Grandstage X - Table of contents Table of contents Introduction ........................5 About this manual......................6 Main features........................ 7 Panel description and functions.................8 Front panel........................9 Rear panel ........................15 Connecting and getting ready to play ..............18 Making connections....................19 Connecting audio devices ..................19 Connecting the included power cord ..............
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BASIC......................... 73 CTRL (CONTROLLERS) ..................75 SYSTEM ........................78 FILE ..........................79 MIDI settings ......................81 MIDI connections and settings ................82 About MIDI .......................82 Connecting the Grandstage X to a MIDI device or computer......82 MIDI messages......................87 MIDI messages transmitted/received by the Grandstage X ......87...
Grandstage X - Introduction Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Korg Grandstage X. To take full advantage of this instrument’s functionality and ensure years of trouble-free operation, please read this manual carefully before use. → About this manual...
If you operate this instrument incorrectly or the unit malfunctions, the contents of the memory may be lost. For this reason, we recommend that you save any important data to an SD card. Please be aware that Korg will accept no responsibility for any damages which may result from loss of data. Cables To avoid malfunctions, make sure the cable that you use to connect the following jacks is no more than 3 m long.
- Introduction Main features The Korg Grandstage X is a stage piano that was designed in the pursuit of onstage playability, offer- ing a rich variation of sounds including the greatest acoustic and electric piano sounds, along with functionality that’s effective for playing the sounds you want and performing in the way that you like...
→ Using unison to create thick, spacious sounds RHYTHM (Rhythm section) The Grandstage X features an authentic rhythm function with drums and bass. This lets you enjoy a virtual session with drums and bass, which follow the chord progression you play or program in advance.
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(in a fortissimo style) with greater stability. This is good for making the sound of the Grandstage X stand out when you play in a band ensemble. When you move the slider down from cen- ter position, you can play with a wider range of dynamics from a strong fortissimo to a delicate pia- nissimo.
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Use these buttons to select the programs from categories, which are assigned to the MAIN, LAYER and SPLIT parts on the Grandstage X. You can also use these to save the sounds you’ve created and then select them as favorites.
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Grandstage X - Panel description and functions FAVORITE button Press this to select a favorite. → Selecting favorites REVERB/DELAY (Reverb/Delay section) Sets the reverb and delay effects. The settings can be saved as favorites. ON/OFF button Turns the reverb and delay effects on/off. When this is on (the button lights up), the reverb/delay set- tings are enabled.
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When this button on the front panel is on, you can mix the sound of the device or equipment con- nected to the AUDIO INPUT jacks on the rear panel with the sound of the Grandstage X. This lets you smoothly turn the mic’s audio on/off without touching the mic itself, when you’re singing while play-...
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Grandstage X - Panel description and functions This is the power button. The button lights up when the power is on. Long-press to turn the power off. → Turning the power on/off Auto power-off function When four hours have passed without the keyboard or controls being used, the power automatically turns off (this is the factory default setting).
The Grandstage X features audio input jacks for connecting a mic, external audio equipment, other instruments and so on. You can mix this audio input with the sound of the Grandstage X and send this sound to the AUDIO OUTPUT jacks.
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You can use a commercially available SD card to load and save the favorites data from/to the Grand- stage X. For instance, you can load the favorites data you saved on the Grandstage X in your home into a Grandstage X at a live performance venue or rehearsal studio, which lets you use the same favorites right away.
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~ACV (AC power connector) Connect the included power cord here. We recommend that you first connect the power cord to the Grandstage X, and then connect the other end of the cord to an AC outlet. → Connecting the included power cord...
This explains how to get the Grandstage X ready to play. Connecting audio devices The Grandstage X does not have built-in speakers. To hear what you play, you’ll need to connect audio equipment such as powered monitor speakers or a mixer, or a pair of headphones to the respective AUDIO OUTPUT jacks on the rear panel.
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Note: The output from the AUDIO OUTPUT is not turned off even if you connect a pair of headphones to the head- phones jack. Connecting the damper pedal Connect the included DS-1H damper pedal to the DAMPER jack on the rear panel. Do not press the pedal while you turn on the power or connect the pedal to the Grandstage X.
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Grandstage X - Connecting and getting ready to play Attaching the music stand Attach the included music stand as shown in the illustration below.
Grandstage X - Connecting and getting ready to play Connecting the included power cord Use only the power cord that was included with this instrument. Using any other power cord may cause malfunctions. Make sure that your AC outlet is the correct voltage for your instrument.
