Ashton AK280 User manual

USER MANUAL
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD

INFORMATION FOR YOUR SAFETY
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
CAUTION
The normal function of the product may be disturbed by Strong Electro Magnetic Interference. If so, simply reset the product
to resume normal operation by following the owner’s manual. If this does not resolve the issue, try using the keyboard in a
different location.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING
Please keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
Power Supply
Please connect the designated AC adaptor to an AC outlet of the correct voltage.
Do not connect the AK280 to an AC outlet of voltage other than that for which the keyboard is intended.
Unplug the AC power adaptor when not using the instrument, or during electrical storms.
Connections
Before connecting the AK280 to other devices, turn off the power to all units. This will help prevent malfunction and/or
damage to other devices.
Location
Do not expose the instrument to the following conditions to avoid deformation, discoloration, or more serious damage:
• Direct sunlight
• Extreme temperature or humidity
• Dusty or dirty locations
• Strong vibrations or shocks
• Close proximity to magnetic fields
Interference with other electrical devices
Radios and televisions placed nearby may experience reception interference. Operate this unit at a suitable distance from
radios and televisions.
Cleaning
Clean only with a soft, dry cloth.
Do not use paint thinners, solvents, cleaning fluids, or chemical–impregnated wiping cloths.
Handling
Do not apply excessive force to the switches or controls.
Do not put any objects into the AK280. If this happens, remove the electrical plug from the outlet. Then have the instrument
inspected by qualified service personnel.
Disconnect all cables before moving the instrument.
PRECAUTIONS
USER MANUAL
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD

Touch 15
Metronome 15
Sustain 15
Pitch Bend 16
DSP 16
Transpose 16
Harmony 16
Register Memory 17
Registering the Panel Settings 17
Recalling the Registered Panel Settings 17
Selecting a Registration Bank 17
One Touch Setting 17
Record 18
Prepare for Recording 18
Start Recording 18
Stop Recording 18
Playback Recording 19
Delete Recording 19
Playing the Demo Song 19
Piano Mode 19
Song 20
Listening to the Songs 20
Song Control 20
Lesson Mode 20
Chord Dictionary 22
Dict 1 (Chord Learning Mode) 22
Dict 2 (Chord Testing Mode) 22
Exit Chord Dicionary 22
Pedal Function 23
Multi–Function Pedal 23
MIDI 24
What is MIDI? 24
The Main Application of MIDI 24
Troubleshooting 25
Specifications 25
Voice List 26
Style List 32
Song List 35
Demo List 37
MIDI Implementation Chart 38
CONTENTS
Panel & Display Description 1
Front Panel 1
Rear Panel 2
Display 2
Setup 3
Power Supply 3
Attaching a Music Stand 3
Connections 4
Connecting a Computer 4
Connecting a Footswitch 4
Connecting Headphones 4
Connecting Audio Equipment 4
Connecting an MP3/CD Player 4
Connecting a Microphone 4
Power/Master Volume 5
Turn the Power On/Off 5
Adjust the Master Volume 5
Playing Demo Songs 5
Playing Voices 5
Playing Two Voices Simultaneously–DUAL 6
Playing Different Voices with both hands–LOWER 6
Playing Styles 6
Auto Accompaniment 7
Play Auto Accompaniment (Rhythm Track Only) 7
Play Auto Accompaniment (All Tracks) 7
Accompaniment Sections 7
Playing Different Accompaniment Sections 8
Fade 9
Accompaniment Volume 9
Chord Fingering 9
Tempo 10
Function Menu 11
Tune 11
Split Point 11
Beat Type 12
Pedal Type 12
EQ Type 12
Reverb Type 13
Reverb Level 13
Chorus Type 13
Chorus Level 14
MIDI In/Out 14
Auto Power Off 14
Mixer 14
Effect Related Settings 15
Octave 15

