jaspeter

Yes, live is the way to go. Too often, someone (myself included) will come in late, miss a verse, or solo too short/long. With a pre-canned sequence, I think that would leave me in a bit of a predicament.

Wow, Brad! Thanks for the speedy and thorough response! The only thing that gives me hesitation is the ability to switch between rhythm variations besides using the panel button. Looking at the MIDI implementation guide, it doesn't even look like it responds to an external command. That said, so many of the other answers you provided completely blow my mind (in a good way!) that I may just find a way to work with it as-is. Thanks again!

I currently have a PX-5S and I'm considering buying a MZ-X500. I was hoping folks on this forum could clarify a few questions I have, though. There are some features that would be showstoppers if they don't work they way I need: 1. I'm mostly envious of the rhythm section of the MZ-X500. I don't currently care much about the factory rhythms or chord accompaniment. I am mostly interested in just the percussion capability (for now) and would use that as a built-in drum machine. The way I envision using it is this: I program in the intro I want, as well as a verse loop (a 4 bar loop for example), a chorus loop that is a variation of the verse, and an outro. It seems like the MZ-X500 is probably well-suited to exactly that task, but I hadn't seen anyone using just the percussion without the chord accompaniment. Can it do what I'm describing? Would I be able to assign a pedal to switch between the verse and chorus? In contrast, the PX-5S only has one phrase loop available for percussion (technically, there is one more if you assign it to the keys in a zone), but it isn't practical for the intro/verse/chorus/outro structure that I'd like. Can I trigger it (preferably with the pedal) to do an abrupt stop (cesura) and then trigger it to start up again at the beginning of the phrase? On the PX-5S, I currently do this by assigning "Phrase Start/Stop" to the pedal. (Nevermind. I just found "Rhythm S/S" pedal assignment in the manual.) Can I mute certain parts of a drum track, for example, just the hi-hat? This probably also isn't a big deal because I'm imagining I could just copy a drum phrase into another variation with the hi-hats missing. 2. Is the tonewheel organ a simulator (built from independent audio-frequency oscillators), or sample-based? The documentation implies to me that it's sample-based. This doesn't really impact my decision to buy one, but I am curious. 3. Do the drums/percussion take up a zone? For instance, using percussion on the PX-5S realistically leaves me with only one hex-layer rather than the two it is capable of. I understand why this is the case, because the drum engine is quite powerful and needs that extra computing resource. Of course, the MZX is advertised as having four hex-layers, so this isn't really that big of a deal, either. 4. One of the limitations I have with the PX-5S is that the arpeggiator lock function locks all arpeggiators/phrases. So I can't have a phrase loop play continuously on one zone and simultaneously have another phrase play only when triggered on another. It looks like the pads on the MZ-X500 can be used to trigger the behavior I'm after, one phrase locked while the arpeggiator stays unlocked, for instance, but I wasn't clear on that. 5. What's the deal with the "upper" and "lower" parts? Do I not have the freedom to assign tones to any old range of the keyboard that I want? 6. Is the bass synth monophonic mode just for specific bass sounds? In other words, would I be able to apply monophonic mode to, say, a saxophone lead? It looks like "Legato mode" in the hex layers might be what I'm looking for, but I'm not sure on that. Thanks in advance for any input you may have!

I've been convinced that the software solution is not the way to go, at least for my primary instrument. Now I'm thinking that I should look at other keyboard options. Although, I'm still going to try to fix some of the issues I've been having with the PX-5S. The MZ-X500 has definitely caught my eye. I'm going to have to go get some clarification about some questions I have from the folks over in that forum. Thanks for your responses!

So, this thread had me thinking, what would the tunes I play sound like if they were just played on a solo keyboard, like an unfamiliar model that I may have to borrow to get by in an equipment failure scenario? I tried just a piano sound with little alteration to the parts and, well... I wouldn't pay a cover to hear someone make those sounds! However, doing nothing else except adding back in the percussion loop turned it from a definite "no" to a "Hey, I kinda dig the raw, gritty vibe," or, at least something somewhat adequate for all but the synth-heavy songs. I did find that some of the distorted lead sounds had to be replaced with chords to make up for the fullness that distortion provides, but it was within my ability. I think I'll be able to get away with using percussion loops/tracks and a different keyboard (borrowed or spare) as a 80% backup solution. Although I'll still look into other possible options. Thanks for the ideas, everyone!

