Log in
Log in

or
Create an account

or
< All Korg PS60 Performance Synthesizer reviews
Add this product to
  • My former gear
  • My current gear
  • My wishlist
Korg PS60 Performance Synthesizer
Images
1/71
Korg PS60 Performance Synthesizer
Guillaume_76 Guillaume_76

« Simple, effective and lightweight »

Published on 08/24/11 at 06:16
The PS60 is a synth five octaves (61 keys) with over 400 sounds divided into different categories: piano, electric piano, organ, strings, brass, synth. The list is in sound. Pdf on the korg site (better to be warned that there are no sounds of percussion and drums).
The various videos found on the net and give the test on AudioFanzine a very good overview of the features and possibilities.
The luxury of six stamps simultaneously mix is ​​very effective.
The publication of a "performance" custom is very simple.
The main parameters are accessible by judiciously arranged knobs (volume, octave, effect level, level of reverb, equalizer, etc. ..). For the makers of sound, using the supplied software on their computer can go right to organize and edit the sound bank to archive his experiments.
Controllers are assigned to a joystick (four directions) and vary from one sound to another. Everything is adjustable so but the factory settings are designed perfectly. Some sounds (wawah guitar, lead, sounds SF) all take their meaning with the use of the joystick which is very natural.
MIDI and USB outputs allow direct interface with the computer. however, the audio does not pass through the usb (you must connect the audio outputs simultaneously to fully exploit the machine).
The synth is sold without any pedal ... buy a sustain pedal (in € 15) can be very useful (eg in the keyboard splitter you can leave a slick sounding organ playing by the left hand, switch on the sustain pedal to hold from this agreement and solo with the right hand while recovering the freedom of the left hand to control the joystick: hovering effect guaranteed!).
Everything is very light (less than 5 kg) and very little space.

UTILIZATION

The general pattern is clear.
The manual is very clear.
Editing effects is particularly simple.
The ability to mix sounds is as simple as suggested by the demo video (everything is accessible through the buttons not need to go in endless menus ...).

SOUNDS

The sounds cover a wide enough range that is allowed to play in many styles. To appreciate the synths in this range, it is important to be aware that loads a sound in real time on a synth 5kg less € 500 can not compete with banks in several gigabytes of sounds that put a time to put in the memory of a computer.
I tested extensively on various synth system (headphones AKG271mk2 pregnant proximity of MS20 and behringer speakers of proper quality pc).
In the pleasant surprises I would classify some classical piano (including "stretch" which is rich enough in the mids and the game is really natural, despite the light touch), several electric organs (they are very different), one set of strings (the "filmstrings"), the "split choir" that blends really well with the other sounds (no matter how octave is played, the sounds are in a range of natural voice). At the bank "synth" there is really any (ground atmospheric techno sounds, synthetic brass, glockenspiel, bass ...) and certain leads are really convincing.
Other sounds seem rather weak as acoustic guitars and brass.

In the gaps, it should be noted that there is no percussion or drums (which will not disturb too much musicos group in standard formats). More curiously, despite the variety of sounds available, there is no pizzicato that could comfortably support the layers of strings ...

It also lacks an accessible tap tempo to fit the sounds live "technoïsant" to changes in tempo.



OVERALL OPINION

I use the PS60 for two months. I tried the roland juno Di and yamaha mm6. These three keyboards were all likely to respond to my use. It is difficult to separate them as they are full of possibilities for a price close enough.
What convinced me to korg is its price (cheaper than the other two if you&#39;re looking good!), Low weight and small size, its ability to mix sounds and operation via intuitive knobs. Other models offer greater opportunities (arpeggiator, drum machine, sequencer) but it does not correspond entirely to my use.
As guitarist at the base, I intend mainly to rehearsals and live performances (group rock / metal mostly) to bring varied sound to the songs and put some piano harmonies. This little korg also immediately found its place in my home studio in addition to my digital piano and I use as a master keyboard to the mao.

The quality / price is very competitive (€ 485 for new purchase) but it is essential to know your needs before moving on that choice.