Microarranger and midi controller vs PA50sd

[togo413]

Greeting,

I currently have korg SP250.
I plan to get another keyboard so that I can midi in to play more sound from my piano. I like electone but in the I choose keyboard because of portability and cheaper.
To play like electone, an arranger with seamless sound change would do the job for me.I will buy foot pedel also. I also plan to gig soon. I not plan to carry my korg SP250 to gig.

3 option I am considering :
1) PA50sd
pros : I don't have to buy extra speaker since they speaker is loud enough for outdoor or small gig. Light.
cons : too heavy to carry around, sticky key and key action not good.
2) Micro arranger and 61 keystation midi controller
pros : can try mini key,can play in bus( bus provide power supply), 61 midi controller can buy later if i not use to minikey. Get more keys.
cons : need to buy amp if play outdoor or small gig
3) X50
pros : combi is cool and velocity switch help alot of performance.I really like the velocity switch. Light.
cons : need to buy amp, change combi lag.


Please give me some idea how to choose.
I will not buy any extra keyboard any more. This is my last investment until it wear-off.

Thanks a lot

[cassp]

My vote would be for B, MicroArranger. The keys are not that small, especially for a second keyboard or sound source. I have one and love it.

I've owned an X50 and it is a good, easy board to use, but since you are posting in the arranger section I think you should stick with the Micro. If you want a small, powerful amp I would suggest one or a pair of ROland CM30 or Kustom Powerwerks PW50. Both are light weight and easy to handle.

[togo413]

Hi cassp


Thanks for your reply. I still can't decide on x50 or microarranger.
I like the velocity switch alot. If i get x50, i can do velocity switch from my digital piano. Unfortunately, it cannot perform combi switch without sound drop off. But i really do want to play like an electone.

For microarranger, I can switch the registeration with footswitch to trigger sound change without sound drop off.(Please help me confirm on this)

As for sound quality, both are using the same triton engine. Do their sound same if play from the same speaker ?
What are the major sound category missing from the arranger compare to x50.

Thanks

[cassp]

Togo - It has been a while since I've had the X50, so I cannot answer any of those questions with any confidence. I can say that the Micro has a full array of instruments (programs), far more than I could ever imagine needing or using. As for playing like an Electone, I imagine you are referring to playing the two keyboards like an organ. The problem you might have using the Micro would be that you have two differing key sizes to deal with simultaneously. This could be a problem as the Micro fits 61 keys into the size of a 49 key board. If you have no need for the arranger features, then maybe the X50 is your best bet.

I feel you should check out another forum that I use - Synth Zone. It has a general arranger forum that is very active and presently has many Micro Arranger posts. There are many Korg forum members there also, plus many more Korg users. Many members are professional players and play in OMBs or bands; some use multiple keyboard setups and could give some valuable midi info. They could be very helpful in your search.
http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthrea ... board_Foru

[togo413]

Hi cassp,

Thanks again.
May I know what is the reason you give up your x50 and go for arranger route ?
I prefer to play original composition but need accompaniment when playing a lot.
That is the reason I consider arranger. I don't need intro and ending of the style which i will play my own.
But recently I find out that dual appregio or karma can also do the job.
That is why I consider x50.

[cassp]

I've played in trios most of my life. The last two formations of the band had guitar, sax and keyboards - no drummer. I moved from drum machines to the arranger and started using SMFs too. Most synths couldn't handle SMFs...

Good luck.

[tommymandel]

I first got a MicroArranger. Loved it, but kept wishing it had bigger keys. Traded it in for a PA-50sd. I love that one. they're both great, but I'd vote for the larger keys.