From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Sun Nov 07 07:40:58 2004
Subject:Korg CX-3 "FAQ"

Hi All,

I've noticed that a number of CX3 V1 questions are surfacing lately, which means that these 3-4 year old instruments must be starting to enter the used market in significant numbers. I've receive several other queries off this list.

Why? Who knows? It could be that the present owners have found other gear that they like better, causing them to sell their CX. I could be that the recent ebb in Hammond-centric recordings caused some owners to recognize that their dedicated Hammond doesn't get much use, and gear lust for other products has forced the sale. Whatever the reason, I thought I might put down everything I know about the CX-3's journey from "birth" to V2. Some of you may remember that I was one of the earlier players who took the CX-3 plunge, and that I got involved in the debug of the early OS versions, which had some problems. OK, here's a sort of Korg CX-3 "FAQ" for members considering purchasing one.

1. The Korg CX-3 V1 (version 1 OS) came out in late 1999. This version had white keys with thick, rounded lips on the edges, rather than a true waterfall keyboard. My understanding is that Korg wanted the waterfall keys, but they weren't ready in time for the release of the product. The key lip is smooth enough that I never had problems with smears, glisses, etc. on a V1 CX-3. I still had my CX-3 for a couple of weeks after I moved up to the BX-3, and I found little difference between the feel of the waterfall and non-waterfall keys, especially when comparing the BX-3's lower manual to the CX-3. (Both manuals are directly attached to the wooden case.)

2. There were problems with excessive key bounce on very early models, requiring a hardware update (keyboard swap) to eliminate to flaw. There were also software issues in some of the early OS versions. Korg Canada briefly released an update to OS version "M111500/S111400" which fixed most of the bugs, but it was pulled because the installation software was not meant for end users. This version is pretty stable, and anyone who sent their CX-3 in for the keyboard swap probably got this upgrade, even if it wasn't requested.

3. An even later version of the software, "M01070501/S111400" was used in the last CX-3 V1 units. This is the "best" V1 software, but its changes from the M111500 version are comparatively minor. No M01070501 update was ever released to the public.

4. If you are in the market for a used CX-3 V1, the whole saga is documented at --

http://music.ashbysolutions.com/clonewheel/cx-3bug.html

5. In 2001 (?), Korg released the BX-3, a two-keyboard version of the CX-3. Korg made a lot of changes in the BX-3, based on feedback from CX-3 owners, including this author. The BX-3 added true waterfall keys, and a number of software-based changes in the OS. The most significant change was the softening of the drawbar balance, which eliminated much of the last-octave shrillness that owners complained about. Other changes included a "dark" reverb sound, the ability to adjust the keyboard triggering to standard MIDI-keyboard full-travel style, dual manual operation in EX mode, and improvements in the Leslie sim and Wheel Brake. There were many more updates, which can be seen at --

www.korg.com/downloads/pdf/Addendum_CX3V2.pdf

6. The changes went over so well that Korg decided to release a "CX-3 Version 2," with the same waterfall keyboard and basic OS as the BX-3. This is the model that can still be purchased new. Korg also released an OS upgrade to allow V1 users to have the same sound as the V2 design. This upgrade is still available on the Korg website, in PC Windows format only (no Mac OS or Linux versions). It is easy to run, but not 100% bullet-proof; mostly because the CX-3 was never meant to be a user-upgraded product. If one is handy with firmware upgrades -- think: PC motherboard BIOS -- has a PC running Windows 2000 or higher, a "quality" MIDI interface with the latest drivers, and comfortable with the risks, the OS upgrade can be accomplished in 15-30 minutes. If you don't fall into this category, an authorized Korg repair center can do the work. If the upgrade fails, the mainboard must be replaced; there is no other way to restore the OS. The download can be found at --

www.korg.com/service/downloadinfo.asp?DID=453

7. One change in V2 which has met with mixed reviews is the vibrato chorus. Most owners agree that the V1's C1/C2/C3 balance is too heavy, compared to an "average" B-3. Many owners, however, feel that the new balance is too light, and given the choice, some of them would rather have the V1 levels back. I used to feel that way, but I've grown accustomed to the V2 settings, and the other benefits of V2 far outweigh the vibrato changes, IMHO. YMMV. It is possible to revert back to V1 through a software update, but it's not a DIY affair.

8. There is no SOUND difference between the CX-3 V2 and the BX-3. There are minor FEATURE differences between the two, mostly based on the addition of the second keyboard and the Pitch and Mod wheels.

9. The Expression pedal on a CX-3/BX-3 is a Korg-labeled version of the Yamaha FC-7. If yours is lost or stolen, an FC-7 will work perfectly. The pinout of the FC-7 is different than most expression/volume pedals, and replacements from Roland, Fatar, and others will require a modification or an adapter cable to work. Essentially, the problem is that the "tip" and "ring" connections are reversed between the two styles (Yamaha and Roland/Fatar).

I hope this helps someone.

Regards,

-BW
--
Bruce Wahler
Ashby Solutions™ http://music.ashbysolutions.com
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com