Casio XW-P1 Professional Synthesizer

• Buy the Casio XW-P1 at zZounds
• Buy the Casio XW-P1 at Amazon.com

Casio XW-P1 Introduction

Twenty-five years after Casio launched the CZ Series synthesisers, the company is back with the introduction of the XW-P1 professional synth.

The Casio XW-P1 can be bought for under $500 yet it’s no pushover in the specification department.

Casio XW-P1 Overview

The five octave (61-key) light touch keyboard may not suited to pianists but is certainly adequate for a wide variety of musical styles, as well as in use as a MIDI controller keyboard.

64 notes of polyphony may seem a little stingy these days, and musicians wanting to put complex sounds on the XW-P1′s 16 channels may run out of notes. That said, the keyboard will serve very well for more moderate sound usage, such as producing lead instrument sounds, pads and beats. Gear junkies may well want to add one or more XW-P1′s to their existing keyboard setup, particularly if they’re after some of those classic CZ sounds.

The XW-P1 has a wealth of input controls including pitch and modulation wheels, nine editing sliders and four assignable knobs.

Some synths suffer from a lack of more realistic instrument samples. Sometimes that’s what you want, but if you’re looking for a keyboard that can double as a decent piano or organ, the XW-P1 offers it.

There’s a tri-element stereo piano plus a versatile and highly configurable drawbar organ. Casio uses PCM tones for these real-world instruments.

Casio XW-P1 Specifications

Take a look at the specification list below to get a decent idea of what the Casio XW-P1 can achieve:

• Number of Keys: 61
• Controllers:
  • Pitch Wheel
  • Modulation Wheel
• Assignable Controllers: Controllers; 4 Knobs
• Assignable Functions: MIDI Messages (CC, RPN, NRPN, Mono After touch, Poly After touch, Pitch, Tempo)
• Editing Controllers: 9 Sliders
• Display: LCD; 72×31 Dot Matrix + Patterns, with Backlight and Contrast
• Tone Generator: Overview; Sound Generator Type; HPSS(Hybrid Processing Sound Source)
• Polyphony: 64
• Number of Parts: 16
• Total Number of Tones (Preset/User) : 620/310
• PCM, Melody, PCM Drum, Drawbar Organ, Hex Layer, Solo Synthesizer
• GM Compatible: Level 1
• Mixer: Yes
• Tuning: A4=415.5Hz – 440.0Hz – 465.9Hz (0.1Hz-Step)
• PCM Tones: Preset/User Tones; 400/100
• Tri-Element Stereo Piano: Yes
• Tones with User Wave: N/A
• Drum Kits (Preset/User) : 20/10
• Hex Layer: Number of Tones (Preset/User); 50/50
• Drawbar Organ: Number of Tones (Preset/User); 50/50
• Solo Synthesizer: Preset/User Tones; 100/100
• Maximum Polyphony: 1
• Oscillator Blocks: 6 (Synth 1/2, PCM1/2, Ext Input, Noise)
• Portamento: Yes
• Legato: Yes
• PWM: Yes
• External Input: Yes
• Pitch Shifter: Yes
• Noise Generator: Yes
• Non-Resonant Filter: Yes (6)
• Resonant Filter: Yes (1)
• Amplifier: Yes
• Oscillator Mixer: Yes
• LFO: Yes (2)
• Envelope Generators: Pitch, Amp, Filter, LFO
• Assignable Virtual Controllers: 8
• Effects: System Reverb; Preset Types; 10
• System Chorus: Preset Types; 5
• Limitations: System Chorus, DSP and Solo Synthesizer are mutually exclusive
• Master Effect: EQ; Editable 4 Band EQ
• DSP: Number of DSP Sets (Preset/User); 100/100
• PCM Tone Effect Categories: Compressor, Distortion, Enhancer, Wah, Auto Pan, Tremolo, Rotary, Phaser, Chorus, Reflection, Tempo Sync Delay , Ring Modulator, LoFi, 2-Module Multi
• Solo Synth DSP: Tempo Sync Delay, Distortion, Ring Modulator, Chorus, Flanger, Pan
• Algorithm Types: 46(Normal Tone DSP) 6(Solo Synthesizer DSP)
• DSP Lines: 1
• Audio Player: Storage Type; SD Card
• Number of Songs: 999
• Audio File Format: 42kHz Stereo
• Limitation: Audio Playing, Musical Playing(SMF, Step Sequencer) are mutually exclusive.
• Step Sequencer: Number of Tracks; Mono x 8, Poly x 1, Control x 4
• Number of Patterns / Step Sequence: 8
• Number of Step Sequencers (Preset/User) : 100/100
• Number of Chains (user) : 100
• Maximum Number of Steps: 16
• Key Play: Yes
• Other: Note Gate, Note Swing per Track
• Phrase Sequencer: Number of Phrases; 100/100
• Number of Tracks: 1
• Play Mode: Loop, Hold, Key Play
• Capacity: 8KBytes/Pgrase, 128KBytes/100 User Phrases
• Recordable Events: Note On/Off, Controller Operations
• Arpeggiator: Other; Phrase measure and note quantize, overdub
• Number of Patterns (Preset/User) : 100/100
• Data Types: Variation, Step
• Editing Function: Variation ; Parameter Edit
• Step: 16-Step Edit, Parameter Edit
• Performance: Number of Memories (Preset/User); 100/100
• Parameter Categories: Tone, Effect, Mixer, Controller, Sequence, Phrase, Arpeggio, MIDI
• Recall Parameter Filter: Yes
• Number of Keyboard Zones: 4
• Multifunction Key: Yes
• Transpose: Range; +/- 12
• Octave Shift: Range; +/- 3
• Tempo: Range; 30-255BPM
• Tap Tempo: Button/LED; Yes
• MIDI Clock: Transmit/Receive; Yes
• Storage: SDHC Card; Capacity; 2GB-32GB
• Dimensions and Weight in Packaging: Shipping Weight: 20 lbs Shipping Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 6 in

