Hi guys. I’ve been busy playing all last week and doing “catch-up” with everything else these last few days. In between I’ve been researching reviews and comments on the PA2x both here in the SZ (past postings) and all over the Net.

I must admit, I’m kind of worn out from trying to find time to actually “keyboard hunt” (I think it might be easier to find the “meaning of life) but your enthusiasm here keeps me going. That and a keen desire to express music ideas I have in my head.

Rikki: I DID call them about the operating system. It’s the latest one (Version 2.01)! Read your comments about the PA2X sounding better. Good because that’s what I’m going for (PA2X). However, when I called Korg, they assured me it was the same specs and sound engine as the PA800...only difference being the speakers and drawbars. I really don’t believe that’s the ONLY difference!

The 76 keys is what I’m shooting for this time around (it will be my first). 61 keys is too limiting for playing versatility, though I’m not keen on toting it around. But, I’m glad you mentioned a Controller keyboard. I’m going to give that a thought, especially after hearing that Korg M3.

Thanks for the offer of the styles...it WOULD be most appreciated!

Stephen: I would have to agree with you from what I heard so far. I only played it for about 30 minutes (the PA2x Pro), but I also thought it sounded much better than the PA800 and about as good as the Ketron...and with more contemporary features.

Zuki: Stereo...great thought. Yes, I’ll try that also. I’m going to bring my EV P.A. system that I’m used to and play it through those speakers. I have a $2K Dynacord mixer/amp I use with them that absolutely wakes those speakers up.

The EQ I’m going to work on for peak testing. I read in the manual there are “individual” EQ’s on each track and a GLOBAL EQ. Add the EQ on the amp and eventually you get EQ-it is!

The strings on the M3 REALLY impressed me. I played Beethoven’s 5th just with the strings and had a great time with it. Korg said the strings are the same on the PA2x

The drums sounded weak and thin to me (with the Big Band style), but, in all fairness, they did on the Ketron too. I’m coming to the conclusion I’m not hearing them as efficiently as I should be. The Latin sounds are great on both the Ketron and the Korg.

Woodwinds were right on the money. The trumpets also (my favorite instrument). Guitars good…organs good. Piano’s I couldn’t get a good sound. But I never got a good sound “playing” the keyboard…it always sounds better from at least a few feet away, so I must keep that in mind.

Zuki: “remember the fantastic other features Korg offers.”

Lucky: Yes, that’s the main reason I’m quite excited about this board….the things I can do with it!

Lee: Encouraging remarks again. I also think the key to this situation is in the EQ-ing. Korg said I can run two tracks out of the “outs” in the back and EQ each one on an external mixer. I’m thinking to “out” the drum track and the bass track so I can EQ them separate from the “mix.” I think those drums can easily be cleaned up from what I heard in the store.

I’m going to try and find a PA2X Pro locally to try out again now that I have a better understanding of how it works. Or I’ll just try and find the time to drive up to Frank’s place again for the “ultimate keyboard experience!”

Lucky