1. VOLUME knob
Adjust the master volume.
2. POWER SWITCH
Turn the Power on or off.
3. [SHIFT] button
Select the secondary functions
of other buttons.
10. [FADE] button
Turn the fade–in or fade–out
function on or off.
11. [CHORD] button
Enter Chord mode.
26. [DEMO] button
Enter Demo Mode.
27. LCD Display
Display all parameters and values
related to the current operation.
28. DATA DIAL
Adjust the parameter value.
29. [–]/[+] and NUMERIC buttons
Set parameters value or select
the number.
In Song Mode:
5. [ ] button
Start or Stop playing the song.
6. [ ] button
Pause or continue playing
the song.
7. [ ] button
Set the beginning and the end for
a loop section of the current song.
8. [ ] button
Rewind the song.
9. [ ] button
Fast forward the song.
1
PANEL & DISPLAY DESCRIPTION
FRONT PANEL
12V MIC AUX IN PHONES/OUTPUT SUSTAIN USB
87
0
9
54 6
21 3
METRONOME MIXER VOICE STYLE SONG DEMOBANK STORE M1 M2 M3 M4 O.T.S. HARMONY PIANO
START/
STOP SYNC START INTRO/ ENDING FILL A FILL B FADE CHORD
VOLUME
MIN MAX SHIFT
ACCOMP
TEMPO
RECORD TOUCH
SUSTAIN
RECORD PLAY DUAL LOWER DICT. DSP TOUCH SUSTAIN FUNCTION OCTAVE TRANSPOSE L & R LESSON
B7( 13) 7(13) 7(#11) dim7 ROOT Cdim 7aug aug 7sus4 sus4 C#/D D D#/E F F#/G G G#/A A A#/BEC#3 D3 E 3 E3 F3 F#3 CHORD CHORD TYPE M M(9) 6 mM7 M7 m m(9) m6 m7(9) m7 m7 5 7 7( 9) 7(9) 7(#9)
#G2 A 2 A2 B 2 B2 C3E2 F2 F 2C2 C#2 D2 E 2
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD
AK280
220 STYLES
001-020 8 BEAT
021-033 16 BEAT
034-063 POP & BALLAD
064-078 ROCK
079-092 BALLROOM
093-111 DANCE
112-122 SOUL & FUNK
123-141 SWING & JAZZ
172-190 WALTZ & TRADITIONAL
191-200 WORLD
201-220 PIANIST
142-151 COUNTRY
152-171 LATIN & LATIN DANCE
633 VOICES
001-051 PIANO
052-076 CHROMATIC PERCUSSION
077-106 ORGAN
107-140 GUITAR
141-165 BASS
166-209 STRINGS & ORCHESTRAL
210-243 BRASS
244-271 REED
272-294 PIPE
295-345 SYNTH LEAD
346-393 SYNTH PAD
394-423 SYNTH SFX
583-624 COMBINED VOICE
625-633 DRUMS
424-447 ETHNIC MISC.
448-535 PERCUSSIVE
536-582 SFX
001-026 FOLK & COUNTRY
027-084 GOLDEN & POP
085-120 CLASSICAL
121-150 PIANO
150 SONGS
In Style Mode
5. [START/ STOP] button
Start or Stop playing the style.
6. [SYNC START] button
Turn the Sync Start on or off.
7. [INTRO/ ENDING] button
Play the Intro or Ending.
8. [FILL A] button
Play the fill–in pattern A.
9. [FILL B] button
Play the fill–in pattern B.
When the [SHIFT] button released
4. [TEMPO +]/[TEMPO –] button
Adjust the current Tempo.
12. [BANK] button
Select a memory bank.
13. [STORE] button
Register the panel settings.
14–17. [M1]–[M4] buttons
Recall a registered
panel setting.
18. [O.T.S.] button
Turn the One Touch Setting
function on or off.
19. [HARMONY] button
Turn the Harmony effect on
or off.
20. [PIANO] button
Enter the Piano Mode.
21. [METRONOME] button
Turn the metronome on or off.
22. [MIXER] button
Enter the Mixer menu.
23. [VOICE] button
Enter Voice mode.
24. [STYLE] button
Enter Style mode.
25. [SONG] button
Enter Song mode.
When the [SHIFT] button pressed
12. [RECORD] button
Enter Recording mode.
13. [PLAY] button
Play back the recording.
14. [DUAL] button
Turn the Dual function on or off.
15. [LOWER] button
Turn the Lower function on
or off.
16. [DICT.] button
Enter the Chord Dictionary.
17. [DSP] button
Turn the DSP function on or off.
18. [TOUCH] button
Enter the Touch setting menu.
19. [SUSTAIN] button
Turn the Sustain function on
or off.
20. [FUNCTION] button
Enter the Function menu.
21. [OCTAVE] button
Enter the Octave setting menu.
22. [TRANSPOSE] button
Enter the Transpose
setting menu.
23. [L HAND] button
Choose to practise the left
hand part in Lesson Mode.
24. [R HAND] button
Choose to practise the right
hand part in Lesson Mode.
25. [LESSON] button
Enter Lesson Mode.
2
3
4
1
11 13 15 1712 14 16 18 195 6 7 8 9 10 21 22 2320 24
27 28
29
25 26
USER MANUAL
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD

