Casio Synthesizers: an overview of the most popular models

Today in the world of keyboard instruments you can find many interesting things. And synthesizers Casio are not exceptions. Here you can find quite a lot of models in the basic product lines - from entry-level tools to professional workstations designed for live performances.

Casio synthesizers: general characteristics

If you understand, by and large among the keyboard products of Casio, you can rarely find professional tools comparable to those of workstations such as Yamaha Motif, Korg Trinity and Triton, Roland Fantom or Kurzweil synthesizers.

Virtually all series and basic lines assume a sort of teaching instrumental synthesizer Casio. Reviews say exactly about this. In fact, with a few exceptions, almost all instruments are more reminiscent of Yamaha's products in terms of tools that require auto accompaniment. However, a child, a beginner musician, and a professional can always find in a wide range of something interesting, based on their needs.

CTK Series

One of the widest keyboard instruments Casio are models of the CTK series, which includes both entry-level synthesizers and more advanced models.

For example, one of the simplest "toys" can be called the Casio CTK-240 synthesizer or some subsequent modifications. Here there is a minimum set of functions with a hundred timbres and several types of accompaniment variations. Such a tool will allow a beginning musician or child, say, to learn some simple melody or listen to how the arrangement should sound.

Minus, which in this case has synthesizers Casio this line, is incomplete keyboard, which is also not a full weighted.

In models slightly more powerful (for example, 2200, 2400, 3200) there is the same functional set, but they can separate the keyboard, try the sampling function (record a few short pieces and combine them), and record from the microphone.

In the 4000 series and its further modifications, it became possible to control some parameters related to editing the style (disconnect a certain part, replace the sounding instrument with another, replace the used effects, save the settings in the registration memory, etc.).

In 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 own song.

In the version 7200, you can find even more features and settings. To register user settings, 8 memory slots are allocated here. In the model there are more sounds and effects, the actual recorded parts can be transferred 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.

Separately it is necessary to say that in almost all more powerful models there is a full-weight piano keyboard. In this case, you can find modifications with 61 or 88 keys.

WK Series

Synthesizers Casio WK or LK, in fact, from the CTK series are not much different. This is understandable, because both lines were designed to get the musician access to the built-in training system, as well as to use the same auto accompaniment.

Again, you can meet here and the most simple models like WK-220, and powerful enough tools with a wide range of features such as WK-7600. What you should pay attention to is a wide variety of settings for effects and arpeggiator.

As in all other models, 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 and digital pianos

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

This tool is created explicitly for professionals. It has a full-weight piano keyboard (88 keys) and many sound settings (the same equalizer). Separately, it should be said that in addition to splitting the keyboard, you can use special features to overlay layers of sounds for each divided register (2 for each). There are also some synthesizer functions such as adjusting the level of attack or signal drop, filtering, 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 huge number of "twists" that allow you to change the timbre of the sound or some of its parameters beyond recognition.

It seems that such a tool will come in handy, rather, to a modern DJ. And if you use it together with a sampler ("iron" or virtual type Kontakt or Machine from Native Instruments), you can squeeze out of it much more than the factory settings and capabilities assume.

Price list

Now, probably, it is worth considering which ones to choose synthesizers Casio. Prices and their dispersion have a fairly wide range. So, for example, the simplest models cost around $ 100, well, for more heaped up, you will have to give dollars 500 or more.

However, first you need to decide for which purposes the instrument is bought, and only then make the final choice.