I think the combo gizmo already exists, but it’s really in software alone, which basically alienates most of us fossils.

So far in hardware, the few arrangers that do have arpeggiators tend to have ones that are quite rudimentary compared to hardware workstations and Stone Age compared to software offerings. They also lag badly in clip launch capabilities (possibly the new PA5x’s pads can be expanded in their use, but for now they are no substitute for a Maschine or the like).

In fairness, the PA5x’s form factor is pretty close to what a combo gizmo would need, but the software isn’t there yet.

Then there’s the synthesis section, once again, arrangers are getting a bit closer, but the plethora of options like expanded FM, wavetable and virtual analog synthesis types just isn’t there.

But, bottom line, I think there’s so little demand for a keyboard that excels in the latest synth styles AND ballroom or 50’s/60’s rock and roll, no hardware manufacturer would break even on the task. Nor is there likely a venue that wants a musician to cover it all!

My take would be simply plead with arranger manufacturers to ensure that EVERY knob, button, slider and controller be allowed to send user definable MIDI codes, then hook up to something like a MacMini to handle the modern stuff.

But a combo gizmo? Korg are trying, but seem to have missed the bus so far with the costly PA5X. Perhaps some software updates can get it closer, and at least get it to the point where it isn’t a minefield of bugs on stage, but I doubt the hardware even if fixed could pull off the full combo package. There’s a lot of computer horsepower being used to tempo and key sync a whole bunch of different clips and loops in something like Maschine. I have my doubts the PA5 could pull something like that off AND run a full dual style arranger engine at the same time.

But fire up your current arranger and USB/MIDI it to something like Omnisphere running on a laptop or Mac Mini, plug a Maschine type pad bank into it, there’s your gizmo… 🎹😎