Dave,

Thanx for the truthfull lead in... Of course I was excited when I first got the XD9 as many are with a new toy. But that started to dwindle day by day afterwards. I diligently spent many hours late at night in my studio trying to set up the XD9 for my style of playing, tweaking, and tweaking and tweaking, and learning the OS along the way. I appreciate all the help Dan O and AJ gave me also. The navagation isn't that difficult, I used the single registraton method, with my folders. The Vocal efx are just ok, Harmonizer is above average. Getting the right balance between the Mic vol and Style and SMf song vol is very tricky by lowering the MUSIC VOL vs the Mic Vol. The mic doesn't give enough gain for me. Most of the Instrument SOUNDS are Excellent, and very unique vs other KB's, but some are lacking Grand piano and Growl Sax are some of them. Most styles are very good although some are very busy in the intro and endings vs the variations, but overall they are very usable.Weight is good.
But my problem lies in the overall Sound Engine when played thru a good PA system. And I only discovered this when I gigged with the XD9. Anyone who has seen me peform knows I am a perfectionist on stage, and I'm sorry to say that the XD9 fell short of my expectations. I think in a recording situation, the instrument sounds could be very effective. There is a Muffled Overall Sound vs that Crystal Clear sharp sound of a PSR 9k/9kpro/2k, or PA80/60 to my ear. I knew right away I couldn't use it due to this problem. I am trying to convey "My Experience" to you people, but please let your self be the
judge. When you play live for a living every night like UD and myself and others, we can tell in a few minutes if a KB is usable as a tool for our performances. My 9k is still my main unit, but I'm glad I'm lucky enough to try others for a backup for sure, that's what keeps the thrill going. If you think we're quirky, finiky, thats your opinion, its just another keyboard on my journey to perferction.

Dnj



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-16-2002).]