I use the MFD a lot, and found that in order to make it a quick, effective tool for eliminating dead time, you must set it up with relatively small files. If you've put 300 to 500 songs in the MFD you're gonna' spend a lot of time just squinting at the songs to figure out which one you are going to play next.

The best technique is to first and foremost plan each performance, keeping in mind the average age of the crowd and what you think they would enjoy and respond to by dancing. Next, sit down at the computer and put together a gig file with the songs you intend to use for that particular performance. You can set these up by sets, using set 1,2,3, and 4 with a dozen songs in each set. Or you can set them up by the job with 50 to 60 songs that you would play for the entire job. Keep in mind that the MFD will normally list them alphbetically, but you can also list them using other parameters.

You can also use a floppy filled with registrations, which is another great tool. Each registration can be categorized, rock, country, swing, big band, etc, and when accessed, merely press the edit button and you have eight songs with all of the settings that are exactly where you want them. Access time for the floppy is a matter of two to three seconds at most, which is a lot faster than most bands can make up their minds as to the tempo of the next number they're going to play.

This takes a bit of planning to put together, but it's well worth the effort. I have done this with the PSR-5700, 740 and 2000 and as far as I'm concerned, it's the best thing since sliced bread.

Sorry to be so windy on this topic,

Gary