Casio CZ/ VZ/ FZ - Pro Series

Hi folks,

First off let me say I don't own a CZ series synth, but I have recently
purchased an XW-P1.  Here's hoping Casio's prosumer line has a bright
future after such a lengthy drought.

My current rig is a Korg TR76 and I sold off a Microkorg XL in order to
buy the XW as a VA complement to the TR.

Anyway, I am not a pro by any stretch of the imagination, but I do enjoy
sequencing MIDI and MP3 and composing my own tunes for my own and others
enjoyment.

My current conundrum, however, is that I am in dire need of a XW-P1
Cakewalk INS file in order to be able to fully exploit the amazing sound
palette of this beast in my tunes.

I realize I can create my own INS file with about a solid month of
weekends spent researching and debugging the format, but I am hoping
that someone else with more experience has already begun, if not already
completed this project, thus obviating my need to reinvent the wheel.

I'd also like to add, based on my own humble first impressions, that the
XW-P1 is a joy to own and a real hoot to play with.  I can see a large
future enthusiast market building up around this machine.  My own
personal wishlist for its successors include an 88 key keyboard with
Casio's Privia line of weighted hammer action keys and a vocorder would
have been nice, but easily enough a simple addon module will take care
of that feature.

Anyway, I'm not entirely certain if this is the right forum for my
request or not,  based on some of the posts I've browsed in here, but
then again, nothing ventured, nothing gained.  [;)]

If anyone out there has any viable leads on this INS file, I'd love to
hear from  ya.

And if anyone has any questions about the XW-P1 that aren't too
technical, I'll try and do my best to answer them.

Thanks for listening,
Gary







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I understand that this is a "groove" synth. I have a Yamaha DJX, (lame), a DJX-II, (pretty good), and a Roland JX-305, (OK, but difficult learning curve). I would REALLY like to hear opinions how this synth stacks up against these and similar "groove synths). I am tempted to buy one, then maybe I can comment. But, you know, Money. Anyone who can give comparisons of these synths, I would appreciate.
Rig

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Years ago I would create my own INS files. I even did some for a couple of Roland "Intelligent Arranger" modules. I you have done INS files before and you have the documentation on the XW-P1, it might be worth your while to spend a few weekends on the project.

If you can find other XW-P1 users, perhaps you can coordinate a joint effort. Another option, if your time is worth more to you doing other things, would be to hire someone to do the programming for you.

If you haven't done INS programming before, if you have the documentation and ccan either post it or post a link to an on-line source, perhaps some of us here can get you started with a template.

Just some thoughts.

Enjoy your new Casio.

Thanks for the input Steve.

To my understanding, all of the documentation required to create a working INS file for the XW-P1 is available here.

http://support.casio.com/manualfile.php?rgn=1&cid=008013001

If you or someone else would be willing to start me off with a template, I'd forever be in your debt.

I wouldn't mind having to spend a weekend or two cutting, pasting and formatting entries if necessary, but am daunted by trying to figure out the proper layout for a basic INS template and figuring out what exactly goes where in the file.

Frankly it's been decades since I've last written any code and that was simply an intro to Pascal course in college.

My hacking skills are very rusty indeed and to be honest I'd much rather be making music than geeking code these days.

Honestly that's why I was hoping someone else has already undertaken this project.


Thanks for listening,

Gary

----------------------------------------

All The World's A Stage

----------------------------------------


--- On Mon, 6/4/12, steve_the_composer <smw-mail@...> wrote:

> From: steve_the_composer <smw-mail@...>
> Subject: [CZsynth] Re: New To Group: Seeking XW-P1 Cakewalk INS File
> To: CZsynth@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Monday, June 4, 2012, 5:05 PM
> Years ago I would create my own INS
> files. I even did some for a couple of Roland "Intelligent
> Arranger" modules. I you have done INS files before and you
> have the documentation on the XW-P1, it might be worth your
> while to spend a few weekends on the project.
> 
> If you can find other XW-P1 users, perhaps you can
> coordinate a joint effort. Another option, if your time is
> worth more to you doing other things, would be to hire
> someone to do the programming for you.
> 
> If you haven't done INS programming before, if you have the
> documentation and ccan either post it or post a link to an
> on-line source, perhaps some of us here can get you started
> with a template.
> 
> Just some thoughts.
> 
> Enjoy your new Casio.

yes you're first ins file might take a month ,
 but you will hammer out and forge all that is needed to write many more ins
files , alot quicker,with experience and know how gained from  practical
usage

charles

Hi, I just wanted to add one small thing to this discussion. There are two new Casio models based on the same platform.

The XW-G1 is marketed as a groove synthesizer.

The XW-P1 is marketed as a performance synthesizer.

