Casio synthesizers: a brief overview of the most popular models

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Today you can find a lot of interesting things in the world of keyboard instruments. And Casio synthesizers are no exception. Here you can find quite a lot of models included in the basic product lines - from entry-level instruments to professional workstations designed for live performances.

Casio Synthesizers: General Specifications

If you look closely, by and large, among Casio keyboard products, you can rarely find professional instruments comparable to the capabilities of workstations like Yamaha Motif, Korg Trinity and Triton, Roland Fantom or Kurzweil synthesizers.

Almost all series and basic lines suggest a kind of Casio training instrumental synthesizer. The reviews say exactly that. In fact, with a few exceptions, almost all instruments are more like Yamaha products in terms of instruments that are supposed to have auto accompaniment. However, both a child and a novice musician, and a professional can always find in a wide rangesomething interesting based on your needs.

CTK Series

One of Casio's widest keyboards is the CTK series, which ranges from entry-level synthesizers to more advanced models.

So, for example, one of the simplest "toys" can be called the Casio CTK-240 synthesizer or some subsequent modifications. There is a minimal set of functions with hundreds of timbres and several types of accompaniment variations. Such an instrument will allow a novice musician or a child, say, to learn some simple melody or listen to how the arrangement should sound.

The disadvantage that Casio synthesizers of this line have in this case is an incomplete keyboard, which, moreover, is not fully weighted.

Slightly more powerful models (e.g. 2200, 2400, 3200) have the same functionality, but you can split the keyboard, try the sampling function (record several short pieces and combine them), and also record from a microphone.

The 4000 series and its subsequent modifications have the ability to control some parameters related to style editing (mute a certain part, replace the sounding instrument with another one, replace the effects used, save settings to registration memory, etc.).

On the 6000 series and above, editing is done using the built-in 16-channel mixer. There is also a sequencer in which you can create your owncomposition.

In modification 7200 you can find even more features and settings. There are 8 memory slots for registering user settings. The model itself has more sounds and effects, the actual recorded parts can be converted to WAV format and saved to a memory card (SD or SDHC), use the synthesizer itself as a DSP effect processor, for example, for processing vocals, and much more.

It should be noted separately that almost all higher-end models have a fully weighted piano-style keyboard. In this case, you can find modifications with 61 or 88 keys.

WK Series

Casio WK or LK synthesizers, in fact, do not differ much from the CTK series. This is understandable, because both lines were developed in order to give the musician access to the built-in learning system, as well as to use the same auto accompaniment.

Again, you can find here the simplest models like the WK-220, and quite powerful tools with wide capabilities like the WK-7600. What you should pay attention to is the wide variety of effects and arpeggiator settings.

As with all other models, here you can also use, for example, a USB interface to connect to external hosts or computer virtual studios such as Cubase, FL Studio, Ableton Live, Presonus Studio One, etc.

Workstations & Digital Pianos

Casio synthesizers look no less interesting in terms of profession altools. One of the most popular around the world is the so-called Casio PX3-BK digital piano.

This tool is clearly designed for professionals. It has a fully weighted piano-style keyboard (88 keys) and lots of sound settings (same EQ). Separately, it should be said that in addition to splitting the keyboard, you can use special features for imposing layers of sounds on each divided register (2 for each). There are also some synth functions here, such as adjusting the level of attack or decay of the signal, applying a filter, vibrato, etc.

There is another interesting type of instrument. These are two modifications of Casio XW-P1 and Casio XW-G1. As their testing shows, the difference between them is insignificant, but they are intended exclusively for live performances, thanks to the presence of a huge number of "twists" that allow you to change the sound timbre itself or some of its parameters beyond recognition.

I think that such a tool is more useful for a modern DJ. And if you use it with a sampler (hardware or virtual like Kontakt or Machine from Native Instruments), you can get a lot more out of it than the factory settings and capabilities suggest.

Prices

Now, perhaps, it is worth considering which Casio synthesizers to choose for yourself. Prices and their spread have a fairly wide range. So, for example, the simplest models cost around $ 100, but for more fancy ones you will have togive $500 or more.

However, first you need to decide for what purpose the instrument is being bought, and only then make the final choice.