Casio XW-P1 Reviews

There are very few official reviews of the Casio XW-P1 at present, but we’ll be adding links to them as we find them.

Several forums are reporting a general consensus that the XW-P1 is a great synth (particularly at such a low price point) but that its build quality isn’t great.

Here’s Franz Schiller’s review of the XW-P1.

Casio XW-P1 Videos

Casio’s official 5 minute introduction to the XW-P1:

Sonic State interviews Mike Martin from Casio at NAMM 2012. This 13 minute video includes a decent demo of key features:

Daniel Fisher gives a 4-minute demo of the XW-P1:

Buy the Casio XW-P1

The Casio XW-P1 has an RRP of $699.99, but it can generally be picked up for under $500.

• Buy the Casio XW-P1 at zZounds
• Buy the Casio XW-P1 at Amazon.com

Circuit-bent Casio SK-1 MIDI Diabolical sk1 glitch [eBay]

A perfect candidate for circuit bending, the Casio SK-1 is available on this auction with the Diabolical sk1 glitch.

“Diabolical modified Casio SK-1 MIDI glitch synth with custom paint by Matt Ralph. Features 20pt banana jack circuit bending patch bay (cables included) and CLK/Pitch mod with bypass switch. This was painted a few years ago and has some chips in the paint from storage (see pics). Sorry but no battery cover on this one.”

Check out the video demos below.

Also, check out this modified SK-1

Casio AP-220 and AP-420 now available in matte black [NAMM12]

It may not be the most exciting news around, but it’s no surprise that Casio wants to show off a couple of its existing Celviano digital pianos in matte black.

The AP-220 and AP-420 have been given the makeover to demonstrate Casio’s “commitment to dealers and the music enthusiast”.

Casio AP-420BK

The MSRP for the Celviano models range from $899.99 – $1,399. Click on those links in the previous paragraph to get the lowdown on the original models — the other specifications remain the same. The new model numbers are, predictably, AP-220BK and AP-420BK.

Casio XW-G1 groove synthesiser and XW-P1 launched [NAMM12]

Casio’s musical instrument department enters a new era as it announces the launch of two new professional music synthesisers.

