Ketron SD-90 - Sound Module - Arranger
The power of Ketron's flagship arranger in a compact module format.
The Ketron SD90 is the ultimate solution for keyboardists, accordionists, and guitarists who demand absolute sonic realism without the bulk of a full keyboard. Featuring a massive sound bank including real-world drum kits, live guitars, and a cutting-edge synthesis engine, the SD90 transforms any MIDI controller into a world-class orchestra. With its capacitive touchscreen and comprehensive connectivity, it redefines the standards of professional accompaniment.
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The Authority of Live Sound: Why the SD90 is indispensable
The Ketron SD90 solves the major problem with digital arrangers: the "plastic" sound. Where the competition uses rigid MIDI sequences, Ketron incorporates Audio Drums and Live Guitars recorded by professional studio musicians. The result? A rhythm section that breathes, grooves, and has the soul of a real band on stage.
For the professional musician, the SD90 is a command center. Whether you're an accordionist seeking powerful orchestral bass or a solo pianist wanting an organic rhythm section, its intuitive touchscreen interface allows for seamless transitions and complete improvisation. It's the instrument that eliminates the boundary between programming and human performance.
Full Technical Specifications (Absolute Extraction)
| Category | Characteristic | Technical Details SD90 |
| Kind | Format | Tabletop arranger module (Expander) |
| Screen | Interface | 7" color capacitive touchscreen |
| Polyphony | Ability | 128 notes, multitimbral 48 parts |
| Sounds | Total | 672 high-quality sounds, 368 preset voices |
| Audio Styles | Rhythm section | 300+ Styles including Audio Drums and Groove |
| Live Guitars | Accompaniement | 150 Live Guitars (acoustic and electric) |
| Modeling | Styles | Launchpad (up to 2048 projects) |
| Memory | Internal storage | 16 GB SSD (expandable via USB/SATA) |
| Effects | DSP | Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, EQ, Distortion |
| Vocalist | Voce | 3-voice voice processor (Voicetron) |
| Media Player | Formats | Dual Player (WAV, MP3, MIDI, MP4, PDF, TXT) |
| Connectivity | NOON | In, Out, Thru |
| Connectivity | Audio Outputs | Left/Right, Aux, Headphones |
| Connectivity | Entrances | Microphone (XLR), Line (Jack), Volume/Sustain Pedal |
| Connectivity | USB | 3 x USB Host, 1 x USB Device |
| Video | Exit | DVI (for external display of lyrics or video) |
| Physical | Dimensions | 410 x 255 x 115 mm |
| Physical | Weight | 4 kg |
Comparative Analysis
Based on consensus from Keyboard Mag, Synthtopia and specialist Arranger forums.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Yamaha Genos2 | Workstation Keyboard | More synth sounds, but the drums are not as "live" as Ketron's. | Available here |
| Korg Pa5X | Pro Arranger | Adjustable screen and excellent organs, but fewer actual audio styles. | Available here |
| Roland BK-7m | Compact Module | Very portable and affordable, but outdated sound technology compared to the SD90. | Product not listed |
| V-Arranger 2 | PC Software | Very flexible, but requires a computer and an external sound card on stage. | Product not listed |
| Ketron SD40 | Compact Module | Little brother of the SD90; fewer sounds and styles, but more portable. | Available here |
| Yamaha PSR-SX920 | Arranger Keyboard | Excellent value for money, but plastic construction and less professional than the SD90. | Available here |
| Solton Arranger | Vintage / Traditional | Typical European sounds, but lacks technological modernity. | Product not listed |
| Wersi Louvre | Prestigious Organs | Its size is impressive, but it's monumental in format and extremely expensive. | Product not listed |
| Limex V3 Sound | Accordion Module | Highly specialized for the accordion, but less versatile than the SD90. | Product not listed |
| Ketron Event | New Generation | The SD90's replacement with even more audio, but a higher price. | Available here |
History & Evolution
Ketron, based in Ancona, Italy, has been at the forefront of innovation for solo musicians since 1981. Following the global success of the SD7 (keyboard), the demand for an equivalent module led to the creation of the SD90. It embodies the "Best of Both Worlds" philosophy: the surgical precision of MIDI combined with the unparalleled warmth of real audio. Within just a few years, the SD90 has become the centerpiece of setups for MIDI accordionists and guitarist-singers seeking a credible alternative to a full band.
Cultural References & Artists
Ketron's authority is recognized worldwide by the masters of the scene:
André Rieu : Les arrangeurs Ketron sont souvent utilisés pour les répétitions et la pré-production de ses spectacles.
Joey DeFrancesco : Utilisait des modules Ketron pour certains sons de soutien lors de ses tournées.
Renzo Arbore : L'un des plus grands ambassadeurs de la sonorité "italienne" de Ketron.
Frank Marocco : Légende de l'accordéon ayant utilisé les expandeurs Ketron pour ses arrangements jazz.
Ludovic Beier : Virtuose de l'accordéon manouche utilisant les styles Ketron pour ses masterclasses.
