WK-7500


TOKYO, September 6, 2010 — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of the WK-7500, a top-of-the-line electronic keyboard fully equipped with exciting functions for producing music and creating sounds, all packed into a single unit. With the WK-7500, musical performances and accompaniment can be saved as song data and stored in Standard MIDI File (SMF) format or as audio files.

The WK-7500 features a Song Sequencer offering 16 tracks plus one system track. On the system track, both the keyboard performance and the auto accompaniment are simultaneously recorded. Then, up to another 16 tracks of music played on the keyboard can be recorded. A Pattern Sequencer also allows users to create original accompaniment parts. Furthermore, the WK-7500’s Audio Recording / Playback Function enable sounds from an external microphone or other instrument to be recorded for playback, then simultaneously mixed with keyboard performances and the Song Sequencer for recording. Taken together, these functions unleash the user’s full creativity to make great music.

The WK-7500 is also loaded with a full range of functions for creating sounds, including a wide choice of Multiple Digital Effects—100 types of Digital Signal Processor(DSP) effects,* 10 reverb effects, and 5 chorus effects*—and a Tone Editor that allows users to set various parameters to make original tone patches.
* DSP and chorus effects cannot be used at the same time.

The WK-7500 is equipped with 800 diverse tones and 250 rhythms built-in. Included in the tones are 50 Drawbar Organ tones that can be adjusted using nine sliders that function as drawbars corresponding to certain ranges of overtones. Users can also change the speed of the rotary speaker effect and add percussion at the press of a button—making the enjoyment of performing come more and more alive.

Along with the WK-7500, a 61-key version with the same functions—the CTK 7000—is also being released.

Model name Keys Tones Rhythms
Built-in User Built-in User
WK-7500 76 800 100 250 100
CTK-7000 61


Main Features of the WK-7500 and CTK-7000


Song Sequencer

The Song Sequencer offers 16 tracks plus one system track. The sequencer not only records keyboard performances in real time but can also be used as a step sequencer, allowing users to manually enter the length and pitch of notes. Output sounds can be changed for each tone after song data is recorded, and all standard editing functions are provided, including punch-in and punch-out for overdubbing musical passages, as well as quantizing functions. Completed recordings can be converted to Standard MIDI File (SMF) format and stored on an SD memory card.

Pattern Sequencer

Users can create patterns containing a maximum of eight tracks, and up to 100 patterns can be stored in memory. The Pattern Sequencer enables the creation of backing rhythms by selecting from the many built-in rhythms and organizing them together. Parameters such as the tone, volume level and reverb can also be adjusted.

Audio Recording / Playback Function

Accompaniment and sounds from the external inputs can be mixed and recorded, and then saved on an SD memory card for playback. In December of this year, Casio plans to provide software—downloadable from its website free of charge—to allow users to store data in .wav format on their computers.

Multiple Digital Effects

100 types of DSP effects,* 10 reverb effects, and 5 chorus effects* are built-in, and up to 100 original DSP effects can be created and stored in memory.
* DSP and chorus effects cannot be used at the same time.



Tone Editor

Up to 100 original tones can be created and stored in memory by changing any of the 800 built-in tones using parameters such as attack and release time, filter cutoff, vibrato, reverb, chorus, and DSP.

32-channel Mixer

Each channel can be independently adjusted for volume level, pan position, reverb send, and other parameters, and sounds from the external inputs can be included in the mix.

800 tones and 250 rhythms built-in

The keyboard comes with 800 tones, including 50 Drawbar Organ tones, as well as 250 rhythms and auto accompaniment patterns.


Fully loaded with features including controller sliders

• Nine control sliders provide an intuitive touch for controlling the drawbar organ tones and other functions.

• Large control dial offer access to the various functions used in music production such as the sequencers and mixer.

• The Pitch Bend Wheel enables realistic reproduction of instrumental performance techniques such as guitar string bending and saxophone pitch bending.

• The Modulation Button provides access to powerful vibrato effects.

• The Piano-style Keyboard with Touch Response enables the user to add delicate nuances to notes by varying the pressure applied to the keys.

• Rich variety of input and output terminals, including an input jack for plugging in instruments or microphones.


Functions for supporting many kinds of performances

• The Arpeggiator automatically plays back built-in arpeggios or various phrases at the touch of keys.

• Various detailed settings for tone, rhythm, tempo, and other items can be saved and easily called up using the Registration function.

• Auto accompaniment based on standard chord progressions along with tones can be selected and called up at the press of a button using Music Presets.


Realistic tones and rich sound

• The AHL* Sound Source generator applies waveforms that faithfully reproduce the sounds of real instruments.
* Acoustic & Highly compressed Large-waveform.

• The bass reflex 2-way, 4-speaker system produces rich sound across the tonal spectrum from low to high frequencies.

Heres the manual....

http://support.casio.com/pdf/008/CTK7000_WK7500E1A_webt.pdf

76 & 61 models keys too

OH BABY LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!!!!!!

ARRANGER WARS!!!



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 09-16-2010).]

NO, NO, NO...it can't be 76 keys BECAUSE YAMAHA SAYS THAT IS NOT REQUIRED AND WON'T SELL!

Who would want one?

Lee S.

This is the one I had heard rumors about quite some time ago, and posted about it here on SZ.

Great stuff for Casio.

Competition always benefits us players/users/owners.

I'm sure they have every one's(meaning other manufacturers) attention.

Ian

Later thoughts...I'm wondering if the auto-accompaniment is still only two variations as opposed to Yamaha's four...nothing in the specs to indicate what it is.

[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 09-16-2010).]

OK...KORG...your next!

Lee S.

The WK7500 manual is available here:

http://support.casio.com/manualfile.php?rgn=1&cid=008011141

It appears the styles have only two variations...that's not good.

Nice to see that slash chords are available.

Ian

Wow! Finally a follow up to the old MZ-2000. They did reduce a few features though. There are less variations, intros, endings. The old MZ had a 15W speaker system. I'm curious if they carried over the extensive tone editing that was available on the MZ. It's good to see Casio jumping back in the game ;-) I wonder what the price tag will be.... I'm a little surprised to see the poly at 64 notes too. Casio is using 128 on other models.

**I almost forgot.., the old MZ-2000 even had aftertouch!!!!**

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 09-16-2010).]

76 weighs only 19 lbs, 61 only
15 lbs.....and can use up to a 32g memory card!

These will sell like hotcakes at BJ's, Sams club, and Costco

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 09-16-2010).]

I don't know about that Donny. If they market these models like the MZ-2000 you won't find them in those stores.

If they are cheap enough, I might pick one up myself...the slash chord feature is a must for me.

It's also nice to see the arpeggiator feature.

I have good buddy who sells Casio, and we might even work a deal.

I used their pro synths/samplers for years...great instruments, and very good support too, at the time.

Ian