TEST OF YAMAHA DGX-670
I must admit that I am very excited about how this model is - I bought in 2007 the first in this series, which was the DGX-620.
This was in many ways a best buy, but was too simple, with limited options.
The tribe's latest addition has apparently been significantly upgraded, although some features are still omitted in favor of sound and keybed.
The design has also received a faint tone from its mother; the original Yamaha CFX piano.
In terms of price, the DGX-670 is between the SX-600 and the SX-700, but it is possible to get an SX-700 in Norway at the same price.
First impression:
I experience the omission of dedicated OTS buttons as very positive, as well that there are only 4 RGT buttons.
This makes everything more logical and user-friendly.
Casio used the same system over 20 years ago, and I have always preferred this.
I'm glad I chose the white version - some users of the black version have complained that the buttons are made of sticky rubber - the white one has buttons with a smoother surface.
Strange that no one has noticed this.
The DGX-670 looks different in real life than in photos and videos - it looks lumpy like an overgrown brick.
Not as expected.
First time start-up:
It`s very fast; about 8 seconds.
Connectivity:
Here is only the most necessary, but the quality is good by default.
Stereo mini jack only for AUX IN, Stereo phone jack only for Headphones / Output.
Note that headphones must be connected to the back via Headphones / Output.
No MIDI connection.
As the first in the world, Yamaha has updated USB.
For the first time, it is now possible to achieve digital resolution (24 bit, 44100 Hz) from the keyboard directly through your DAC to your PC.
Compatibility with other models:
I have tested styles from 20 different Yamaha models, as well as styles I have made from MIDI.
I have been careful to use original styles that are not edited, as only these give a reliable result.
The DGX-670 has better compatibility than any other I have tried - almost all models give very good results, almost as if they were internal.
Of course, it varies how OTS and other settings are rendered, but some models seem to work 100% optimally.
I have made an overview of compatibility which I will post as soon as the testing is finished.
Intuitive use/Layout:
I have read quickly through the manuals, which keep the expected standard; that is, they could have been better.
I have also looked through all the available videos.
At first glance, the layout seems confusing, and those who are used to workstations will need a few hours to realize that everything is logically arranged.
My model was set up with A1 Full Keyboard as the chosen ChordFingering, and this gave strange results with an extra layersound that was present in all styles.
I did not get it away, and it took some time before I found the cause - A1 Full Keyboard.
Wheel for Modulation are omitted; what in heaven's name did Yamaha think of when they did this?
I personally use modulation quite a bit, while I almost never use pitch bend. It is not possible to reprogram pitch bend to modulation either.
Fortunately, it is possible to add modulation to the foot switch (not included foot switch, but FC3A).
For unknown reasons, Yamaha has made the wheel for pitch bend smaller than what the standard dictates. You do not do that ..?
The wheel is too small.
Connection for headphones is on the back, which should have been avoided.
There is a connection for a USB stick in the front, and this is very easily accessible.
Mechanical quality:
Pressing the keys was a shock, because they were by no means as I expected or remembered from my previous DGX-620.
They are not as good as I remembered, and a class below Kronos, which is also to be expected for the price.
That said, it's a very good keybed; better than all S models, Tyros, SX and Genos - think about this.
It's a little different to play on than others, and requires a few hours of getting used to.
All buttons are very good and precise, and have a higher standard than the S series and newer.
They do not feel rubbery in any way - perhaps this has to do with the fact that they are white, and have a slightly smoother surface than the black ones.
Sound quality:
The first impression via line outputs was pretty good, but the sound was raised a level when I adjusted up the bass and treble with Master EQ, which is easy to access via the dedicated button.
It is my convinced opinion that DGX is the closest I have been to Kronos in sound quality - the A3000 had much of the same, but DGX has much better sounds; in fact generally better than any other I have tried.
I have tested all preset sounds, and they all have a consistently high quality - these are the best sounds I have heard at any arranger.
There are many details that are otherwise only found on Kronos.
Some sounds are actually experienced as well as on Kronos - very unexpected; but a fact.
