KORG Pa-5X: Inspiring new sounds, new working comfort, an entirely new arranger.

The Pa5X is the new flagship of KORG's professional arranger line, redefining the arranging keyboard. Completely redesigned with a state-of-the-art sound engine and a simplified, colorful user interface, Pa5X produces a uniquely rich sound experience that inspires you to create and play!

Pa5X features thousands of inspiring sounds and hundreds of new styles, all instantly accessible through a user-friendly working mode. An all-new front panel featuring an assignable pad matrix and mixing section, multi-coloured LED buttons and a huge tilting touchscreen let you control your musical experience at all times. The Pa5X excels both as a live performance instrument and as a powerful creative tool in the studio, giving you the ability to find your ideal sound, wherever your music takes you.

Key Features

- Premium quality and elegant design
- Modern, streamlined user interface
- Amazingly rich sound engine: EDS-XP
- Real-time controllers
- Advanced chord recognition and a library full of chord sequences
- Smooth transition between sounds, styles and songs.
- Two cross-fade players capable of combining everything: Styles to Midi files, or Midi files to MP3 files, or Styles to Styles (unique to Pa5X).
- Each player displays lyrics and score
- Create your own styles and songs
- SongBook, a music library always with you
- A complete sound library
- Built-in mixing console with insert, master, final and mastering effects
- Dedicated mic and guitar inputs with dedicated effects for each
- MIDI, USB, HDMI, audio in and out, and pedal connectors
- Standard file formats
- High quality optional accessories

Modern, streamlined user interface

At the centre of the Pa5X is a large 8-inch tilting touchscreen displaying a completely redesigned graphical user interface (GUI). This makes all of the Pa5X's sounds and functions easily accessible to studio and home musicians as well as live performers. The colours of the display are carefully matched to those used for the programmable LED buttons on the control panel. This full-color interface allows you to easily navigate the Pa5X, adding colour to your music!

Powerful EDS-XP sound engine for rich, inspiring sounds

KORG professional arrangers have set the industry standard for powerful musical expression, with sound engines that stimulate musicians to create and perform. The Pa5X introduces the EDS-XP (Enhanced Definition Synthesis - Expanded) sound engine, which builds on the technology used in the Pa4X with advanced hardware and a powerful new operating system, taking the Pa5X sounds to a new level. The 24 stereo oscillators and 160 polyphony voices produce thousands of high-quality sounds, covering a wide range of instruments and musical genres. The EDS-XP sound engine also introduces new state-of-the-art features such as drum and percussion performance, smooth sound transition, Sound-Controller 3 functionality and much more. This allows for an unprecedented level of realism and sonic expression only available on the Pa5X.

Real-time controllers

The Pa5X has a fully programmable control section with 9 buttons and 9 sliders. You can assign any function to it, from mixer volume to harmonic pull-downs, microphone mute to bass inversion, lyric scroll controls, etc. The assigned function is displayed via an auxiliary display strip so you always know what you have at hand, even if you are on a different page from the main display.
Numerous assignable controllers are available for expressive real-time playing and Korg's DNC (Defined Nuance Control), which provides much of the detail in the sound of musical instruments. Faders, switches, real and virtual realtime control arrays, joystick and ribbon controller can be assigned to modulate any sound parameter. This allows precise control of the most subtle nuances and articulation of the instruments you play on the Pa5x.

Advanced chord recognition system and comprehensive library of chord sequences

The Pa5X's chord recognition system is the most sophisticated available, with an Expert mode that is designed around the playing styles of the best modern jazz pianists. This chord recognition system can be as simple or advanced as you like, even allowing you to trigger chords with just one finger!
With automatic voicing, a chord sequencer and a sophisticated chord recognition engine, the Pa5X gives you the tools to create rich musical arrangements, no matter what the genre.

Smooth transitions between sounds, styles and songs

Pa5X adds Smooth Sound Transition (SST) technology, which allows smooth transitions between sounds, styles and songs without any interruptions. As you select a different element, the sound, effects and sequences continue to play, fading naturally until you're ready to start the next sequence or note, allowing for an uninterrupted and realistic performance.

State-of-the-art dual crossfade player

The Pa5x can play two styles, MIDI files or MP3 files simultaneously and in any combination, thanks to the two built-in players*. These two players can be mixed with a convenient crossfader, or can be used to play one song while another is waiting to start. Meanwhile, the Pa5X sound engine provides the power, effects processing and polyphony to make these transitions seamless.
*Korg's exclusive XDS Crossfade dual sequencer/player.

