PA3x & PA900

Hello all,

Has anybody here compared/tried/owed the PA3x and PA900 or played both? Is there a big difference over all or are they fairly close?

Thanks alot,
Danny

Yes, I played the PA3X for two years plus, and now have a PA900.
There are a lot of similarities and also differences.
The 3x has more programmable controllers. It has a more extensive vocal harmonizer and processor, although the one in the 900 is good too.
It has the MAXX sound processing for the overall e.q. and sound parameters.
The key feel is supposed to be the same, but I personally think the 900 has a little lighter and faster action.
900 has a bigger screen. Both have touch screens.
The 3x has more styles and sounds, but they can be used in the 900.
I didn't compare them side by side, but the sounds is similar, not exact.
If you have any specific questions I'll try to answer them.

Hi Don,

Thank you for your reply. That's great that the PA900 plays the PA3x styles, I'd love to get a hold of the PA3x styles at some point then!

In my archives I still have my collection of PA80 and PA1X styles from many years ago I kept all the software I had for it, will these play OK in the 900? Are the drums on the 900 audio because they sound very realistic to me.

Thanks Don.

They aren't audio drums, but they sound really good. Plus you can download other kits from third-party sources.
All the old styles will work.
This should keep you busy:
http://donmasonmusic.com/Korg%20Stuff/

Thank you very much Don that's very kind of you to provide the link. Hopefully there's some Internal PA3x stuff in amongst that lot!

Thanks again,
Take Care
Danny.

danny you got mail...

Thank you, I have replied

Danny,

I owned and had both together here in my studio.
Using the same external equipment for sound, they both sounded the same to me.

I am not a gigging musician, but if I were, the Pa900 would be the winner hands down in all respects.

I felt the keys were the same to me.

I had the Pa900 first and it is a really good keyboard with the touch screen being really well integrated with the operating system.

All the things Don mentioned about the Pa3X are right on the mark. I purchased the Pa3X mainly because I wanted the tilt up display, internal hard drive and 76 key.

Bill G

Thank you for your post Bill, ooh I'm all excited now !!! it sounds like the PA900 is a bargain for its price. I think the differences between Yamaha's equivalent comparison (T4 & S950) seems to be wider than Korgs.

Danny,

Both Don and I also owned the PSR-S950 and I have also owned 3 Tyros keyboards.

In my opinion, the Pa900 is what the Tyros should have been.
and - yes it is in deed a real bargain for the price.

Bill G

I had the 900 for a day or two and just couldn't live with the key feel. It sounded great and I've always liked speakers. But when the 3X was opened up, I fell in love forever. It is such a nice solid piece with an outstanding key bed. The tilt is also a need for me. The biggest joy I have is in the 76 keys. And does it sound gooooood....


Good luck and enjoy - can't go wrong either way.

The keyboard.....that was probably the biggest draw for me. Being a pianist too, the "feel" was very important...you need that both for forming chords and keyboard runs....you need some "meat" under your fingers! Unfortunately, now I'm spoiled. I don't think I can go back to the "plastic" feel no matter how good any future keyboards are!

I'm finding the keybed of the PA900 really smooth to use, slightly more weightier than the S950 but the S950 feels quicker at the moment.

One request if anybody can assist, I believe the PA900 can play the old iSeries styles, I would love a set of i30 styles if they can be gotten anywhere. I have many memories of the i30 as it was my first Korg, I should have kept it really.

Thanks