It is not so long since I had Kronos connected with the same PA system I use now, so this conclusion is well justified.
The sound from built-in speakers / amplifier works well at low sound pressures, but it lacks the power to play at realistic levels.
The sound quality is medium, as there is a certain "box sound", while the bottom and top are missing.
Despite this, the sound is experienced as pleasant.
The sound from headphones via the built-in amplifier, on the other hand, is very good with my beyerdynamic T70.
Quality of mixing:
The quality of mixing must be said to be generally good, and much better than what is today's standard. Some choices of OTS are strange, but as I said better than standard.
The different style parts are very well composed and mixed.
Different features:
Adaptive Styles:
I have tested this function, which by the way is much the same as those that are built into all combinations and programs on Kronos.
For my part, the function works best if I set Sensivity to Easy, and control the effect with the left hand.
I am used to using the effect with Kronos, but still practice is needed to master the use - it works a little differently on DGX than on Kronos, which has a far more advanced system for this function.
Adaptive Styles is a step in the right direction, no matter what.
Unison Styles:
This is also something that is standard on Kronos.
The function is very efficient, but it takes some time to master it, and it can with advantage be controlled by pedal.
Great for jazz.
DSP:
I have not tested the various DSP effects, of which there are more than expected.
However, different parameters of them are enabled by default, and everything seems to work well.
Mixer:
All the mixer's functions are of the same standard as from the best of the S series or better.
Same EQ setup as for the A3000, which has the best of all.
All functions in the mixer feel more accessible than with other models.
Degree of playing pleasure:
This keyboard gives from the very beginning a pleasure joy of the rare.
This must largely be attributed to the good keybed which is much better than the type of keybed used on other models - regardless of price.
If you have many styles you have bought before for other keyboards, you will have great pleasure in trying them on DGX, because this keyboard more than any other is able to play all styles with better results than before.
All old styles get new life.
Pros:
* Excellent sound
* Much better mixed and balanced than all other models
* USB flash drive in front
* USB WAV Recorder
* No dedicated OTS buttons
* New types of styles - Adaptive and Unison
* Separate window display for Adaptive/Unison style during play
* Score display
* Very good and many DSP effects
* Very good EQ; 32Hz - 16kHz with variable Q values
* CFX Tone Generation with excellent voices (in general)
* VRM
* 256 Polyphony (same as Genos)
* Bluetooth
* 88 very silent GHS keys (the best keybed on the market for arrangers)
Cons:
* No modulation wheel
* No MultiPads
* Stereo mini jack only for AUX IN
* Stereo phone jack only for Headphones / Output
* No MIDI connectors
* Only 20 MB Internal Memory
Final conclusion:
BEST BUY No1
DGX has all the best from the A3000 and the best S models; the same good equalizer with variable Q values, Plug & Play soulution for recording, plus it has even more and better DSP effects.
The quality of buttons, sound and functions exceeds my expectations, and I almost have a hard time believing that it is true.
The DGX-670 stands out as the best arranger Yamaha has ever produced.
It is able to play all styles from previous models with an authority no one else can, and this alone is enough to outclass others.
If you also take into account that it has the best keybed of all, the DGX-670 appears as a new king.
My advice:
If you have a top S model, SX or Genos - sell it and buy a DGX-670!
Honestly.
I must admit that I am very excited about how this model is - I bought in 2007 the first in this series, which was the DGX-620.
This was in many ways a best buy, but was too simple, with limited options.
The tribe's latest addition has apparently been significantly upgraded, although some features are still omitted in favor of sound and keybed.
The design has also received a faint tone from its mother; the original Yamaha CFX piano.
In terms of price, the DGX-670 is between the SX-600 and the SX-700, but it is possible to get an SX-700 in Norway at the same price.
First impression:
I experience the omission of dedicated OTS buttons as very positive, as well that there are only 4 RGT buttons.
This makes everything more logical and user-friendly.
Casio used the same system over 20 years ago, and I have always preferred this.
I'm glad I chose the white version - some users of the black version have complained that the buttons are made of sticky rubber - the white one has buttons with a smoother surface.