2
LCD DISPLAY
REAR PANEL
30. DC 12V jack
Connect the DC 12V power
adaptor (optional).
31. MIC jack
Connect a microphone.
32. AUX IN jack
Connect an external sound
source, such as an MP3 or
CD player.
33. PHONES/OUTPUT jack
Connect a pair of headphones
or external audio equipment.
34. SUSTAIN jack
Connect a sustain pedal.
35. USB jack
Connect to a computer.
12V MIC AUX IN PHONES/OUTPUT SUSTAIN USB
87
0
9
54 6
21 3
METRONOME MIXER VOICE STYLE SONG DEMOBANK STORE M1 M2 M3 M4 O.T.S. HARMONY PIANO
START/
STOP SYNC START INTRO/ ENDING FILL A FILL B FADE CHORD
VOLUME
MIN MAX SHIFT
ACCOMP
TEMPO
RECORD TOUCH
SUSTAIN
RECORD PLAY DUAL LOWER DICT. DSP TOUCH SUSTAIN FUNCTION OCTAVE TRANSPOSE L & R LESSON
B7( 13) 7(13) 7(#11) dim7 ROOT Cdim 7aug aug 7sus4 sus4 C#/D D D#/E F F#/G G G#/A A A#/BEC#3 D3 E 3 E3 F3 F#3 CHORD CHORD TYPE M M(9) 6 mM7 M7 m m(9) m6 m7(9) m7 m7 5 7 7( 9) 7(9) 7(#9)
#G2 A 2 A2 B 2 B2 C3E2 F2 F 2C2 C#2 D2 E 2
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD
AK280
220 STYLES
001-020 8 BEAT
021-033 16 BEAT
034-063 POP & BALLAD
064-078 ROCK
079-092 BALLROOM
093-111 DANCE
112-122 SOUL & FUNK
123-141 SWING & JAZZ
172-190 WALTZ & TRADITIONAL
191-200 WORLD
201-220 PIANIST
142-151 COUNTRY
152-171 LATIN & LATIN DANCE
633 VOICES
001-051 PIANO
052-076 CHROMATIC PERCUSSION
077-106 ORGAN
107-140 GUITAR
141-165 BASS
166-209 STRINGS & ORCHESTRAL
210-243 BRASS
244-271 REED
272-294 PIPE
295-345 SYNTH LEAD
346-393 SYNTH PAD
394-423 SYNTH SFX
583-624 COMBINED VOICE
625-633 DRUMS
424-447 ETHNIC MISC.
448-535 PERCUSSIVE
536-582 SFX
001-026 FOLK & COUNTRY
027-084 GOLDEN & POP
085-120 CLASSICAL
121-150 PIANO
150 SONGS
30 31 32 33 34 35
1. RECORD
2. USB CABLE
3. TOUCH
4. SUSTAIN
5. VOICE/STYLE/
DEMO/SONG
6. MEASURE
7. BEAT
8. TEMPO
9. M1–M4/ONE
TOUCH SETTING
10. DUAL/LOWER/
HARMONY/DSP
11. LEFT/RIGHT HAND/
LESSON MODE
12. NOTE INDICATION
13. A.B.C./FULL RANGE/FADE/
ACCOMPANIMENT SECTION
14. CHORD
15. TREBLE CLEF
16. BASS CLEF

