I purchased a KORG PA1X PRO and returned it after three days because I was disappointed with some of its features. I own a Yamaha Tyros and was able to compare the two keyboards. My impressions and comments are as follows:

Sounds – The Korg has many outstanding sounds. The brass, guitars, accordions, and harmonicas were excellent. These categories are superior to the Tyros sounds. The acoustic piano is a different story. Tyros wins – no contest. The Korg grand piano is very thin sounding and weak. The Casio WK3000 has a better piano sound then the Korg. I also liked the Tyros electric pianos, electric organs and saxes better than the PA1X PRO sounds.

Key Feel – The action and feel of the PA1X PRO are terrific - much better than the Tyros.

Styles – The Korg Styles were good but I prefer the Tyros styles (My opinion, yours might be different).

Intros and Endings – Both keyboards have three intros that work about the same. The PA1X Pro has two endings. Ending one has a built in chord progression and ending two is a short ending using whatever chords are played. The Tyros has three endings with one ending playing a simple one measure ending. I usually play my own ending and hit the Tyros one measure ending on my last measure. The Korg does not let you do this.

Fills – Another area the Tyros wins hands down. I think the fills have serious problems on the Korg. When I play a fill on the Tyros, it always sounds smooth and musically appropriate. I can start a fill in the middle of a measure and it always comes in right and with the correct timing. With the Korg, the fills have the right timing when you start the fill exactly on beat one. On some styles, if you hit the fill after beat one, it feels like the timing of the fill is off from the timing of the measure. It feels like the accompaniment skips when this happens. It is like playing with a bad drummer. I think this is a software bug and hopefully could be corrected with a software update.

The fills have another problem. On some styles, when you hit the fill button the overall volume of the accompaniment increases quite a bit. The volume then decreases when the fill is over.

The Tyros has a setting that automatically plays a fill when you change variations. I think this is a great feature and use it all the time. The Korg does not play fills when you hit a different variation. It does let you program the fills so when you hit a fill, the variation will change based on what option you selected (increment to next variation, decrement to previous variation, or go to a specific variation number). Since there are only three fills and four variations, you do not have enough fills to switch to all of the variations. Also, it is way more complicated than the Tyros.

User interface – The user interface was not bad once you figured out how to do things. The touch screen was fine and better than I thought it would be. I still like the interface of the Tyros better. I think it is the most intuitive and easy to use of any keyboard I have played.

Summary – I decided not to keep the PA1X because of two reasons - the weak piano sound and the problem with the fills. This is only my opinion and others may feel different.

Thank you for your honest and straight forward reply JMPCPA. It was nice that you could compare the Tyros side by side with the Korg Pa1X PRO and scrutinize their features and sounds thoroughly. I do suppose you routed both Keyboards to the exact same sound system so the comparison would be equal and on a level playing field (for the sound comparison). As to the Fill problem it seems Korg didn't correct the mistakes they had with the PA80. The PA80 was lambasted for having the same type of problem[s]. Word will quickly get out that the problem hasn't been fixed on the PA1X/PRO and most Arranger Keyboardists will probably avoid it like the plague. Also I think Korg inflated the price of the PA1X intentionally so people would have time to absorb the shock and then when it finally started hitting the stores they immediately lowered the price $500 and even more to quickly turn sales. Which it seems to be doing but once people start to realize that the PA1X is apparently little more than a 'modified' PA80 (PA80 with 76 Keys and a few outstanding Voices) but with some or possibly all of the PA80's inherent problems, then the sales may suddenly turn stagnant. Bummer! I was hoping they'd gotten all the kinks out of the OS, etc.

All hope may not be lost though. If Korg is smart they will jump on it and provide OS updates that will hopefully take care of these maladies.

Best regards,
Mike

Well, I guess I will just keep my pa80 then. It sits right next to my Tyros. The pa80 rarely gets played. But it is fun to play for a change - every once in a while! It's too bad Korg didn't fix the crappy "fills" and improve the Grand piano sound on their new paX1.

Tom G.

[This message has been edited by TomTomSF (edited 12-30-2003).]