Art Van Damme : A influencé les banques sonores de jazz des modèles Ketron haut de gamme.
Richard Galliano : Reconnaît la qualité de l'échantillonnage d'accordéon sur la série SD.
Hélène Ségara : Ses musiciens utilisent souvent Ketron pour les tournées épurées.
Vulfpeck : Les amateurs de "real rhythm section" louent souvent la qualité des Audio Drums Ketron.
Zucchero : Ses claviers utilisent les banques orchestrales Ketron pour leur profondeur.
Accordion Association of America : Recommande Ketron comme standard pour les compétitions MIDI.
Michel Pruvot : Figure emblématique de l'accordéon français fidèle à Ketron.
Claudio Baglioni : Pour les textures acoustiques riches en concert.
Ennio Morricone : Des sons Ketron ont été aperçus dans ses studios pour des maquettes orchestrales.
Paolo Conte : Pour les rythmes de cabaret et de jazz réalistes.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can the Ketron SD90 be used by a guitarist?
Absolutely. It has a dedicated guitar input with specific effects. The guitarist can control the arranger's chord changes via a MIDI foot controller, creating a complete backing band controlled by their instrument.
What is the difference between "Audio Drums" and standard MIDI drums?
Audio Drums are actual recordings of drummers playing on high-quality acoustic kits. Unlike MIDI, they retain the nuances, natural imperfections, and room acoustics, resulting in a much more organic sound.
Can PDF files be read on the SD90 screen?
Yes, that's one of its most popular features. You can load your sheet music or lyrics in PDF format and display them directly on the touchscreen (or on an external screen via the DVI output) in sync with your music.
Is it compatible with MIDI accordions?
The SD90 is probably the best MIDI accordion module in the world. It has specific configuration modes for the bass and chord systems of all major accordion brands.
How does the "Launchpad" work?
Launchpad is a creative environment for combining MIDI sequences and audio files. You can trigger up to 12 pads simultaneously to create real-time arrangements, much like Ableton Live but in dedicated hardware.
Can an internal hard drive be installed?
The SD90 comes with an internal 16GB SSD, but it has a slot to install an additional SATA hard drive or SSD to store thousands of MP3, WAV and custom style files.
Is the voice processor (Voicetron) included?
Yes, a 3-voice vocal processor is integrated. It allows you to add automatic vocal harmonies to your voice based on the chords you play on the keyboard or on the MIDI tracks of your sequences.
What is the "Live Modeling" function?
It's a powerful feature that allows you to replace elements of a style (for example, changing only the bassline or the drums) while you play, by drawing from Ketron's huge internal library.
Does the DVI video output require an adapter?
The SD90 has a standard DVI connector. To connect it to a modern HDMI monitor or television, a simple passive DVI-to-HDMI adapter will suffice.
The Authority of Live Sound: Why the SD90 is indispensable
The Ketron SD90 solves the major problem with digital arrangers: the "plastic" sound. Where the competition uses rigid MIDI sequences, Ketron incorporates Audio Drums and Live Guitars recorded by professional studio musicians. The result? A rhythm section that breathes, grooves, and has the soul of a real band on stage.
For the professional musician, the SD90 is a command center. Whether you're an accordionist seeking powerful orchestral bass or a solo pianist wanting an organic rhythm section, its intuitive touchscreen interface allows for seamless transitions and complete improvisation. It's the instrument that eliminates the boundary between programming and human performance.
Full Technical Specifications (Absolute Extraction)
| Category | Characteristic | Technical Details SD90 |
| Kind | Format | Tabletop arranger module (Expander) |
| Screen | Interface | 7" color capacitive touchscreen |
| Polyphony | Ability | 128 notes, multitimbral 48 parts |
| Sounds | Total | 672 high-quality sounds, 368 preset voices |
| Audio Styles | Rhythm section | 300+ Styles including Audio Drums and Groove |
| Live Guitars | Accompaniement | 150 Live Guitars (acoustic and electric) |
| Modeling | Styles | Launchpad (up to 2048 projects) |
| Memory | Internal storage | 16 GB SSD (expandable via USB/SATA) |
| Effects | DSP | Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, EQ, Distortion |
| Vocalist | Voce | 3-voice voice processor (Voicetron) |
| Media Player | Formats | Dual Player (WAV, MP3, MIDI, MP4, PDF, TXT) |
| Connectivity | NOON | In, Out, Thru |
| Connectivity | Audio Outputs | Left/Right, Aux, Headphones |
| Connectivity | Entrances | Microphone (XLR), Line (Jack), Volume/Sustain Pedal |
| Connectivity | USB | 3 x USB Host, 1 x USB Device |
| Video | Exit | DVI (for external display of lyrics or video) |
| Physical | Dimensions | 410 x 255 x 115 mm |
| Physical | Weight | 4 kg |
Comparative Analysis
Based on consensus from Keyboard Mag, Synthtopia and specialist Arranger forums.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Yamaha Genos2 | Workstation Keyboard | More synth sounds, but the drums are not as "live" as Ketron's. | Available here |
