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?