NAMM 2018: Casio's Advanced Electronic Keyboards

US CT-X series new AiX sound source aims to reproduce the sound of acoustic instruments 27/01/18

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Casio America, Inc. is showcasing its extensive lineup of digital keyboards and pianos, including its brand-new CT-X series of portable keyboards. Here's their press release with the details...

The CT-X series of keyboards feature advanced specifications for advanced beginners to serious performers and players. All models feature the new AiX Sound Source*1 leveraging expertise that Casio accumulated in developing sound sources for its digital pianos. The AiX Sound Source allows the CT-X keyboards to faithfully reproduce the appealing sound of acoustic instruments such as guitars, drums, basses, brass, wind instruments, string ensembles and more.

"The CT-X series represents an unprecedented level of sound quality for Casio which is a direct result of the new AiX processor," said Stephen Schmidt, vice president of Casio's Electronic Musical Instrument Division. "The CT-X series is the first among Casio's product portfolio to use this technology and we look forward to implementing it in future products, as we continue to raise the industry bar for both quality and performance!"

The CT-X series provides high-performance Digital Signal Processor (DSP) effects that combine various algorithms to realize the perfect effect for each instrument sound. The CT-X700 and CT-X800's stunning instrument tones are perfect for beginners or advanced players that need an affordable and portable instrument while the CT-X3000 and CT-X5000 provide additional tones and DSP editing features, expression pedal inputs as well as more powerful speaker systems. The CT-X3000 has a 6W+6W speaker system and the CT-X5000 has an incredible 15W+15W high-output amplifier delivering powerful sound output for rehearsal or performance applications.

Main Features of the CT-X5000 and CT-X3000

·         AiX Sound Source Reproduces the Natural Sound of Acoustic Instruments

The keyboards provide high-quality tones across every category of instrument, faithfully reproducing subtle nuances and gestures specific to each type of sound. The user can customize tones to taste using 100 DSP effects that combine various algorithms, three system effects (reverb, chorus, and delay) and 10 equalizer presets.

·         Wide Range of Tones and Rhythm Patterns Support Diverse Musical Genres

An extensive library of 800 tones and 235 rhythms supports diverse musical genres, and applications from composition, to arranging, to live performance.

·         New Speaker System Delivers Powerful Sound

The keyboards feature large-magnet bass reflex speakers and a 15W+15W high-output amplifier (maximum output of CT-X5000 model) to deliver powerful sounds for home or performance use.

·         Registration Function for Instant Recall of Performance Setups

The Registration function enables the user to save up to 128 keyboard setups including tones and rhythms. The user can instantly switch between complex playing patterns and tone/rhythm setups without configuring them every time, enabling versatile and seamless performance.

·         Composing and Arranging Features Help Bring Ideas to Life

In addition to configuring and saving tones and rhythms to suit the user, the keyboards provide a variety of features for composing and arranging. The Phrase Recorder allows users to record a musical phrase that can be instantly triggered using any of the four pads. The mixer can handle 42 different parts and the 17-track MIDI sequencer can save up to 10 original songs.

·         Accessory Jacks and Ports for Performing, Composing, and Arranging

An assignable jack can be used with either a footswitch or expression pedal. Also provided are an audio input jack for connecting external audio equipment, and a class-compliant USB port for connecting to a computer. An additional USB port supports memory devices to easily save and load data created on the CT-X5000/X3000.

·         Friendly User Interface Offers a Wide Range of Applications

The keyboards provide an expanded Registration function and four phrase pads, together with direct access buttons for Tap Tempo, Transpose, and Octave switching making the keyboards suitable for stage and live performances, as well as music schools and music classrooms.

·         Sophisticated Styling Matches the Advanced Specifications

The powerful speakers are embellished with distinctive red highlights, giving the keyboards a stylish, iconic look. The CT-X5000 is distinguished by a gray metallic finish that adds to the sophisticated styling.

Main Features of the CT-X800 and CT-X700

·         AiX Sound Source Reproduces the Appealing Sound of Acoustic Instruments

The keyboards provide high-quality tones across every category of instrument, faithfully reproducing subtle nuances and gestures specific to each type of sound.

·         Wide Range of Tones and Rhythm Patterns Supports Diverse Musical Genres

An extensive library of 600 tones and 195 rhythms supports diverse musical genres, and applications from composition, to arranging, to live performance.

·         Registration Function for Instant Recall of Performance Setups

The Registration function enables the user to save up to 32 keyboard setups including tones and rhythms. The user can instantly switch between complex playing patterns and tone/rhythm setups without configuring them every time, enabling versatile and seamless performance.

·         Accessory Jacks, Ports and Functions for Performing, Composing, and Arranging

The CT-X800/X700 keyboards provide a port for a sustain pedal, an audio input jack for connecting external audio equipment, and a USB port for connecting to a computer. In addition, the CT-X800 features an additional USB port which supports memory devices, plus a Pitch Bend Wheel for recreating various instrument gestures. The keyboards also come with a 6-track MIDI sequencer with room for up to five original songs.

*1 Acoustic Intelligent multi-eXpression (AiX) Sound Source.

Pricing and Availability:
The CT-X700 (MSRP: $259.99), CT-X800 (MSRP$: 299.99), CT-X3000 (MSRP: $419.99), and CT-X5000 (MSRP: $799.99) keyboards will be available at select music dealers nationwide in early 2018.

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