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

8
INTRO Section
The intro is an opening section of the song. When the intro pattern
is finished, the system will automatically shift to the main section.
MAIN Section
The main is an important section of the song. It will play and repeat
infinitely until another section’s button is pressed.
FILL–IN Section
Auto fill in function automatically adds a fill to your performance.
When the fill–in pattern is finished, accompaniment will shift to the
related main section (A, B).
ENDING Section
Ending is used for the ending of the song. When the ending
pattern is finished, accompaniment automatically stops.
Note:
1. Hold down the [FILL A]/[FILL B] button when the style is
playing. The selected fill–in pattern repeats continuously until
button is released.
2. When style stops, press the [FILL A]/[FILL B] button to
select a MAIN section. “A or B” will display on the LCD.
1. Press the [STYLE] button.
2. Use the data dial or [+/YES]/[–/NO] button to select a style.
3. Press the [CHORD] button to enter A.B.C. (Auto Bass
Chord) mode.
4. Press the [SYNC START] button.
5. Press the [FILL A] button. Select the Main A section.
6. Press the [INTRO/ENDING] button. Now the “A” will display on
the LCD, and the style is ready to play.
7. As soon as you play a chord with your left hand, the auto
accompaniment starts. When the playback of the intro is
finished, it automatically leads into Main A section.
8. Press the [FILL B] button. A fill–in plays, automatically followed
by the Main B section.
9. Press the [INTRO/ENDING] button again, to enter the Ending
Section. When the ending is finished, the auto
PLAYING DIFFERENT
ACCOMPANIMENT SECTIONS

9
1. Fade In
Starting the style with Fade In produces a smooth
beginning (the volume increases from low to high). By
pressing the [FADE] button when the Style is stopped, the
“ FADE” icon will light up and start flashing with the
style playing.
2. Fade Out
Stopping the style with Fade Out produces a smooth
ending (the volume decreases from high to low.) By
pressing the [FADE] button while the Style is playing, the
“FADE ” i con will light up and start flashing with the
style playing.
3. Fade In/Out Time
The default time is 10 seconds.
The function will adjust the accompaniment volume, so as to
keep an appropriate balance between the accompaniment
volume and the voice volume.
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button, then use the
[ACCOMP +]/[ACCOMP –] button to set accompaniment
volume. The adjustable range is: 0–32. The LCD will display
the current accompaniment volume level.
2. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then press the
[ACCOMP +]/[ACCOMP –] button for a while to quickly
adjust the volume value.
3. When the LCD displays the volume level, press and hold
[SHIFT] then, press the [ACCOMP +] + [ACCOMP –]
buttons simultaneously to turn the accompaniment volume
off. The LCD will display “OFF Accomp”. Keep the [SHIFT]
button pressed and then press the [ACCOMP +]/
[ACCOMP –] button again to turn the accompaniment
volume on.
Note:
It will automatically exit the setting if there is no operation in
5 seconds.
How the chords are played or indicated with your left hand (in
the auto accompaniment section of the keyboard) is referred to
as “fingering”.
There are 2 types of fingerings as described below.
Chord Basics
A chord, in music, is any harmonic set of three or more notes
that is heard simultaneously. The most frequently encountered
chords are triads. A triad is a set of three notes that can be
stacked in thirds. When stacked in thirds, the triad’s members,
from lowest pitched tone to highest, are called: the Root, the
Third, and the Fifth.
FADE
ACCOMPANIMENT VOLUME
CHORD FINGERING
USER MANUAL
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD

10
Each style of the AK280 has been set with a default or
standard tempo. However, this can be changed by using the
[TEMPO +]/[TEMPO –] button.
1. Use the [TEMPO +]/[TEMPO –] button to change the
tempo. While the tempo value is flashing, use the data dial
to quickly change the tempo.
2. Press the [TEMPO +] and [TEMPO –] buttons
simultaneously to restore the default tempo setting.
Note:
When style stops, changing the style will automatically reset the
tempo. However, changing the style during style playback will
not result in tempo change.
Chord Inversion
This chord is defined by the fact that its root is not in the bass
(i.e. is not in the lowest note). When the root is in the bass, we
call the chord “Root–Position Chord”. If we put the Third and
Fifth in the root position, then it forms “Inversion”. We call this
chord “Inversion Chord”.
See the major triad diagram and its inverted chord to the right.
Chord Name
The chord name contains two parts: Chord root and Chord type.
Single–Finger
Single finger type not only can detect single finger but also can
detect multi finger. The single finger makes it easier to play
chords through only one, two or three keys including major,
minor, seventh, and minor seventh chord. Refer to relevant
picture on the right for details.
Multi–Finger
Multi–finger allows you to play chords in normal fingering. Try
playing the 32 chord types in C scale as listed on the right.
Note:
In full range mode, the entire keyboard will only recognice
chords played in normal fingering.
Triad Type
There are the following basic triad types:
TEMPO
Major Triad A root with a major third added above and a perfect
fifth will consist as a “Major Triad”.
Minor Triad A root with a minor third added above and a perfect
fifth will consist as a “Minor Triad”.
Augmented
Triad
A root with a major third added above and an
augmented fifth will consist as an “Augmented Triad”.
Diminished
Triad
A root with a minor third added above and a
diminished fifth will consist as a “Diminished Triad”.

11
FUNCTION MENU
Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then press the [FUNCTION]
button to enter the function menu. The LCD will display the current
function menu option. Use the [+/YES]/[–/NO] button or the
data dial to adjust the parameter of the current option.
Note:
It will exit the function menu if there is no operation in 5 seconds.
This function sets the pitch of entire keyboard in 2–cent increments.
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then repeatedly press
the [FUNCTION] button to select the tune menu. The LCD will
display “xxx Tune”. Use the [+/YES]/[–/NO] button or data
dial to change tune value. Its range is from –50 to 50 cents.
2. Press the [+/YES] and [–/NO] buttons simultaneously to set
the tune value to its default setting: 0. The setting applies to
both accompaniment and the voice.
This function sets the point which separates the entire keyboard
to two sections. The left hand section controls the auto bass chord
accompaniment when the A.B.C. function is on, or it plays the lower
voices when the A.B.C. function is off.
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then repeatedly press
the [FUNCTION] button to select split point menu. The LCD will
display “xxx Split Pt”. Use the [+/YES]/[–/NO] button or the
data dial to change Split Point. The range of Split Point is: 1–61.
2. Press the [+/YES] and [–/NO] buttons simultaneously to set
the split point to its default setting.
Note:
The Split Point belongs to the left hand area.
TUNE
SPLIT POINT
NO. CONTENT LCD DISPLAY RANGE DEFAULT
1Tune xxx Tune –50 – +50 0
2Split Point xxx Split pt 1–61 19
3Beat Type xxx Beat 0, 2–9 4
4Pedal Type xxx Ped XXX Ped Sust, Ped Soft, Ped Mem, Ped St/S Ped Sust
5EQ Type xxx EQ XXX EQ Pop, EQ Rock, EQ Class, EQ Jazz, EQ Dance, EQ Reset EQ Reset
6Reverb Type xxx RevHall1 RevRoom1, RevRoom2, RevRoom3, RevHall1, RevHall2, RevHall3,
RevChrh1, RevChrh2, RevDelay, RevPnDly
RevHall1
7Reverb Level xxx Rev Lev 0–32 20
8Chorus Type xxx CHrGMCr2 ChrChrs1, ChrChrs2, ChrGMCr1, ChrGMCr2, ChrFlgr1, ChrFlgr2,
ChrRtry1, ChrRtry2
ChrGMCr2
9Chorus Level xxx Chr Lev 0–32 0
10 Harmony Types xxx HmDuet HrmDuet, HrmStdTri, HrmFulCd, HrmRkDut, HrmCtDut, HrmCtTri,
HrmBlock, Hrm4Cls1, Hrm4Cls2, Hrm4Open, Hrm1+5, HrmOctv1,
HrmOctv2, HrmStrum
HmDuet
11 MIDI Receive xxx Midi In 01–16, ALL ALL
12 MIDI Transmit xxx Midi Out 01–16 01
13 Auto Power Off xxx PowerOff 30, 60, OFF 30
USER MANUAL
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD

12
BEAT TYPE
PEDAL TYPE
EQ TYPE
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then repeatedly
press the [FUNCTION] button to select the Beat Type menu.
The LCD will display “xxx Beat”. Use the [+/YES]/[–/NO]
button or the data dial to change the Beat Type. The range of
the beat type: 0, 2–9.
2. Press the [+/YES] and [–/NO] buttons simultaneously to set
the Beat Type to its default setting: 4.
Note:
1. The AK280 will automatically detect the pedal when
powered on.
2. Do not press the pedal when turning on the AK280 or it will
reverse the pedal operation.
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then repeatedly press
the [FUNCTION] button to select the Pedal Type menu. The
LCD will display “001 Ped Sust”. Use the [+/YES]/[–/NO]
button or the data dial to change the pedal type.
2. There are 4 types of pedal function available.
3. Press the [+/YES] and [–/NO] buttons simultaneously to set
the pedal type to its default setting: Sust.
Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then repeatedly press
the [FUNCTION] button to select the EQ Type menu. The LCD will
display “006 EQ Reset”. Use the [+/YES]/[–/NO] button or the
data dial to change the EQ type.
There are 6 EQ types available.
NO. LCD PEDAL FUNCTION
1Ped Sust Sustain Pedal
2 P ed Soft Soft Pedal
3Ped Mem Memory Switch Pedal
4Ped St/S Start/Stop Pedal
NO. LCD EQ TYPE
1EQ Pop Pop
2 EQ Rock Rock
3EQ Classical Classical
4EQ Jazz Jazz
5EQ Dance Dance
6EQ Reset Reset

13
Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then repeatedly press
the [FUNCTION] button to select the Reverb Type menu. The
LCD will display “004 RevHall1”. Use the [+/YES]/[–/NO]
button or the data dial to change reverb type. The default
setting is Hall 1.
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then repeatedly
press the [FUNCTION] button to select reverb level. The
LCD displays “xxx Rev Lev”, adjustable range is: 0–32.
Use the [+/YES]/ [–/NO] button or data dial to change
reverb level.
2. Press the [+/YES] and [–/NO] buttons simultaneously to
restore its default setting: 20.
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then repeatedly
press the [FUNCTION] button to select the Chorus Type
menu. The LCD will display “004 ChrGMCr2”, Use the [+/
YES]/[–/NO] button or the data dial to change the chorus
type. The default setting is GM Chorus 2.
REVERB TYPE
REVERB LEVEL
CHORUS TYPE
NO. LCD REVERB TYPE
1RevRoom1 Room 1
2RevRoom2 Room 2
3RevRoom3 Room 3
4RevHall1 Hall 1
5RevHall2 Hall 2
6RevHall3 Hall 3
7RevChrh1 Church 1
8RevChrh2 Church 2
9RevDelay Delay
10 RevPnDly Pan Delay
NO. LCD CHORUS TYPE
1ChrChrs1 Chorus 1
2ChrChrs2 Chorus 2
3ChrGMCr1 GM Chorus 1
4ChrGMCr2 GM Chorus 2
5ChrFlgr1 Flanger 1
6ChrFlgr2 Flanger 2
7ChrRtry1 Rotary 1
8ChrRtry2 Rotary 2
USER MANUAL
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD

14
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then repeatedly
press the [FUNCTION] button to select the Chorus Level
menu. The LCD will display “xxx Chr Lev”. The adjustable
range is: 0–32. Use the [+/YES]/[–/NO] button or the
data dial to change the chorus level.
2. Press the [+/YES] and [–/NO] buttons simultaneously to
restore its default setting: 0.
CHORUS LEVEL
Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then repeatedly press
the [FUNCTION] button to select the MIDI IN/OUT menu. The
LCD will display “xxx Midi In”/“xxx Midi Out”.
1. Use [+/YES]/[–/NO] button or the data dial to change
the MIDI IN channel: 1–16, ALL. Press the [+/YES] and
[–/NO] buttons simultaneously to restore the MIDI IN
channel to its default setting: ALL.
2. Use the [+/YES]/[–/NO] button or the data dial to
change the MIDI OUT channel: 1–16. Press the [+/YES]
and [–/NO] buttons simultaneously to restore the MIDI
OUT channel to its default setting: 1.
Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then repeatedly
press the [FUNCTION] button to select the Auto Power Off
menu. The LCD will display “xxx Power Off”. Use the [+/YES]/
[–/NO] button or the data dial to change the auto power off
time. This function offers 3 options: 30 minutes, 60 minutes or
OFF and the default setting is: 30 minutes.
MIDI IN/OUT
AUTO POWER OFF
MIXER
Mixer function separately adjusts the volume of different tracks.
1. Press the [MIXER] button to enter the Mixer Function menu. The LCD will display “030 Rhythm_s” initially when powered on;
The next time you enter the menu, it will show the same option you last selected.
2. Repeatedly press the [MIXER] button to select an option. Use [+/YES]/[–/NO] button or the data dial to change parameters.
The options and parameters are as follows:
Note:
It will exit the mixer menu if there is no operation in 5 seconds.
CONTENT LCD DISPLAY RANGE
Adjust the Rhythm track volume. XXX Rhythm_s 0–32
Adjust the Percussion track volume. XXX Rhythm_m 0–32
Adjust the Bass track volume. XXX Bass 0–32
Adjust the Chord 1 track volume. XXX Chord1 0–32
Adjust the Chord 2 track volume. XXX Chord2 0–32
Adjust the Chord 3 track volume. XXX Chord3 0–32
Adjust the Phrase 1 track volume. XXX Phrase1 0–32
Adjust the Phrase 2 track volume. XXX Phrase2 0–32
Adjust the Upper 1 track volume. XXX Upper 1 0–32
Adjust the Upper 2 track volume. XXX Upper 2 0–32
Adjust the Lower track volume. XXX Lower 0–32

15
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then press the
[OCTAVE] button to select the Octave Function menu.
The LCD will display “xxx Octave”. Use [+/YES]/[–NO]
button or the data dial to change octave value. The
adjustable range is: –1– +1.
2. Press the [+/YES] and [–/NO] buttons simultaneously
to restore default setting: 0.
The touch function lets you dynamically and expressively
controls the level of the voice with your playing strength
just like playing an acoustic instrument.
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then press the
[TOUCH] button to Enter Touch menu. The LCD will
display “xxx Touch”.
2. Use [+/YES]/[–/NO] button or data dial to change the
touch response level. The default level of touch response
is 2.
3. If the value is set to OFF, there will be no touch response
to the keyboard.
The Metronome provides a steady beat to help you practice
at a preset tempo. Press the [METRONOME] button to
start the metronome. To stop the metronome, press the
[METRONOME] button again. (The metronome type can be
set in the Function Menu.)
Note:
The metronome will respond in the next beat if it is turned on
during style playback.
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then press the
[SUSTAIN] button to start the Sustain Function. All notes
will sustain even after releasing the keys.
2. To stop the sustain function, press and hold the [SHIFT]
button and then press the [SUSTAIN] button again.
Note:
To have a better Sustain effect, please use a Sustain pedal.
(Refer to Pedal Function for more details.)
EFFECT RELATED SETTINGS
OCTAVE
TOUCH
METRONOME
SUSTAIN
USER MANUAL
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD

16
Use the Pitch Bend wheel to bend notes up (roll the wheel
away from you) or down (roll the wheel toward you) while
playing the keyboard. The Pitch Bend wheel is self–centering
and will automatically return to normal pitch when released.
You can use the Pitch Bend wheel to imitate guitar, violin,
saxophone, urheen, suona or other instruments.
The DSP simulates sounds in the real environment. With
the DSP effect, you can add ambiance and depth to your
performance in a variety of ways.
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then press the
[DSP] button to set the DSP effect on. The DSP indicator
will light up on LCD. The DSP effect is automatically
activated when turning on the AK280.
2. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then press the
[DSP] button again to turn DSP effect off.
1. Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and then press the
[TRANSPOSE] button to enter the transpose menu. The
LCD displays “xxx Transpos”.
2. Use [+/YES]/[–/NO] button or data dial to change
transpose value, adjustable range: –12 – +12, the
default value is: 0.
PITCH BEND
DSP
TRANSPOSE
HARMONY
The Harmony Function will automatically add a harmony
effect to the notes you play in the right–hand section.
1. Press the [CHORD] button to turn on the A.B.C. function.
2. Press the [HARMONY] button to turn the harmony
effect on.
3. Play a chord in the left hand section.
4. As soon as you play in the right hand section, it will
automatically add a harmony effect to the notes you play.
Note:
• Harmony cannot be turned on when the Full Range
fingering mode is selected.
• The harmony types of “1+5”, “Octave 1” or “Octave 2”
are always available. Other types of harmony will respond
only when the A.B.C. is ON.

17
1. There are 8 memory banks, and each bank has 4
memories (M1–M4).
2. Hold down the [STORE] button, then press one of the
memory buttons [M1]–[M4]. Note that new settings will
replace the previous memory data.
3. Parameters that can be saved to the registration memory
are: Voice: main voice, dual, lower, DSP, mixer.
Accompaniment: style, tempo, accompaniment on/off.
Function: touch, some parameters in the function menu.
1. Press the [BANK] button, The LCD will display “00X Mem Bank”.
2. Press the [BANK] button repeatedly to select a bank from
1 to 8.
1. Press the [O.T.S.] button to turn on the One Touch Setting
for current style. The LCD will display “O.T.S. “. Press one of the
One Touch Setting buttons [M1] – [M4]. Various panel settings
(such as voice, effect, etc.) that match the selected style can
be instantly recalled. Auto accompaniment is automatically
turned on during O.T.S. mode and the lower and dual
functions are disengaged.
2. Press the [O.T.S.] button again to turn off the One Touch
Setting. It will automatically switch to the registered memory.
The LCD will display “MEMORY”.
3. The One Touch Setting parameter list is: Voice (Volume, Pan,
Octave) Dual (Volume, Pan, Octave) Left Hand (Volume,
Pan, Octave)
Note:
The O.T.S. is automatically turned off when you enter the Song Mode.
Press one of the memory buttons: [M1]–[M4]. For example, if
you press [M2], the panel settings stored in the memory 2 of
bank 1 are recalled.
Note:
Registration data cannot be recalled when the One Touch
Setting function is on.
REGISTER MEMORY
REGISTERING THE PANEL SETTINGS
SELECTING A REGISTRATION BANK
The Registration Memory feature can make your performance easier and more efficient. It allows you to save virtually all panel
settings to a Registration Memory setting, and you can instantly recall them by pressing a single button.
RECALLING THE REGISTERED
PANEL SETTINGS
ONE TOUCH SETTING
When the One Touch Setting is switched on, you can instantly recall all auto accompaniment related settings including voices
selection and digital effects simply with a single touch of a button.
USER MANUAL
AK280
61 KEY ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD