TEST OF MEDELI AKX10
DO NOT BUY THIS KEYBOARD!
I have searched the internet for months before I found the company Malmö Musikaffär AB in Sweden which had an AKX10 in stock, and which could ship on to Norway.
This is the only company in Scandinavia that has this, and the price was somewhat higher than usual, plus the shipping cost was a little higher than normal.
In the end, this also had a greater effect on the calculation of Norwegian VAT, which meant that the price tag ended up at just over € 1,100.
I ordered on Friday 3 December (UPS), and had it delivered to my door on Wednesday 8 December, which is very fast.
Malmö Musikaffär AB has provided a fantastic service all the way, and has responded almost immediately to all my inquiries.
PREFACE:
I have read all available rewievs / tests; Everyone compares the model to the Yamaha SX900, which I think is misleading.
Misleading because the AKX10 in no way is comparable to the SX900 in terms of sound.
I have not tested the SX900, but I refuse to believe that any Yamaha keyboard can be as bad as the AKX10.
From experience, I know that I perceive products more critically than most people do, and am prepared for surprises that contradict what others have found out.
I have read the manual in its entirety, but this test is written continuously while the test is in progress.
I have also read through the manual for GrandSuite, and it is my opinion that this is very deficient and poorly explained - but unlike YEM, the Grand Suite is logical and easy to understand intuitively.
Supplied software - Grand Suite V2:
The program includes a manager for the installation of styles, sounds and arpeggios to the expansion card, which is structured in the same way as the Yamaha Expansion Manager - it is tied to the keyboard's instrument info. You can choose between sending data via the program directly to the keyboard or saving to a USB stick, as well as whether you want to save with or without installation restrictions or not (what this means in practice is not stated).
Here is an overview that shows the similarity between Medeli and Yamaha formats:
*.voi , *.kit , *.style , *.GSpack *.ppf
*.mpack , *.dpack *.ppi
Grand Suite can be used to create / edit styles from MIDI, create / edit Arpeggio Patterns and create / edit sounds.
In Grand Suite it`s possible to merge mpack and dpack files together with another files of the same format.
Yamaha can not do this with its ppi files.
Packages can be created locked to your keyboard, or packages can be created to be shared with others.
I'm guessing said installation restrictions apply to packages created to be shared with others.
A very important (and unexpected) opportunity is the ability to install SF2 sounds.
Supported sample format is wave, multi sample formats are *.voi for sound with Medeli formats, *.kit for drum or perc.
When the SF2 import section is used, sf2 is converted as *.voi (normal sound) or *.kit (drum/perc kit) according to the sound or drum/perc it contains, and you can add these files to your package either directly or by editing - here YEM is surpassed.
When you right-click on any file in your package and click export, the file you want to extract is exported in that format (kit comes out as kit, sound comes out as sound, rhythm comes out as rhythm).
Whatever the file is in YEM program, the format it outputs is just ppf.
GrandSuite must thus be said to be a significant improvement over YEM.
Connectivity:
This keyboard has all the connections expected of a middle class keyboard, and Medeli has totally omitted the use of mini-jacks, which were used on the previous top model A1000.
USB connection is located at the back, which is backwards.
Compability:
There is no list of available / compatible formats for either styles, sounds, pads or anything else.
However, I have found that these formats are available by opening different windows in GrandSuite:
voi, vpi, kit, kpt, mif, mpk, dpk, mps, arp, mid, sty (common), bcs (basic), prs (pro), sst (session), pcs (piano combo), pst (pianist), fps (free play)
As you can see, all Yamaha`s formats are available, except for aus (audio style) and the new scp (dj style playback) - which is fine, because scp is useless for real musicians.
Intuitive use/Layout:
Anyone who has played on a keyboard will recognize everything immediately, because everything is exemplary symmetrically and logically placed - better it can not be done.
The screen is the best I have tried to date - much better than Pa4X and Genos.
Mechanical quality:
Many have suggested - for no good reason - that the AKX10 has a questionable mechanical quality, since it is manufactured in Hong Kong.
All buttons are super precise, plus the volume and multi-function buttons are made of metal.
The multi-function buttons are very heavy to turn, which is a negative.
Part of the panel is made of aluminum, something no one has said anything about.
