songs but one could add a real guitar solo for example...Even if you're that good at your keyboard, you can never beat a real good guitar solo I think.

And I was also wondering if this feature is unique to the KN-7000.
******************************
Sorry for the delay. Been out of town.

I am not aware of anyone else that is using that feature, Serge. Nor am I aware of anyone else using the 10 song sequence feature with the KN7000. But there's lots of stuff I don't know . . . I'm sure if anyone on the forum is using that feature they will let us know.

I think the synchro feature was carried over to the KN2600 but am not certain. I gave my KN2600 away after I found a backup KN7000 and have no way to check.

The number of ways the KN7000 can be used is only limited by the ingenuity of those of us that use it.

The advantage of using the SD Audio feature is not for everyone I guess... I would say it is rather useful for people who go out for gigs and need extra 'live voices' to accompany them while singing and playing the KN (like I do with my partner).

The beauty of it is that when I go out for a gig, I only bring my KN, a small mixer to blend the KN output with 2 microphones, and 2x200 watts powered speakers.

Everything is on my 1G SD Card:

All the MIDI songs that I need to play live with 'real' back voices and well over 8 hours of dance music which I put on while we take a rest between sets.

And my SD Card is only half filled!

By the way, Bob, I used to own a KN2600 too, and the SD Audio Synchro was on it.

? SD audio synchro is a time function, not pitch. It enables audio and sequencer to start simultaneously, advancing or delaying the sequencer playback compared to the audio.

Great but what if they are in different keys?

then it will sound like Les Dawson's piano!

Transposing the sequencer or live play is extremely simple on the KN, mostly it consists of finding the transpose button on the panel.

Alternatively if you can only play in a specific key, a professional editor like Audition can change pitch of the audio without changing the song length over a couple of semitones with very little effect on quality, cheaper programs being spectacularly unsuccessful in that respect.

However I would say the whole point of playing along with karaoke audio like the Sunfly dvds is you have the exact song backing so are accompanying e.g. Nelson Riddles' original arrangement played on real instruments rather than a repetitive backing sequence, so transposing would seem at odds if authenticity is that object. In any event nothing to do with SD audio syncro.

Is there a way of showing on this site a comparison of two Mp3s ? One with the Kn7000 sequencer alone and one with the sequencer, the keyboard playing and the full singing voices ?

So everybody would see the exact application of the Sd Audio synchro.

I don’t think that can be done, Serge. But it would be enlightening.

It seems to me that there is a fine line that each of us needs to find for our own methods of playing. When you are entertaining a bunch of people, it is usually best to try to emulate the popular version of a song and that often means playing along with MIDI, a MP3, or something similar. But when we play that way we miss a lot of the satisfaction of creating our own version of the song with our own arrangement. When we are playing at home just for our own enjoyment, we can go so far as to be little more than a disk jockey or so basic that we play the keyboard like a piano with no accompaniment at all. Somewhere in between is the right place for each of us.

I agree with you Bob. I like to 'tweak' the styles and voices of the KN7 and save to SD Card. I play at regular venues with almost always the same people listening so to avoid boredom, I like to vary my programme.

However, no matter what I do, there is always someone who'll request I play the old 'favourites'. As the saying goes "you cannot please everyone all of the time"

It is interesting to hear how other people use their keyboards and SD cards though. From all the input so far, I'd say this is why the KN7000 is still the "King" because there is so much you can do with it and it is so much more 'User Friendly than other keyboards.

Long may it reign!

Audrey

I found a way to show you my Sd Audio Synchro workout.

Here is a partial Beatles's 'Drive my car' cover from us.

This link to an mp3 showing my kn7 playing the sequencer alone with my on board back voice (on the Sd card).
http://www.4shared.com/audio/G-eoBghI/DriveMyKn7_Alone.html

And this second link to an mp3 showing the same...plus my keyboard playing and our two front voices.
http://www.4shared.com/audio/lMRT__o7/DriveMyKn7_All_Dressed.html

Most folks would say that both versions were good, Serge. There is no doubt that the second version is better, with more depth. You could repeat the process over and over and layer your own voice or hers like Les Paul and Mary Ford did. I could find no disparity in timing.

I just don't have the patience . . .