Lyrics, chords, score and markers can be clearly displayed on the Pa5X's large internal screen, or even on an external display when connected via the built-in HDMI port. A wide variety of lyric formats are supported, and you can even automatically generate a score from a MIDI song. Markers allow you to quickly navigate through a song using the Style-Element buttons, so you can easily return to a passage you want to repeat when studying, rehearsing or playing live.

Creating styles and songs

You can create your own styles and record your own MIDI and MP3 songs. The included editing functions allow you to modify each recorded event in detail. A sophisticated transposition table adapts sequences to any chord you can play.
You can record a MIDI song with a full sequencer. Even simpler, record what you sing and play (including MP3 Songs) to an MP3 file, and listen to it wherever you want.

The SongBook: A music library always with you

Songs and styles can be stored in the on-board SongBook, whose database-like entries are easy to sync with external sheet music players on a tablet. So you can use a digital music book to control your Pa5X.
Songs in the music database can be saved in Set Lists, each dedicated to a show, singer or style of music, for easy handling of all music resources at once during shows. When you choose a song from the SongBook, you also immediately get the necessary sounds, style, a song, effects and even a chord sequence.

A comprehensive sound library

Built-in sounds range from ultra-realistic acoustic instruments to vintage electric keyboards and synth classics, plus fancier sounds and special effects for game, media, video and film production. We have also included instruments from different eras and world cultures, while leaving plenty of room for your own extensions.
The selection of acoustic and electric pianos, which includes sounds from our famous SV-2 vintage stage piano, is particularly suited to the 88-key hammer-action version. We have also included specially selected sounds from our flagship synthesizers: Kronos and Nautilus.

The new Drawbar Organ section proudly features a realistic control surface that can be based on the physical sliders and knobs of the Pa5X main panel. New effects derived from the legendary KORG CX-3 Combo organ are also included.

The new drum kits have been recorded using a new technology, based on round robins to increase realism. All drum hits are identical, resulting in authentic drum performances.

In addition to the huge amount of sounds included, the built-in sampler will help you create new sounds, drum kits and audio loops. Record your own sounds or import them from standard file formats such as AIFF, WAV and SF2. The detailed built-in sample editor lets you fine-tune your samples and even turn an audio loop into a drum kit.

High-quality mixing and effects

Intuitive mixing section with extensive effects processing
The Pa5X's sounds are processed by an elaborate chain of professional studio quality effects, with up to 10 Insert FX, 3 Master FX and 1 Finalizer for each of the two Players. The keyboards can use up to 3 Insert and 3 Master FX.

The final mastering effects are applied as a last step to the Pa5X audio outputs, resulting in a polished sound that is mixed and produced. This is the result of KORG's long-term cooperation with Waves Audio®, the world's reference for studio mastering effects.

More than just audio inputs

Dedicated microphone and guitar inputs with effects processing
A microphone and guitar can be connected simultaneously to the Pa5X's separate audio inputs. KORG's extensive experience in vocal harmonization technology and guitar effects processing is put to good use, with each of these inputs having dedicated built-in effects.
We are proud to have teamed up with Shift Audio, a company with 30 years of experience in vocal processing technology. The founders of Shift Audio came from an industry-leading company specialising in speech processing products and have drawn on their experience.
The latest generation of speech processing algorithms have been optimised to work with the latest technology used in the Pa5X.
The result is incredibly realistic four-part harmonies that give you the feeling of a real singing group surrounded by your own music. You'll also appreciate the Pa5X's new Auto Pitch feature, which delivers the performance and sound found in much modern music.
The separate guitar input is completely independent and even has its own gain control. Guitar effects include vintage pedal and amplifier simulators to enhance your guitar's sound and performance. Numerous preset guitar presets with up to four insert effects are provided, and it's also easy to create and save user effects presets. These powerful new guitar effects make it easy for your guitarist to perform live, as all effects and effect settings are handled by the Pa5X.

A vocal preset and a guitar preset can be assigned to each SongBook input, making for a quick and easy musical performance.

