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I have a number of top end Casios - CZ-1 and 101, VZ-1, FZ20M (rack version of FZ1), MZ2000, HT700 and 6000, CT410V and numerous other Casios, mainly from the 80's and 90's. A couple of years ago I was looking for a VA modelling type synth and then stumbled across the then new XW series. Though they aren't as comprehensively VA as the likes of the Roland Gaia for instance, the extra features - HEX layers, drawbar organ, step sequencer, VA monosynth for the P1, and the sampler/ looper for the G1 seemed very appealing.

I got my P1 first and once I got my head round the interface I was very impressed. The HEX layers can sound huge, and the sheer potential for amazingly layered sounds is all but infinite. The monosynth can sound fat and dirty, and I downloaded a number of patches from the Casio forum that showed just what it was capable of. Then there's the step sequencer, so simple yet so instantaneous, inspirational, effective and fun. The PCM sounds? They sound pretty good to me, some very useful sounds for all occasions. However, the XW is not just about PCM sounds, it's about the HEX layers, Drawbar and mono synth or the sampler/ looper for the G1! As for the keyboard, no, it's not in the weighted piano type league. My MZ2000 has a better keyboard, BUT, the MZ cost over £1000 back in 2000, plus the XW is a synth, and it has a light and perfectly acceptable action for a synth. I never expected it to be anything more.

I liked it so much, that when G1's started appearing at knock down prices last year, I took a chance and got one of those too. This has the more dedicated mono-synth controls compared to the P1 that really does take it into the league of analogue modelling, huge fun to be had with this. Then there's the extra drums, the sampler and the looper. With both a P1 and G1, I have a formidable rig capable of a huge spectrum of sounds. In the last year I have used them much more than all my other Casios put together.

The XW-P1 and G1 together cost me just a little more than a Roland Gaia, yet they can do so much more. I admit that the interface takes a little getting used to and isn't as hands on as some VA modelling synths, but once you do understand the different approach, you will start to find out all that you can do with them. Alternately, download the data editor for your computer which makes editing a breeze. In fact, many who don't seem to get on with them only try them for a short time. Those that persist in getting to know them tend to hang on to them, and the simple fact that very few seem to coming up for sale used speaks volumes. Most owners are holding on to them, as I most certainly am.

I'm holding on to my CZ's, VZ, FZ, HT's and MZ too, and the XW's make a very welcome addition to my collection. I'd recommend the XW's to anyone looking for a versatile and unique SYNTH that is packed with features and the potential to make some amazing sounds. Just give yourself some time to get to know them, and maybe you'll see just how much they are capable of.

On 17 October 2014 18:27, Richard Morley richard_morley@btopenworld.com [CZsynth] <CZsynth@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Me too - bought new 2nd hand off eBay thinking it would be a revolutionary game changer by Casio (bearing in mind they've been out of the Pro Music market since end 80's) and as a massive Casio fan of that era, was bitterly disappointed in what they have cut back in quality / feature content, to break back into what appears to be the budget end of the industry......

Keybed alone! within 5 mins was enough but also not keen on PCMs either. Best thing was how light but sadly that's where our marriage ended ... Sold to kid next door :)

I've been using CZ-1, VZ10m/8m, FZ10m, MT400v - all keepers. Why can't Casio stick their necks out a bit more and go for at least mid+ range with some decent kit. I'd certainly pay more for a better offering.

Anyway, good weekend.
Richard (the_audio_eng)

Sent from my iPad

On 17 Oct 2014, at 15:45, "José Ángel Morente msxjam@... [CZsynth]" <CZsynth@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

I purchased a Casio XW-P1 one month ago and I've returned back to Musicstore.

I don't like at all. PCM samples are horrible !!!
Definitely, "top-notch" has a different meaning to me...

Comparing the XW-P1 to my Kurzweil PC3 or my VZ-10m is a bad joke.

On 12 October 2014 14:07, napravobg@... [CZsynth] <CZsynth@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Just got a Casio XW-P1.. The CZ waveforms are very well represented, and stacking them is excellent. It's very easy to add filter and keyboard modulation and touch and time-based variations to any or all of them in a stack.
The draw-bar Hammond-type voices are amazing, as is the sequencer. I have the B3 ROM for my EMU Command Station and the Casio does instant Hammonds that I can't replicate with the EMU at all, except with a lot of time spent EMU programming using a much smaller display.

Sample sounds again, are top-notch.
I use Kurzweil keyboards and EMU Command station samples and voices mainly (and a VZ10m) and the WX-P1's samples stand up to the Kurzweil and EMU preset digital voices very well. They are different PCM high-quality samples, and not inferior in any way. Drum sounds are very good also and very useable.

All in all, I'm very happy with this great new purchase and it's excellent value for the money.. Nothing else comes close to what it does, and in my opinion, it can't be beaten anywhere, for the price.
If you can get a used one, then do so ASAP..
Very many thousands of hours of addictive playing and programming in this little keyboard, and very highly recommended.
Casio should put two of them together along with a better configured display, for a super monster synth that would beat anything.

richard
bg

Casio CZ/ VZ/ FZ - Pro Series

Re: [CZsynth] Casio XW-P1 with onboard CZ samples.

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