Ketron Event Review - 100% Honest - no sales pitch

This is a real honest review of the Ketron Event from brand new. Walk through from power up and trying to find out why the drums sound so muffled - Anyone know if there's a phantom power switch for the Microphone? So many little issues and yet so many really nice sounds and styles.. Watch this 1hr 20 minute walk through with me and find out what I think at the end of the video.
Thank you to Scan Computers for providing this instrument for review.
*UPDATE - There is no phantom power in the Ketron for your microphone!

[@LeighWilbraham]

The fact this keyboard at this price point doesnt have phantom power for mic is unforgivable - it should have!

[@LGmusic84]

Hi there, I have audya keyboard and same " c.a.ca" No phantom power 🎤 anyway every keyboard has bad and stunning future, God bless!!!

[@musoman6754]

Hi Leigh… thanks for another informative insight to this. I agree with your analogy of the KZbin vids where most rely upon playing rather than educating prospective buyers of which I am not one. However look forward to your next dissection 😊

[@tcrosslinho5565]

Another great video Leigh.Brass sounded fantastic, not convinced about the rest. Look forward to the next video.

[@LeighWilbraham]

Thanks Tony.

[@vacation_generation]

Great review. I own an arranger keyboard too and have been watching this Ketron machine for a while (mainly because it appears different to the others) but I'm inclined to align with your opinions on this machine having seen you demo its capabilities.

[@25musicmaker]

I recently went to the music store to try out a Ketron Event but I ended up buying a Korg PA5X-76 Musikant instead....🙂 Thanks for sharing your experiences with this keyboard.

[@LeighWilbraham]

I can understand why. I’d do the same.

[@andrewvarley]

Enjoyed that Leigh. Some good things, some bad things. I look forward to your review of the Genos 2 😊

[@LeighWilbraham]

Can’t wait for that Andrew.

[@johngorevan]

Love your honesty

[@itsnickg]

@Leigh -Thanks for taking the time to create and share this video. But I must admit it was extremely frustrating to have to continue to turn up and down the volume as your mic audio was fading in and out non stop through the entire video.

[@LeighWilbraham]

I agree. The keyboard mic setup is terrible.

[@mikelorenz4861]

I have an Event and love it. I use it with a jazz trio and can set it up with custom registrations, B3, EP and Piano. The sounds are great plus you can apply effects on the fly. I added a Crumar long range volume pedal with toe switches for the rotor. It’s awesome.

[@LeighWilbraham]

Glad you like it Mike. It’s not for me as it lacks quality of voice and many other items including multitrack recording on board.

[@SokratisKavlentakis]

Thank you very much for the review I just wanted to give you a heads up because the issue you rightly raised about the very poor navigation in Styles & Voices has been fixed since OS update 1.2. it's just that Ketron has not (badly) included this setting in the default settings. So what you need to do is this: Press MENU/PREFERENCES/NAVIGATOR BAR to activate the new Navigator in which the pages are displayed at the bottom of the screen (as in all Arrangers). Also tap (from the same menu) once on the VOICE TO PANEL icon to change the setting to VOICE TO SCREEN and right next to STYLE TO PANEL to change the setting to STYLE TO SCREEN. Finally, click on the SAVE RESTART icon to save the settings. Also regarding Voice/MARK_70 (sbk) which was not working (no sound) this is because this sound uses Ram so you will have to load it once manually by pressing: MENU/SOUND BANK and double click on each of the three sounds on the left (INTRUMENT) in order to load them. These sounds they will remain loaded on every restart of the instrument.

[@LeighWilbraham]

What a nightmare.

[@SokratisKavlentakis]

@@LeighWilbraham Maybe. But doing so will get rid of that admittedly very bad early navigation system that existed and was (thankfully) quickly fixed.

[@LeighWilbraham]

@@SokratisKavlentakis it needs a new operating system interface.

