Is Casio back in the game?

NAMM Leak: It looks like Casio might be announcing a return to the professional synthesizer market at the 2012 NAMM Show.

Casio made a variety of synths and keyboards in the 80's that could probably be considered ‘cult synths’. Several of their older synths are powerful, but none have achieved the revered status of synths from other companies.

The Casio XW-P1 is rumored to be a “lead and groove oriented hybrid synth” that will be priced around $700. It may have both virtual analog and organ emulation capabilities. A Mono solo section with up to six oscillators: two virtual analog, two PCM, noise, and external audio. Poly section with wide variety of gig- ready sounds. Drawbar organ mode. Six-way HexTone multis. Nine-track step sequencer with dedicated drum track.”

Notice the blank spot on the right with a ledge at the bottom. Quite possibly for setting an iPad, MPC or some other form of controller or sequencer on, or perhaps even a mouse if it’s USB equipped.

Like the sliders.....hate the small display....wonder if next they'll attempt a TOTL Arranger?

"Notice the blank spot on the right with a ledge at the bottom. Quite possibly for setting an iPad, MPC or some other form of controller or sequencer on, or perhaps even a mouse if it’s USB equipped"


It could be as simple as it looks....a single speaker, like the early models...

They have already..their 7000 model..it just happens to carry a street price of $499...

Holy smokes! It's about freakin time Casio got back in the synth market. Their CZ series was very popular back in the 80's and even into the early 90's. I used to have the CZ 1000.

Very obvious that they have utilized some hardware from their current arranger line. I think Ian might be right about the space to the right. If you look close there appears to be a lip/small shelf coming outward. I can't imagine Casio adding a single mono speaker to this model though.

Can't wait for the vids to start coming out. That price tag may be a little steep though. Casio has been out of the synth game for a long time now. Hopefully this new models features and sounds can justify that price.

Donny,

I have actually considered a combination of the Korg Micro and a Casio to replace my G70 and Sd-1.

Tom

The countdown in [url==www.casiomusicgear.com]=www.casiomusicgear.com[/url] has reached 0, nothing is happening though.

Tommy let me know how that works out for ya lol .....

Tom, I would be happy to trade you...I have the Korg, just pick out the Casio you want and I will go buy it....I could use another G70 and a Sd-1..

We are talking..even up...right?

Fran, Well you might have to pay shipping and handling.

There is a site that claims there are TWO products, one synth and one aimed for the DJ market. XW-P1 and XW-G1 respectively.




Article can be found in Music Radar UK


Shameless copy of the Article follows:



Casio XW-P1 official information

The XW-P1 is a true performance synthesizer that allows users to create a wide array of sounds from many preset tones, including Solo Synthesizer, Hex Layer, and Drawbar Organ tones, as well as numerous types of internal PCM and Synth waves. The unit is also loaded with a full range of functions that are useful for live performances. Weighing only 5.4 kilograms and with a slimly designed body, the XW-P1 can be powered with dry cell batteries, making it possible to be played in a wide range of live settings—from the stage to the street.

Wide selection of preset tones ensures quick access in performances

100 Solo Synthesizer presets can reproduce vintage analog synthesizer sounds
50 Hex Layer presets layer as many as six tones for ensemble sounds
50 Drawbar Organ presets can reproduce traditional Drawbar Organ sounds
A total of 420 PCM Melody and PCM Drum presets have been produced from samples of various instrument sounds including pianos, guitars, and drums

Special features make it easy for discerning performers to create sounds

A total of 311 internal Synth waves reproduce vintage analog synthesizer sounds
A total of 2,158 PCM waves are built in, including wave data from the CZ series, Casio's best-selling digital synthesizers of the 1980s
Users can create integrated sounds by layering analog synthesizer waves and PCM waves
Users can produce original Hex Layer sounds by combining as many as six preset tones
Users can create their own Drawbar Organ sounds by using the nine sliders

Variety of functions useful for live performances

Users can assign performance setups for up to four designated keyboard zones by using the Performance function
The Phrase Sequencer lets users create and play back musical phrases to enhance their performances
The Step Sequencer allows users to create and play back a variety of rhythm patterns
The Arpeggio function can automatically play arpeggios just by pressing keys

Useful features for applications ranging from performance to music production

SMF data or audio data saved on an SD card can be played back while playing the keyboard
MIDI devices, microphones, audio players, and other equipment can be connected using the various input and output terminals
Portable audio equipment or MIDI devices can be placed on the designated rubber holding space



Casio XW-G1 official information

The XW-G1 is a groove synthesizer equipped with a keyboard and loaded with the functions of the　various kinds of digital equipment used by club DJs, including the ability to create and play back a variety of rhythm patterns and musical phrases, all in a single unit. Users can enjoy playing an all-in-one instrument that enables control of cool sounds via sets of nine sliders, 16 Step Sequencer buttons and four assignable knobs arranged on the left side of the top panel.

Step Sequencer lets users create and play back a variety of rhythm patterns

100 different rhythm patterns are available for playback in the preset sequences
Up to 100 original rhythm patterns can be recorded as user sequences
Users can improvise using the set of 16 buttons while playing back rhythm patterns
Multiple rhythm patterns—as many as 99—can be connected in a sequence and played as loops using the Chains function

Phrase Sequencer lets users create and play back musical phrases that spice up DJ performances

100 musical phrases can be readily played back using the preset phrases
Up to 100 musical phrases spontaneously played on the keyboard can be stored in memory as user phrases

Useful functions bring out the best in live performance

A multifunction keys enables users to assign essential functions for DJ performances to keys
420 preset tones including Solo Synthesizer and PCM tones can be quickly accessed in keyboard performances
The Arpeggio function can automatically play arpeggios just by pressing keys

Sample Looper digitally samples any sound, and allows overdubbing

Sounds performed on the synthesizer as well as sounds input from external source can be sampled and played back in loops of up to 19 seconds long, allowing overdubbing
Sampled sounds that are saved as user tones can be played in keyboard performances

Excellent scalability for more performance enjoyment

Users can choose from a wide variety of preset tones or internal PCM and Synth waves to create sounds
Various input and output terminals enable connection of audio equipment and MIDI-compatible devices, such a DJ gear and musical instruments
Portable MIDI devices or audio equipment can be placed on the designated rubber holding space

Wooooowww! Go Casio! Very pleased to see they are giving a little throwback to the CZ series in the patch list!!!