Ketron SD7, growing on me!


After 5 minutes playing most new keyboards, you can get a feel for it..
I call it the "wow" factor.

With the Roland G70, it was the Drawbar organ and great acoustic piano..
With the Roland BK9, it was the Drawbar organ and SuperNatural sounds..
With the Roland EA7, it was the styles, and features..

Other keyboards, Namely the Korg line up , Pa4x, Pa1000.. lacked the "wow" factor
for me.
Yamaha Tyros and PSR line up, same result , No "wow".

This brings me to the Ketron SD7..
I have chatted with a couple of folks that I respect their opinions.
They mentioned things they did not like.. compared to other keyboards.

The "wow" factor was evident immediately when I first played it at home..
I do not recall being as impressed the first time I played an SD7 at AJ's demo.(couple years ago).

This time the remix of audio drums with SMF's and control of variations,
fills. breaks and endings, makes a big difference. And the style modeling,
changing parts of patterns.. Also not only the instrument changes, but being
able to add audio grooves, and arps to any style parts.. And there lies the "WOW" factor.

There were a few quirks but mostly not understanding the OS ..

The sound quality is typical Ketron, most are excellent.. They don't pack
2,000 sounds in the unit, but 600 of the best sound collection you can get..

Most likely the Korg, and Yamaha premium sounds may edge the Ketron, except for
drums , bass, and RAM sounds..

The SuperNatural sounds on the Integra7, are simply the best..period.

I don't care for the vocal harmonizer on the SD7.. too much effort trying to get it right.
I have the same dislike for the Korg harmonizer.

The SD7 has so many options to route the control of USB, that it can hinder the work flow
when working with modules or PC. I will have to work with this a bit more
and see if I get the handle..

Making new sounds ( up to 4 layers/zones), is easy and saves to user tones..

The mic/guitar inputs are not easy to use.. Harmonizer, I won't use.. to add other input
like another keyboard has conflicts with effects, eq, and sound quality is lacking..

I am sure I can get it to sound better... but I don't like the design..
Reminds me of problems that Korg also presented..
The G70 handles this better than any other keyboard..

I will have another follow up in a couple weeks.. I am betting that I will resolve some issues..

I am glad I have AJ's phone number... the guy goes out of his way to help..
He has helped me this week, and he did not make a dime on any of my deals..
Thanks AJ.