# Getting started

What PA SET Explorer is, what it can do for you, which keyboards and files it understands, and a guided tour of the main window.

Web page: https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=getting-started

In this chapter:

- What the program does — in one minute
- Which KORG, Medeli, Yamaha and Ketron files it works with
- What happens the first time you open it
- The name and job of every part of the window
- What Basic and Premium mean

## What is PA SET Explorer?

PA SET Explorer is a Windows program that lets you **open, explore, combine and convert** the SETs of KORG Pa arranger keyboards — and of the Medeli AKX / Zen expansions — on your computer, without the keyboard.

A KORG **SET** is the folder your keyboard saves to a USB stick: it holds your styles, sounds, samples, pads and performances. Normally you can only see what is inside on the keyboard itself, one screen at a time. PA SET Explorer shows you **everything at once**, lets you **listen** to it on your PC, and lets you **move things between SETs** with your mouse.

Think of it as a file manager made for musicians: you open your SET, you see every style and every sound, you drag what you want from another SET, you press **Save** and you copy the SET back to the keyboard.

> **Your files are safe:** When you open a SET, the program works on a **copy** of it. Nothing you do touches your real SET until you press **Save** — and you can undo every step with `Ctrl+Z`. Read [Saving & Undo](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=saving) to see how it works.

## What you can do with it

- **Explore every sound** — See all the sounds, drum kits, PCM samples and oscillators of a SET, and play them with your mouse or your computer keyboard. ([more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=sound-library))
- **Export sounds** — Save any sound as SoundFont .sf2, Medeli .voi / .kit, a KORG sampler (.PCM + RAM.KMP + .PCG) or WAV files. ([more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=sound-library#export-sound))
- **Combine two SETs** — Open a second SET next to yours and drag styles, sounds, samplers, drum kits and pads across. Samples travel with the styles. ([more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=combining-sets))
- **Convert styles** — Turn one style into any other format: KORG .STY, PA5X .stg, Yamaha, Medeli, Ketron or MIDI. ([more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=converter))
- **Convert a whole SET** — KORG SET → PA5X KST, PA5X KST → older KORG, or a whole SET into Medeli AKX, Yamaha or Ketron in one go. ([more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=setmanager#btn-convert))
- **Medeli AKX / Zen** — Create and load AKX sets, build packs, import voices, kits and styles, edit them, and convert a KORG SET into AKX. ([more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=medeli-akx))
- **Play & edit styles** — Listen to any style in the Style Players, change samplers, volumes, octaves and chord rules, and edit notes. ([more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=style-players))
- **Save & undo** — Every change waits in a list until you press Save. Undo with Ctrl+Z, redo with Ctrl+Y. ([more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=saving))
- **Resources & Community** — Keep a library of your SETs and styles, and get styles, samples and drum kits shared by other musicians. ([more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=open-and-resources#resources))

## Supported keyboards and files

PA SET Explorer works with the whole KORG Pa family that uses SET folders, plus the PA5X with its new KST format. When you open a SET it asks which keyboard it is for, because each model has a different amount of sample memory:

| Keyboard | What you open | Sample memory | Compression | Styles per bank |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| KORG PA300 | a `.SET` folder | 32 MB | No | 40 (5 pages × 8) |
| KORG PA600 | a `.SET` folder | 96 MB | No | 40 (5 pages × 8) |
| KORG PA900 | a `.SET` folder | 192 MB | No | 40 (5 pages × 8) |
| KORG PA3X | a `.SET` folder | 128 MB | Yes | 40 (5 pages × 8) |
| KORG PA700 | a `.SET` folder | 128 MB | Yes | 48 (6 pages × 8) |
| KORG PA1000 | a `.SET` folder | 600 MB | Yes | 48 (6 pages × 8) |
| KORG PA4X | a `.SET` folder | 1.5 GB | Yes | 48 (6 pages × 8) |
| KORG PA5X | a `.KST` folder | 2.5 GB | Yes | folders of `.stg` styles (10 per page) |
| Medeli AKX / Zen | an AKX set folder (with a `.GSTarget` file) | 256 MB or 768 MB | — | packs of styles |

*“Compression” means the keyboard can store samples compressed, so more of them fit in memory.*

### File types you will meet

| File | What it is | Where you use it |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `.SET` folder | A complete KORG SET (PA300 – PA4X) | [Open SET/KST](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=open-and-resources#open-set), SetManager |
| `.KST` folder | A complete KORG PA5X SET | Open SET/KST, SetManager |
| `.STY` | A KORG style bank (many styles in one file) | SetManager, Converter, Style Player |
| `.stg` | One KORG PA5X style | SetManager, Converter, Style Player |
| `.PCG` · `.PCM` · `RAM.KMP` | KORG sounds · samples · multisamples (inside a SET) | Sound Library, PCM Banks |
| `.sty` (Yamaha) | A Yamaha style (SFF) | Converter, Import Style, Style Player |
| `.sty` (Medeli) | A Medeli AKX style | Converter, AKX sets, Style Player |
| `.kst` (Ketron) | A Ketron / Audya style | Converter, Import Style, Style Player |
| `.mid` | A MIDI file with style section markers | Converter, Import Style |
| `.sf2` | SoundFont: samples + key zones | Import Sampler / DrumKit, Export |
| `.voi` · `.kit` | Medeli voice · Medeli drum kit | AKX sets, Import, Export |
| `.uvn` · `.uvd` | Yamaha voice · Yamaha drum kit | Import Sampler / DrumKit, AKX packs |
| `.kmp` + `.ksf` | KORG Triton / Kronos / Nautilus multisample | Import Sampler, AKX Samples packs |

## The first time you open the program

**Step 1 — Choose your language**

The very first time, the program asks for the language of its menus. Pick one and press **Continue**. You can change it later with the globe button at the top.

