Ketron

The Ketron SD2 is a mini sound module, dubbed the 'Orchestral Wizard.' It's a MIDI based box, with two MIDI jacks for input and thru/output. It has a mini jack, 1/8" output for headphones, as well as a volume slider. It also has RCA connection on some of the models. It's a pretty small box and is meant for having MIDI sounds on the go or otherwise. It requires power from a 12 volt power supply and isn't rack mountable as it's a just a small box. UTILIZATION There isn't much to using the Ketron SD2 once it's set up and running. It has software for controlling the sounds with your computer, so make sure that you've got a MIDI to USB interface somehow as this doesn't have a USB jack built in (although I wish it did). A manual might be a good idea if you're feeling lost with the software, but I've found it to be pretty self explanatory so I don't think one is necessary. SOUNDS The Ketron SD2 has all sorts of different sounds and effects. It's got general MIDI sounds, as well as higher quality sounds of all types that I guess were made by them. It also has DSP based effects like reverb and chorus. The sounds that it has in general are pretty good as they are definitely pretty realistic. It's nice to have the general MIDI sounds, but of course these are pretty dated at this point. The effects are awesome, especially the reverb which is perfect for adding a little bit of depth to any of the sounds. I've probably used the piano sound the most on here, but it also has just about every acoustic instrument you could think of. OVERALL OPINION As far as portable sound modules go, the Ketron SD2 is one of the best out there. You aren't going to find many that sound this good for this price and in this small of a casing. There is definitely something nice about having a rack mountable sound module for MIDI, but there is a lot that this can offer that a rack unit can't, namely portability and versatility because of this. The price is very reasonable when compared to other MIDI sound modules of this quality, but isn't the cheapest way to get sounds since there is so much out there via software. If you're looking for a mini, portable MIDI sound module, the Ketron SD2 is what I'd recommend without a doubt.

This module has mostly very good sound fonts, the problem is that it has also a critical software bug which makes it sometimes impossible to render MIDI files properly. I tried to upgrade to the version from year 2015, which I do not think would help, as my device was bought in 2019. But the update procedure did not work on Windows 10 anyway. I thus contacted Ketron with this issue, they do not respond. They do not even list the sound modules on their site any more. But let the sound output of Ketron talk. It is a rendition of a MIDI file which has been tested with another synthesizer and worked perfectly. I attach two files, one played with MIDI port 1 of SD1000 and the rendition is perfect. The other is played on MIDI port 2 and the sound of the trumpet is cut several times around 20th second and this is only one of more bugs. Restarting, resetting does not help. Good on MIDI port 1, bad on MIDI port 2. In my opinion, unacceptable even for a module 10 times less expensive.

I bought this model to use with my Godin midi guitar , as I have been using the Gem Genesys xp for few years, wanted to update. The styles are limited but sound very realistic especially the drums and bass guitar.More styles can be purchased.Very good for live gig. Nice compact size easy to manage.The sliders for each instrument are an excellent idea for turning up or down drums bass etc as they vary in each style.At only 3.5 kg its very light compared to other models. Styles can be edited and then saved as user styles so you can change bass drums etc to your own taste. Overall a good machine does what is says on the tin.

I bought a Keytron XD8 to use primarily for stage. I was looking for an 88-key controller that feels good, with at least decent piano sounds, without paying for other bells and whistles I didn't need (sequencers, audio recording features, etc). The Keytron XD8 fits the bill very well. Most importantly, it feels really good. As a lifelong keyboard player, I'll say that I'm very comfortable playing it. The acoustic pianos are good and responsive, and with the velocity curve set to 2/3, they perform smoothly and predictably. Smooth sound, not canned or pinched like a lot of these types of keyboards are. I don't spend much time with the electric pianos, so I don't have much to say about them, except to say that the wurli is only fair. It's usable, but not so good, really. Indeed, a wurli sound was a prerequisite for me in buying this keyboard, so I'm glad there's one at all. Also glad I've got a 200A in my studio. As for gigging, the SP250 fits into a 'slim' case very well, and in general it's reasonably compact. But it's not what I'd call 'light'. It's not nearly as heavy as some other behemoth controllers I've used in the past from Yamaha and Kurzweil, but I suppose that's the tradeoff for good piano action. UTILIZATION Editing or manipulation the sounds are very easy, a beginner could catch on really fast with this keyboard. They made sure there was nothing to hard to understand when creating it. There really is no set up required just turn it on and start playing! OVERALL OPINION I like the built in speakers. They sound good, and having them makes it so that I can set it up in the house between gigs, and always have a 'piano' to hop to quickly when the mood strikes. Im happy with choosing to go with this for my band, we all enjoy it and I take it home and play for the kids with it and try to teach them some stuff as well.