Once the name of the sound (program) appears in the display, you’re ready to play. Turn on the power of the external equipment that’s connected to the Grandstage X’s AUDIO OUTPUT jacks, such as a mixer or powered monitor speakers.
Grandstage X - Selecting and playing sounds Selecting sounds Selecting the main sound program Press a button in the PART CONTROL section. Only the MAIN part plays by itself (SOLO). Use the slider to adjust the volume to the optimal level.
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SUB CAT: Shows programs narrowed down by subcategory. VARIATION: Shows only the variation programs for the currently selected program. : Registers your favorite programs on the Grandstage X. Use the function buttons to select these functions. *1: Press the leftmost function button corresponding to “LIKED” at the bottom row on the display to filter only the programs (the programs you registered as favorites).
Grandstage X - Selecting and playing sounds Selecting sound programs for layers and splits Selecting sounds for layers When you layer the programs, the programs for the MAIN and LAYER parts play together when you play the keyboard. Select the program to use for the MAIN part.
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Grandstage X - Selecting and playing sounds Selecting sounds for splits When you play the keyboard, the right side of the keyboard plays the program for the MAIN part, and the left side of the keyboard plays the program for the SPLIT part.
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Grandstage X - Selecting and playing sounds Setting a layer and split at the same time When you play the keyboard, the right side of the keyboard plays the programs for the MAIN and LAYER parts, and the left side of the keyboard plays the program for the SPLIT part.
Grandstage X - Selecting and playing sounds Using unison to create thick, spacious sounds This feature stacks and plays the same note together multiple times, creating a thick and spacious sound. Tip: This is applied only to the MAIN part program by default.
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Grandstage X - Selecting and playing sounds BRASS Brass, reed and woodwind instruments. Includes realistic brass sections and wind instruments. SYNTH Synthesizer sounds • An assortment of many standard sounds, focusing on polyphonic synthesizer sounds like pads and sounds that fade out.
Grandstage X - Selecting and playing sounds Adjusting the sound Two wheels plus SW1 and SW2 The controls on the left side of the front panel include the pitch bend wheel, modulation wheel, SW1 and SW2 buttons (from left to right). These controllers are configured to make effective use of each sound.
When this button is on, you can mix the sound of the device or equipment connected to the AUDIO INPUT jacks on the rear panel with the sound of the Grandstage X. This lets you smoothly turn the mic’s audio on/off without touching the mic itself, when you’re singing while playing, talking to the audience between songs and so on.
Note: The Grandstage X will automatically detect the polarity of the pedal switch and damper pedal that are con- nected. The pedal position will be considered to be off when the Grandstage X power is turned on, or when the pedal is connected.
Grandstage X - Selecting and playing sounds Adjusting the key touch and sound Changing the key touch This shows you how to adjust how the volume and tone change in response to how hard you play the keys (velocity). Press the KEY TOUCH section button to turn it ON (the button lights up).
→ Save options for the ANALOG TONE section parameters (Analog Tone) About Nutube Nutube is a new vacuum tube developed by KORG INC. and Noritake Itron Corporation that utilizes technology from vacuum fluorescent displays. As with conventional vacuum tubes, the Nutube is con- structed with an anode, grid and filament, and operates as a complete triode tube.
Note: The split point does not change when transpose is used. Panel lock The Grandstage X features a Panel Lock function to prevent the programs on the panel from acciden- tally being changed by hitting the wrong button or knob while playing.
When the AUDIO IN button on the front panel is on (lit), you can mix the sound of the mic or audio equipment connected to the AUDIO INPUT jacks on the rear panel with the sound of the Grandstage X. You can also apply reverb and other effects to the audio that’s input to the AUDIO INPUT jacks.
Follow the steps in “Connecting a mic” to connect a sound source. If you’re using a sound source with stereo outputs, connect the outputs to the AUDIO INPUT L/ MONO and R jacks on the Grandstage X. → Connecting a mic Set the MIC/LINE switch on the rear panel to the “LINE”...
Using the rhythm for a virtual session with drums and bass The Grandstage X features an authentic rhythm function with drums and bass. This lets you enjoy a virtual session with drums and bass, which follow the chord progression you play or program in advance.
Grandstage X - Selecting and playing sounds Making the chords progress automatically for a virtual session with drums and bass Press the CHORD PROGRESSION button to turn it ON (the button lights up). Press the SETUP button to set the rhythm style and tempo. (You can also do this while the rhythm plays.)
Grandstage X - Creating favorites Creating favorites → Favorites function → Selecting favorites → Saving your favorites → Editing a program → Reverb/delay settings...
Grandstage X - Creating favorites Favorites function You can save the MAIN, LAYER and SPLIT settings as well as the front panel settings and other vari- ous settings in the display as a “favorite”, which you can recall instantly. There are 10 banks of 10 favorites for a total of 100 favorites that you can save.
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Grandstage X - Creating favorites By operating the panel, you can edit the programs and combinations, as well as the reverb/delay set- tings for each part for the currently selected favorite. You can also edit the sound of the program you are using.
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Grandstage X - Creating favorites Parameters that can be saved as a favorite • PART CONTROL MAIN: ON/OFF, PROGRAM, LEVEL LAYER: ON/OFF, PROGRAM, LEVEL SPLIT: ON/OFF, PROGRAM, LEVEL • UNISON (ON/OFF, DEPTH) • REVERB/DELAY (ON/OFF, TYPE, DEPTH, TIME) • SW1/SW2 •...
Grandstage X - Creating favorites Selecting favorites Press the FAVORITE button in the SOUND SELECT section. The FAVORITE button and the button in the SOUND SELECT section that corresponds to the cur- rently selected bank number light up blue. Press the SOUND SELECT 1–10 buttons in the SOUND SELECT section to select a favorite.
Grandstage X - Creating favorites Saving your favorites Favorites that have been changed will return to their previous saved state, if you select a different favorite or turn off the power. Make sure to write any favorites that you’ve edited to memory if you want to save them.
Grandstage X - Creating favorites Editing a program You can make basic adjustments to the sound and effects of the programs you select. Edited pro- grams can be saved as a favorite. How to edit Select the program to edit.
Normally, this is set to “0”. Tune: -100 ... 0 ... +100 (cents) Sets the pitch of the Grandstage X in cents (1 semitone=100 cents). The pitch is adjustable within a range of ±100 cents. For instance, this could be used to slightly detune the layered sounds in a program, to create a thicker sound.
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Grandstage X - Creating favorites Sound parameters 1–6 Adjusts the sound parameters of a program. The editable parameters differ for each program. There are a maximum of six sound parameters already set for effectively adjusting each sound. See the Program List in the “Sound Name List” for the sound parameters.
Grandstage X - Creating favorites Reverb/delay settings The REVERB/DELAY section adds reverberations or reflections to the sound, as if you were playing in a different space like a hall or on a stage. You can also use this to simulate the spring reverb or tape echo effects found on vintage instruments, as well as effects produced by dedicated effect units like shimmer reverb.
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Grandstage X - Creating favorites The settings in this section can be saved as a favorite. The sound can be played right after changing the reverb or delay effect settings, but the settings will return to their previous saved state if you select a different favorite or turn off the power. To save your settings, be sure to write the favorite to memory.
Grandstage X - Audio In settings Types of settings Use these parameters to configure the audio input-related settings. • Audio In function on/off • Output level • Amount of signal to send to reverb that’s input from Audio In • Insert effects Any changes you make to these settings are automatically written to memory after several seconds, and are retained even after the power is turned off.
Grandstage X - Audio In settings How to make settings The steps for making Audio In settings (described below) basically involve the following operations. Press the AUDIO IN and SYSTEM buttons at the same time. The Audio In-related parameters are shown in the display.
Grandstage X - Audio In settings Audio In parameters Audio In: On, Off Enables/disables the Audio In. When this is set to “On”, the audio signal that’s input from the AUDIO IN L/MONO and R jacks is out- put from the AUDIO OUTPUT L/MONO and R jacks, at a level that you set using the Output Level parameter.
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Grandstage X - Audio In settings Isolator This is a stereo effect that divides the input signal into low, mid- and high-frequency bands, letting you control the volume for each band. For instance, you can use this to cut or boost the sound of the kick, snare and hi-hat in the drum kit separately.
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Grandstage X - Audio In settings Limiter This effect restricts the maximum volume of the input signal to a set level. A limiter works like a com- pressor, but only signals that exceed the specified level are compressed to bring down unnecessary peaks in sound.
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Grandstage X - Audio In settings 3: Wide 3 Center frequencies [Hz] Band 1200 3200 7500 18000 4: Half Wide 1 Center frequencies [Hz] Band 1500 3000 6500 10000 5: Half Wide 2 Center frequencies [Hz] Band 1500 3000 6000...
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Grandstage X - Audio In settings 7: Low Center frequencies [Hz] Band 8: Wide Low Center frequencies [Hz] Band 1000 2000 4000 9: Mid Center frequencies [Hz] Band 1000 1200 1600 2500 3200 4000 10: Wide Mid Center frequencies [Hz]...