Strange that no one has noticed this.
The DGX-670 looks different in real life than in photos and videos - it looks lumpy like an overgrown brick.
Not as expected.
First time start-up:
It`s very fast; about 8 seconds.
Connectivity:
Here is only the most necessary, but the quality is good by default.
Stereo mini jack only for AUX IN, Stereo phone jack only for Headphones / Output.
Note that headphones must be connected to the back via Headphones / Output.
No MIDI connection.
As the first in the world, Yamaha has updated USB.
For the first time, it is now possible to achieve digital resolution (24 bit, 44100 Hz) from the keyboard directly through your DAC to your PC.
Compatibility with other models:
I have tested styles from 20 different Yamaha models, as well as styles I have made from MIDI.
I have been careful to use original styles that are not edited, as only these give a reliable result.
The DGX-670 has better compatibility than any other I have tried - almost all models give very good results, almost as if they were internal.
Of course, it varies how OTS and other settings are rendered, but some models seem to work 100% optimally.
I have made an overview of compatibility which I will post as soon as the testing is finished.
Intuitive use/Layout:
I have read quickly through the manuals, which keep the expected standard; that is, they could have been better.
I have also looked through all the available videos.
At first glance, the layout seems confusing, and those who are used to workstations will need a few hours to realize that everything is logically arranged.
My model was set up with A1 Full Keyboard as the chosen ChordFingering, and this gave strange results with an extra layersound that was present in all styles.
I did not get it away, and it took some time before I found the cause - A1 Full Keyboard.
Wheel for Modulation are omitted; what in heaven's name did Yamaha think of when they did this?
I personally use modulation quite a bit, while I almost never use pitch bend. It is not possible to reprogram pitch bend to modulation either.
Fortunately, it is possible to add modulation to the foot switch (not included foot switch, but FC3A).
For unknown reasons, Yamaha has made the wheel for pitch bend smaller than what the standard dictates. You do not do that ..?
The wheel is too small.
Connection for headphones is on the back, which should have been avoided.
There is a connection for a USB stick in the front, and this is very easily accessible.
Mechanical quality:
Pressing the keys was a shock, because they were by no means as I expected or remembered from my previous DGX-620.
They are not as good as I remembered, and a class below Kronos, which is also to be expected for the price.
That said, it's a very good keybed; better than all S models, Tyros, SX and Genos - think about this.
It's a little different to play on than others, and requires a few hours of getting used to.
All buttons are very good and precise, and have a higher standard than the S series and newer.
They do not feel rubbery in any way - perhaps this has to do with the fact that they are white, and have a slightly smoother surface than the black ones.
Sound quality:
The first impression via line outputs was pretty good, but the sound was raised a level when I adjusted up the bass and treble with Master EQ, which is easy to access via the dedicated button.
It is my convinced opinion that DGX is the closest I have been to Kronos in sound quality - the A3000 had much of the same, but DGX has much better sounds; in fact generally better than any other I have tried.
I have tested all preset sounds, and they all have a consistently high quality - these are the best sounds I have heard at any arranger.
There are many details that are otherwise only found on Kronos.
Some sounds are actually experienced as well as on Kronos - very unexpected; but a fact.
It is not so long since I had Kronos connected with the same PA system I use now, so this conclusion is well justified.
The sound from built-in speakers / amplifier works well at low sound pressures, but it lacks the power to play at realistic levels.
The sound quality is medium, as there is a certain "box sound", while the bottom and top are missing.
Despite this, the sound is experienced as pleasant.
The sound from headphones via the built-in amplifier, on the other hand, is very good with my beyerdynamic T70.
Quality of mixing:
The quality of mixing must be said to be generally good, and much better than what is today's standard. Some choices of OTS are strange, but as I said better than standard.
The different style parts are very well composed and mixed.
Different features:
Adaptive Styles:
I have tested this function, which by the way is much the same as those that are built into all combinations and programs on Kronos.
For my part, the function works best if I set Sensivity to Easy, and control the effect with the left hand.