![Select Language appears automatically on the first start.](https://pasetexplorer.com/images/docs/select-language.webp)

Numbered marks on this screenshot:

1. The list of languages. English and Español are complete.
2. Press **Continue** to confirm.

**Step 2 — Read the Beta notice**

PA SET Explorer is in active development. A short notice reminds you to **keep backup copies** of your SETs. Press **I understand**.

**Step 3 — Activate your license (if asked)**

If this computer has no license yet, enter your license key. You find it in your profile on the website. A trial license also works.

**Step 4 — Open a SET and choose the keyboard model**

Press **Open SET/KST** and pick your SET folder (see [Open SET/KST](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=open-and-resources#open-set)). When it has loaded, the program asks **which keyboard the SET is for**. Choose your model — this sets the memory bar and decides whether sample compression is offered. A PA5X KST is recognised automatically.

![Select Korg Model — the choice is shown at the top of the window afterwards.](https://pasetexplorer.com/images/docs/select-model.webp)

Numbered marks on this screenshot:

1. Every supported model with its sample memory and whether it can compress samples.
2. Click your keyboard, for example **PA4X**.
3. **Skip** if you only want to look around — you can still explore the SET.

> **Tip:** Choose the keyboard the SET will be **played on**, not where it came from. A SET from a PA4X that you want to load on a PA1000 should be opened as PA1000, so the memory bar warns you if it is too big.

## A tour of the main window

This is the program with a real PA4X SET (“Stefan v2 2021”) loaded. Learn these 12 parts once and you will find your way everywhere:

![The main window of PA SET Explorer 1.4.1 with a PA4X SET loaded.](https://pasetexplorer.com/images/docs/ui-tour.webp)

Numbered marks on this screenshot:

1. **Program name** and, under it, the name of the SET you have open.
2. **Memory bar** — the keyboard model, how much sample memory the SET uses, how much is still free and the limit. It turns orange above 70% and red above 90%.
3. **Status** — “Ready”, “Loading…” or the name of the SET that was loaded.
4. **SET A / SET B view** — when two SETs are open in SetManager, choose which one the Sounds, PCM, Samples and Oscillators sections show.
5. **Language** of the menus.
6. **Resources** — your library of SETs, KSTs, AKX sets and styles, plus your Community downloads.
7. **Open SET/KST** — open a KORG SET or PA5X KST folder. This is where you start.
8. **Stop** — silences every sound that is playing.
9. **Sidebar** — the sections of the program. Click one to switch.
10. **Main area** — the content of the section you chose (here: the Sound Library).
11. **Keyboard** — click the keys to play the selected sound.
12. **Status bar** — a summary of the SET: sounds, PCM samples, styles, performances and pads.

### The sidebar sections

| Section | What it is for |
| --- | --- |
| Sounds | The **Sound Library**: every sound and drum kit of the SET. Listen, inspect, export, delete. [Read more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=sound-library) |
| PCM Banks | Every **sample** stored in the SET’s RAM banks: play, export WAV, compress, find duplicates. [Read more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=pcm-banks) |
| Samples | The samples used by the **sound you selected**. [Read more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=samples) |
| Oscillators | How the selected sound is built: its **oscillators** and their settings. [Read more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=oscillators) |
| SetManager | The heart of the program: **two SETs side by side**, drag & drop, Import/Merge, Convert, Medeli AKX. [Read more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=setmanager) |
| Converter | Convert **one style** between KORG, PA5X, Yamaha, Medeli, Ketron and MIDI. [Read more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=converter) |
| Style Database | The latest styles in the PA SET Explorer Style Database (shown when available). [Read more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=settings-and-more#style-database) |
| Bug Report | Tell us about a problem in a few clicks. [Read more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=settings-and-more#bug-report) |
| Audio Options | Theme, audio output, MIDI input, engine, mixer, EQ and compressor. [Read more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=settings-and-more#audio-options) |
| Profile | Your account and license. [Read more](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=settings-and-more#profile) |
| Community Resources | Opens the Community page of the website in your browser. |

**Tips:**

- The numbers next to **Sounds** and **PCM Banks** in the sidebar tell you how many sounds and samples the open SET has.
- If something keeps playing, press **Stop** at the top right.
- Hover any button for a second: most of them show a small explanation (tooltip).

## Basic, Premium and Trial

PA SET Explorer has two plans. **Basic** lets you explore, listen and do the everyday work. **Premium** unlocks the advanced tools — for example **Import/Merge**, **Convert** (whole SETs), **Check Unused**, exporting sounds and the Event Editor. A **Trial** gives you Premium for a few days.

> **What you see on Basic:** Premium buttons show a small padlock. Clicking one opens a notice — “Your current plan is Basic” — with **Got it** and **View plans**. You can upgrade from Basic to Premium at any time on the [Plans page](https://www.pasetexplorer.com/plans.php); you only pay the difference.

Your current plan is shown in [Profile](https://pasetexplorer.com/tutorials?c=settings-and-more#profile) inside the program.