Korg ToneWorks PX4A Pandora Acoustic Guitar Multi-Effects Processor

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Great Sound. 100 Programs. Built In Tuner.

82 Effects Optimized for Acoustic Sounds
The PX4A contains Body effects that model the resonances and vibrational character of great acoustic guitars. Aspects such as guitar construction and body size are modeled in painstaking detail for numerous guitars, ranging from famous brands of the past through today's leading-edge manufacturers. The direct sound from piezo pickups can tend to have a sterile character, but the PX4A's effects add the distinctive warmth of resonating wood that is typical of an acoustic guitar, producing an extremely rich and natural sound.

The effects of the PX4A extend beyond the conventional boundaries of the electric-acoustic guitar to include models for resonator guitar, a newly developed banjo, and nylon-string guitar - you can play a wide variety of acoustic sounds using just a single instrument. There are also mic' effects that simulate the sense of space and depth achieved by mic'ing an instrument. With the PX4A, mic-ing techniques that require years of experience and knowledge can be easily utilized by anyone, delivering superbly rich acoustic sound even when using a line output. There are also numerous other effects, ranging from standards such as compressor, limiter, echo, delay, reverb, and chorus, through distinctive effects such as a twelve-string effect that reproduces the sound of a twelve-string guitar, and even a drone effect that simulates the drone tones of ethnic instruments such as a tambura. With a virtual infinity of possibilities read more that still preserve your natural acoustic sound, the PX4A is the ideal choice for anything from home recording to live performance.

100 Programs to Select
The PX4A provides 50 preset programs, covering a broad range of styles, including sounds of famous artists. You can also create and store 50 of your own user programs.

Auto Notch FunctionThe PX4A's Notch effect helps curtail the feedback or howling effect that can be a problem for amplified acoustic instruments. There's also an Auto Notch function that automatically detects the frequency at which feedback is occurring, so you can perform with the best acoustic sound at all times without being troubled by feedback.

Amp-like Ease of Operation
The user interface is knob-based for intuitive and easy use. Frequently-used parameters, such as the amp type, have their own independent dial, and the tone controls can also be adjusted as easily as on a guitar or bass amp simply by turning the knobs. The value dial makes it a simple matter to adjust amp types and parameter values. There's also a TAP button that you can use to set delay times or the tempo of a rhythm pattern.

100 Rhythm and Bass Patterns
The one hundred built-in rhythm patterns cover a broad range of styles that include rock, jazz, funk, blues and dance music. The PCM sounds used in these patterns produce realistic accompaniments that are fun to play along with. There are even Bass patterns that let you specify the key chord, so you can practice any style of music while listening to a full rhythm and bass line. Since you can use the effect programs at the same time as these patterns, this is a great way to practice your picking, improve your rhythm or develop your sense of pitch. You can also make Chain Pattern settings to combine up to sixteen different rhythm patterns.

Built-in Phrase Trainer
You can record up to 30 seconds from an audio source such as a CD, MD or MP3, and play it back repeatedly (looped) at a slower speed without changing the pitch. This is a great way to learn complex or rapid passages by ear, since you'll be able to hear the phrase slowly. You can also record a phrase that you play yourself along with the built-in rhythm and bass accompaniment, and then practice soloing over the top of it.

Combine Your Playing with an External Source
You can connect a CD player or another external audio source to the AUX IN jack, and use the Key Transpose function to change the pitch of the song upward or downward by as much as one octave.

Semitransparent LCD for Superb Visibility
The LCD that displays the names of effects and programs is backlit so you can read it easily even on a dimly lit stage. Immediately recognizable icons represent numerous functions. The display uses a semitransparent LCD so that characters and icons are lit up when backlit, providing a distinctive appearance. The unit also comes with a strap holder so that you can attach it directly to your instrument strap.

Effect Types:
Dynamics: Comp, Limiter, Exciter

Mic & Body: C-Mic, M-Large, M-Small, G-Large, G-Small, T-Large, Dry, Light, Nylon, Steel, Reso, Banjo, Small

Modulation & Filter: Chorus1-2, 12Str, Flange1-2, Phaser1-2, Trem1-3, At Pan1-2, Rotary, Pitch1-3, Drone1-2, Filter, FiltUp1-2, FiltDn1-2, Talk1-2, Random1-2

Delay: Slap1-5, Delay1-5, PpDly1-5, Echo1-5, Multi1-5

Reverb: DryAir, WetAir, Room1-2, Plate1-2, Hall1-2, Spring1-2, Bright

Tone

Notch

Noise Reduction

Specifications subject to change without notice

Power: Batteries, Korg PXPS power supply is optional.
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* Numerous high-quality effects using 'REMS' modeling technology are built in.

* Features a total of 82 effect types, including mic' and body effects that simulate natural acoustic resonance and mic-ing, as well as effects that have been optimized for electric-acoustic guitars.

* A notch effect setting provides control against acoustic feedback - or howling. There's also an auto notch function that automatically detects the feedback point.

* 100 programs provided - 50 preset and 50 user programmable.

* Offers up to eight effects simultaneously.

* Knob-based interface for quick and intuitive editing.

* The Phrase Trainer function offers a great way to learn by ear or to practice soloing.

* One hundred rhythm and bass patterns cover a variety of styles with realistic PCM sound.

* AUX IN jack lets you play along with external CD, MD, or MP3 audio sources.

* Key Transpose lets you shift the key of an audio source that's being input.

* The built-in Auto Chromatic Tuner also provides a Mute function for silent tuning.

* Semi-transparent LCD illuminates the characters in inverse video when backlit.

* Two-way power supply lets you use either batteries or separately sold AC adaptor.

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (21 ratings)
Submitted November 20, 2008 by a customer from cox.net

"Great Acoustic Sounds"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I just have to figure how to have it accessible, yet out of harms way if I do a solo gig. A stomp box may be of more utility in this setting.

Sound
I don't know what people are hooking this up to or what kind of cables they are using, or if their house is directly under huge power lines, but I get absolutely no hiss. I'm using shielded cables, but nothing fancy. I'm going guitar--PX4A--Old Peavey stereo mixing board--Mac Garageband and I get no hiss...to just play through headphones, or record. This box truly takes the piezo edge off my acoustic-electric. I don't even bother with additionally mic-ing my acoustic-electric guitar anymore.

Features
I originally looked at this for the 12-string simulator. I don't really care for that sound and use another tweaked setting for that sound. When I heard the the rhythm and bass patterns you could play along with (100) and the fact you could select the key--well, that was it--I pulled out the plastic. I've had no regrets. There's a lot to keep you interested and playing your guitar on this thing.

Ease of Use
It's pretty straightforward. Just by the fact that it does a lot of things, well, you have to get to know how to navigate it if you want to utilize it all. Most times I just want to tune up, use a couple of acoustic guitar pre-sets and maybe tweak volume or reverb level, and that's very straightforward.

Quality read more
I do notice that sometimes, while I'm playing, it loses the setting it's on and goes back to no effects. In that case a push to the next effect and back works.

Value
It does a lot more than a Fishman Aura. I believe the sound it comparable and it does a LOT more. The Fishmans are guitar specific and don't even have a tuner...and they cost more.

Manufacturer Support
Haven't used it.

The Wow Factor
I'd buy another one if it were lost or stolen.

Musical Background:
Active Musician

Musical Style:
C,S,N,Y Eagles, Clapton, Beatles type stuff
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