First up is the XW-G1 Groove Synthesiser, targeted specifically at DJs and club performers with its interactive step sequencer and sample looper.

Key features of the 61-key XW-G1 synth are:

• 6 Oscillator Monophonic Solo Synthesizer
• Sample Looper – Up to 19 Seconds of sampling time
• Sample Player – 10 user tones with up to 5 samples each can be stored in Flash Memory for instant recall
• 300 fully editable PCM based sounds
• Step Sequencer with 9 instrument tracks and 4 controller tracks
• 16 step programmable Arpeggiator
• Phrase sequencer to record and playback your riffs
• Performance mode providing 4 internal or external instrument zones with instant recall of effects, Step Sequences, Arpeggiators and Phrases
• 4 real-time controller knobs
• Pitch and Modulation Wheels
• 1/4” Mic and Line puts to process your voice or other instruments
• Stereo 1/8” line input to connect an MP3 player, laptop or tablet
• USB and MIDI ports
• 1/4” Line Outputs
• Included Power Supply
• Can operate on 6 D batteries

Casio XW synths

The 61-key XW-P1 features:

• 6 Oscillator Monophonic Solo Synthesizer
• HexLayer – A single sound made up of 6 components for gig ready splits and layers
• Drawbar Organ Mode  with 9 sliders, adjustable rotary speaker, key click, vibrato and percussion
• 400 fully editable PCM based sounds like stereo pianos, vintage electric pianos, strings, guitars, drums and more.
• Step Sequencer with 9 instrument tracks and 4 controller tracks
• 16 step programmable Arpeggiator
• Phrase sequencer to record and playback your riffs
• Performance mode providing 4 internal or external instrument zones with instant recall of effects, Step Sequences, Arpeggiators and Phrases
• 4 real-time controller knobs
• Pitch and Modulation Wheels
• 1/4” Mic and Line puts to process your voice or other instruments
• Stereo 1/8” line input to connect an MP3 player, laptop or tablet
• USB and MIDI ports
• 1/4” Line Outputs
• Included Power Supply
• Can operate on 6 D batteries

More details of this new breed of synth follow.

Control

The XW-P1 and XW-G1 have 4 real- time controller knobs, pitch bend and modulation wheels, along with 9 sliders to provide control over internal sounds and external devices. Through standard MIDI ports and with a class-compliant USB port the keyboard can be used as a controller for other instruments, including computer software and iPad® based software applications. It also includes an audio input allowing you to monitor an MP3 player, computer or other device without the need for a mixer.

Step Sequencer

Providing everything from pulsing dance grooves to animated synth textures and arpeggios, the Step Sequencer in both the XW-P1 and XW-G1 is the first of its kind. With nine tracks for drums, basses, synths and chordal parts, four controller tracks for adding panning, filter changes and other animation to existing parts and eight patterns make up each sequence; the user can build and mix their performance on the fly. Sequences can even transpose live from the keyboard, providing a completely interactive experience.

Drawbar Organ

In addition to the solo synth and HexLayers, the XW-P1 performance synthesizer is armed with an arsenal of gig ready sounds like stereo pianos, vintage electric pianos, strings, brass, guitars, basses, drums and more. It also has a new drawbar organ mode. Utilizing the nine sliders on the XW-P1 you have full range control over each drawbar. The XW-P1 even has dedicated controls for key percussion and rotary speaker while also providing vibrato, distortion and more for the ultimate drawbar organ experience.

Solo Synth

Utilizing Casio’s exclusive (HPSS) Hybrid Processing Sound Source, a six oscillator monophonic solo synth is just one of the amazing sound engines in both the XW-P1 and XW-G1. The solo synth has the power to deliver classic analog sounds and sounds with an aggressive edge unlike anything else. Two virtual analog style oscillators, two PCM based oscillators, a noise oscillator and an external oscillator via mic and line inputs can be combined to make up a single solo synth tone. Each oscillator has an independent filter, envelopes, independent key tracking, portamento, two LFO’s and access to master resonant filter. With impressive modulation and control capabilities at your fingertips, the solo synth is capable of a wide range of sounds and expression.