JMPCPA bought his PA1XPRO from my store last week and after having a lengthy conversation I asked him to call Korg USA and have a talk with the product manager for the arranger keyboards.. They spoke for approx. 1/2 hour and I am confident that their converstation will get back to Korg Italy, where these products are made. I do agree with the acoustic piano sound, and think it could be better. Korg does have an expansion slot inside the keyboard which I think can take a Korg sound board, and I'm hoping they will use the information gained from our conversations to develop a great piano board. As to the fills, many work perfectly, without glitches and without the volume increases JMPCPA has mentioned, but some do need to be corrected to make them play correctly and sound correctly. I've been in this business for 34 years and the good news is that keyboard manufactures today often come out with a product and within a few months revisions are made to improve the workings of their products. We have seen this on the PA80. First, version 1, then version 2 and finally version 3. It would be nice to get it completely right the first time, but it's great to know that fixes do happen and features are added as those that work for the company listen to their customers and get to work on what they do best. When I attend the NAMM show next month, I will be looking for the Korg Italian engineers to let them know what could be improved on. Like JMPCPA has stated, there is plenty on this board to make those who loved the PA80 and new to Korg keyboards thrilled with this product,such as the feel of the 76 keys, the vocal harmonizer,a very good sequencer, very good styles. However, the lack of certain endings and problems with certain fills needs to be addressed and I feel certain Korg will do their best to remedy what could be improved. Thanks for your views JMPCPA.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

Unless I can find one near enough to me that I don't have to travel many hours to see it, a PA1x isn't likely to be part of the lineup here anywhere in the near and possibly distant future. I'll at least wait to see what the PSR3000 offers for key feel and sounds.

In the meantime, that used Karma that is sitting at my local shop and is priced well below it's original cost is looking mighty tempting to me.

AJ

I had really hoped that Korg would have finally added 'rootless jazz' style chord voicing recognition on their latest PAX1 Pro keyboard, but I suppose it's a moot point now, considering that Korg has yet to include essential arranger basics: a decent sounding acoustic piano, and 'fills' that function smoothly. - Scott

see my entry under "SD1" - Don M.

I had the opportunity of playing the PA1X Pro for half an hour (found one by chance in a music store in Lisbon) in a brief holiday trip to the south of Portugal. It was a buggy unit, and it took us several tries to set it on without software crashes.

Anyway I confirm JMPCPA's remarks. The most pleasant thing about this keyboard is the key action: the best that I ever experienced in an arranger. I found one or two amazing guitar sounds (acoustic) that seemed to me (even) more realistic than on the Tyros. I didn't try all the guitars, but kept the impression, that the Tyros has a wider variety of excellent guitars. As others observe, the piano sound is weak, although I was not using a top quality PA (Roland KC 350). There are excellent styles for acoustic music (jazz, bossanova,..), but the chord recognition in not as good as on the Yamaha, as Scott points out. Although there are very good styles on the Korg, overall, they seem less homogeneous than on the Tyros (that I own). By "less homogeneous", I mean a less achieved connection between the several variations of a style, and that includes the fills. I was surprised that I did like the touch screen, although it requires some adjusting time to the right pressure one needs to apply to the screen to navigate through the menus.

-- José.

Hi Again
I'v had my Pa1xPro about 3 weeks now and i too feel that the fillins have some short commings , however playing live using the ec5 pedal helps because you can tap the filling in on it's down beat or where ever you want the fillins or endings at. I was disappointed with no Mp3 player and some other funtions or accessiores then stated by others. But I got to say this still it a good keyboard and can be great but Korg has to give it to us "The consumer that uses it "
It's up to the retailers like George Kaye
to pressure Korg it's in there best intrest also. Why they release units like this I really don't know. I will keep my unit and use it tonight. I do play live and use midi files and will continue to play with or without Korg.I know I will never be a super star or go to hollywood but I do very well playing in my nitch in this business. It's going to be up to Korg to keep me as a future customer I have a web site and the mp3 song there I used the Pa1 with the voice processer which I like very much. I want to wish everybody a Happy New Year www.keyboardwizard.com
Applex

Nice work on the songs!
DonM

I'm not easily impressed most of the time, but I just had a listen to the songs on your site and kudos to you Applex. I think you are far and away one of the better singer/keyboardists on this forum. And for all those folks who go on about the inadequacies of the Korg piano sounds, I don't hear a lot wrong with them in your hands. I'm sure your average customer, whom we should all be more concerned about, isn't going to nitpick the bejaysus out of them either. Well done!