[@MrYamaha413]

historically well known about ketron is their good bass /drums and currently guitars section in styles from voices is great accordions/brass another advantage is ketron does modules which are handy to move around biggest disadvantage is they are small company and can not keep up with software and styles updates

[@jamesjuke7505]

Think I will have died of old age by then.

[@MsBlackhorse23]

Can’t wait to see what Leigh makes of the new Yamaha Genos 2; I’ve read it’s out on 15th November!

[@LeighWilbraham]

Hello Sue! Hope you’re ok and have a cheque ready to buy your Genos 2. Make sure you speak to Adam at Scan Computers!

[@JoelBouchillon]

It’s odd not hearing any sort of drum-fill when changing variations. Changing variations seem too abrupt. Also, Are there options for intro and ending variations?

[@LeighWilbraham]

The keyboard isn’t like any other and doesn’t operate like any other. It’s very different and has a weird interface.

[@cybergate]

The auto-fill switch is on the screen.

[@jimdicken8396]

I’m considering the purchase of the Ketron Event or the Yamaha Genos 2. I have tried the Genos 2 and liked it, but I am interested in the Live instruments on the Ketron. I’m worried about the Ketron as there seem to be some issues. I am also worried about being able to change sounds quickly during a live performance. Anybody got experience of both keyboards?

[@LeighWilbraham]

The event would be my second choice over a Genos.

[@karl4821]

I changed from Korg to Ketron Event. 1st reason, much better sound, styles and possibilities. 2nd reason and that was more important, better communication, great marketplace for styles and voices, a reliable fast update/upgrade philosophy and always open for customers wishes and desires.

[@LeighWilbraham]

That’s one happy customer then

[@user-bp3pd5nh5e]

Hello, Leigh! Is it true that Genos 2 will be released on November 15?

[@LeighWilbraham]

Yes

[@Jacklevics]

Finally got your hands on one! 😃

[@LeighWilbraham]

Yeh, thanks to the fantastic guys at Scan computers who are Ketron Dealers - not far from you! You should pay them a visit.

[@Jacklevics]

Has some amazing sound. Ketron has amazing accordions and brass as usual. And some brilliant live styles. Bloody expensive though at £4,300. Don’t think I’d buy one at that. Might do if I’m gonna try get another workstation. We don’t have anywhere in Sheffield anymore after Rimmer’s got rid of the keys/piano products.

[@quimferreira6984]

Good morning, I find it impressive how you changed your opinion practically from one moment to the next, because approximately 6 months ago in your first impressions about the Event, most of it was negative, and there hasn't been such a big change since then. , but OK. Compliments

[@X22GJP]

Clue...first impressions (based on the GUI alone, not surprised). Another clue...6 months, that's not just "one moment".

[@mikelorenz4861]

I find it interesting that you make sweeping judgements after having the instrument for such a short time. You need to customize it, edit the sounds to your liking, same for the styles and the set custom sounds to the ABCD voices. I use QSC speakers and it sounds great.

[@X22GJP]

When somebody is experienced enough, they know what they like and they get a feel for things. He mentions good points as well, and in a more recent video he warms to it more, but is still on the fence...why? Well, you said it right there, "need to...", followed by a bunch of things you don't "need to" on something like Genos/Genos2. Yes it can sound great, but if you need to put effort into making it sound great, that will immediately appeal to a different audience. Same with synths and keyboards in general - some prefer surfing presets, some prefer getting hands on and tinkering to get the exact sound they want. For me, an arrange is all about having fun, and while I'm not saying this isn't fun, I'm saying it's clearly not as refined or immediate as its peers. Plus, as I commented previously in this video, the UI on the touch screen, to quote Leigh's reply, "looks like a game GUI from a child’s toy". It looks dated, cumbersome, unintuitive, and uninspiring, with no care or thought put into alignment of, and spacing between elements - it's a dogs dinner. When something as critical as the GUI has been neglected, what else has? At least that's just software though, and I'm not designer either, but it really drags the rest of the instrument down.