HexLayer

In addition to the solo synth, the XW-P1 also features HexLayer tones. A HexLayer is a single sound comprised of up to 6 components, allowing complex layers, splits and velocity switched sounds. The sliders on the XW-P1 can be used to mix sounds on the fly to create evolving pads and rich synth textures while key velocity can be used to create dynamic velocity switched orchestral sounds and more.

Arpeggiator and Phrase Sequencer

The XW-P1 and XW-G1 both have powerful Arpeggiators. In addition to typical arpeggio patterns, this Arpeggiator can create polyphonic synth gated patterns, acoustic instrument emulations and is even fully programmable allowing you to create your own unique sounds. An additional phrase sequencer allows you to quickly capture any riff that you play on the keyboard and have it available on a front panel switch or triggered and transposed live from a range of notes on the keyboard. The combination of the Step Sequencer, Arpeggiator and Phrase Sequencer provides an endless array of sound possibilities.

Take a look at the video below for demos and explanations:

The XW-G1 will be available in April 2012 for an MSRP of $799.00 while the XW-P1 arrives in March 2012 for an MSRP of $699.00.

Josh Charles releases “Life Ain’t Fair” using Casio Privia PX-3

Josh Charles, Casio’s Privia spokesperson, has announced his new single “Life Ain’t Fair”, co-written with Milton L. Brown.

Written using a Privia PX-3 digital piano Charles says, “‘Life Ain’t Fair’ is a song that speaks for what is happening to the socio-economic state of our country, and yet for as dark as days get, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. You keep keepin’ on because that’s the only way to go.”

The track was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee at Omni Studios with Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives’ guitarist, Kenny Vaughan, with Harry Stinson on drums and background vocals, and bass player Paul Martin, Mike Noble — and Al Perkins on pedal steel guitar, who has recorded and toured with the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Randy Newman. Violin was added by Fats Kaplin, and the track was mixed by T.W. Cargile (Jamey Johnson). “Life Ain’t Fair” has just been released by Down Home Records / Interscope Digital Distribution.

“Josh Charles is one of the best musicians in the world, and we’re proud that he is using Privia digital pianos,” said Mike Martin, general manager of marketing, Electronic Musical Instruments Division for Casio America, Inc.

Casio introduces new compact keyboards and workstations [NAMM11]

Casio has unveiled four new keyboards at this year’s Winter NAMM show.

The WK-6500 and CTK-6000 are replacements for the heralded WK-500 and CTK-5000 models. The new additions offer new tones and rhythms, a larger backlit LCD display and a new 17 track sequencer with editing tools for creating new sounds and music composition.

Equipped with over 200 different styles of music from around the world, 670 instrument tones, 100 DSP effects and a registration mode for live performance, the new WK-6500 and CTK-6000 have all the tools to edit, create and perform music.

The flagship models, WK-7500 and CTK-7000, deliver an unprecedented level of power and music making capabilities. Combined with a 17 track sequencer, the CTK-7000 and WK-7500 have the ability to record audio.

Compositions created on the CTK-7000 and WK-7500 can be recorded as an audio file on a SDHC storage card. Even sounds from external instruments can be mixed and recorded. Users can plug-in a microphone, guitar, bass or other instrument and play along with instrument tracks from within the keyboard.

All of the sounds get mixed and saved as a stereo audio file which can be shared with friends and family via computer or put on an audio CD for label executives. The WK-7500 and CTK-7000 models also feature large LCD display screens, nine physical sliders for mixing capabilities and an organ drawbar mode.

Full specifications aren’t yet available, but we’ll be sure to let you know as soon as we have information.

The keyboards are due to launch in February 2011, with MSRPs ranging from $299.99 to $599.99.

Casio launching new Celviano digital pianos

Together with the new Privia PX-830 digital stage piano, Casio has introduced its latest Celviano digital pianos, the AP-620, AP-420 and AP-220 models.