MIDI, USB, HDMI, audio in and out, pedal connectors

The Pa5X offers a plethora of audio, control and storage connections. You can use MIDI and USB for controllers or storage devices, HDMI for an external display, XLR, jack and minijack audio connectors for other keyboards, condenser and dynamic microphones, guitars and basses, smartphones and tablets, or to connect your instrument to powered speakers or PA systems via the balanced outputs. Four separate line outputs are available for separate sound management.
Three pedal inputs allow you to connect your favorite sustain pedal (with half-pedal support), foot controller, volume and expression pedals. You can use the ones you already have, or choose from our range of optional accessories.

Standard file formats

Using standard file formats, such as MIDI or MP3 for songs, WAV, AIFF and SF2 for samples, opens up a world of possibilities when exchanging files. The MIDI and USB ports allow the Pa5X to connect to any external storage device, personal computer, smartphone, tablet or external controller. The HDMI connector is compatible with many modern monitors and club video circuits, allowing the Pa5X to serve as the centre of your studio or stage setup!

High quality optional accessories

The optional modern and stylish ST-SV1-BK stand keeps the Pa5X solid while performing on stage and with a sleek design.

The Pa5X is compatible with the KORG PaAS Amplification System, a speaker system specifically designed to connect easily and directly to the Pa5X without cables. This allows you to listen with the best audio quality, even at the lowest volume levels for nightly practice. Just put it in place and play!

Conclusion

Pa5X is the most expressive, powerful and easy-to-use professional arranger ever produced, with so much more to explore on this new cutting-edge platform. The unique combination of Pa5X's new sound catalogue, operating system, simplified navigation and feature set is ready to take your performance to a whole new level.

Discover the next generation of keyboard arrangers with the KORG Pa5X and be inspired!

Specifications

Keyboard

Pa5X 61: 61 keys (C2 - C7) semi-weighted keys with Aftertouch
Pa5X 76: 76 keys (E1 - G7) semi-weighted keys with Aftertouch
Pa5X 88: 88 keys (A0 - C8) hammer action with Aftertouch

Chassis

aluminium chassis with wooden side panels

Operating system

Scalable operating system

Sound generator

EDS-XP (Enhanced Definition Synthesis-Expanded)
Multi-mode filters with resonance, 3-band EQ for each track
Polyphony
160 Voices, 160 Oscillators

Effects

Keyboard tracks: 3 insert effects; 3 master effects
Style/Song: 10 insert effects; 3 master effects
Master equalizer and finalizer for songs and styles.
Final mastering effects: Waves | MaxxAudio® Suite
Shift Audio Mic Processor Technology

Mic Configuration

Compressor, EQ, Gate
Four-part harmonizer, doubler, filter, modulation, delay, reverb, AutoPitch

Guitar Processor

Guitar rack (4 effect slots) with pedal and amplifier simulation

Sounds/Drum Kits

Factory: over 2,200 factory sounds
Five multi-layer stereo acoustic pianos with body damping/resonance, GM/XG sound sets, over 130 drum kits, including ambient drum kits and drum kits based on the circular tap principle.
User area: 768 sounds, 384 drum kits.
Natural ambient drum sounds, Round Robin functions
DNC (Defined Nuance Control) technology
Fast and complete sound editing, drum family and drum kit editing

Organs section

Digital drawbars: 9 Footages, Percussion, Key On/Off, Leakage, Vibrato/Chorus, Rotary speaker with amp simulator

Sampling

User PCM sample memory: 4 GB of data, equivalent to 8 GB linear after compression
Loads KORG, WAV, AIFF and SoundFont™ formats
Saves KORG, WAV and AIFF formats
Full editing, time slicing and sampling functions

Keyboard Sets

Factory: Over 500 freely programmable factory keyboard sets.
Combines four keyboard sounds, plus effects and parameters.
Library accessible from front panel buttons
Special "My Setting" keyboard set.

Drivers

Patented dual XDS Crossfade player with X-Fader balance control.
Crossfade between songs and/or styles.

Styles

Factory: Over 600 factory styles, freely programmable.
Eight style tracks, 4 keyboard sets and 4 pads per style; programmable sounds, effects and style parameters.
Guitar Mode 2, parallel and fixed NTT (Note Transposition Table)
Style recording and event editing
Style elements: 3 Intros, 4 Variations, 4 Fills, 1 Break, 3 Endings
Style controls: Play/Stop, Synchro Start, Synchro Stop, Tap Tempo/Reset, Auto Fill, Memory, Bass Inversion, Manual Bass, Bass & Lower Backing, Drum & Bass, Mute individual style tracks, Style Assignment on Keyboard Set

Chord Sequencer

Factory: 200+ chord sequences
Chord sequence recorder/player
Chord sequences can be saved to style and Songbook entries.