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Grandstage X - Audio In settings 11: High Center frequencies [Hz] Band 5000 6300 8000 10000 12500 16000 18000 12: Wide High Center frequencies [Hz] Band 1000 2000 4000 6300 8000 12500 16000 Band1–7 Gain: -18.0...+18.0 [dB] Adjusts the gain for bands 1–7.
Grandstage X - Setting the rhythm Types of rhythm settings You can configure the various rhythm functions including rhythm style, tempo, bass/drum levels and more. • Rhythm style • Rhythm performance tempo • Levels for the bass and drums • Bass inversion •...
Grandstage X - Setting the rhythm Steps for setting the rhythm The steps for making rhythm settings basically involve the following operations. Press the SETUP button in the RHYTHM section. The SETUP button lights up. The BASIC page for RHYTHM SETUP is shown in the display.
Grandstage X - Setting the rhythm Chord progression function What is the chord progression function? You can use the chord progression function to select a template of chord progressions that are often used in rock, pop, jazz on other music styles, and then specify a key for the accompaniment. This is useful when you want to practice melodies, solos and so on.
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Grandstage X - Setting the rhythm You can change the type and key even while the accompaniment is playing. If you’ve edited Tip: these settings, these changes are applied at the beginning of the measure. To stop playing, press the / button.
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Grandstage X - Setting the rhythm An underline is shown under the location you’re setting within the measure. To specify a bass note for a chord, press the function button that corresponds to “/BASS”. This highlights “/BASS” in the display.
Grandstage X - Setting the rhythm RHYTHM section parameters Rhythm Style Sets the style for the rhythm. Rhythm Tempo Sets the playback tempo of the rhythm. The tempo can be set within a range of ? =40.00–300.00. Tip: Turn the value dial to edit the integer values. Turn the value dial while holding down the ENTER button to fine-tune the decimal values.
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Grandstage X - Setting the rhythm Note On: The accompaniment starts after you press the / button and then play the keyboard (note-on). Scan Zone Specifies the keyboard range over which chords are recognized. All: Chords are recognized across the entire keyboard.
Grandstage X - System settings Types of system settings The settings that can be made here include overall settings for the Grandstage X including master tune, MIDI, controller functions and so on. [BASIC] • Master Tune (Tune) • MIDI local control (Local Control) •...
Grandstage X - System settings Steps for making system settings The steps for making system settings basically involve the following operations. Press the SYSTEM button. The SYSTEM button lights up. The system parameters are shown in the display. Use the / buttons to select a parameter.
Set whether the Grandstage X’s own keyboard, wheels and other controls will control the Grandstage X’s sound engine (On), or whether the Grandstage X’s own keyboard will only be used to output MIDI messages to external devices, without controlling the Grandstage X’s sound engine (Off).
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- System settings Post-MIDI: Transposes and applies the velocity curve to data before it enters the sound generator. This setting does not have an effect when playing the Grandstage X’s own sounds using this key- board. The default setting is “Pre-MIDI”.
REVERB/DELAY section and the equalizer. (*3) Mod Wheel (#1): Lets you control the modulation wheel effect of the Grandstage X by pedal. MIDI CC#0...#95, #102... #119: Outputs the MIDI control change message that is set. If the Grandstage X supports this control change setting, the effect is applied.
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Calibrate the damper pedal (such as the DS-1H) that is connected to the DAMPER jack. This will adjust the half-damper variable range. Tip: The calibration set here will be stored in memory until you perform the calibration again. Connect the damper pedal to the Grandstage X. → Foot controllers Lift your foot off the damper pedal.
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SWITCH jack. This will adjust the pedal’s variable range. Tip: The calibration set here will be stored in memory until you perform the calibration again. Connect the switch-type foot pedal to the Grandstage X. → Foot controllers Lift your foot off the foot pedal.
This sets the brightness of the rear panel KORG logo. Setting the system ID (System ID) When connecting more than one Grandstage X to your computer, set the system ID for each unit to a different number so that they can be individually recognized.
FILE Saving favorite data (SAVE Favorites) This shows how to save the 100 favorites that have been edited on or written to the Grandstage X to an SD card. For instance, you could save the favorites that you created in your home studio to an SD card, and then reload these favorites in the studio or onstage to the Grandstage X, which will bring back the favorite sounds you created in your home studio.
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Note: To cancel the load operation, press the SYSTEM or EXIT button to exit the system settings. Note: If no SD card is inserted in the SD card slot, or if there is no file extension .FAV in either the KORG/ Grandstage X directory or the directory created when you performed “SAVE Favorites”...
