Ketron SD2

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.

I use the Ketron SD 2 for my guitar noon converter YAM G50
To read my settings I use the MIDI synth sounds that Prodipe exellents but also more potatoes, more presence than KETRON
But, for the song, I did not find anything better than KETRON for affordable prices. accordion sounds are fantastic and make turn pale buddy accordionist, the sound of the bandoneon, like, sax trumpet ditto ..... I will not mention them all, but for me, there's nothing to throw ... In summary, a very good expendeur that responds very well to control change assignable with the G50.
Value for money very good ..... without a purchase order ...

UTILIZATION

we need anything, plug USB cable MIDI and it works

SOUNDS

SOUNDS ARE VERY GOOD FOR A EXPENDEUR € 350

I've ever used machines exorbitant price levels

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 years after using Roland, Yamaha, Korg, but none comes close to the KETRON

EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY

I would do THIS CHOICE NOT ASK ME QUESTIONS

Is this a model or Rack "rack"? Not
Is this a model or Rack "rack"? Pfff! it shows the picture is a little thing riquiki! Perfect
How many sounds, effects? What styles? The number I do not know! The Style: It's natural sounds ready to use!
Are they edited? Voui!
Via a utility Mac / PC? I go through a French invention Varranger2 you will find in these columns under the pseudonym Dan2000.
Are there any extensions? Not
What connection (Audio, MIDI ,...)? Voui all that! But no USB! Is through a Midi interface / USB.
Ensure to complete the last firmware update! Do not make yourself at risk of your grill SD2.
If there was no update to this problem would have been 10/10! But here it's a problem more manageable for me and Ketron must have ears whistling!

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is it simple? Very easy for me because I use Vazrranger2
Editing sounds and effects is it easy? Yes and for the same reasons!
The manual is clear and sufficient? ... I do not even know if I got it one day! It Varranger2 who takes care of that!

SOUNDS

The sounds they are suitable to your style of music? Impeccable
Are they realistic? That's the word!
The effects are they effective and responsive? Absolutely!
The expression is good? (Response to velocity, aftertouch to)? Yes!
What are the sounds you prefer, you hate? ...
I love the strings and brass!

With Varranger2 you can make your own sounds composed of four sounds you mix your sauce!
So I can not recommend tropvous Varranger2 to best manage SD2 or SD4!

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it? Since 2009 and we are in August 2011
What is so special that you like most and least? Small light efficient and cheap! What you ask for!
Have you tried many other models before buying it? Yes a Korg I40M! It's good too!
How would you rate the quality / price? I have not found better!
With experience, you do again this choice? ... Yes mister!

Small lightweight expander.
More than 500 sound effects, reverb, chorus, delay, distortion, leslie
RCA Audio + Headphone
MIDI + MIDI Through
An editor is on pc: It https://www.varranger.fr

UTILIZATION

nor any button on the device, so everything must be controlled by MIDI.

The manual contains complete information.

The editing and sound effects are almost impossible without the software vArranger (NRPN SYSEX +)

SOUNDS

sounds is really the highlight of this module.
Well pianos, Rhodes great, great organs, accordions are not better on the market, electric guitars sound correct unless START excellent (acoustic guitars are passable, but the styles are the Ketron sound very good), low round, rich strings, super solo violin, brass, well, great solo saxes, banjo and bagpipes great! Live drums with the software vArranger useful, it allows you to play rhythms legendary Ketron format (PAT). The batteries are good but a bit redundant.
The ability to create his own drum kit would be very welcome!

With the software vArranger, you have sounds that are combinations of several sounds SD2, giving sounds even richer!
The term is average, the sounds are very realistic effects, the subsistence minimum.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 3 years.
I still have my Ketron SD1! the SD2 includes the majority of the sounds of the SD1, + some new sounds, sounds less than certain ....

On the negative side I see:
Polyphony 36 notes, just a bit.
-On some sounds we hear points of loops, as if the sample editing work was done a little faster.
-The quality of the converters is not great and it can be felt from the SD1
-Some sounds are a bit too loud compared to the rest of the banks, but it fits
- Auto-power + midi via USB would have been welcome!

Positive:
Super-sound module whether GM midi listen, or to make recording on your DAW
- Small and lightweight transportable so LIVES for travel or avionics is top.
- Sounds very usable for LIVE
- But what is best of the best is with the software vArranger, you transform your little SD2 arranger in a luxury SD1 SD5 or in transportable!

If you want to add some realism to your recordings, or a light module for LIVE, It's definitely a module in your house.

Note that there is a superior model: the Ketron SD4 which has the same features + some buttons to change the sounds + USB + Audio + 2 MIDI jack. The sounds seem more airy and precise, but somewhat less involved.