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

I have never had a Ketron so I would play it DEFAULT. You cant ask of me to edit anything on it as everything should work right at default. After spending over £4K for one I expect it to work out of the box or after an update if required. If the Piano sounds like that at Default with Hiss and Squeeking Chairs included in the sound file there is nothing you can do with that.

​@@X22GJPj'ai eu des dizaines de synthétisers en orchestre et depuis quelques années,je prends des claviers arrangeurs,mais je les ai toujours programmés pour qu'il me ressemble et pour obtenir le meilleur bien-sûr.Les claviers Ketron sont différents des autres marques,il suffit de comprendre le principe de Ketron et ensuite c'est un plaisir de jouer et pour mon compte de faire danser un public. Une très bonne continuation musicale et vive la musique 🎹.

[@france4me117]

I have put my name down for the new Yamaha Genos 2 at the Yamaha dealership in Melbourne, Australia …

Ce Ketron évent est le seul des différentes Marques ''haut de gamme'' à être vraiment fait pour faire danser tout de suite un public 👍🎹. Korg et Yamaha sont excellents aussi et seront utiles pour d'autres applications comme le '' home studio ect ''...

[@LeighWilbraham]

As long as it doesn’t crash right away

[@therationalpiper7428]

It seems like it will suffer a few growing pains through this first generation of the real audio tracks, but what it does well, it does extremely well. Yamaha and Korg have to beat Ketron on real audio tracks or they will quickly fall behind. Is there any chance Genos 2 will have "real" tracks?

[@LeighWilbraham]

Real audio is flawed as a mainstream concept. You’re limited in what tempo you can use and the processing power to make it all work isn’t quite there yet. Audio also limits style creation to pre made phrases. Nice idea but ultimately flawed.

[@MishazBts]

I have to say that the hiss on the piano is actually really nice . That’s how an actual piano recording sounds so i think its on purpose

[@LeighWilbraham]

Haha yeh right.!!

[@france4me117]

Why would one bother buying a keyboard arranger which is evidence of "hit and miss" sounds and styles ... Also from what I heard, this keyboard is intended for those that love lots of noice. Each to his own I suppose! Also, why on earth would have have the "Fill & Break" and other important feature on the screen rather then having physical buttons! Bazar I say!

[@MrGenijus]

thank you.

[@goldstraw360]

The ergonomics are a complete mess. Why have the selectable sounds straddling either side of the 'drawbars' and 'bass' panels? And why indeed put 'organ' in a standalone part of the interface?

[@mrdali67]

Agree that the UI is kinda messy. I won't say that Yamaha is perfect in everything, but at least Its more intuitive than the Ketron. I remember back when It was named Solton. The instruments back then was liked by many solo players that played at family parties because the instruments was intuitive and the arrangements werent overfilled like many of the popular Roland arrangers. You could play normal popular german and scandinavian music without having to purchase extra styles, and many of those Roland stylecards sounded big and fancy but was pretty much useless untill it got possible to edit the styles yourself on the keyboards.

[@goldstraw360]

@@mrdali67 I've been critical of Yamaha ergonomics on some of their keyboards (the original Motifs being a prime example) but the Tyros/Genos/Clavinova model is one which is pretty tried and tested. As for making the fill button a 'soft' one, nowhere near the other bits of the style navigation, what's all that about? I'm all for doing things differently, but often there are good reasons why things are where they generally are.

[@mrdali67]

@@goldstraw360 Yea, thats one that annoys me too, same as the ritandando function requires you to hold down the ending, but it would require yet more buttons to be miffed together in a pretty small busy area

[@jesua301]

Ketron has most realistic sounding styles by default. But you can achieve this also on Yamaha Genos and Korg by adding audio samples on expansion memory. Then you get better sounding styles but also better sound quality of their keyboard comes out. Ketron needs to work alot more on sounds for the right hand. They are not that versatile and they sound old.

[@bri3331]

Best keyboard on the market by a mile

[@LeighWilbraham]

Oh get real. It doesn’t even have a 16 track sequencer.

