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Joined: Feb 2009
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Hi folks, Anyone got the sd4 or thinking of getting it and opinions if it has any advantage over sd2 http://www.thomann.de/gb/ketron_sd_4.htmthanks Paddy
Paddy McGurk,
Liverpool,
Don't mention the Beatles!!
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The SD2 is way more compact, just the volume slider. I love the thing.
Mabye this is the one I will need for the wind controller. Or not.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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The advantage is the second sound bank. The sounds are the same as the SD2, but with a second input, you can change sounds on the fly and works for live playing. I use the SD4 live with a MIDI guitar. There is a short delay when changing sounds live...just a few seconds. It's not a problem for me, because I switch from to the SD4 sound and back to guitar. I very rarely change SD4 sounds live.
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Very interesting, a midi guitar. So how does it sound when you plan say chords? or is this mainly aimed at playing soloes?
thanks
Paddy
Paddy McGurk,
Liverpool,
Don't mention the Beatles!!
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I use it for solo work, but I also play chords with right hand finger picking at times to give the feel of a comping piano, for example, but mostly solo work. I use a Roland GI-20 and a Godin guitar with the Ketron SD4 as the sound module.
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I have both here.
**When using the separate "Solo" bank of sounds on the SD4, you cannot use the Thru channel inside BiaB and the Harmonies with one finger, etc. This is because BB uses the "GM" side of the SD4 as its sole MIDI output. Don't let that "GM" term fool you into thinking that only one bank of 128 sounds is all that's available there, though, for it really indicates that the exact same set of sounds available in the SD2 are available in the SD4's "GM" Bank.
Selection of Patches using the buttons on the top of the SD4 has been a disappointment. There is about a 1-2 second LAG between button push and actual soundbank change. I ended up having to use a programmable MIDI keyboard controller in order to be able to switch sounds instantly when playing live with the SD4.
All in all, I recommend the SD2 as the best bang per buck.
The SD4 may have a place for the person playing live with a static sequencing program or an auto-accompaniment keyboard, though.
For use with PGMusic products, SD2 gets R done and without as much to keep track of.
Same sounds. Just not in two separate synths in the same box.
--Mac
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Thanks very much for replies and for the info about both models Mac.
Seems like you're saying that overall as regards biab you prefer the sd2.
paddy
Paddy McGurk,
Liverpool,
Don't mention the Beatles!!
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Soundwise, they are identical with BiaB.
You have to be the judge of whether or not that "extra" synth in the SD4 is of use to you.
There is a double cost differential involved, as well.
SD2 will get the job done.
--Mac
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