I am used to using the effect with Kronos, but still practice is needed to master the use - it works a little differently on DGX than on Kronos, which has a far more advanced system for this function.
Adaptive Styles is a step in the right direction, no matter what.
Unison Styles:
This is also something that is standard on Kronos.
The function is very efficient, but it takes some time to master it, and it can with advantage be controlled by pedal.
Great for jazz.
DSP:
I have not tested the various DSP effects, of which there are more than expected.
However, different parameters of them are enabled by default, and everything seems to work well.
Mixer:
All the mixer's functions are of the same standard as from the best of the S series or better.
Same EQ setup as for the A3000, which has the best of all.
All functions in the mixer feel more accessible than with other models.
Degree of playing pleasure:
This keyboard gives from the very beginning a pleasure joy of the rare.
This must largely be attributed to the good keybed which is much better than the type of keybed used on other models - regardless of price.
If you have many styles you have bought before for other keyboards, you will have great pleasure in trying them on DGX, because this keyboard more than any other is able to play all styles with better results than before.
All old styles get new life.
Pros:
* Excellent sound
* Much better mixed and balanced than all other models
* USB flash drive in front
* USB WAV Recorder
* No dedicated OTS buttons
* New types of styles - Adaptive and Unison
* Separate window display for Adaptive/Unison style during play
* Score display
* Very good and many DSP effects
* Very good EQ; 32Hz - 16kHz with variable Q values
* CFX Tone Generation with excellent voices (in general)
* VRM
* 256 Polyphony (same as Genos)
* Bluetooth
* 88 very silent GHS keys (the best keybed on the market for arrangers)
Cons:
* No modulation wheel
* No MultiPads
* Stereo mini jack only for AUX IN
* Stereo phone jack only for Headphones / Output
* No MIDI connectors
* Only 20 MB Internal Memory
Final conclusion:
BEST BUY No1
DGX has all the best from the A3000 and the best S models; the same good equalizer with variable Q values, Plug & Play soulution for recording, plus it has even more and better DSP effects.
The quality of buttons, sound and functions exceeds my expectations, and I almost have a hard time believing that it is true.
The DGX-670 stands out as the best arranger Yamaha has ever produced.
It is able to play all styles from previous models with an authority no one else can, and this alone is enough to outclass others.
If you also take into account that it has the best keybed of all, the DGX-670 appears as a new king.
My advice:
If you have a top S model, SX or Genos - sell it and buy a DGX-670!
Honestly.
Shared knowledge provides increased knowledge
If we all share everything we have, we all have everything
Every theory is only a hypothesis until it is practically proven
KEYBOARDS, SYNTHS & MODULES I HAVE HAD AND HAVE