[@X22GJP]

“Best keyboard on the market by a mile…in my opinion of course.” There, fixed it for ya’. Tried them all have you, as in every single keyboard out there? You may well like it, might even be your favourite keyboard that you personally have experienced, but categorically stating something is the best just shows you’re looking for confirmation bias and didn’t find it here. Happens a lot with technology and choice. In the gaming world we call those fanboys.

[@bri3331]

@@X22GJPI’ve had the Tyros 5 and Genos 1 both are fine but if you think about it it’s all midi with my event I’m playing with live drums every night I play so yeah I can say the Ketron Event is the best by a mile and don’t come back with anything about the new Genos it’s still just a slight update to Genos 1 😂

[@mrdali67]

I honestly couldn't hear what you were on about with that one Piano sample, or maybe just need to hear it very loud for the noise to come thru. I am sure you wouldn't mention it if there werent some noise, it just doesn't seem to be noticeable on the video's audio. But that Rhodes E piano sound was horrible. That click makes it absolutely unusable. The other E. Pianos is great. Generally I found many of the sounds where great. I think the problem with some of the sounds is I suspect they use the same samples and just adjust the filter and then call them something else. Yamaha also do this trick. There really isn't that much diff between the Kino and Seatle Strings. I suspect they have some different samples and then just split them at different points to make it sound like its a different sample set. Some of the Arrangements on the Event do sound very good. Where this "audio" style falls apart imo is when you can't find a voice like those beutifull pedal steel parts that is clearly from a real played instrument, if you want to play it yourself, it's suddenly worlds apart. You might just record a band doing the whole backing and play along it.

[@LeighWilbraham]

Try listening with headphones - Theres a noise in the E sample and because of room noise, when you play 2 notes you really hear the noise level.

[@LeighWilbraham]

The other major DOWN side is theres no real 16 track sequencer, so if you wanted to record an arrangement, you can't. It's a very nice sounding instruments in some sections, but then it sounds like an old 80's instrument in many others. Part 2 of my review will cover more styles and voices.

[@videaste59]

i ;ve a Event 61 and ilove it ; because it's done for live ! not studio production , i;ve a PA5X 76 too , but not for the same job , you should go in depth to the instrument and you would appreciate it more ! @@LeighWilbraham

[@LeighWilbraham]

@@videaste59 there’s little to appreciate. Too many bugs and too many chances for the instrument to lock up. I can’t advocate anyone buying this keyboard as it is.

[@tedkieltyka4243]

I think you have to more explore Ketron. I was with Korg, Yamaha then Roland 4years ego I discover Ketron sd9 then my firs impression was like yours. After know and understand ketron build concept I have to tell you this is only instrument for real music production people. This is not a instrument you sit and play and sound the same like others. By ability to change everything using modelling section style sound different then original and you sound different. You not need to have 16 track sequencer this is a different concept of arranging music then others competitors. (To change a next page of style or voice you have to press for page 4 four times button not scroll)

[@LeighWilbraham]

It’s an awful instrument to play live

[@jamesjuke7505]

Hey Leigh... Great demonstration Thank you. I was laughing along with you... How on earth this is priced alongside top end Korg and Yamaha is beyond me...? It's horrible! This explains what Mr enthusiastic in the promo video's was hiding it's a very expensive Bontempi.

[@tom221263]

What‘s wrong with me? I turn 60 in a few days and i like my Event very much🤷‍♂️. Also the Genos 2 and PA5x and some other stuff. So no need to shame for the Event

[@LeighWilbraham]

It’s a shame there’s so many major bugs with it.

[@giannitastierix]

Dear dear dear!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Frand!!!! You his the Number One!!!!!! Much much complimenti for yout music,!!!!! THANK my frand!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@LeighWilbraham]

@@giannitastierix what??

[@tonyvandoorne6933]

No one touch settings???

[@LeighWilbraham]

Nothing like a normal keyboard. Very different.

