I’ve loved my PSR-220 for the entire time I’ve owned it, for the last 30 years, almost. It’s now malfunctioning, though- and I’ve been unable to find a new keyboard to replace it that has all its features: a standalone model with stereo speakers that can run on batteries, with 61 full-size keys and full midi capability. (In/out/through.) Since buying a new model that equals this seems to be impossible, can anyone recommend a newer keyboard released, say, in the last 20 years with all these functions? Thanks.
Update for PSR-220.
- Thread starter Keyman72
- Start date
Rayblewit
Love Music / Love Life
Any of the psr e series have all those features plus more.
The s series and higher end models do not run on batteries.
The s series and higher end models do not run on batteries.
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
He's gonna have a hard time finding a DIN MIDI THRU port on anything in his new price range. Ditto for all off the DIN ports. MIDI has not stood still for the last twenty-five years. It's all USB now and the implementation varies from board to board.
Exactly what MIDI capabilities does he require in his new board?
Exactly what MIDI capabilities does he require in his new board?
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Maybe look at some of the Casio models.
Or the PSR E series as suggested by Ray.
Anything you buy will be a massive improvement on a 30 year old keyboard, although it's always sad to let an old one go.
Or the PSR E series as suggested by Ray.
Anything you buy will be a massive improvement on a 30 year old keyboard, although it's always sad to let an old one go.
Any Yamaha e series is not going to have the MIDI features you want,
They only have MIDI via USB.
Korg Pa and Yamaha SX models have DIN MIDI but only in and out and they require mains electricity.
Even the top of the range Genos only has DIN MIDI in and out sockets, but it also does not have onboard amp and speakers.
The Korg Pa5X does have DIN MIDI In Out and Thru capabilities, but it too does not have onboard amp and speakers.
I am not a fan of Casio arrangers so will pass on suggesting them.
They only have MIDI via USB.
Korg Pa and Yamaha SX models have DIN MIDI but only in and out and they require mains electricity.
Even the top of the range Genos only has DIN MIDI in and out sockets, but it also does not have onboard amp and speakers.
The Korg Pa5X does have DIN MIDI In Out and Thru capabilities, but it too does not have onboard amp and speakers.
I am not a fan of Casio arrangers so will pass on suggesting them.
Midi in, out, through.
I need midi din.
I should add that I want midi din; not midi USB.
Rayblewit
Love Music / Love Life
Full size keys a what you would get on a grand piano.
Arrangers do not have full size keys
Some DP's would have full size keys but probably not midi din
Maybe you need to compromise on some of your desires.
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
Time to wake up Rip Van Wnkel.
With a few hubs, hosts and adapters you can do anything with USB MIDI that you could accomplish with DIN.
MIDI instruction set has been pretty much frozen for the past 40 years.
With a few hubs, hosts and adapters you can do anything with USB MIDI that you could accomplish with DIN.
MIDI instruction set has been pretty much frozen for the past 40 years.
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
Have you tried searching an auction or selling site for a 220.
There is one on eBay in the UK for £89.
There is one on eBay in the UK for £89.
I wasn’t sure. Some people said those adapters reduced responsiveness. Keys are not my main instrument and I rarely play them; just want an (hopefully) updated version to use when I do occasionally.
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
Latency issues usually revolve around software issues running on the host computer. USB 2.0 is actually wayyyyyyy faster than the DIN Serial BAUD rates. The adapters are slightly more costly than straight DIN cables but that's progress for you. Running multiple devices usually requires MIDI Routing software as well. What OS are you planning to hook up with?
Also, whatever keyboard you end up buying, make sure it is USB-MIDI Class compliant or you will require proprietary drivers and standalone hosts won't work. More risky with older equipment bought used.
Also, whatever keyboard you end up buying, make sure it is USB-MIDI Class compliant or you will require proprietary drivers and standalone hosts won't work. More risky with older equipment bought used.
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
If you're not ambitious enough to actually need the MIDI capability then why even demand it in the first place?
Because I run it into a Roland Synth Module at times to get better sounds than the on-board ones.
Although I have occasionally played keys on recordings and a couple of times live, I mainly play them for relaxation, as a hobby. That’s why I loved the 220: I could drag it around with me, press power (batteries) and noodle around for relaxation. That’s what I was hoping to do this this week while I was vacationing in Florida, but discovered that one note in every octave ( the same one) won’t put out any signal.
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
Your problem is probably a defective diode or a dirty connector in the switching matrix. Maybe a laptop repair shop could fix it for you. You should try opening it up and cleaning the connectors.