The keybeds keys are a little heavier to press than what is standard; it is about halfway between what is common for Korg and Yamaha.
However, there is something that does not work optimally, because when I take a fast run, in a way the reaction from the keys lags, with the result that the keyboard is not able to follow my movements as fast as I do them.
This means that the keybed does not get approved - it is not good enough.
This arranger can layout-wise withstand a direct comparison with all top models.
Sound quality:
Ultimately, sound quality is one of the most crucial and judging factors.
It does not help if everything is perfect, if the sound does not meet the expected standard.
Does it?
The first thing I do when I try a new instrument is play through all the styles and pads.
Then I test different styles with different drum kits and basses.
After this I play all sounds one by one, and at the same time test their velocity; ability to respond to what I actually do.
Finally, I consider the mix quality between styles, OTS and MultiPads; both in terms of volume and whether the best choices have been made or not.
Sound quality via internal speakers / headphones / external sound system:
The immediate impression of the sound quality is that the sound is terrible via internal speakers - it is sharp, with overfocus on the upper midrange, while bass and upper treble are non-existent.
Very uncomfortable.
The sound gets much better via headphones, but still uncomfortable, with the same tendencies.
Via an external sound system, reality is clearly revealed - there is a total lack of dynamics in the bass range, and in the upper treble range as well.
All styles seem to be missing something in a way; they do not engage.
Drum kits are perceived as dull and lifeless, without the necessary dynamics.
MultiPads have almost no effect because they have too low a volume.
Then comes the big shock:
Testing different drum kits is not possible, because you have to stop the style, and then open the menu for drums. You can test each drum kit, but only that alone - without the style running ..?!
Then you need to record the style with the drum kit you choose and save.
Only then can you test the style with your new drum kit - WTF ..?!
This shock was huge, but the next is even bigger:
I've listened to all the sounds, but I like none of them.
1100 sounds, all of which are awful - how did Medeli get this?
No piano sounds like a piano, and several organs have a sick vibrato built in that has nothing to do with the organs of reality.
The sound is generally experienced as dull and lifeless, without the necessary dynamics - it is as if there is a thick blanket hanging in front of the speakers that hides all the details.
As if this is not enough, the correct perspective is lacking, as the sound is always experienced as if it comes from the speakers, and not in between.
Medeli`s sound engineer team obviously needs a comprehensive hearing test - do they not know what instruments sound like in real life?
This is the worst I have ever heard, and I have never experienced that NO sounds can be said to be acceptable.
Velocity also does not work as expected - this worked well on the A1000, but not on the AKX10 - regardless of settings.
Quality of mixing / selection of OTS:
The misery continues:
Mixing and composition of OTS is the worst I have heard; even worse than Yamaha.
Many sounds in all styles are too weak, while others are too loud, and sounds have been used in OTS that have no connection to the genre; Using strings for eg blues is insanely derailing.
As mentioned, MultiPads have far too low volume, and I have not bothered to test many because everything is so poorly executed.
Different features - how useful are they?
I have tested most of the many features, but find that they generally work strangely; also the DSP effects - none work as I am used to.
Lots of features, all of which are useless.
A very strange thing is that EQ does not work normally - there is almost no effect even with + 12dB, and the sound becomes unnatural and overridden.
At the same time, I can not help but notice that several parts in all styles have almost max level, which indicates that something is very wrong done along the way with the samples.
Degree of playing pleasure:
I'm having a hard time feeling any playing pleasure with the AKX10.
Pros:
* Perfect design and layout
* The screen is the best I have tried to date
* The best manual I've ever seen for an arranger
Cons:
* The worst sound of all time
* Mixer lacks the ability to change sounds while the style is running
* The keybed is below the required standard - it has too poor response
Final conclusion:
With its AKX10, Medeli has effectively closed all doors for serious users and buyers.
This is the worst keyboard I have ever played on, and would strongly discourage anyone from buying this.
At the same time, I want to warn everyone against believing in the tests they see are done by Jeremy See - he obviously enjoys great respect from many, but he definitely does not have mine.
As a music teacher, he is a disgrace to the industry, and has probably been paid by Medeli to recommend a product that in reality is completely useless to musicians.
You are hereby warned.
DO NOT BUY THIS KEYBOARD!
DO NOT BUY THIS KEYBOARD!
I have searched the internet for months before I found the company Malmö Musikaffär AB in Sweden which had an AKX10 in stock, and which could ship on to Norway.
This is the only company in Scandinavia that has this, and the price was somewhat higher than usual, plus the shipping cost was a little higher than normal.
In the end, this also had a greater effect on the calculation of Norwegian VAT, which meant that the price tag ended up at just over € 1,100.
I ordered on Friday 3 December (UPS), and had it delivered to my door on Wednesday 8 December, which is very fast.
Malmö Musikaffär AB has provided a fantastic service all the way, and has responded almost immediately to all my inquiries.
PREFACE:
I have read all available rewievs / tests; Everyone compares the model to the Yamaha SX900, which I think is misleading.
Misleading because the AKX10 in no way is comparable to the SX900 in terms of sound.
I have not tested the SX900, but I refuse to believe that any Yamaha keyboard can be as bad as the AKX10.
From experience, I know that I perceive products more critically than most people do, and am prepared for surprises that contradict what others have found out.
I have read the manual in its entirety, but this test is written continuously while the test is in progress.
I have also read through the manual for GrandSuite, and it is my opinion that this is very deficient and poorly explained - but unlike YEM, the Grand Suite is logical and easy to understand intuitively.
Supplied software - Grand Suite V2:
The program includes a manager for the installation of styles, sounds and arpeggios to the expansion card, which is structured in the same way as the Yamaha Expansion Manager - it is tied to the keyboard's instrument info. You can choose between sending data via the program directly to the keyboard or saving to a USB stick, as well as whether you want to save with or without installation restrictions or not (what this means in practice is not stated).
Here is an overview that shows the similarity between Medeli and Yamaha formats:
*.voi , *.kit , *.style , *.GSpack *.ppf
*.mpack , *.dpack *.ppi
Grand Suite can be used to create / edit styles from MIDI, create / edit Arpeggio Patterns and create / edit sounds.
In Grand Suite it`s possible to merge mpack and dpack files together with another files of the same format.
Yamaha can not do this with its ppi files.
Packages can be created locked to your keyboard, or packages can be created to be shared with others.
I'm guessing said installation restrictions apply to packages created to be shared with others.
A very important (and unexpected) opportunity is the ability to install SF2 sounds.
Supported sample format is wave, multi sample formats are *.voi for sound with Medeli formats, *.kit for drum or perc.
When the SF2 import section is used, sf2 is converted as *.voi (normal sound) or *.kit (drum/perc kit) according to the sound or drum/perc it contains, and you can add these files to your package either directly or by editing - here YEM is surpassed.
When you right-click on any file in your package and click export, the file you want to extract is exported in that format (kit comes out as kit, sound comes out as sound, rhythm comes out as rhythm).
Whatever the file is in YEM program, the format it outputs is just ppf.
GrandSuite must thus be said to be a significant improvement over YEM.
Connectivity:
This keyboard has all the connections expected of a middle class keyboard, and Medeli has totally omitted the use of mini-jacks, which were used on the previous top model A1000.
USB connection is located at the back, which is backwards.
Compability:
There is no list of available / compatible formats for either styles, sounds, pads or anything else.
However, I have found that these formats are available by opening different windows in GrandSuite:
voi, vpi, kit, kpt, mif, mpk, dpk, mps, arp, mid, sty (common), bcs (basic), prs (pro), sst (session), pcs (piano combo), pst (pianist), fps (free play)
As you can see, all Yamaha`s formats are available, except for aus (audio style) and the new scp (dj style playback) - which is fine, because scp is useless for real musicians.
Intuitive use/Layout:
Anyone who has played on a keyboard will recognize everything immediately, because everything is exemplary symmetrically and logically placed - better it can not be done.
The screen is the best I have tried to date - much better than Pa4X and Genos.
Mechanical quality:
Many have suggested - for no good reason - that the AKX10 has a questionable mechanical quality, since it is manufactured in Hong Kong.
All buttons are super precise, plus the volume and multi-function buttons are made of metal.
The multi-function buttons are very heavy to turn, which is a negative.
Part of the panel is made of aluminum, something no one has said anything about.
The keybeds keys are a little heavier to press than what is standard; it is about halfway between what is common for Korg and Yamaha.
However, there is something that does not work optimally, because when I take a fast run, in a way the reaction from the keys lags, with the result that the keyboard is not able to follow my movements as fast as I do them.
This means that the keybed does not get approved - it is not good enough.
This arranger can layout-wise withstand a direct comparison with all top models.
Sound quality:
Ultimately, sound quality is one of the most crucial and judging factors.
It does not help if everything is perfect, if the sound does not meet the expected standard.
Does it?
The first thing I do when I try a new instrument is play through all the styles and pads.
Then I test different styles with different drum kits and basses.
After this I play all sounds one by one, and at the same time test their velocity; ability to respond to what I actually do.
Finally, I consider the mix quality between styles, OTS and MultiPads; both in terms of volume and whether the best choices have been made or not.
Sound quality via internal speakers / headphones / external sound system:
The immediate impression of the sound quality is that the sound is terrible via internal speakers - it is sharp, with overfocus on the upper midrange, while bass and upper treble are non-existent.
Very uncomfortable.
The sound gets much better via headphones, but still uncomfortable, with the same tendencies.
Via an external sound system, reality is clearly revealed - there is a total lack of dynamics in the bass range, and in the upper treble range as well.
All styles seem to be missing something in a way; they do not engage.
Drum kits are perceived as dull and lifeless, without the necessary dynamics.
MultiPads have almost no effect because they have too low a volume.
Then comes the big shock:
Testing different drum kits is not possible, because you have to stop the style, and then open the menu for drums. You can test each drum kit, but only that alone - without the style running ..?!
Then you need to record the style with the drum kit you choose and save.
Only then can you test the style with your new drum kit - WTF ..?!
This shock was huge, but the next is even bigger:
I've listened to all the sounds, but I like none of them.
1100 sounds, all of which are awful - how did Medeli get this?
No piano sounds like a piano, and several organs have a sick vibrato built in that has nothing to do with the organs of reality.
The sound is generally experienced as dull and lifeless, without the necessary dynamics - it is as if there is a thick blanket hanging in front of the speakers that hides all the details.
As if this is not enough, the correct perspective is lacking, as the sound is always experienced as if it comes from the speakers, and not in between.
Medeli`s sound engineer team obviously needs a comprehensive hearing test - do they not know what instruments sound like in real life?
This is the worst I have ever heard, and I have never experienced that NO sounds can be said to be acceptable.
Velocity also does not work as expected - this worked well on the A1000, but not on the AKX10 - regardless of settings.
Quality of mixing / selection of OTS:
The misery continues:
Mixing and composition of OTS is the worst I have heard; even worse than Yamaha.
Many sounds in all styles are too weak, while others are too loud, and sounds have been used in OTS that have no connection to the genre; Using strings for eg blues is insanely derailing.
As mentioned, MultiPads have far too low volume, and I have not bothered to test many because everything is so poorly executed.
Different features - how useful are they?
I have tested most of the many features, but find that they generally work strangely; also the DSP effects - none work as I am used to.
Lots of features, all of which are useless.
A very strange thing is that EQ does not work normally - there is almost no effect even with + 12dB, and the sound becomes unnatural and overridden.
At the same time, I can not help but notice that several parts in all styles have almost max level, which indicates that something is very wrong done along the way with the samples.
Degree of playing pleasure:
I'm having a hard time feeling any playing pleasure with the AKX10.
Pros:
* Perfect design and layout
* The screen is the best I have tried to date
* The best manual I've ever seen for an arranger
Cons:
* The worst sound of all time
* Mixer lacks the ability to change sounds while the style is running
* The keybed is below the required standard - it has too poor response
Final conclusion:
With its AKX10, Medeli has effectively closed all doors for serious users and buyers.
This is the worst keyboard I have ever played on, and would strongly discourage anyone from buying this.
At the same time, I want to warn everyone against believing in the tests they see are done by Jeremy See - he obviously enjoys great respect from many, but he definitely does not have mine.
As a music teacher, he is a disgrace to the industry, and has probably been paid by Medeli to recommend a product that in reality is completely useless to musicians.
You are hereby warned.
DO NOT BUY THIS KEYBOARD!
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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