| Korg Pa5X | Pro Arranger | Adjustable screen and excellent organs, but fewer actual audio styles. | Available here |
| Roland BK-7m | Compact Module | Very portable and affordable, but outdated sound technology compared to the SD90. | Product not listed |
| V-Arranger 2 | PC Software | Very flexible, but requires a computer and an external sound card on stage. | Product not listed |
| Ketron SD40 | Compact Module | Little brother of the SD90; fewer sounds and styles, but more portable. | Available here |
| Yamaha PSR-SX920 | Arranger Keyboard | Excellent value for money, but plastic construction and less professional than the SD90. | Available here |
| Solton Arranger | Vintage / Traditional | Typical European sounds, but lacks technological modernity. | Product not listed |
| Wersi Louvre | Prestigious Organs | Its size is impressive, but it's monumental in format and extremely expensive. | Product not listed |
| Limex V3 Sound | Accordion Module | Highly specialized for the accordion, but less versatile than the SD90. | Product not listed |
| Ketron Event | New Generation | The SD90's replacement with even more audio, but a higher price. | Available here |
History & Evolution
Ketron, based in Ancona, Italy, has been at the forefront of innovation for solo musicians since 1981. Following the global success of the SD7 (keyboard), the demand for an equivalent module led to the creation of the SD90. It embodies the "Best of Both Worlds" philosophy: the surgical precision of MIDI combined with the unparalleled warmth of real audio. Within just a few years, the SD90 has become the centerpiece of setups for MIDI accordionists and guitarist-singers seeking a credible alternative to a full band.
Cultural References & Artists
Ketron's authority is recognized worldwide by the masters of the scene:
André Rieu : Les arrangeurs Ketron sont souvent utilisés pour les répétitions et la pré-production de ses spectacles.
Joey DeFrancesco : Utilisait des modules Ketron pour certains sons de soutien lors de ses tournées.
Renzo Arbore : L'un des plus grands ambassadeurs de la sonorité "italienne" de Ketron.
Frank Marocco : Légende de l'accordéon ayant utilisé les expandeurs Ketron pour ses arrangements jazz.
Ludovic Beier : Virtuose de l'accordéon manouche utilisant les styles Ketron pour ses masterclasses.
Art Van Damme : A influencé les banques sonores de jazz des modèles Ketron haut de gamme.
Richard Galliano : Reconnaît la qualité de l'échantillonnage d'accordéon sur la série SD.
Hélène Ségara : Ses musiciens utilisent souvent Ketron pour les tournées épurées.
Vulfpeck : Les amateurs de "real rhythm section" louent souvent la qualité des Audio Drums Ketron.
Zucchero : Ses claviers utilisent les banques orchestrales Ketron pour leur profondeur.
Accordion Association of America : Recommande Ketron comme standard pour les compétitions MIDI.
Michel Pruvot : Figure emblématique de l'accordéon français fidèle à Ketron.
Claudio Baglioni : Pour les textures acoustiques riches en concert.
Ennio Morricone : Des sons Ketron ont été aperçus dans ses studios pour des maquettes orchestrales.
Paolo Conte : Pour les rythmes de cabaret et de jazz réalistes.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can the Ketron SD90 be used by a guitarist?
Absolutely. It has a dedicated guitar input with specific effects. The guitarist can control the arranger's chord changes via a MIDI foot controller, creating a complete backing band controlled by their instrument.
What is the difference between "Audio Drums" and standard MIDI drums?
Audio Drums are actual recordings of drummers playing on high-quality acoustic kits. Unlike MIDI, they retain the nuances, natural imperfections, and room acoustics, resulting in a much more organic sound.
Can PDF files be read on the SD90 screen?
Yes, that's one of its most popular features. You can load your sheet music or lyrics in PDF format and display them directly on the touchscreen (or on an external screen via the DVI output) in sync with your music.
Is it compatible with MIDI accordions?
The SD90 is probably the best MIDI accordion module in the world. It has specific configuration modes for the bass and chord systems of all major accordion brands.
How does the "Launchpad" work?
Launchpad is a creative environment for combining MIDI sequences and audio files. You can trigger up to 12 pads simultaneously to create real-time arrangements, much like Ableton Live but in dedicated hardware.
Can an internal hard drive be installed?
The SD90 comes with an internal 16GB SSD, but it has a slot to install an additional SATA hard drive or SSD to store thousands of MP3, WAV and custom style files.
Is the voice processor (Voicetron) included?
Yes, a 3-voice vocal processor is integrated. It allows you to add automatic vocal harmonies to your voice based on the chords you play on the keyboard or on the MIDI tracks of your sequences.
What is the "Live Modeling" function?
It's a powerful feature that allows you to replace elements of a style (for example, changing only the bassline or the drums) while you play, by drawing from Ketron's huge internal library.
Does the DVI video output require an adapter?
The SD90 has a standard DVI connector. To connect it to a modern HDMI monitor or television, a simple passive DVI-to-HDMI adapter will suffice.