In a compact case design not dissimilar to the Privia PX-830, features include a four-layer dynamic stereo piano sample, 128 note polyphony, 88-note Tri-Sensor scaled hammer keyboard, plus a resonance effect that mimics the sound of the dampers being released from the strings.

Available from the spring with prices ranging from $899.99 to $1,399.99.

Casio shows off new Privia PX-830 digital stage piano

About six months have passed since Casio launched its last Privia digital stage pianos and now we have the PX-830 to peruse.

Casio has certainly pulled out all the stops with this one, which offers four-layer dynamic stereo piano samples with seamless transitions and a wide dynamic range — in other words, more realism.

In-built is the simulated sound of open strings when the dampers are raised, thanks to the Acoustic Resonance DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

128 notes of polyphony should ensure complex performances, pedal use, and layered sounds don’t result in dropped notes.

How an instrument feels to play is critically important, and Casio’s “Ivory Touch” Tri-Sensor scaled hammer action keys should satisfy in that department.

There are 16 tones built in, a duet mode that allows simultaneous playing by two people in the same range, plus a two-track recorder.

Available from April, with a price tag of $1799.99 for the black polished cabinet edition or $1399.99 for the black matte version.

Casio

Casio intros two new stage pianos: PX-130 and PX-330

Buy the Casio PX-130 and Casio PX-330 Privia digital pianos at zZounds.

Rather quietly, with no obvious press release, Casio last week announced the latest in its line of Privia stage/studio digital pianos.

The PX-130 and PX-330 are relatively lightweight, portable block digital pianos featuring realistic grand piano sounds, a range of other voices, expressive touch thanks to the Tri-Sensor 88-note scaled hammer action keyboard, plus built-in recorder and MIDI.

The full specifications for both models are below:

Casio Privia PX-130 Technical Specifications

Casio Privia PX-330 Technical Specifications

Buy the Casio PX-130 and Casio PX-330 Privia digital pianos at zZounds.

Recommended Digital Pianos

Here is my current selection of favorite digital pianos that you can buy today.

Yamaha P-85 Digital Piano

More entry level digital piano with Yamaha’s realistic digital samples, realistic graded hammer touch, half pedaling and three pedal support, song recording, variety of other sounds.

Buy the Yamaha P-85 Acoustic-Like Touch Response AWM Stereo Sampled Tabletop Piano

Yamaha DGX630

Graded soft touch full size keyboard from Yamaha, featuring a 6-track recorder, DSP sound effects, a huge range of other sounds, virtual band, half-pedaling support.

Buy the Yamaha DGX630 88 Full-Sized Keys with Weighted Graded Hammer Action – AC Adapter Included

Yamaha P140

The digital piano I currently own. Has a great touch and good sounds. Though superseded by the Yamaha P155, still a recommended purchase. Half-pedaling support, graded hammer weighting.

Buy the Yamaha P-140 Portable Digital Piano

Yamaha CP300

This digital stage piano is specially built to withstand the rigors and requirements of gigging on the road. Authentic touch, a huge range of other sounds, 5-band equalizer.

Buy the Yamaha CP300 Digital Stage Piano

Casio Privia PX120

88-key piano keyboard with weighted keys, touch response, 128 note polyphony, various effects, Auto Accompaniment.

Buy the Casio PX120 Privia Digital Piano

Roland RD-700GX

88 keys PHA II Ivory Feel Keyboard with Escapement, Stereo Multi-sampled Piano Sound, range of other sounds, synthesizer capabilities, sound expansion cards.

Buy the Roland RD-700GX 88-key Digital Piano

Nord Stage EX 88

I love Nord’s range of keyboards, as much for their look as their capabilities. This 88 note stage piano offers both weighted keys and aftertouch, so it’s great for synth work too. Nevertheless, it’s lightweight, and comes with a range of sounds and effects.

Buy the Nord Stage EX 88, 88-Key Stage Piano

Disclaimer: I receive a small percentage of the sale price for anything you buy here, which goes towards maintaining this site. However, I fully endorse these digital pianos regardless of that, as I believe they are of high build quality and offer a great playing experience.

Next Page »