[@marcoangeli5915]

It sounds wonderfully good.

[@LeighWilbraham]

I what way does it sound good explain.

[@aTouchoClass]

@marcoangeli5915 I love the part where you go into detail what exactly is good sounding here.

[@aTouchoClass]

Why is there no accordion music in Star Trek? Because it takes place in the future!

[@LeighWilbraham]

Hahaha

[@MsBlackhorse23]

A lot of these styles sound alike and I think I would soon get bored with them. Having 6 sounds in each voice is a step forward tho.

[@briansture4353]

This keyboard gives me the impression it has been designed for someone who likes loud party music and there are many who will buy it as it could make a weak player sound great to his or her family and friends. But from a truly professional point of view that is another kettle of fish. Possibly would sound great on a loud lo-fi budget system which a lot of people own. It's like a photograph with a lot of blurred noise, it hides the detail and amazingly people don't notice it, but others who see it hate it. I have made two copies one of you playing sounds on the Genos and the other copy of the Event. Played on my Acapella Audio Arts Speakers the Genos' purity of sound absolutely kills it.

[@LeighWilbraham]

You’re clearly a pro with a fine ear for detail. You’re 100% right. It’s like listening to Chopin through a sponge. The sound detail is truly muddy and lacks detail.

[@predragcvetkovic2871]

I think it depends what you want to use the arranger for. In a studio recording setup, Genos beats PA5X and Event. I agree. In live performances in a large room with lots of noise, it looks different. Genos is lacking the volume and ability to penetrate the room/hall. Also in a band setting Genos tends to go under because it's more of a high-fi experience rather than an articulated sound. There's a reason why there are different types of speakers for home audio, studio recording and live performances. The same is true for keyboards. I'd prefer Ketron and PA5X for live music over Genos. For recording and composing songs, I'd rather go with Genos.

[@aTouchoClass]

@@predragcvetkovic2871Well, it sure depends on what kind of music you make, no?

[@predragcvetkovic2871]

@@aTouchoClass Agree. That was my first sentence

[@vineeshkannur2227]

Available not india😭 buy ? Super keybord

[@user-mp4or5db6l]

u heeft er een hele goede video van gemaakt

[@timpullen4941]

Ek stem saam. Dit is n baaie mooi instrument.

[@marcThysebaert]

Nice demo but give me the Korg Pa5x Musikant

[@tastenfan2010]

IMPORTANT about DRUM EQ : In the View&Modeling Page you can change and SAVE the EQ-Settings for every DRUM-EQ-Preset. Please change Flat-Preset to your needs, so every Style will play the Drums with your saved EQ. Best Regards!

[@LeighWilbraham]

That’s not what I want to do. I want to make a global change - not have to go into every style and change it.

[@tastenfan2010]

Every Factory-Style recall the Flat-Eq-Preset. If you change that Flat-Preset to your needs all the Styles takes this changed Flat-Preset. 😊

[@LeighWilbraham]

@@tastenfan2010 I tried that and it didn’t work

[@tastenfan2010]

After making your changes please save them as Factory. From now on all the Styles recalling this EQ-Preset FLAT sounds with your saved settings.@@LeighWilbraham

[@smyrnian_]

Almost sounds as good as a Roland E20

[@LeighWilbraham]

Almost but not quite LOL

[@BooXdk]

Seriously was thinking exactly that… why would anyone buy this one over a Genos, it’s just terrible, judging from as far away as KZbin 😳

[@france4me117]

I believe this Kenton is Italian so it instantly just want to make love and disco beats LOL

[@kristinapistova7335]

Ketron is best

[@aszandek]

Not mine favorite. Crazy, laggy, buggy OS. Plus worse sounds then Medeli AKX10 on most cases.

[@LeighWilbraham]

The voices are superior to medelli to be fair. Medelli takes the medal for worst voices. But you could buy 5 medelli for the price of one Ketron.

