Nieuws

TOKYO, January 19, 2012 – Casio Computer Co., Ltd., today announced that it will consecutively release two types of synthesizers designed under unique new concepts in spring 2012: the XW-G1, a groove synthesizer that combines the functions of the various digital equipment used by club DJs in a single unit, and the XW-P1, a true performance synthesizer particularly designed for creating sounds for live performances and playing expressively.

Featuring a slim body and weighing only 5.4 kilograms, both models are equipped with nine sliders and four independent assignable knobs, making it intuitive and easy for users to control a wide array of sounds.

XW-G1 Groove Synthesizer
The XW-G1 is a synthesizer that lets users enjoy many of the features club DJs use on their digital equipment. The functions of various DJ gear are included in this all-in-one unit, including its Step Sequencer for selecting an array of rhythm patterns, Phrase Sequencer offering preset phrases that spice up DJ performances, and Sample Looper for digitally samplin rhythm patterns, keyboard performances, or externally input sound allowing overdubbing. Using the built-in 61-key keyboard, users can not only play the keyboard live while using rhythm patterns as backing tracks, but can also use the keyboard to call up features quickly while DJ-ing, giving them real-time control of the instrument’s cool club sounds.

XW-P1 Performance Synthesizer
The XW-P1 is a synthesizer particularly designed for creating sounds and playing expressively in live performances. This model features 620 preset tones, including Solo Synthesizer presets that reproduce vintage analog synthesizer sounds, Hex Layer ensemble sounds that comprise as many as six tones, and Drawbar Organ presets that can be controlled using nine sliders functioning as drawbars. A wide array of sounds can be created using the preset tones and a wide range of internal waves. Moreover, the XW-P1 is loaded with various functions to give discerning performers more power of expression, including the Performance function that allows performance setups to be independently assigned for up to four designated keyboard zones.

Category	Product name	Time of sales release
Groove Synthesizer	XW-G1	April
Performance Synthesizer	XW-P1	Late March

A Groove Synthesizer with Many of the Cool Sounds and Features a DJ Uses in a Club

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


A Groove Synthesizer with Many of the Cool Sounds and Features a DJ Uses in a Club
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

                                                                                                                   

Model			XW-G1		XW-P1
Keyboard			61 standard-size keys
	Touch Response		2 types, off
Sound Source			HPSS (Hybrid Processing Sound Source)
Maximum Polyphony			64 (1 to 32 for some tones)
Tones			420 preset, 220 user	620 preset, 310 user
	Solo Synthesizer (monophonic)		100 preset, 100 user	100 preset, 100 user
	Hex Layer		-	50 preset, 50 user
	Drawbar Organ		-	50 preset, 50 user
	PCM Melody		300 preset, 100 user	400 preset, 100 user
	PCM Drum		20 preset, 10 user	20 preset, 10 user
	User Wave		10	-
Solo Synthesizer Tones Edit (monophonic)	Synth OSC1/ OSC2 Blocks		Oscillator (311Synth waves), filter, amp
	PCM OSC1/ OSC2 Blocks		Oscillator (1,777 PCM waves* ) *Including 308 synth waves	Oscillator (2,158 PCM waves* ) *Including 308 synth waves
			Filter, amp
	External Input Sound Block		Pitch shifter, filter, amp
	Noise Block		Noise generator, filter, amp
	Total Block		Filter, solo synthesizer DSP
Effects	Reverb		System reverb
	Chorus		System chorus*  *not available when using DSP or Solo Synthesizer sound
	DSP		100 preset, 100 user 52 types (46 normal, 6 solo synthesizer)
	Master Equalizer		4 bands
Performance Functions	Memories		100 preset, 100 user
	Zone		4 (maximum)
	Split		Yes
Step Sequencer	Sequence		100 preset, 100 user,
	Number of Tracks		8 monophonic, 1 polyphonic, 4 control
	Patterns		8 types per sequence
	Chains		100
	Maximum Steps		16
Phrase Sequencer	Phrase		100 preset, 100 user
	Track		1
	Playback Mode		One-time, loop
	Memory Capacity		128KB
	Other		Overdubbing
Sample Looper	User Samples		10		-
	Sampling frequencies		42 / 21kHz
	Sampling channels		Stereo, monaural
	Quantization		16bit
Mixer			16 internal parts + 1 external part
Other Functions	Transpose		±1 octaves (–12 to 0 to +12 semitones)
	Octave Shift		±3 octaves
	Tuning		A4 = 415.5 - 440.0 - 465.9 Hz
	Arpeggios		100 preset, 100 user
MIDI			16 multi-timbre received, GM level 1 standard
Wheels			Bender, modulation
Sliders			9
Assignable Knobs			4
Dial			1
Display			LCD with backlight
Demonstration Songs			3
SD Memory Card Slot	Supported Card		SD or SDHC memory cards, 32GB or less
	Functions		SMF playback		SMF playback, audio file playback
			File storage, file recall, file delete, card format
Terminals	MIDI		MIDI In, MIDI Out/Thru
	USB port		Type B
	SUSTAIN / ASSIGNABLE		Standard jack (sustain, sostenuto, soft, start/stop)
	PHONES		Stereo standard jack
	LINE OUT		Standard jack (L/MONO for each), standard jack (R)
	INST IN		Standard mono jack
		A/D converter	42 kHz sample rate, 10-bit resolution	-
	MIC IN
			Standard mono jack
	AUDIO IN		Stereo mini jack
	DC IN		9.5V
Power Supply			2-way
	Batteries		6 D-size zinc-carbon batteries or alkaline batteries
	Battery Life		Approximately 35 hours (alkaline batteries, using the headphones)
	AC Adaptor		AD-E95100L(included)
Size (W x D x H)			948 x 384 x 124mm
Weight			5.4kg

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