From emilindru@yahoo.com Sun Dec 22 19:54:00 2002
Subject:Re: CX-3, Versions 1vs. 2


--- b3burner@ca.astounditv.net wrote:
> I have heard lots of talk about the Korg CX-3
> versions 1 and 2. I need some things cleared up for
> me.
>
> First, I understand that there was an old CX-3 that
> came out in the early 1980's or so. Is that
> correct?

Yup!

Then there is a new CX-3, presumably the
> only one I have ever seen, that came out in late
> 2000/ early 2001.
>

That's right

> Now my understanding is that the difference between
> version 1 and 2 is all within the realm of the "new"
> CX-3. That is, version 1 was the CX-3 that I first
> saw in 2001, and version 2 is the one that is now
> coming out in late fall 2002. Am I correct?

Once again, yes.

I don't own a CX-3, but I've
> played on one, and there's no place to insert disks
> or switch software, so what do people mean when they
> say they are going to upgrade their CX-3 to version
> 2?

They mean they reprogram the processor instructions
via an uploader program (designed by the company) wich
sends all new (or old) data via midi system exclusive
messages. In other words, you only need a computer
with a midi interface, two midi cables, and the
updater file.

Do they mean go to the store and buy a whole new
> keyboard, or take their existing keyboard to the
> shop, and have a tech take it apart and install the
> upgrade?
>

It's a piece of cake, should you be confident on basic
midi related computer operations. The program does all
for you. However, there's a risk of damaging the unit:
the upload is destructive (it eliminates the old data
in order to install the new one; if something goes
wrong with the upload you can say bye bye to your OS!)

> What are the principal differences between versions
> 1 and 2?

2 has a few not worth mentioning (IMO) extra
functions.

> I read someone's post last week that said version 2
> has waterfall keys.

He meant TRUE waterfall keys

Well, the CX-3 that I first saw
> in March of 2001 (which I presume was version 1)
> also had waterfall keys, so I'm confused what the
> author of that post meant.

The version one keys are ordinary diving board keys
glued/atached to a lower piece wich makes the keys
look squared. I'm assuming It may be certainly cheaper
to produce. However, that results in a undesirable lip
that hammond purists seem to dislike, and the
construction by the two key pieces assembly makes it
weaker by nature.

>
> When I walk into a music store and see a CX-3, how
> do I know (just looking at it) whether it is version
> 1 or 2?

If it has that lip on the keys, then its V1. If it
don't it's V2. And if has the lip on the keys but you
see a drawbar animation when you power on the unit,
then its a V1 with V2's software loaded in.

> If anyone can answer some of these questions, I
> would be able to follow the CX-3 threads on the CWSG
> a little better.
>
> Thanks, John O'Flaherty
>

You're welcome,
E.


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