Songs

Patented XDS Crossfade dual player with X-Fader balance control
Supported formats: MID, KAR, MP3 + Lyrics, MP3+G
Lyrics, score and chord data can be displayed on screen or on an external video monitor.
Markers with Add, Delete, Edit, Loop and AutoScroll functions
Jukebox function
Full 16-track sequencer, song editing.

MP3 player/recorder

Dual MP3 Player and Recorder
Records MP3 files, including styles, MIDI songs, MP3 songs, keyboard sounds, pads, matrix, microphone, guitar and effects.
Transpose (+6/-5 semitones), change tempo (±30%)
Voice suppression

SongBook

Fully programmable music database based on styles, MIDI songs (MID and KAR files), MP3 songs with Artist and Genre tags.
Filtering and sorting options
User-definable set lists

Compatibility

Legacy Pa-Series models: Styles, Keyboard Sets (Performances), Sounds (Programs), Songs, Pads

Pads

Factory: 400+ Pads
Four assignable pads + stop buttons
Pad recording function

Control section

9 assignable sliders, 9 assignable buttons, striped display; 4 preset settings + 1 user setting.

Matrix section

16 Matrix Pads, 4 Preset buttons.

Style/Song Controls

Play/Stop, Go To Start, Style Select, Song Select, Xfader, Tempo +/-, Tempo Lock, Tap Tempo/Reset, Synchro Start, Synchro Stop, Fade In/Out, Chord Sweep (lower, upper), Chord Sequence, Memory, AutoFill

General Controls

Master Volume, Octave Transpose, Master Transpose, Dial, Up/+, Down/+, Joystick (Pitch + Modulation), Ribbon, 3 Assignable Switches, Search, Shift, Keyboard Sounds On/Off, Split, Set, Record/Edit, Menu, Exit

Scale controls

On-screen quarter tones and Arabic scale, stored in keyboard sets; presets assignable to any button or footswitch.

Input Controls

Mute pedal; supports half-pedal with optional KORG DS-1H pedal.
2 assignable pedals/foot switches.

Microphone

Mono with gain control and phantom power (XLR combo, balanced)
Guitar: Mono with gain control (1/4" jack, unbalanced)
Line 1: Left/Right (1/4" jack, balanced)
Line 2: Stereo (1/8" mini jack, unbalanced)

Audio outputs

Line: Main Left/Right, separate outputs 1/2/3/4 (1/4" jacks, balanced)
Headphones (1/4" jack)
Video output

MIDI

Standard MIDI IN, OUT, THRU connectors
USB to MIDI, via USB Device port
16 user-definable MIDI presets

USB

Type A (Host 3.0, for storage devices and controllers): 1 front, 2 rear
Type B (Device 2.0, for personal computers and tablets): 1 rear

Storage

Internal drive: 1 GB
Micro SD card (not included) : Slot on rear panel with plastic cover
USB stick (not included): Can be connected to USB Host ports

Display

Large 8" TouchView™ TFT capacitive colour display, 800 x 600 resolution

Clock

Internal system clock

Power consumption

100-240 Volts, 50/60 Hz
< 0.2 watts standby / 20 watts normal / 45 watts with PaAS installed

Dimensions

(W x D x H) (without lectern, display fully lowered)
Pa5X-88: 1262.0 x 396.4 x 146.0 mm
Pa5X-76: 1233.1 x 374.3 x 126.8 mm
Pa5X-61: 1021.1 x 374.3 x 126.8 mm
PaAS (optional): 980 x 180 x 140 mm (optional)

Weight

Pa5X-88: 20.1 kg
Pa5X-76: 17.4 kg
Pa5X-61: 15.1 kg
PaAS (optional): 5.70 kg

Accessories

AC power cable, music stand, quick start manual

Optional compatible accessories

PaAS Amplification System
ST-SV1-BK Keyboard Stand
EXP-2 Foot Switch
XVP-20 Expression/Volume Pedal
DS-1H Damper pedal (supports half-pedal)
PS-1 Pedal switch
PS-3 Pedal
VOX V860 Volume Pedal