At the 2008 Winter NammShow, Korg introduced the Pa2X Pro, a $4600.00 keyboard workstation that uses the same EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound engine that powers the Korg M3 workstation, Pa800 and the new Pa500.
Also included are a motorized/tilting full-color TouchView display (with contextual Help screens in seven languages) and a set of assignable sliders that double as the nine drawbars for the modeled organ. Additionally, the unit has advanced MP3 functionality that allows the user to record and play MP3 files with real-time control over tempo and pitch change.
The Pa2XPro features 76 semi-weighted velocity and aftertouch sensing keys, 120-note polyphony and Korg’s RX (Real eXperience) Technology, offering players a comfortable feel and dynamic articulation for enhanced realism. Over 660 fully-editable sounds come preloaded, with room for hundreds more. Korg’s new Guitar Mode transforms the keyboard into the fretted strings of nearly any chord/neck position for authentic picking patterns, slides, strums and more. In addition, the piano from Korg’s flagship C720 concert piano is included.
Details:
Each of the 660 editable Styles is a complete musical environment for either performing a song or composing a new one. By following the performer’s chord changes, timing and voice leading, each Style can provide a complete performance — all in real time and on the fly. The four variations build in intensity, and a variety of intros, fills, breaks and endings allow musical ideas to be fully realized into finished songs. Created by a world-wide team, the Styles are articulate and authentic, offering up to eight parts at once — from a simple drum and bass groove to a full blown R & B rhythm section — all fully under the musician’s control.
For the songwriter, the Pa2XPro features both traditional “workstation” sequencing, as well as Korg’s time-saving Backing Sequencer that can record each Style part to its own track in a single pass, bypassing tedious sequencing and overdubbing associated with traditional workstations. Performers can play back and crossfade two sequences at the same time, using the unit’s XDS Dual Sequencer functionality. The Pa2XPro also offers assignable PADS to trigger sounds, sequences, riffs and phrases.
The sequencer is compatible with SMF, MP3 or Karaoke MIDI files, and allows players to use songs in any of these formats (MID, KAR and MP3) all in the same way, using search, selection, start/stop, playlist and crossfade functions.
Specific MP3 Player features include key transposition and velocity/tempo (BPM) change with no audio degradation, as well as the ability to record performances as MP3 files (four quality options up to 256 kbps) and save the files on the internal hard disk or external media. Also standard are features such as four effect processors plus TC Helicon™ vocal effects — including three part harmonies.
Digital (S/PDIF Co-Ax) output, Phantom powered XLR input, front and rear USB host ports plus a USB Device port complete the package.
An optional VIF4 Video Output can display lyrics, etc. or mirror the on-board display on an external video monitor.