Controlling an external MIDI tone generator from the Grandstage X If you want to use the Grandstage X’s keyboard and controllers to play sounds and otherwise control an external MIDI tone generator, connect the Grandstage X’s MIDI OUT connector to the external MIDI tone generator’s MIDI IN connector with a MIDI cable.
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Tip: Connecting via the USB port is handy when you want to connect the Grandstage X to your computer. Tip: You can set different MIDI channels for the MAIN, LAYER and SPLIT parts. When the Grandstage X is con- nected to an external MIDI sequencer, computer or similar device, this lets you control the three parts of this instrument as separate sound sources.
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MIDI ch Mode (MIDI channel mode) This selects the MIDI channel mode used by the Grandstage X to transmit and receive MIDI data. Global: Uses only the channel set in “MIDI ch”. Only one channel is used for transmitting and receiv- ing data, even when you’re using the LAYER or SPLIT parts.
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MIDI local settings when connecting to an external MIDI sequencer or computer If the Grandstage X is connected to an external MIDI sequencer or computer, and the Echo Back set- ting of the external MIDI sequencer or computer is turned on while the Grandstage X’s local control setting is also on, the performance data generated when you play the Grandstage X’s keyboard is...
Note-on and note-off messages are used to turn notes on and off. When you play a note on the keyboard of the Grandstage X, a note-on message is transmitted; and when you release a note, a note-off message is transmitted. Also, when this instrument receives these messages, the notes on the Grandstage X are turned on or off, according to the note number and velocity of the data received.
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Sound control Pitch bend When you operate the pitch bend wheel on the Grandstage X, the pitch bend effect is applied and a pitch bend change message is transmitted at the same time. When a pitch bend message is received, pitch bend is applied to what you play.
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Modulation depth messages are transmitted when you operate the modulation wheel on the Grandstage X. A value of “0” is transmitted when the wheel is all the way down (minimum position). When this message is received, an effect similar to operating the modulation wheel on the Grandstage X is applied.
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Grandstage X - MIDI settings Controlling using the various controllers Here’s an explanation of some typical ways to use the various controllers. You can select “MIDI CC#0” through “MIDI CC#119” for the Foot Pedal and Switch parameters in sys- tem settings.
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This message is transmitted and received to synchronize this instrument with another MIDI device. The Grandstage X automatically synchronizes with an external device if it receives a dynamic clock from that device. When no dynamic clock is received, this instrument uses the internal tempo to transmit dynamic clocks.
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If you set “Master Volume” for the foot pedal function in system settings, this message is transmitted when you operate the pedal, which changes the output volume at the final stage. When this message is received, an effect similar to operating the pedal on the Grandstage X is applied. - Master Fine Tuning...
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How the Grandstage X works when transmitting/receiving control change messages The way that the Grandstage X works when receiving control change messages, as well as the opera- tions of the controllers on the Grandstage X that correspond to the control change messages and how the settings are related are shown below.
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Equivalent to toggling SW2 on/ Controller (CC#81) 0...63(Off), 64...127(On) 82...90 Data Increment Data Decrement NRPN (LSB) NRPN (MSB) RPN (LSB) RPN (MSB) 102...119 *1: The volume control via MIDI channel messages for the Grandstage X is a combination of Volume (CC#7) and Expression (CC#11).
The sound is distorted. • Are the inputs of the mixer, powered monitor speakers and so on being overloaded? Use the VOLUME slider on the Grandstage X to adjust the output level, as well as the input gains and mixer levels.
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• Are the MIDI cables connected correctly? • If connecting via USB-MIDI, is the USB cable correctly plugged in to the USB B port? • Is the Grandstage X set to transmit and receive MIDI data on the same channel as the external MIDI device? •...
Grandstage X - Appendices Error messages NO VALID MEDIA → Storage media that can be used → Saving favorite data (SAVE Favorites) → Loading favorite data (LOAD Favorites) NO FILE/PATH → Saving favorite data (SAVE Favorites) NO FREE SPACE → Storage media that can be used SAVE ERROR →...
Maximum Polyphony: 128 *The actual polyphony will vary depending on the synthesis engines and effects being used. *KORG’s proprietary system dynamically allocates voice processing power between synth engines as necessary. Preload PCM Storage Capacity: Approx. 25.5 GB (linear equivalent: approx. 51 GB)
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Grandstage X - Appendices Accessories (sold separately) Expression/volume pedal: XVP-20 Foot controller: EXP-2 Pedal switch: PS-3, PS-1 Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement. * All product names and company names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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