In reality there is probably not much distance between the two of them, but I wanted to point out that one is more "groovy" than the other.


--- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, bill bigrig <billbigrig@...> wrote:

>
> I understand that this is a "groove" synth. I have a Yamaha DJX, (lame), a DJX-II, (pretty good), and a Roland JX-305, (OK, but difficult learning curve). I would REALLY like to hear opinions how this synth stacks up against these and similar "groove synths). I am tempted to buy one, then maybe I can comment. But, you know, Money. Anyone who can give comparisons of these synths, I would appreciate.
> Rig
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

My understanding is that the XW-G1 doesn't offer the Hex Modes and the Drawbar Organs but does offer more control devoted to the synth waveforms and the step sequencer and also offers sampling as compared to the XW-P1 where the Mic input is only usable as a source for effects processing and lesser control of the synths but offers the Hex modes and the drawbar organs.

My understanding is that the G1 is aimed at the DJ "groove" market while the P1 is aimed more at the general performer market.  Personally, however, my intention is to use the beast as a MIDI workstation once I finally lay my hands on an INS file for it.


--- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, "fulfil_objective" <robot@...> wrote:

>
> Hi, I just wanted to add one small thing to this discussion. There are two new Casio models based on the same platform.
> 
> The XW-G1 is marketed as a groove synthesizer.
> 
> The XW-P1 is marketed as a performance synthesizer.
> 
> In reality there is probably not much distance between the two of them, but I wanted to point out that one is more "groovy" than the other.
> 
> 
> --- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, bill bigrig <billbigrig@> wrote:
> >
> > I understand that this is a "groove" synth. I have a Yamaha DJX, (lame), a DJX-II, (pretty good), and a Roland JX-305, (OK, but difficult learning curve). I would REALLY like to hear opinions how this synth stacks up against these and similar "groove synths). I am tempted to buy one, then maybe I can comment. But, you know, Money. Anyone who can give comparisons of these synths, I would appreciate.
> > Rig
> > 
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

--- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, charlie 'chop' copp <charles.copp@...> wrote:
>
> yes you're first ins file might take a month ,
>  but you will hammer out and forge all that is needed to write many more ins
> files , alot quicker,with experience and know how gained from  practical
> usage
> 
> charles
>

The problem is that in real life I don't buy a new synth every week.  It doesn't thrill me to spend a month of Sundays learning the file format and hacking and debugging and messing up my setup to create a file once and then never use that skillset again.

The GOOD NEWS however, is that I've been in contact with Mike Martin, the liaison for Casio and the XW series in North America over on Harmony Central and he's volunteered to create a proper INS file sometime in the next couple of weeks.

So in the meantime I'll keep my fingers crossed and once the file appears in my inbox, I'll attach it on all the Casio and Cakewalk forums I've been querying on this past month for archival purposes and to make it available to anyone else who wanders in sharing my predicament.

At any rate, thanks to everyone for your interest and input in this matter and I eagerly await the opportunity to post a few tunes once I get this up and running on my sequencers.

Regards,
Gary

Casio's Mike Martin did a live one hour video workshop on the XW-P1 the other night and the video is archived here.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/casiomusicgear#events

He's also planning a possible workshop on the XW-G1 perhaps next month.

Definitely worth checking out if you are considering buying one of these anytime in the near future.  He goes into explanations of the major features in exhaustive detail.

Gary



--- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, bill bigrig <billbigrig@...> wrote:

>
> I understand that this is a "groove" synth. I have a Yamaha DJX, (lame), a DJX-II, (pretty good), and a Roland JX-305, (OK, but difficult learning curve). I would REALLY like to hear opinions how this synth stacks up against these and similar "groove synths). I am tempted to buy one, then maybe I can comment. But, you know, Money. Anyone who can give comparisons of these synths, I would appreciate.
> Rig
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Hi Gary,

don't get me wrong, but I'm not happy when ppl. start to post links 
to promotional videos here, even if it's recent Casio gear, since I 
want to keep this group as clean of spam as possible...

Thanx!
     Summa


On 7 Jun 2012 at 21:53, happyrat1 wrote:

> 
> 
> Casio's Mike Martin did a live one hour video workshop on the XW-P1
> the other night and the video is archived here.
> 
> http://www.ustream.tv/channel/casiomusicgear#events
> 
> He's also planning a possible workshop on the XW-G1 perhaps next
> month.
> 
> Definitely worth checking out if you are considering buying one of
> these anytime in the near future.  He goes into explanations of the
> major features in exhaustive detail.
> 
> Gary
> 
> 
> 
> --- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, bill bigrig <billbigrig@...> wrote: >
> > I understand that this is a "groove" synth. I have a Yamaha DJX,
> (lame), a DJX-II, (pretty good), and a Roland JX-305, (OK, but
> difficult learning curve). I would REALLY like to hear opinions how
> this synth stacks up against these and similar "groove synths). I am
> tempted to buy one, then maybe I can comment. But, you know, Money.
> Anyone who can give comparisons of these synths, I would appreciate. >
> Rig > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> 
> 
> 


