Korg Forums

mamero · Joined: 31 Mar 2023 Posts: 5

Should I pull the trigger on a KORG PA5X? I've been looking for a pro arranger and narrowed options to either the Yamaha GENOS, KORG PA5X 76, or maybe a second hand PA4X 76. I demoed both the GENOS and 5X side-by-side at a local shop and concluded the PA5X was the one. BUT, having read more on the PA5X I am having doubts. It seems the PA5X is very incomplete and has many many issues. Is this true? If so, to what extent? Are the issues a deal breaker?

Three reasons I eliminated the Yamaha Genos (for now but still may consider):
1. Genos is more expensive than the PA5X 76.
2. Genos is older than the PA5X by several years. Korg has new tech and there is a possibility Yamaha could release a new Genos in the near future (speculating).
3. I don't really care for the design and layout of the Genos. It comes across as too "home-organ-y".

My main goal for an arranger is for the styles, jamming, and composing. I have a full studio of synth gear etc which sometimes is cumbersome. I want something I can just sit down at, power up, and play and explore new ideas. When I first began music many years ago I began with arrangers and they were a great tool for woodshedding ideas and composing.

For the moment I am biding time to see what the April '23 NAMM show will bring. Hopefully Yamaha and/or KORG will announce something on the GENOS or PA5X that will decisively steer me. Alternately... I could purchase a second hand PA4X and call it a day.

Thoughts? Thanks for the feedback and direction.

Biggles · Platinum Member Joined: 31 Aug 2017 Posts: 1013

You are wise to wait.

At least both Korg and Yamaha have booths showing on the NAMM site map, but just what they will show is moot at present.

Not as though Korg tend to have used NAMM to showcase a new product but in the base of a 5X it was late June last year when it was released and here we are 9 months later with no serious update to its OS.
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Biggles
Lancashire, UK

D575 · Last edited by D575 on Fri Apr 14, 2023 4:36 am; edited 1 time in total

D575 · Posted: Sat Apr 01, 2023 10:10 am Post subject:

petr14 · Full Member Joined: 10 Dec 2022 Posts: 112

Regular playing are no problem on the Pa5X, it's great for that. Using the microphone and guitar as well. It lacks the functions that users have become accustomed to with older versions of the keyboards and which will be added. For example, creating styles from midi files. But does Genos even have it? However, creating and editing custom styles can be problematic, I would recommend waiting for debugging there.
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Casio LK280 > Korg Pa600 > Korg Pa5X
Casio PX-5S > Korg Kronos
Korg VOX Continental
Yamaha DX Reface, Casio CT-S1

rikkisbears · Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2023 5:28 am Post subject:

Hi, I’m using mine ( hobbyist only) the bugs are annoying. Be great when they add the style editing functions back in , in next update supposedly.
I stay away from the factory styles except for copying tracks from one style to another, or deleting tracks within the keyboard itself . Same goes for the Pa4x converted styles.

Currently creating some piano pads, sourced from psr styles. Initially did them for my sx900, now using them as source for PA5x pads.

Be great when we get the update.
If it was me , I’d be waiting for the update, ir possibly a Pa4x.

There hasn’t been any chatter about a new Genos as yet? unless I’ve missed it. I had the option of buying a Genos or PA5x. Couldn’t see much point in going for 5 year old technology , apart from which I have an sx900. I know what it’s capable of. Genos is just a more upmarket version. Extra voices etc , but still works the same.

Only reason I didn’t buy Pa4x, sold mine 4 years ago, big mistake getting rid of my 3 Korg arrangers. I’ve enjoyed my sx900, still doing, but it ain’t a Korg😀
_________________
best wishes
Rikki

HOBBYIST

PA5X 88 note
Wavesart CFX 9ft Grand Piano 🥰
Wavesart Japanese Grand Piano

Yamaha PSR SX900

Band in a Box 2023

Asena · Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2023 10:48 am Post subject:

If you are wise, WAIT FOR AN UPDATE!
And see if its something good.
If not, consider to jump of the train.
If you like to create thing, 5X is not the one now.

Good sounding, but nothing more (NOW)

YAMAHA is coming with something for sure.

I think YAMAHA is more in the workstation Synthesizer, Motly upgraded MONTAGE!
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www.globalsound.se

KORG PA 5-X/YAMAHA GENOS 2/YAMAHA A 5000
LIONSTRACK X 76 & GROOVE XR
MEDELI AKX-10

MacbookproM2-Ssd/Logic/Neuman/Kali Audio8/Komplette14SDD/ Apollo Twin/PIONEER XDJ RX 2
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Sam CA · Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2023 7:21 am Post subject:

[quote="D575"]

D575 · Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2023 12:31 pm Post subject:

[quote="Sam CA"]

kbrkr · Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2023 1:46 pm Post subject:

I would wait on a rumored Genos 2; There is speculation Yamaha is upgrading the Montage and then will use that sound engine in a Genos 2.

I would also look at a Ketron Event if you are a pro player.
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Pa5x, Yamaha Genos, ForeScore

D575 · Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2023 8:33 pm Post subject:

rikkisbears · Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2023 9:35 pm Post subject:

Hi, update for Korg is a month or 2 away ( wait and see how they go this time😬. Maybe they’ll get it right. )
Can’t see a Genos 2 being available in that time frame.
Depends how long someone can afford to wait.
_________________
best wishes
Rikki

HOBBYIST

PA5X 88 note
Wavesart CFX 9ft Grand Piano 🥰
Wavesart Japanese Grand Piano

Yamaha PSR SX900

Band in a Box 2023

D575 · Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2023 5:02 am Post subject:

rikkisbears · Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2023 6:09 am Post subject:

Niki_Keyz · Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2023 10:16 pm Post subject:

If by “pulling the trigger” you mean taking the pa5x out in your backyard and shooting it to pieces, then yes I would highly recommend.

The 5x most definitely holds the record for the worst arranger release that I know of. Korg Italy should be ashamed of this flop.