Moving files from a Casio to a Korg?

Don L · Post by **Don L** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 11:40 pm

Hi, I'm really an amature that enjoys music. I just bought a new Korg M50-73 to replace my Casio WK-1800. (The sounds from the Korg won me over)
I am having some difficulty with the complexity of the machine (learning a lot of music terms -I've been a fake book /chord player)
My question: Is it possible with either a midi to midi or the USB to the Korg to take some of the sounds and rythyms from the 1800 an get them into the KOrg and work them ups?

Thanks: Don L

michelkeijzers · Post by **michelkeijzers** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 11:54 pm

Not if you mean by just 'loading' the sounds and rhythms.

You have to recreate everything which probably take quite some work, on the other hand: you learn the M50 and it's fun too. And btw, the Korg probably sounds a lot better (I never heard of the 1800).

Synthoid · Post by **Synthoid** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 12:33 am

You cannot transfer sounds from one brand of keyboard to another. The synth engine, operating system and individual parameters would not be compatible.

Of course if you had an M3 or Kronos, you could sample the sounds you needed, but the M50 doesn't offer sampling features.

edit: Below is a link to a huge "how to" list that will teach you how to program a synth as well as re-creating patches you want on the M50.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/allsynthsecrets.htm

michelkeijzers · Post by **michelkeijzers** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:31 am

On the other hand, the M50 has a lot of samples and probably can get you very far in recreating the sounds.

billbaker · Post by **billbaker** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 2:59 pm

And if you still have the casio you could always control it using the Korg - just treat it as a sound source rather than a boat anchor.

BB

Don L · Post by **Don L** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 12:32 am

Thanks loads folks, I'm retired and having blast with the Korg. Your info is generous and I'm sure helpful. I spend hours on the thing just learning all the sounds and free manipulation -it seems endless.

billbaker · Post by **billbaker** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 6:12 pm

Don L,

Working keyboard players often have to do a lot of homework and prep where new boards are concerned, and we're never quite ready (speaking from personal experience) in our rush to get new gear on stage because we've sold our old stuff to afford the new. Since you aren't under the proverbial gun that many of us gigging musician's are I advise taking your time. Really. Go Slow. Take time to ponder.

First, as you most likely know, there are several levels within the architecture - program, combi, drum track, sequencer, etc. The knowledge that they are there is a big chunk of the learning curve. I would advise exploring each one over a extended period in order to get comfortable with what each level has to offer. Play. Stop and think. Play some more. Make notes in the manual. Let one thing lead to another.

For example: on one hand Programs are complete little entities, each one an individual instrument. But because on the M50 they can have arp and drum tracks attached, programming choices can provide both focus (that plain ol' EP is now a funk EP!) and limitations (how do I un-funk my funk EP to make it Latin?).

Second, programs also exist as parts of combis, so it's important not only to PLAY combis but to realize that how they are put together - zoned, layered, split, arpeggiated - has a bearing on how they are used in performance and that performance can be heavily influenced by choices made when those combis are programmed.

------------

IMO it takes around a month of heavy playing to get truly comfortable; really understanding the dynamics of a keyboard; how to get the sounds you want, when you want them, and with enough transparency in the technology so that the machinery doesn't get in the way of the music.

M50 is a considerable bit of new technology for you, coming to it from a Casio. Take time to enjoy the banquet.

BB