-- 

CZ/VZ 		mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CZsynth
FMHeaven	mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fmheaven/
FS1R		mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fs1r/	
Vokator		mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vokator
FM-Synthesis	mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fm-
synthesis/

http://www.summasounds.de/

I guess I understand.  Fair enough.  Even though I sort of considered the XW line to be the logical successor to the CZ line in the near future and since the universe really doesn't need 10 Bazillion splinter groups for each product I sort of assumed XW posts would be welcome in this group.

Then again if that's how you and everyone here feel about it I'll just unsubscribe from the group and restrict my future queries to the PX-WK-CTK group instead.

Sorry to drag you all off topic.  Feel free to unsubscribe me from the list.

Regards,

Gary

----------------------------------------

All The World's A Stage

----------------------------------------


--- On Thu, 6/7/12, Summa <flotorian@...> wrote:

> From: Summa <flotorian@freenet.de>
> Subject: Re: [CZsynth] Re: New To Group: Seeking XW-P1 Cakewalk INS File
> To: CZsynth@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, June 7, 2012, 9:06 PM
> Hi Gary,
> 
> don't get me wrong, but I'm not happy when ppl. start to
> post links 
> to promotional videos here, even if it's recent Casio gear,
> since I 
> want to keep this group as clean of spam as possible...
> 
> Thanx!
>      Summa
> 
> 
> On 7 Jun 2012 at 21:53, happyrat1 wrote:
> 
> > 
> > 
> > Casio's Mike Martin did a live one hour video workshop
> on the XW-P1
> > the other night and the video is archived here.
> > 
> > http://www.ustream.tv/channel/casiomusicgear#events
> > 
> > He's also planning a possible workshop on the XW-G1
> perhaps next
> > month.
> > 
> > Definitely worth checking out if you are considering
> buying one of
> > these anytime in the near future.  He goes into
> explanations of the
> > major features in exhaustive detail.
> > 
> > Gary
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > --- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com,
> bill bigrig <billbigrig@...> wrote: >
> > > I understand that this is a "groove" synth. I have
> a Yamaha DJX,
> > (lame), a DJX-II, (pretty good), and a Roland JX-305,
> (OK, but
> > difficult learning curve). I would REALLY like to hear
> opinions how
> > this synth stacks up against these and similar "groove
> synths). I am
> > tempted to buy one, then maybe I can comment. But, you
> know, Money.
> > Anyone who can give comparisons of these synths, I
> would appreciate. >
> > Rig > > [Non-text portions of this message have
> been removed] >
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > ------------------------------------
> > 
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> CZ/VZ         mailing
> list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CZsynth
> FMHeaven    mailing list    :
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fmheaven/
> FS1R        mailing
> list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fs1r/    
> Vokator        mailing
> list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vokator
> FM-Synthesis    mailing
> list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fm-
> synthesis/
> 
> http://www.summasounds.de/
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> 
>     CZsynth-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
> 
>

Incidentally I felt the link was in fact on topic since it was a direct response to a member's request for info about the unit.


Regards,

Gary

----------------------------------------

All The World's A Stage

----------------------------------------


--- On Thu, 6/7/12, Summa <flotorian@freenet.de> wrote:

> From: Summa <flotorian@...>
> Subject: Re: [CZsynth] Re: New To Group: Seeking XW-P1 Cakewalk INS File
> To: CZsynth@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, June 7, 2012, 9:06 PM
> Hi Gary,
> 
> don't get me wrong, but I'm not happy when ppl. start to
> post links 
> to promotional videos here, even if it's recent Casio gear,
> since I 
> want to keep this group as clean of spam as possible...
> 
> Thanx!
>      Summa
> 
> 
> On 7 Jun 2012 at 21:53, happyrat1 wrote:
> 
> > 
> > 
> > Casio's Mike Martin did a live one hour video workshop
> on the XW-P1
> > the other night and the video is archived here.
> > 
> > http://www.ustream.tv/channel/casiomusicgear#events
> > 
> > He's also planning a possible workshop on the XW-G1
> perhaps next
> > month.
> > 
> > Definitely worth checking out if you are considering
> buying one of
> > these anytime in the near future.  He goes into
> explanations of the
> > major features in exhaustive detail.
> > 
> > Gary
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > --- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com,
> bill bigrig <billbigrig@...> wrote: >
> > > I understand that this is a "groove" synth. I have
> a Yamaha DJX,
> > (lame), a DJX-II, (pretty good), and a Roland JX-305,
> (OK, but
> > difficult learning curve). I would REALLY like to hear
> opinions how
> > this synth stacks up against these and similar "groove
> synths). I am
> > tempted to buy one, then maybe I can comment. But, you
> know, Money.
> > Anyone who can give comparisons of these synths, I
> would appreciate. >
> > Rig > > [Non-text portions of this message have
> been removed] >
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > ------------------------------------
> > 
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> CZ/VZ         mailing
> list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CZsynth
> FMHeaven    mailing list    :
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fmheaven/
> FS1R        mailing
> list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fs1r/    
> Vokator        mailing
> list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vokator
> FM-Synthesis    mailing
> list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fm-
> synthesis/
> 
> http://www.summasounds.de/
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> 
>     CZsynth-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
> 
>