SETUP
3
You can power the AK280 either by batteries or by power
adaptor. Before you switch the AK280 on, turn down the
volume and any connected audio equipment first.
Using Batteries
The AK280 needs 6 pieces of AA (NO.5) or equivalent alkaline
batteries for power supply.
1. Open the battery compartment cover located on the
bottom of the AK280.
2. Insert the batteries, carefully follow the polarity markings
on the cabinet.
3. Replace the compartment cover, making sure that it
locks firmly in place.
Caution:
• Do not mix used and new batteries.
• Always use batteries of the same type.
• Always remove the batteries from the AK280 when it is
not used for an extended period of time.
Using the Power Adapter
1. Connect the adaptor to the power supply jack of
the AK280.
2. Plug the adaptor into an AC outlet.
3. Press the POWER SWITCH. The LCD screen will light up.
This indicates the AK280 is powered on.
4. If you are ready to turn off the AK280, press the
POWER SWITCH again.
Note:
• The piano will automatically shutdown to preserve power
if not used for 30 minutes.
• When the keyboard is not in use or is being used during
a thunderstorm, please disconnect the power for
safety purposes.
This section contains information about setting up the Ak280 and preparing to play. Please go through this section carefully
before turning the power on.
A music stand is supplied with the AK280. You can easily
attach it by inserting it into the slots at the rear of the panel.
POWER SUPPLY
ATTACHING A MUSIC STAND
USER MANUAL
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD

4
CONNECTIONS
CONNECTING A COMPUTER
The AK280 receives and transmits MIDI messages via the USB
connector. Use a USB cable to connect the AK280 to a computer.
Note:
We recommend you use a USB2.0 interface when connecting
the AK280 to a computer.
CONNECTING A FOOTSWITCH
An optional footswitch can be plugged into the sustain jack.
You can select one of 4 pedal functions from the Function
Menu: Sustain, Soft, Memory Switch and Style Start/Stop.
If you select the sustain pedal, when you step on the pedal,
all notes you play on the keyboard will have a longer sustain.
(Refer to the Function Menu for details.)
CONNECTING HEADPHONES
A standard pair of stereo headphones can be connected to
the PHONES/OUTPUT jack for private practice or late–night
playing. The internal stereo speaker system is automatically
shut off when a pair of head phones is plugged into this jack.
Note:
To avoid the risk of hearing loss, do not listen with
headphones at a high volume level for a long period of time.
CONNECTING AUDIO EQUIPMENT
CONNECTING AN MP3/CD PLAYER
CONNECTING A MIROCPHONE
The rear–panel PHONES/OUTPUT jack delivers the output of
the AK280 to external audio equipment such as a keyboard
amplifier, a stereo sound system, a mixing console, or a
tape recorder. Use an audio cable to connect the PHONES/
OUTPUT jack of the AK280 to the AUX IN jack of the external
audio equipment.
Note:
To avoid damaging the speakers, please set the volume level
to minimum before connecting the power and other devices.
Connect the audio output of an MP3/CD player or other audio
source to the stereo AUX IN jack on the rear panel. The input
signal is mixed with the AK280 signal, allowing you to
play along.
By connecting a microphone, you can enjoy singing along with
your keyboard performance or with Song playback (KARAOKE).
1. Before turning the power on, set the master volume
to minimum.
2. Connect a microphone to the [MIC] jack.
3. Turn the power on. Adjust the master volume while
singing into the microphone.

1. Make sure the AK280 is properly connected to the
power supply.
2. Press POWER SWITCH. The LCD screen lights up which
indicates the AK280 is powered on.
Note:
If the LCD isn’t lit after you turn on the AK280, please check
the power connection.
PLAYING DEMO SONGS
1. Press the [DEMO] button. The LCD will display the
current demo number and name. Meanwhile, all demo
songs will play in a loop.
2. Use the data dial or the [+/Yes]/ [–/No] button to
select a demo song.
3. Press the [DEMO] or [START/STOP] button to stop
playing and exit demo mode.
POWER/MASTER VOLUME
TURN THE POWER ON/OFF
ADJUST THE MASTER VOLUME
Turn the [VOLUME] knob clockwise to increase the volume
and anti clockwise to decrease the volume.
Note:
If the keyboard remains silent, please check if the volume has
been set to minimum or if headphones are plugged into the
Phone jack.
The AK280 features several demos. (Please refer to Demo List.)
PLAYING VOICES
5
The AK280 features a variety of build–in voices .Try selecting different voices and play with various preset effects.
(Please refer to the Voice List.)
1. Press the [VOICE] button.
Enter the Voice Mode. The LCD displays the current
default voice name and number.
2. Select a Voice.
Use the data dial, the numeric buttons or the [+/YES]/
[–/NO] buttons to select the voice you want to play.
3. Play the Voice.
Play the keyboard and enjoy the voice.
Note:
When the upper/lower voice is on, and you press the
number key buttons, the corresponding upper/lower voice
will be selected.
USER MANUAL
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD

6
The dual function allows two different voices to be layered
together, creating a much richer sound. Turn the function on,
you can select a second voice for the dual voice “VOICE R2”.
1. In idle mode, press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then
press the [DUAL] button to turn dual function on. The LCD
displays the current voice name and number, “VOICE R 2” and
“DUAL” will light up. You can use the data dial, the numeric
buttons or [+/YES]/ [–/NO] button to select the dual voice
you want to play. The default Voice R2 is: String Ensembles.
2. Play the keyboard, and then you will hear two different voices
layered together. It seems like two different instruments are
playing at the same time.
3. When dual function is on, press and hold the [SHIFT] button
and then press the [DUAL] button to turn dual function off.
Note:
When the keyboard is split, only the right hand area will have the
dual voice.
The lower function splits the keyboard into the left and the right hand
areas, each with a different voice. The left hand voice is the lower
voice “VOICE L” . The default split point is F#3 (19), however, you can
set the split point to any key as required. (Refer to Split Point for
more details).
1. In idle mode, press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then press
the [LOWER] button to turn the lower function on. The LCD will
display the left hand voice name and number, and the indicate
“VOICE L” and “LOWER”.
2. You can use the data dial, the numeric buttons or the [+/YES]/
[–/NO] button to select the lower voice you want to play. The
default Voice L is: String Ensembles.
3. Play the keyboard with both hands and you will hear two
different voices.
4. When lower function is on, press and hold the [SHIFT] button
and then press the [LOWER] button, it will turn lower function off.
PLAYING STYLES
1. Press the [STYLE] button.
Enter the Style Mode. The LCD will display the current
default style name and number.
2. Select a Style.
Use the data dial, the numeric buttons or the [+/YES]/
[–/NO] button to select the style you want to play.
3. Play the Style.
Press the [START/STOP] button to directly start a
rhythm. Alternatively, you can press the [SYNC START]
button, then press a key to start the rhythm.
PLAYING DIFFERENT VOICES WITH
BOTH HANDS–LOWER
PLAYING TWO VOICES
SIMULTANEOUSLY–DUAL

7
AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT
The auto accompaniment feature puts a full backing band at your fingertips. To use it, all you have to do is to play the chords
with your left hand in the selected accompaniment style, and then the accompaniment will automatically play along, instantly
following the chords you play. With auto accompaniment, even a solo performer can enjoy playing with the backing of an entire
band or orchestra. This instrument features a variety of styles. Try selecting some of the different styles (refer to Style List)
and enjoy the auto accompaniment feature.
PLAY AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT
(RHYTHM TRACK ONLY)
PLAY AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT
(ALL TRACKS)
1. Press [STYLE] button.
Enter the style mode. The “STYLE” icon on the LCD will
light up. The LCD will display the name and number of
the current style.
2. Select a style.
Use the data dial, the numeric buttons or the [+/YES]/
[–/NO] button to select a style you want to play.
2. Start playing a style.
Press the [START/STOP] button to start the rhythm
tracks of the auto accompaniment. Also you can press
[SYNC START] and then play any key to start the rhythm
tracks of the auto accompaniment.
1. Turn the auto accompaniment on.
In style mode, you can press the [CHORD] button to
enter the “auto bass chord” (A.B.C.) mode. The keyboard
is split into two sections. Left hand section is the chord
section. The “A.B.C.” icon will light up. Now pressing any
key in chord section (Sync Start status) you will hear the
fantastic accompaniment.
Press [CHORD] button again to enter “full range” mode.
The “FULL RANGE” icon will light up. You can play chords
over the entire keyboard in multi–fingering.
2. Start the auto accompaniment.
You can press [SYNC START] button and then play a
chord in chord section to start auto accompaniment of
all tracks. When you change a chord, the accompaniment
automatically changes. You can also press [START/STOP]
button to start auto accompaniment of rhythm track, then
play a chord in chord section. It will start auto
accompaniment of all tracks.
There are various types of Auto Accompaniment sections that
allow you to vary the arrangement of the accompaniment to
match the song you are playing. They are: Intro, Main (A, B),
Fill (A, B), and Ending. By switching among them during your
performance you can easily produce the dynamic elements of a
professional sounding arrangement in your performance.
ACCOMPANIMENT SECTIONS
USER MANUAL
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD