How to format the stubborn SD-Card

You may have experienced that your SD-Card can not be opened, copied and paste, even formatted. There are several ways to solve the problem.

First, using repairer software, namely MMC Medic and HP USB Storage Format Tool. This tool helps you to repair your SD-Card, so the possibility of data loss can be reduced. You can find the software in Mr. Google by yourself.

If the above mentioned tools still can not solve the problem, try the following method.

• Insert SD-Card into the Card Reader.
• Find SD-Card drive (see Windows Explorer menu), for example, on the drive (D, E, F, G, H, etc). 
• If the memory drive is found, click the right mouse button, and then select the 'Format'. Next will come the format choices (FAT, FAT32), make sure you select FAT format.
• Click 'Format Now' and wait until finish. If the message 'error' was occurred, it means the formatting process doesn't complete, and the SD Card can't be formatted in this way. Use another format way, you can try via the Command line menu.

Bellow I show you the procedure to format the SD Card from the command line.

• On the PC, click 'Start'> Run, and type CMD. Command window will appear in the DOS prompt mode. 
• Next type FORMAT H: / FS: FAT (H = drive layout of the SD-CARD), if the SD-CARD is located on drive G, then write G: / FS: FAT.
• Wait to finish. If the problem persists on the SD-CARD, please use another Card Reader. But if it is still not recovered, the memory card must be exchanged with the seller, if it's still under warranty, or you have to buy a new SD-Card if it's not. I recommend that you always backup your data frequently. So when something like this happens, your data is not lost.

Hopefully useful

Playing the PSR-S910/S710's STYLE on the older type YAMAHA PSR Keyboard (PSR-3000,1500,S700,S900, etc)

Yamaha Style known in two formats namely SFF1 and SFF2. Such kind of format file can only be seen with special software. If you create a Style with the old type Yamaha PSR keyboard; eg PSR-3000, PSR-1500, etc., it is automatically saved in SFF1 format. Meanwhile, for the latest keyboard; eg Yamaha PSR-S910 / S710, it will be automatically saved in SFF2 format. If you try to play a style from PSR-S910 to the old one (for example PSR-3000), then there will be an error and the Style can not be played at all. A Style that was made in PSR-S910 keyboard does not support to previous one. This problem is related to the different of each format file, as mentioned above. But, a kind of business trick I think, the latest one always support to play all the style from the older one.

Have you plan to sell your old keyboard and buy a new keyboard? Relax, you do not need to worry!

There is a small converter software that can solve the problem, namely "Style Format 2 Converter". The Software is working to change the format from SFF2 to SFF1, so the results Style you created in the new keyboard can be played on the older keyboard. The software size is very small and free to use by anyone. Nevertheless, the program requires an additional software to be used, that is "NET Framework Version 2.0". So you have to install the NET Framework software first, and then you can install the Style Format 2 Converter software.

The procedure is very simple:

• You can find the Style Format 2 Converter directly at its website here. And you can get the NET Framework V. 2 directly from the official Microsoft's website.
• Install the both softwares. (I assumed you can run such ordinary installation)
• Open Style Format 2 Converter software.
• Click File Menu.
• Open File.
• Find the location of the style that you want to convert.
• Click the Style.
• Click Open, and then select the location where the results will be stored.
• Then click the save button.

It will show an error, if the Style file you want to convert was already writing in SFF1. This means that you've SFF1 style format instead SFF2. The converted Style usually can be played very smoothly on the older version keyboard (PSR-1500, PSR-3000, PSR-S900, PSR-S700).
If this method does not work and it still says error, actually this is because the file size was too large and need the other converter software to reduce the file size.

How to fix problems caused by low memory for KORG PA50, 60, & 80

Low memory which is caused by the full capacity available on the the SSD or Solid State Disk can damage your PA keyboard. It makes the keyboard doesn't operate normally as usual. It can not record, save, or edit the style record, even worse it might be hang, so we stuck and can't continue our work.

Although the capacity of the SSD memory on the keyboard KORG PA already adjusted to the program contents and its existing style, sometimes the users must face this problem. It usually happens as you replace the factory preset style with your own home-made style. It could be the style you created exceeds the default capacity of the factory, because you might fill all the chord variations. Or perhaps the SSD on your keyboard is dirty caused by the frequent charge of assembling the program on the keyboard, or the remnants of the existing programs on media storage such as Floppy Disk, SD Card or USB flash drive.

If you fall into the such problem and want to restore it back, there are a few tips as alternative that can be tried before you bring your KORG Keyboard to the service center.

1. First, check your memory capacity, by

• Press Disk
• Select Page 8 (Utility Menu)
• Select SSD info on the second line. Note: Make sure that the free memory still above 1000 Kb, because it is the minimum requirment of the free memory for KORG PA50, PA60, & PA80 to be able running normally.

If your free memory is less than 1000 Kb, then the next step is, 

2. You have to restore the data of your keyboard to the factory default.
 
Install the backup data disk to your keyboard. You can have it from Korg PA's official website.

• Press Disk
• Select Page 8 (Utility Menu)
• Select Restore

Just follow the next command. If your keyboard is the floppy disk version, you have to put the backup data file into 5 diskette, and patiently enter the disk one by one (install the 5 disk backing up data sequentially).

3. Check again how much the rest of your free memory? (Repeat the step 1)

4. If they are above 1000 Kb, it means the problem has been solved completely. But if the free memory is still under 1000 Kb, it means that you haven't succeed. You have to repeat the 2nd step several times. Do also Operating System (OS) reinstalling before you go back to the step 2 if it's necessary.

The procedure to reinstall the OS is very simple. You just have to shut down your keyboard. Put in your OS installation disk. Turn on your keyboard, and then press enter. You just have to wait until the installation process finished.
 
5. Check again your memory! Have it success or not? 

When the remaining memory is back to normal (above 1000 Kb), then the trouble is over. But if the free memory is still below 1000 Kb, please take it to the Service Center.

Maintenance the Laptop performance and protection

Investing your money to buy a new laptop is very important to boost the performance of your recording and sampling. However, it will be useless if your laptop does not immediately upgraded and given protection.

In one day, a laptop that has not upgraded his memory will be struggling in running your DAW with that much plug-ins.

In 1 month, the cooling air line becomes dirty, so that your laptop will easily die because of overheat.

In 3 months, the keyboard laptop that's not protected will usually start whining, For example there are a few keys that died because of the dirt.

Here I share some tips to keep your laptop remain qualified to do your professional activity, especially for music recording and sampling. 

• Upgrade your laptop RAM memory to 2 GByte (actually that's the minimum requirement).
• Protect your laptop screen and keyboard.
• Install a cooling pad.

Now your laptop is ready to pull rickshaws off-road!

Gula-gula, Elvi Sukaesih, Januar Sampling's Demo

Title: Gula-gula
Songwriter: Fazal Dath
Artist: Elvi Sukaesih
Genre: Dangdut Sampling
Performed by Januar Sampling

Manis, Imron Sadewo, Januar Sampling's Demo

Title: Manis (New Version)
Songwriter: Rhoma Irama
Artist: Imron Sadewo (The New Version), Rhoma Irama and Soneta Group (The Old Version)
Genre: Dangdut Sampling
Performed by Januar Sampling

Bercanda, Elvi Sukaesih, Januar Sampling's Demo

Title: Bercanda
Artist: Elvi Sukaesih
Genre: Dangdut Sampling
Performed by Januar Sampling

Mendamba, Evie Tamala, Januar Sampling's Demo

Title: Mendamba
Artist: Evie Tamala
Genre: Dangdut Sampling
Performed by Januar Sampling

Ratapan Ibu Tiri, Januar Sampling's Demo

Title: Wailing Stepmother (Ratapan Ibu Tiri)
Genre: Dangdut Sampling
Performed by Januar Sampling

1001 Hari, Evie Tamala, Januar Sampling's Demo

Title: 1001 Hari
Artist: Evie Tamala
Genre: Dangdut Sampling
Performed by Januar Sampling

Tersisih, Rita Sugiarto, Januar Sampling's Demo

Title: Tersisih
Artist: Rita Sugiarto
Genre: Dangdut Sampling
Performed by Januar Sampling

Hari Berbangkit, Rhoma Irama, Januar Sampling's Demo

Title: Hari Berbangkit
Songwriter: Rhoma Irama
Artist: Rhoma Irama and Soneta Group
Genre: Dangdut Sampling
Performed by Januar Sampling

Badai, Yunita Ababiel, Januar Sampling's Demo

Title: Badai
Artist: Yunita Ababiel
Genre: Dangdut Sampling
Performed by Januar Sampling

Roda Kehidupan, Rhoma Irama, Januar Sampling's Demo

Title: Roda Kehidupan
Songwriter: Rhoma Irama
Artist: Rhoma Irama and Soneta Group
Genre: Dangdut Sampling
Performed by Januar Sampling

Bulan Bintang, Rhoma Irama, Januar Sampling's Demo

Title: Bulan Bintang
Songwriter: Rhoma Irama
Artist: Rhoma Irama and Soneta Group
Genre: Dangdut Sampling
Performed by Januar Sampling

Boleh Saja, Rhoma Irama, Januar Sampling's Demo

Title: Boleh Saja
Songwriter: Rhoma Irama
Artist: Rhoma Irama and Soneta Group
Genre: Dangdut Sampling
Performed by Januar Sampling

User Style Trobleshooting in PA50 Diskette/SD and Micro Arranger

We often face problems with our PA50 /  Micro Arranger that the User Style can not be loaded, read, moreover played. We just can say that the user style of the our keyboard is error or broken. But don't worry. There are a lot of way to fix the problem. First you can format and reinstall the OS, but it's recommended that the keyboard must be backed up first to avoid an error during the re-installation progress.


If after the reinstallation the user style still error, here I provide you a trick to fix the problem. Hopefully this trick can solve your problem.

1. Open Disk, select Erase, if there is no floppy disk / SD, inevitably arises: No Disk / Unformatted - Press Exit. You just hit the exit. 
2. Press F1 [SSD], then you will see the Global, Perform, Program, and Style. If you want to remove all the style, just press F2 [Delete]. 
3. To delete a bank 1-16. Open the disk, select the Utilities menu, scroll by pressing the Page button, once again. Select the Fact. Style Protect, then switch ON mode to OFF. That way, the default style keyboard can be removed or replaced all. 
4. If when you select a style in the user still appear "It is not PA Series", load user style with label 24, 25, 26, 27 (Normally it's just need 24, 25, 26 to replace the 3 broken users). To create the 24, 25, 26, & 27 user styles, you can just rename your ordinary 1, 2, 3 user styles to 24, 25, 26 on your computer. Then load on the user. 
5. To delete just 1 style, go to the step one above, then delete one by one style in each users.

In this way, actually we do not need to format the OS.

How to use 3 Set of User Style in 1 Floppy Disk (Diskette) Without Loading. The trick might be also useful for the PA50SD

For users who still use the KORG PA50 Floppy Disks, there are a few tricks that may be helpful here.

Functioning Direct FD is the fastest way to access a style in KORG PA50. This function is very phenomenal in the KORG's family. Here I share a special tricks for users KORG PA50.

If we see, fellow gentlemen who use PA50 Diskette has always lacked for style storage, thus making the floppy disks are piled up. If you use the function of Direct FD, obviously each disks must be filled by only one set of style. It's because the Direct FD can't read more than one style set. This feels very difficult alright? Moreover diskette is a rare commodity today.

Here the trick to solve the problem.
 
Save the three sets of style to the floppy. Named the set differently, for example:
     6Pop.set
     7Regae.set
     8Mix.set
 
Actually the function of the Direct FD is reading a set of style with the earliest alphabetic sequencing, both numbers and letters. By changing the base name of the style set, then we can specify which set that will be read on Direct FD. Suppose we want to get style from 7Regae.set, then we just rename it to 5Regae.set. By changing 7 to 5, then when we press the Direct FD's button, the 5Regae.set will be read on, and so on for the other style set. As long as we do it fast, the process of finding the desired style will be more faster, even without loading.

Actually this trick also can be applied on the KORG PA50SD. Although the keyboard type has been using SD CARD as its storage data, but still the Direct FD function only reads one style set file with earliest alphabetic.

Hopefully useful..

The difference of Recording, Mixing, and Mastering

I just want to share information about the meaning and difference of Recording, Mixing and Mastering, in general, and in the outline of the practice.

• RECORDING

Recording is a sound taking activities, in practice it can be done through recording equipment (guitar connected via a mixer), or pointed directly to the speakers. So we can find a sound that we want, if it's fit, just recorded it, either through audio filter (mixer, etc) or directly. The results of the recording depends on the tool and how we record it.

• MIXING

Mixing is the advanced stage of the recording process. Mixing is also a phase of correction, remove, manage and add effects, even choose the sound you want. For example, you want to create a vocal sound like a robot, put the guitar sound on the right side, and etc. The process of presenting musical concepts in more details are in this stage. It takes a lot of imagination and references. Not only the sound, but also its arrangement. So mixing process can not be done in a hurry. It is better to consult often with a Sound Engineer expert to explore more idea and experience.Result of this mixing just enough to hear, do not be too loud. Because the gain and volume of this mixing process are both limited. It's important to avoid over peak in the mastering process later. So you should not be surprised if the sound results of the mixing is small, as they should be.

• Mastering

Mastering is the final stage in the process of professional recording. Mastering is the process of equating the gain and volume in accordance with international broadcast standards. There are specific indicators in volume leveling, not just rough up the volume at random.
There are certain rules in mastering that make the result is not broken if played on the radio, television, etc. So that in all media, your songs sound still stable in balance with the other songs.
If you don't follow these standards, it's funny if after the radio played a top song and played your song, then the sound's shrinking and not good.

Thus the mastering stage is very important. Besides for volume leveling, the result are audible, the detail will be more clear, more warm, and majestic, likes professional song that you often hear generally.

The thing to remember is after this stage there should be no editing stage anymore. This stage should be the final stage. Your songs have to be fixed before entering the mastering stage.
After mastering process, your song deserves to be played in all media.

Don't be wrong again. Mastering is not putting/copying Song into the form of audio CD/DVD, in fact it is the process of Duplicating.

How to fix Joystick trouble for KORG PA50SD, PA500, Micro Arranger

Many of the KORG PA-Series users experience problems with his joystick. Joystick movement in PA-series generally X (- / + or left / right) for Pitch Bend, and Y (+ / - or front / rear) for Modulation. Actually, in this case the problem is always on the Pitch Bend. Problems with the Pitch Bend is caused by the movement of the Modulation, the Y forward and backward movement causing wires of the Pitch Bend stretched and tightened. It breaks connection between the Panel Board and the Pitch Bend Connector.

Here's I show you how to solve the joystick problem for the KORG PA500 (it's might be analogically same for the other PA-Series), 

• Once the chassis is opened we go directly to the joystick! 
• Open 4 screws that locked up the joystick shell.
• Open one screw that's in the middle of the joystick shell.
• Then remove the pitch bend potentiometer.   
• Uninstall / off the male connector from the potentiometer PCB of the Pitch Bend  
• Cut the three cables precisely at the base of the female connector. In this case, it is recommended for the beginners to mark the position of the cord to prevent reverse in the installation back
• Tape the cable back to the potentio PCB! In this point we do not use connector anymore. 
• IMPORTANT: Give leeway cable spacing, so it's not stuck when the joystick move back (Y-)

Hopefully useful ..