Casio CTK 811-ex ||| Roland EXR-7 76 ||| Yamaha DGX-620 ||| Yamaha PSR-550 ||| Yamaha PSR-S700 ||| Korg Pa800 ||| Korg Pa3X 61 ||| Deebach XMS-Pro ||| Ketron Ajamsonic ||| Casio WK-7500 ||| Yamaha Tyros5 61 ||| vArranger ||| Ketron Audya5 61 ||| Yamaha PSR S950 ||| Solton X8 Chromatic ||| Yamaha Tyros4 10th Anniversary ||| Korg Pa4X 61 ||| Roland BK-7m ||| Technics KN-6000 ||| Technics KN-7000 ||| Roli Seaboard RISE 49 ||| Deebach MAX Plus ||| Yamaha Genos ||| Korg Pa700 ||| Korg Kronos2 73 ||| Tyros4 61 ||| Deebach BlackBox ||| Korg Pa2X Pro ||| Yamaha A3000 ||| Ghenos Plus ||| Medeli AKX10 ||| Korg Nautilus 73 ||| Yamaha DGX-670 ||| Korg Krome EX-88 ||| Korg OASYS 76 Sondius-XG version ||| Korg Pa5X 76 (Pythagoras Tuned) ||| Yamaha Tyros1 ||| Ketron Audya 76 (Own developed OS) ||| Yamaha PSR-3000 ||| Yamaha 9000 Pro ||| Yamaha MODX M8 ||| Korg Grandstage X ||| Roland Juno-D7 ||| Korg Kronos 1 73 (Pythagoras Tuned)
MY PA EQUIPMENT NON-ACTIVE AND ACTIVE
Aune S6 32 bit/384 kb DAC ||| Topping USB Isolator ||| MOTU 32 bit Audio Interface ||| TEYUN Q26 32 bit/384 kb Audio Interface ||| FM Acoustics FM 300A Power amp ||| FM Acoustics FM 255 Resolution Series Pre amp ||| MBL 6010 Pre Amp ||| STAX SR-L300 (Lambda) electrostatic headphones with STAX SRM-252S Amplifier ||| beyerdynamic T70 headphones (without pads) ||| Baffle horns equipped with Seas Exotic 8" fullrange units ||| JBL horns with Compression Planar membranes ||| Fountek NeoPro 5i (Special Edition) ribbon tweeters with Compression Planar membranes ||| Hexagonal subwoofer with 12 pieces Push&Pull coupled Seas Prestige 8" units, 1 item 10" slave unit and built-in XTZ power amplifiers & Cambridge Azur 640A as pre amplifier ||| Yamaha HS-5 active monitors connected to all keyboards
If we all share everything we have, we all have everything
Every theory is only a hypothesis until it is practically proven
KEYBOARDS, SYNTHS & MODULES I HAVE HAD AND HAVE
Casio CTK 811-ex ||| Roland EXR-7 76 ||| Yamaha DGX-620 ||| Yamaha PSR-550 ||| Yamaha PSR-S700 ||| Korg Pa800 ||| Korg Pa3X 61 ||| Deebach XMS-Pro ||| Ketron Ajamsonic ||| Casio WK-7500 ||| Yamaha Tyros5 61 ||| vArranger ||| Ketron Audya5 61 ||| Yamaha PSR S950 ||| Solton X8 Chromatic ||| Yamaha Tyros4 10th Anniversary ||| Korg Pa4X 61 ||| Roland BK-7m ||| Technics KN-6000 ||| Technics KN-7000 ||| Roli Seaboard RISE 49 ||| Deebach MAX Plus ||| Yamaha Genos ||| Korg Pa700 ||| Korg Kronos2 73 ||| Tyros4 61 ||| Deebach BlackBox ||| Korg Pa2X Pro ||| Yamaha A3000 ||| Ghenos Plus ||| Medeli AKX10 ||| Korg Nautilus 73 ||| Yamaha DGX-670 ||| Korg Krome EX-88 ||| Korg OASYS 76 Sondius-XG version ||| Korg Pa5X 76 (Pythagoras Tuned) ||| Yamaha Tyros1 ||| Ketron Audya 76 (Own developed OS) ||| Yamaha PSR-3000 ||| Yamaha 9000 Pro ||| Yamaha MODX M8 ||| Korg Grandstage X ||| Roland Juno-D7 ||| Korg Kronos 1 73 (Pythagoras Tuned)
MY PA EQUIPMENT NON-ACTIVE AND ACTIVE
Aune S6 32 bit/384 kb DAC ||| Topping USB Isolator ||| MOTU 32 bit Audio Interface ||| TEYUN Q26 32 bit/384 kb Audio Interface ||| FM Acoustics FM 300A Power amp ||| FM Acoustics FM 255 Resolution Series Pre amp ||| MBL 6010 Pre Amp ||| STAX SR-L300 (Lambda) electrostatic headphones with STAX SRM-252S Amplifier ||| beyerdynamic T70 headphones (without pads) ||| Baffle horns equipped with Seas Exotic 8" fullrange units ||| JBL horns with Compression Planar membranes ||| Fountek NeoPro 5i (Special Edition) ribbon tweeters with Compression Planar membranes ||| Hexagonal subwoofer with 12 pieces Push&Pull coupled Seas Prestige 8" units, 1 item 10" slave unit and built-in XTZ power amplifiers & Cambridge Azur 640A as pre amplifier ||| Yamaha HS-5 active monitors connected to all keyboards
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