Mostly agree with Skude. I have been using arrangers for years (Roland, Yamaha, Korg and Solton/Ketron) in different environments, such as a full band, band with 2 arrangers and mostly, lately solo. I have purchased the Audya from my co-player, Frankiev at Audioworks (he is a good friend and I have known him for many years now, even played at his wedding...).I initially struggled through some issues with the keyboard that Frank was able to address in a zip. I have guts, and trust this current version of my Audya (running OS 2). I use it, for good and bad, although I always carry a small laptop with mp3 and Midi...just in case I need to provide entertainment alternative in case of a crash.
I did not buy the Audya to edit styles or create sampling; I just need it to be able to play music and support me during my shows; and that is in average twice a week. This puppy sounds great! This is the only reason I still carry this 60 lbs (case included) to my gigs. Why did they use metal case and made it heavy I dont' know.
I love the keybed, the keys are longer and look much like a piano, in addition their surface is slippery and 'fast'. In the studio you can ear any element of a style, but I noted than out, using a stereo output in a stereo system, some of the style element are not audible anymore; perhaps my set up and eq needs to be adjusted. Nevertheless, the leads voices and even the piano cuts through the mixing in a way that no other keyboard could.
One feature that I like is the volumes on the left for the style, and often I just keep a beat going while changing song or conversing with the crowd.

I have used, before this, an SD1 board, and some of the styles are very similar. One word of advice if you play with a drummer and/or other is to be carefull on some of the styles to be in 'synch'. My drummer was going off when, in the middle of a rif, he heard a strong 'snare' solo. Other time, when I had a loud guitar player, they both went on their own...off time...
Make sure them CAN HEAR YOU at all the time.

I am using the block registrations, but I did not have the time to add all of my performances; any time I try to do so in my studio, I end up just playing and enjoying the instrument.

If you like to play, this is for you. Yes, the instrument is not stable yet, and I have known of horror stories; the most threatening is the disk corruption. You will be done if it happen. No back up, I believe can bring you back if you loose the audio tracks. I really hope they address this issue even before thinking about the sequencer, editor and sampler. I think stability should take priority as the risk of failure in front of an audience can be devastating for a professional.

There are many samples and home made movie demos out there.

Claudio



[This message has been edited by ccantanapoli (edited 09-15-2009).]