Korg Forums

[johnsmies]

As the brand new Korg Micro Arranger is currently finding its way to the first customers ( though shops are in short supply here in Europe) I would like to draw your attention to this:

As you will know by now the Micro Arranger if completely identical to the Korg PA50sd ( small keys excepted). For more than five years I played the PA50 and programmed extensively on it. I have gathered all of my strenuous efforts in FIVE different sets of Musical Resources, covering hundreds of new Performances, User Sounds and additional user styles.
For details and how to get these Resources please have a look at page 7 of my webpages:
http://pasounds.intropagina.nl/page-7--korg-micro-arranger.html

kind regards,
John Smies

P.S. it goes without saying that all the software on offer here also matches the Korg PA50sd , PA50 and even the PA80

[johnsmies]

What you should avoid with the MICRO:

Over the last six weeks or so we have seen how this new mini arranger first hit the streets in the USA. We have also witnessed some that already wanted to sell it again within weeks. There is nothing wrong with that in itself and seeing the streetprice (new) in the States you can't go wrong very far or loose out a lot in selling. Compared to the top arrangers we are truly talking peanuts here.

In my view and for what it is worth this is what you should NOT do having a Micro once you have acquainted yourself with it:

1. Playing the Micro basically on the Micro keys itself.
2. Playing the Micro thru its own internal amplification.
3. Playing the Micro with basically the factory presets.

It goes without saying that unboxing the Micro one has to give it a maiden spin which implies playing the darn thing on its own keys and thru its own (rather poor) amplification. Now I know some here have said they do not find the small keys to be a problem. Personally I am convinced that if you want to warm to the use of this Korg you should try and hook it up to major keys as soon as possible.(also see page 8 of my webpages where I have explained how to do so with a Yamaha keyboard).

I had the Micro in my home for one afternoon over the weekend and of course tried out some of my copious software. The amplification is really poor. I hooked it up ( audio wise) to my Korg PA800 and later Yamaha PSR3000 and the Micro sounded absolutely great. Even hooking it up to my Creative gigaworks T10 (or T20) speakers made it sing. So why persist in using its internal amplification other than very short spells in between whatever, one should not bother to play it on its own.

As to the third point, a bit tricky cause it may sound arrogant, nevertheless....
With the possible exemption of the Yamaha Tyros I have heard very few arranger keyboards that sound terrific and impressive straight out of the box. And that certainly goes for Korg and Roland as far as I am concerned. I had the PA50 and PA80 for five years and programmed intensively on both. For a mere donation of only 25 euros I will share with you all of my programming which took me literally hundreds of hours! And what is more, should you not be satisfied I will gladly refund your gift. If you are interested just drop me a line:
pasounds@zeelandnet.nl

In conclusion I want to say that the KORG Micro Arranger is a terrific addition to any keyboard set up, in particular if you have no Korg keyboards in your current set up.

kind regards,
John Smies

[Bernie9]

Hi John

In response to your three don't, I would like to offer my personal opinion, having played arrangers professionally for over 30 years.

1. I have learned to adapt to changing situations and key size is no exception. I think there are small venues where taking the Micro itself is more than adequate if you use an external amp. For home parties,etc., the built in speakers are adequate.

2. Answered above.

3. In regard to factory styles, everyone has his own opinion of suitability. In my case, I am not one to delve deeply into styles or performances to substantially modify them, but, only tweek them. This means that I associate songs that I know with a particular style. In some cases factory styles ring a bell and in many cases yours do.

Some genres are not to my liking at all, and therefore, I don't want to take up space with useless material.

In conclusion, I really like your performances and styles, and, in many cases, they are better than factory. There shouldn't be any absolutes however, because everyone is different. I do think that all of us owes it to themselves to see for themselves what a grand collection you have laboriously compiled. I have purchase your complete works and have found it to be bargain.

Thank you John.

[johnsmies]

In conclusion, I really like your performances and styles, and, in many cases, they are better than factory. There shouldn't be any absolutes however, because everyone is different. I do think that all of us owes it to themselves to see for themselves what a grand collection you have laboriously compiled. I have purchase your complete works and have found it to be bargain.

Thank you John.[/quote]


Thank you Bernie for your appraisal of my extensive programming for the Micro.As I am convinced of its value to each and every Micro owner I will go one step further and guarantee satisfaction if you decide to get my programming. How ?
Well that is easily done. I will simply reimburse your gift if you are not satisfied and wish me to do so. I can't do fairer than that !

greetings,
John Smies
Holland

http://pasounds.intropagina.nl/page-7--korg-micro-arranger.html