|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Other PG Music Programs
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 65
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 65 |
I posted this a couple days ago in the BIAB for Windows forum, but the message never appeared so I must have done something wrong. I am re-posting and decided it put it here. If it shows up in the BIAB forum eventually, that is why there is a duplicate.
I am considering buying the Ketron SD2 because I want better GM sounds than I have now, especially pianos, drums, and guitars (I'm currently using an old Korg X5DR and some GM soft synths). I read some user reviews that said the SD2 is not completely GM compatible because Ketron decided to maintain backwards compatibility with its older units at the cost of some degree of GM compatibility. These reviewers said some patch numbers and drum mapping is not GM standard. Is this true? How much of a problem does it present with BIAB? Also with GM MIDI files downloaded from the internet that I play in Sonar (I have hundreds of these files, all set up for GM). Are there a lot of differences? Changing patch numbers for the instruments wouldn't be too bad to have to do, but I would not like to have to re-map all the individual key mappings for the drum kits.
Also, does the SD2 fully respond to patch changes and changes of effects parameters when sent from a DAW such as Sonar?
Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other PG Music Programs
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I don't have any problem playing standard MIDI files designed for GM using the GM bank of my SD2.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other PG Music Programs
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 65
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 65 |
Thanks, Mac. Are there other banks of sounds besides the GM bank? And do those play well with GM?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other PG Music Programs
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Thanks, Mac. Are there other banks of sounds besides the GM bank? And do those play well with GM?
Yes.
Best sounding hardware box for the money. Period.
Buy from pgmusic and there's the 30-day no questions asked policy use that to find out for yourself.
You won't return it unless its broke, it sounds great.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other PG Music Programs
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Not sure what the url is, but Ketron has a site with demo sounds for the SD2. I listened to those (including one Mac submitted) and I was immediately sold. Yes, it is that much more superior.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other PG Music Programs
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499 |
MAC
First I really want one of these (maybe an SD 4 – if I can every figure out the actual OPERATING delta over SD 2 not just the fact it has a few more sounds and front panel buttons) but diggin into actual specs I have some unanswered questions maybe you or other users can help:
Unless I missed it - what is the polyphony (128?) less ? or “dynamic” (which means you’ll know limit when/if you hit it) ?
Also it says (TWICE) that it has 32 channels but only one MidI in? I know how multi-channels work on device with USB (e.g., SC8850) but how do you access more than 16 channels using one MIDI port? The manual says nothing about this neither does the Keyboard review article but twice on the product specs and description it mentions 32 channels “Up to 32 MIDI channels can be controlled…”
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 09/07/09 02:57 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other PG Music Programs
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Unless I missed it - what is the polyphony (128?) less ? or “dynamic” (which means you’ll know limit when/if you hit it) ?
I never found a published spec from Ketron that listed polyphony specifically. Doesn't mean there might not be one somewhere, I just didn't find one. However, I've never run out of notes, not with huge sequences, not on live gigs with hands full of piano, either (grin).
Quote:
Also it says (TWICE) that it has 32 channels but only one MidI in? I know how multi-channels work on device with USB (e.g., SC8850) but how do you access more than 16 channels using one MIDI port? The manual says nothing about this neither does the Keyboard review article but twice on the product specs and description it mentions 32 channels “Up to 32 MIDI channels can be controlled…”
Note-On and Note-Off data can receive SYSEX MIDI channel data at the beginning of the string. Thus you can have MIDI channels one thru thirty two. This does work from within Powertracks and therefore assumably RealBand too, which is the same basic engine shared by each.
The SD4, of course, has two separated MIDI synths inside, one is GM with upper banks available and the other is the "Solo" synth, meant for use in the target accompaniment keyboard that the SD4 is taken from as the RH keyboard. The Solo sounds are actually duplicated in the GM banks, maybe in some upper banks but I have found them all in there, too. So there aren't really that many "new" voices to be found in the SD4, BUT -- the Solo voices are customizable as to layers and effects and are savable to a user bank of 64 for instant recall. I find that more useful in live gigging personally, but the studio cat may find a use for them also.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other PG Music Programs
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499 |
Mac – THANKS
That explains it
Now how do I tell my wife that even though I have a Nanosynth and a SC-8850 both of which were suppose to be my "portables", as well as three full workstations and a bunch of rack mounted items (including fully populated XV-5080 and Fantom XRs ) I just GOT TO HAVE this one because it is much BETTER <G>
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,194
Posts801,823
Members40,064
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean