Korg Forums

hammer · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 4:08 pm Post subject: Buy a PA3X or PA4X

I wanted to get some advice or input about why would I buy the new PA4X instead of a used PA3X? The money is not the issue but rather what do you get in the 4x for the extra money that the 3X does not offer? As an example, I returned my Tyros 5 and kept my Tyros 4 because I did not see enough improvement to warrant the extra money.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Deane

Bachus · Platinum Member Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 3127

Nippynige · Joined: 27 Oct 2015 Posts: 5

Hi Hammer and Bachus. I am new to this forum but have been reading quite a lot about the PA4X both here and on Synthzone.

I have been struggling with a similar issue. I have a Tyros 4 and have been keen to try a Korg for sometime. I had a PA500 for a while but wanted a more capable machine.

I have been trying to decide if I should keep the Tyros 4 and add a used PA3x or swap the Tyros for a PA4x. Yesterday I took the bull by the horns and ordered a 76 note PA4X but I still have a niggle and I am not sure if I have done the right thing. So far, not much has been said about how much better the PA4X is than the 3.

Anything further anyone can say on this would be much appreciated.

Many thanks and good wishes to you all. Very Happy

mrniceneasy · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:01 pm Post subject:

Because you have doubts I would try to view the pa4x in a Shop and try it out for yourself. It's a lot of money to just take a chance on and then find it doesn't suit you.

In my experience Yamaha users don't change too readily to the Korg OS...
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Regards, Keith [pa1000]
www.korgpahelper.yolasite.com/

stephenm52 · Senior Member Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 260

AntonySharmman · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 2:40 am Post subject:

karmathanever · Platinum Member Joined: 12 Jan 2004 Posts: 10404

Nippynige · Joined: 27 Oct 2015 Posts: 5

Thank you all for your helpful replies. I will keep my PA4X order and see if I can afford to also keep the Tyros. If not I will give the Korg a go on its own.

Meanwhile, I did not mean to hijack Hammers's original question......

From those who have seen or used the PA4X, how much better than a 3X is it?

Thank you everyone and I look forward to your further comments.

ikspeel · Full Member Joined: 30 Aug 2008 Posts: 110

I switchend from THE pa3x to THE pa4x
THE sound on THE pa4x are mutch mutch better
THE styles are better,making à style from midi great option, THE screen
Very improved,enz

AntonySharmman · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 9:42 am Post subject:

karmathanever · Platinum Member Joined: 12 Jan 2004 Posts: 10404

korgpask · Senior Member Joined: 15 Aug 2013 Posts: 351

Korg Pa4x main advantages.
1. New realistic sound. very nice. 1800
2. create new styles from MIDI. style editor, style creator, style convertor.
3. Load chords from MIDI ,Save chord, load and playing in style.
4. A new chord sequencer.
5. The new sounds of guitars, piano, brass etc.
6. New Direct style bank.
7. better loading styles.
8. A new feature of MP3 play + mp3 record.
9. New disc in pa4x - Korg disk + disk + Micro SD KORG 500GB disk + 2 USB flash disk
10. The new preset bank
11. + 3.5 mm audio jack and more in others

Dikikeys · Guest

About the only reason to NOT get a PA4X rather than a PA3X (if money is not the issue) would be if you are an extremely heavy sampler user.

If you do extensive ethnic music, the slightly smaller PA4X sampler might be a problem. But, you seem to have not mentioned using the T4/5's sampler a whole lot, nor do you already have a ready-made PA3X library (which may no longer fit), so I guess it isn't really that big a deal.

10X the sound ROM definitely sounds like a good thing! Direct access to styles, SMF's and audio backing tracks (rather than having to hand load them in advance) is definitely is a good thing!

You will also be future-proofing yourself for the next 5+ years for any new styles and sounds designed for the new arranger. I doubt Korg will spend much time making new styles for the PA3X, now the PA4X is out. Most 3rd party vendors will gradually shift to PA4X style production too.

However, if NONE of your choices is sufficient by itself, the choice of secondary gear is very dependent on what type of music you prefer to perform... Synth heavy EDM stuff might dictate a laptop and grid controller, piano heavy jazz might dictate an 88 controller or stage piano, an organ aficionado might want a Nord or a Hammond clone, etc., etc..

About the only thing I WOULDN'T recommend, to be honest, is a second keyboard from the same manufacturer as your main arranger. Too much in the way of similarity... If you buy from a different manufacturer, you guarantee that every sound will at least be different, and effectively double your sonic choices. A PA4X and an Integra7 module might be a good choice if you only need the one keyboard. Or maybe a PA4X and a MOXF Yamaha if two is in the budget.

But being content to work within the limitations of ONE piece of gear definitely simplifies performing. They ALL have limitations, so you might as well try to get the most out of one than complicate your life with many! Wink

DonM · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 7:42 pm Post subject:

Deane is using Ketron SD7 as his main board. Wants something different for second, or backup board. After hearing the Ketron, the Tyros sounds pretty dead.
Hope you don't mind my jumping in here Deane.
DonM
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DonM

Bachus · Platinum Member Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 3127