XW-P1 61-Key Performance Synthesizer

The Casio XW-P1 61-Key Performance Synthesizer represents a major comeback for Casio in the professional keyboard / synthesizer market. After twenty years without making a new pro synth, they have engineered one with their exclusive Hybrid Processing Sound Source (HPSS), an innovative twist on drawbar operation, iPad integration options that are sure to be popular, and a built-in step sequencer--and that's just scratching the surface.

The XW-P1 features a Solo Synth mode, a monophonic lead instrument with a six oscillator design, which can be controlled in real time via four knobs and nine sliders. Two virtual analog oscillators, two PCM oscillators, and a noise oscillator are at your fingertips. You've also got a sixth oscillator, which is external; mic and line inputs on the back of the instrument can be harnessed to function as the audio source for this sixth oscillator. Simply plug your iPod, iPhone, iPad or other device into this input, and it adds to your sound. Conveniently, there's even a dedicated spot on the right-hand side of the keyboard for placing external gear, large enough to accommodate your iPad.

Your 9 sliders bring the different oscillators in and out of the sound, as well as offering control for other elements, such as the noise generator. The sliders truly give you a more interactive playing experience. The presets in Solo Synth mode offer everything from bright leads to ripping basses, with deeply editable sounds you can customize to your taste. Hundreds of waveforms give you ample choices; you can even access those from Casio's original CZ synthesizers. Enjoy powerful tools, such as reverse key scaling on pitch, enabling you to have sounds or oscillators running in different directions. There are also envelopes galore: Pitch envelopes for each oscillator, plus a master for merged sound. Each oscillator also has an independent filter, with numerous options for filter types, as well as independent key tracking, portamento, dual LFO's and access to a master resonant filter.

A number of different sound engines designed for the performing musician are here accessible to you. You'll find a stunning 400 fully editable PCM based sounds, including pianos, electric pianos, strings, brass, guitars, basses, drums, acoustic sounds mixed with synths, and a powerful drawbar organ. Employ orchestral combination patches with velocity switch sounds, allowing you to play a string instrument and, if you hit the keys with sufficient velocity, trigger more strings, timpani and brass to accompany you. We also feel pretty confident that you'll enjoy the performance mode that enables you to produce 4 sounds simultaneously: A HexLayer, Solo Synth or drawbar organ for the first sound, with three other zones that can be populated by either internal or external sounds. What's more is that you get instant recall of effects, step sequences, arpeggiators and phrases.

The impressive HexLayer is a dedicated polyphonic mode featuring 6 components that join forces to make one instrument. Stacked sounds can easily be turned into pads, and you can also blend the various elements using the 9 sliders. Dig into complex layering, splits and additional velocity switched sounds. The formidable drawbar organ grants you control of key percussion sounds and rotary speaker effects. Feel free to add vibrato or distortion to get the organ sound you want. As if all this weren't enough, add a 13 track step sequencer, a 16 step programmable arpeggiator, pitch bend and modulation wheels, and a phrase sequencer for recording and playing back sounds, and you've got one amazing piece of musical genius on your hands.

Take advantage of the USB port for class compliant connection to Mac and Windows computers. The keyboard also has a MIDI port and 1/4" line outputs, in addition to the 1/4" mic and line inputs for the sixth oscillator and the 1/8" stereo mini-plug line input for connecting and monitoring an iPad or other device without a mixer. The XW-P1 comes with a power supply and can also run on 6 D batteries.