I have a Yamaha Reface CP that I bought for travel and I haven't had a problem switching back and forth from the minikeys. My hands are in the smaller side and my fingers are fairly slender, so that may also be a factor. The Reface is useful, too, in that it has an aux in for your phone. I've used mine to practice along with recordings and lift chord progressions.

I have. In fact, I saw one at the local GC store last year. I go back and forth between kicking myself for not seizing the opportunity and paying myself on the back for exercising self-restraint. The biggest problem isn't the money - I have a decent day job. I live in a modest size house with three other people and my music space is relegated to a 5'x3' corner of the living room. Any extra gear I have is stored in the (unheated/uncooled) garage. For a pair of powered speakers, that's ok, but I hesitate to store an instrument in that condition. That said, the PX-5S is not a large keyboard, so I might be able to find somewhere to stash a spare.

I just looked it up, and the MP10000 isn't a bad price. And I'm long past my warranty period, anyway!

I'm surprised that there isn't enough call for a module with those functions for manufacturers to think it's worth producing. Maybe there are too many people going the software route. I've actually thought it might be cool to hack the PX-5S into a standalone module when the keybed finally goes out. That's far beyond my capability, though.

This comment didn't hit me until I had already replied and was pouring myself a cup of coffee... What tone modules have you used or would recommend? Do you know of any that have features like the phrase sequencer and arpeggiators built in?

I have worried about the electrical issues. I only have a cheap circuit tester and a decently solid surge protector, but it seems that something more pro is warranted. These are good ideas. I'll have to look into Tripplite. That's a good point about taking two keyboards, too. As IanB said above, "you can at least make some noise". And your comment about them not having to be the same gives me cause for thought. I could buy exactly the same make and model and have an identical backup, or I could branch out and try something new. If prepared correctly, they could both be sufficiently redundant. And you mention a super-easy backup that I haven't been exercising... I should just buy a package or two of batteries to take with me!

The software as a backup is an interesting idea. I use the onboard phrase sequencer a lot, which would probably be my biggest loss if the PX-5S went out. But plenty of software solutions seem ideal for loops... Hmmm... Maybe if I record any repeating phrases and use a software looper as a backup. That wouldn't take up any more physical space in the house for storage, and I already have a computer. It might do in a pinch. Your comment about "you can at least make noise" has me thinking about another alternative in which I just re-style the hectic electronic versions into an acoustic version for backups. I'm not sure I'm good enough to pull that off without it turning into a cheesy lounge act, but if it's done well, it could work. I have some leeway, since it's not really a band act. For now, I mostly cover instrumentation behind a singer. For that matter, I could record the entire track as a backup and "fake it" if the keyboard died. That whole concept makes me cringe just thinking about it, but not as much as bailing on a gig because my keyboard died. It would be an extreme measure! Good discussion!

These are good points that I didn't consider. I've also found just at home that I have had to use the MIDI 5-pin out instead of the USB. Ground-hum issues can be tough to track down, and even worse when you have limited time before a gig!

I hadn't been doing regular backups until the memory issues started popping up. It's so easy, though, that I I have no excuse for not doing that all along!

This started as a question from a different thread, but it seems appropriate to ask it alone: What are some of the ways people prepare for equipment failure before a gig? I have only one PX-5S, and many of the aspects of my performance depend on functions the PX-5S has. Or, it depends on setups I have made specifically for this keyboard. If it poops out before a show, I am completely lost. Having a second PX-5S is a possibility, but it requires significantly more money, and moderately more storage space. Originally, I thought that maybe I should give up my PX-5S and find a different solution, but that's starting to seem excessive. I mean, this can't be a new or unique problem, right? How do you prepare for a possible equipment issue?

I've thought about the XW series in the past. The other keyboard that caught my eye was the MZ-X500, which would work for the one-man-band backup I have mostly been doing. But then, I started with the software synth line of thinking and stopped considering other keyboards. Your comment has me re-reconsidering. Now that I think of it, maybe I shouldn't have phrased my question the way I did. I made some assumptions that may not be correct, specifically, what do people do to prepare for potential equipment failure before a gig? I was thinking you would need an exact backup rig, but maybe there are other solutions that are not so obvious. I think I might go start another thread about that!

I struggle with that. I definitely would have liked a more solid build, but I also have to remember that I probably wouldn't have bought it with a higher quality keybed because that would have pushed it outside of my budget (although, knowing what I know now, I would have paid that extra). I have to commend Casio for their understanding of their customer base!

It's good to hear your experiences, though. And you are re-emphasising the same points that keep me from committing to a change. Overall, I'm still very happy with it!

I've been hesitant to crack it open at the risk of completely messing it up and turning it into a brick, but at the rate things are going, maybe I'm headed that way, anyway. So that's not a bad suggestion. I'm still concerned about the memory issues, though. Maybe if I backup all my user data and do a factory reset and firmware install, that might breathe new life into it.

I know this is a long read, but I'd really appreciate your thoughts if you have time. I'm on the fence about finally giving up my PX-5S. I love the keyboard, but I have a few issues: It's getting old. At about eight years, it's finally starting to show signs of wear. Aside from the clunky keybed, some of the number buttons are becoming less and less responsive. Even more unnerving is that writing a stage setting will sometimes randomly alter a different parameter in a different zone. For example, I'll load a stage setting, change a parameter on one of the hex layers in zone 2 and write the setting. But then, the volume of zone 4 magically resets to 100; or the DSP assignment disappears. I'm chalking this up to aging memory - I have that problem myself! I fear the only solution is to buy a new unit. It's a single point of failure. Unless I buy two PX-5S keyboards, I will never have a backup. This is always a problem, even when it is new. For me, buying two is not a practical solution (although, it's not out of the question if it comes down to it). There are still a few extra features that I'd like that the PX-5S simply doesn't have. This is not a knock against the keyboard, no keyboard is likely to have everything you want all-in-one. Eventually, Casio will discontinue the PX-5S. It's unlikely that the newer keyboards will directly import the files from the PX-5S, so the thousands of hours I've spent putting together setups for it will be lost. So, I thought an ideal solution would be to go with a VST host and plugins: VST hosts, plugins, and my resulting settings are just software so I should always be able to use them if I maintain a backup, i.e. I shouldn't have to worry about them being discontinued. A backup unit is as simple as having another computer on which to install the software and data files. For the controller, any old keyboard with a MIDI out should do in a pinch and it doesn't have to be the exact Casio PX-5S make and model. I can supplement any missing features or desired sounds with various available plugins. I could route vocals through the plugins for vocal effects. I could choose any keyboard I wanted as a controller. I could get one with quieter keybed (my family complains about my thumping when I'm practicing) or a different action. I think I'd like to try something with a more synth/organ keyboard. I don't feel like I have much use for a piano-weighted one. However, I haven't made the jump away from the PX-5S yet, and here's why: I'm still a little worried about a software solution being able to react as immediately as the hardware, i.e. I'm not sure about how/if latency will be an issue when I get an arpeggiator, phrase sequencer, and eight other voices going at the same time - which is something I regularly do with the PX-5S. I'm having a heck of a time finding a set of VST plugins that will do everything the PX-5S already does! I rely heavily on the PX-5S onboard phrase sequencer to supply drum loops. It doesn't do everything I'd like, but it's a 90% solution. Just finding drum sequencer plugins has been daunting and I haven't found a suitable replacement. It's so nice to have the keyboard as pretty much my only piece of gear (besides monitors/speakers/mixer, which will be necessary for any setup). A VST solution would require also hauling a computer and USB-Audio interface. Not to mention, once the PX-5S is plugged in, I only have to turn it on. Nothing else. That's it. I'd be interested to hear other people's experiences or ideas.

Sorry, I could have sworn it was there. I must have totally messed up on the upload. You should be able to find it now in the Downloads - Community Created Files - Privia PX-5S - Miscellaneous section.

This zip file contains the Stage Setting and the Percussion file needed to reproduce the sound in the included sample MP3. Don't forget to update the phrase location in the stage setting with whatever phrase slot you end up using for the percussion loop. I heard this song on a long road trip recently and I couldn't help but think about how to replicate it on the PX-5S. For hours, I tried many different settings and tried to "brew" my own effects, but I found that layering the stock Distortion Organ patch with an octave higher worked surprisingly well! Unfortunately, we don't have a lead guitar player in the band, so I probably won't actually use this, but I enjoyed the challenge. Edit: Well, I'm trying to delete this post, since I realized I should have put it in the Song Ready download area. That doesn't seem to be easy/obvious/possible. Or I'm missing something completely obvious, which isn't unlikely, either. Edit 2: I almost forgot to mention the controls! Sliders 1 and 2 control the two organ layers. Pedal 1 switches between fast and slow rotary, which also switches between the C1 and C3 chorus settings. Pedal 2 toggles the percussion off and on.