[This message has been edited by renig (edited 12-31-2003).]

Applex,

Enjoyed your renditions on both "Love Letters" and "Young at Heart". I especially enjoyed your vocals on "Young at Heart" - your vocal placement is right on target: in the 'mask', resulting in a real nice fresh vocal quality. Did you sing (and play) both songs along with a pre-sequenced midi file or did you sing & playing in 'auto accompaniment' mode? Hoping you might share your performance/recording methods for each of these 2 tunes.

I like the rubato tempo changes in "Young at Heart" which give the feeling of the accomp following your voice, always a challenge when playing in auto accompaniment mode. Look forward to hearing more music from you on the PAX1 Pro, especially music performed in 'auto accomp' mode vs midifile playback. - Scott

Hi Scott
First of all thank you for your compliment and anyone anybody else who sent one.
The arrangment had to set in a midi file first because Korg
"with their promise" of a mp3 player decoder doesn't have the mp3 function yet, thats why I'm a little annoyed with them.The first song "Young at heart" was set four times with the lead sheets and some nudging and the final with the voice by itself. "Love letters" was played both ways with the first three tracks and the last one with piano and voice, one of the overdubbing functions on the Pa1 that is ok , last of all these are straight from the Keyboard there was no outside amps or additional equipment. Each style can be minipulated drum patterns and all. With a little effort and time because of the backing abilty of this keyboard you or anybody can become somewhat of an artist,
(You might be one now for all I know) like I said I'm not going to be a star or go to hollywood but in my little corner of this business I can do ok, I'm working on the song Kansas City now and may put it on my web site next week some time. But also I am waiting for Korg's mp3 player recorder because that one you can keep all you recorded MP3s voice and all in the Keyboards hard drive . In the past I have recorded on my Pa 80 but there was no way to save them as a mp3 right on the keyboard and as you know. a midi file does not have the same sound as live music.
Talk to you soon
Applex

I agree with JMPCPA and MATIAS. I played the PAX1pro a few days ago and posted my opinions. I played it again yesterday and unfortunately came away with the same feelings.
The keyboard feel is excellent!! It may take some adjustment for those use to 'Light' touch synth keys.
I feel the Major plus is the Multisample sounds. They offer an excellent opportunity for expressive playing!! With some, you get "Three" different samples depending on how you strike the key!
In spite of the "negative" comments I think ALL should give this KB a "GOOD LONG LOOK". It does have some very redeeming qualities.
Great Drums!! Excellent Guitar strums and sounds!! Sliders!!! Vocal Processing!!
One of my biggest issues is the Endings! On my SD1 I use the "To End" the most, to come to a natural 1 Bar ending. Very simple and easy. I know the Yamaha Ending 1 is the same. Can someone who owns a Korg arranger tell me how you can end a song, other than fade? One of the reasons I gave up on my PA80! (I also owned an I30).
I REALLY ... REALLY want to like this KB!!!! But the "Lure" of the Yamaha "User Friendly" interface and OVERALL SMOOTH sound is calling me!!!
Once again the standard disclaimer. IMHO!!

I used to give detailed reports and comparisons between my Yamaha arrangers, but when I look back at it all, for my own tastes, I can almost simplify it to just this: The performer in me prefers a Yamaha arranger because of the user friendliness and generic styles ( with better fills and endings ) that work for a wide range of music, and for all the support available for it. The composer in me prefers the Korg's because they feel more in my face and alive, I can alter the board more to personalize it, and the key feel is more to my liking. The practical side of me that wants the best bang for the buck overall wishes that someone would combine the best of both.

AJ

Applex,

my sincere compliments on the two songs I could listen to. Smooth, mellifious, warm and very musical. And a nice voice into the bargain.
I am somewhat surprised that with your kind of repertoire and voice you should have opted for the KOrg, which is generally dubbed "more rock, pop orientated"than the other leading keyboards. Anyway I am looking forward to "kansas city"and many more I hope !

john

Applex,

Very nice songs....but they could sound many many times better

Your mp3 files are 192 kb/s types and have a left- and right- track. For some reason the audio information is MONO. Please check your audio-setup and re-post them on your website. Your playing/singing just deserve this full stereo image !

Roel

applex,
Nice cuts.
Terry

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jam on,
Terry http://imjazzed.homestead.com/Index.html