The Korg PA5X-76 is Korg’s flagship in the world of arranger keyboards. After many years of loyal service, the PA-4X has been retired and the PA5X has taken its place on the throne. Korg has released its flagship model in three versions: with 61 keys, 76 keys and 88 keys. The PA5X keyboard has been completely redesigned, featuring Korg’s latest sound engine and a streamlined, colour-guided user interface that is exceptionally easy to use. With thousands of inspiring sounds and styles, this new model delivers a stunning musical experience that encourages you to create and perform new ideas.

The instrument is housed in an elegant and durable chassis that exudes quality — aluminium for strength, and wooden side panels for a luxurious finish. This 88-key version is the largest of the three models and features fully weighted keys that offer an authentic playing feel and complete control in any performance situation. Naturally, the keyboard also includes aftertouch to provide additional expressiveness.

Operation of the PA5X

An arranger as capable as the Korg PA5X must, of course, offer a user-friendly interface — and Korg has certainly succeeded here. Sounds and functions are easily accessible whether you’re at home, in the studio or performing live. The centrally positioned 8-inch touchscreen panel is fully tiltable, a major advantage in a wide range of playing environments. The colour-coding of the display is carefully matched to the physical colours on the keyboard itself, giving everything a cohesive look and making navigation easier than ever.

Beyond the touchscreen, the PA5X can also be programmed using a control section with 9 buttons and 9 faders. Functions can be assigned freely, and are shown innovatively on an additional display located beneath the faders, ensuring you always know which function is active. With countless assignable parameters, you can adjust even the finest details, providing precise control down to the most subtle nuances.

Sounds and Styles

For many years, Korg has belonged to the top tier of the market when it comes to the quality of its sounds and styles. The PA5X takes this even further with its EDS-XP sound engine, building upon the technology of the PA4X. Once again, Korg has succeeded in raising the bar: the system now features 24 stereo oscillators and 160-voice polyphony, delivering thousands of high-quality sounds.

A vast range of musical instruments and genres is covered, ensuring that every musician will find something suited to their taste. Sounds range from highly realistic acoustic instruments to vintage synths. The drawbars have been redesigned with a new organ section, making Hammond players feel even more at home on the PA5X, and the drum kits have also been significantly improved.

Connections and I/O

In addition to functioning as a keyboard, the PA5X can also operate like a compact mixer, as it features two audio input channels. This allows you to connect a microphone and a guitar simultaneously and process both signals through the keyboard. Each channel includes its own built-in effects section with the latest vocal-processing technologies, making it possible to create lifelike four-part harmonies that sound as if you are surrounded by a real vocal ensemble. The independent guitar input provides numerous guitar effects and an amp simulator, allowing you to refine your tone with precision.

Beyond microphone and guitar connections, the PA5X offers an abundance of audio, control and storage connections. MIDI and USB can be used to connect external controllers or for data storage, while the HDMI output allows you to connect an external display. Audio output is provided via four separate line outputs with both XLR and jack options. Three pedal inputs allow the connection of a sustain pedal, footswitch and expression pedal, offering expanded control and expressive capabilities.