[@aszandek]

@@LeighWilbrahamYes, in some cases, it can be true, but Ketron is more noisy and some samples are out of phase (like drums). In this case I am unable to hear it more than 10 minutes. Medelli got 20 minutes. Kurzweil, Korg, Yamaha has much better sounds in them whole pallette on a half or similar price than Ketron.

[@verifiedcustomerid8046]

Good review, I wouldn't pay more than 1000 dollars for this keyboard. For 500 I have the best and most advanced synthesizer called Avenger and it sounds professional, the rhythms here sound canned from the 90's

[@X22GJP]

Ah the old chalk and cheese comparison, stated again as fact like you’ve tested every single keyboard on the market. Don’t get me wrong, I think the Ketron looks dated, especially the GUI, and definitely not worth the entry fee, but those canned rhythms from gone by eras, guess what? That’s the whole point about arrangers. They are not synthesisers, and don’t pretend to be, although the lines are blurring slightly, looking at you Montage M and Genos2.

[@user-mp4or5db6l]

u heef helemaal het is een onding,en dat voor dat geld.mijn Genos is 10x beter en het kan ook veel meer. dat heb u zelf al onder vonden.Ik vind het zonde van me geld ik heb er spijt van dat ik deze heb gekocht .Het is een bud ding maar dan meet ee grote K ,jammer jammer .Misschien haald u er meer uit

[@X22GJP]

Whoever designed that UI wants sacking. Looks like someone who doesn’t know how to use PowerPoint or Viso just put loads of rounded boxes on the screen with old fashioned shading like it’s still the thing to do. Even worse is the fact that the gaps between elements on the pages are inconsistent and boxes don’t line up with each other horizontally or vertically. I know it’s ultimately about the sound, but that has to be one of the ugliest looking interfaces I’ve seen in decades, and if that’s the care they lavish there, where else have they compromised?

[@LeighWilbraham]

It looks like a game GUI from a child’s toy. The design is old looking and amateurish

[@X22GJP]

@@LeighWilbraham Ha, yeah it definitely needs a bit of a makeover, but, it's only software at the end of the day so easier to fix than any hardware flaws.

[@thegambl3r]

Genos 2 it is then 😁

[@mrdali67]

ya .. heh I baught the Genos 3 months ago cause my P9000 Pro was starting to fail. and now they lowered the price at Thomann. Pretty sure the strange news from Yamaha about 15. november might be it. My biggest issue is .. I'm kinda blown away with the new Montage M8x .. Genos 2 vs Montage .. Question is if Thomann is even gonna sell them. Don't think Yamaha's new sales strathegy is very popular

[@france4me117]

The New Yamaha Montage M8x is a Workstation Synthesiser and NOT a professional Arranger keyboard like the Genos ... The Genos is almost a one stop shop for those that want styles and brilliant sounds. You will not find styles of a professional and may I add, industry leader such as the Yamaha Montage M8x / M7 and M6 ...

[@vedonis]

Not my type sorry,

[@flow.digital]

Hi Leigh! Can you do a Yamaha Genos 2 vs Ketron Event video?

[@LeighWilbraham]

It wouldn’t be a fair comparison- and I really don’t like comparison videos as each instrument is down to personal choice. How can anyone compare styles - every one is unique.

[@andromeda3542]

@@LeighWilbraham No, that is not thereal reason, because you know that soundwise the Ketron wins.

[@LeighWilbraham]

@@andromeda3542 yeh of course - that’s why LOLOLOL

[@frankr7239]

Are you ready for the new Yamaha Geno's in November

[@LeighWilbraham]

Oh yes. Finally a decent arranger (I hope)

[@france4me117]

I have no reason to believe that it's not going to the the best on the market as Yamaha as you well know Leigh will have done all there research and best musicians would have worked tirelessly to make sure they will keep the tradition of Yamaha ethos ... One look at the New Montage line of professional and amy I add leader in that space alongside the Korg NAUTILUS as the Kronos has been discontinued really mean business ...