Hi,

Sad to say those two seem like just another jumped-up home/hotel  
keyboards......

j

On 7 Jun 2012, at 22:53, happyrat1 wrote:

>
>
> Casio's Mike Martin did a live one hour video workshop on the XW-P1  
> the other night and the video is archived here.
>
> http://www.ustream.tv/channel/casiomusicgear#events
>
> He's also planning a possible workshop on the XW-G1 perhaps next  
> month.
>
> Definitely worth checking out if you are considering buying one of  
> these anytime in the near future.  He goes into explanations of the  
> major features in exhaustive detail.
>
> Gary
>
>
>
> --- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, bill bigrig <billbigrig@...> wrote:
>>
>> I understand that this is a "groove" synth. I have a Yamaha DJX,  
>> (lame), a DJX-II, (pretty good), and a Roland JX-305, (OK, but  
>> difficult learning curve). I would REALLY like to hear opinions how  
>> this synth stacks up against these and similar "groove synths). I  
>> am tempted to buy one, then maybe I can comment. But, you know,  
>> Money. Anyone who can give comparisons of these synths, I would  
>> appreciate.
>> Rig
>>
>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

What makes you think that the XW line is the logical successor to the 
CZ/VZ Series, since there are at least synthesis wise no similarities 
I'm aware of. I might be wrong, but so far the XW line rather looks 
like a mainly sample based a modern solo entertainer keyboard, with 
sound editing capabilities, at least for the mono synth.

Best...

Summa



On 7 Jun 2012 at 18:17, Gary G. wrote:

> I guess I understand.  Fair enough.  Even though I sort of considered
> the XW line to be the logical successor to the CZ line in the near
> future and since the universe really doesn't need 10 Bazillion
> splinter groups for each product I sort of assumed XW posts would be
> welcome in this group.
> 
> Then again if that's how you and everyone here feel about it I'll just
> unsubscribe from the group and restrict my future queries to the
> PX-WK-CTK group instead.
> 
> Sorry to drag you all off topic.  Feel free to unsubscribe me from the
> list.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Gary
> 
> ----------------------------------------
> 
> All The World's A Stage
> 
> ----------------------------------------
> 
> 
> --- On Thu, 6/7/12, Summa <flotorian@...> wrote:
> 
> > From: Summa <flotorian@freenet.de>
> > Subject: Re: [CZsynth] Re: New To Group: Seeking XW-P1 Cakewalk INS
> > File To: CZsynth@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, June 7, 2012, 9:06
> > PM Hi Gary,
> > 
> > don't get me wrong, but I'm not happy when ppl. start to
> > post links 
> > to promotional videos here, even if it's recent Casio gear,
> > since I 
> > want to keep this group as clean of spam as possible...
> > 
> > Thanx!
> >      Summa
> > 
> > 
> > On 7 Jun 2012 at 21:53, happyrat1 wrote:
> > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > Casio's Mike Martin did a live one hour video workshop
> > on the XW-P1
> > > the other night and the video is archived here.
> > > 
> > > http://www.ustream.tv/channel/casiomusicgear#events
> > > 
> > > He's also planning a possible workshop on the XW-G1
> > perhaps next
> > > month.
> > > 
> > > Definitely worth checking out if you are considering
> > buying one of
> > > these anytime in the near future.  He goes into
> > explanations of the
> > > major features in exhaustive detail.
> > > 
> > > Gary
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > --- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com,
> > bill bigrig <billbigrig@...> wrote: >
> > > > I understand that this is a "groove" synth. I have
> > a Yamaha DJX,
> > > (lame), a DJX-II, (pretty good), and a Roland JX-305,
> > (OK, but
> > > difficult learning curve). I would REALLY like to hear
> > opinions how
> > > this synth stacks up against these and similar "groove
> > synths). I am
> > > tempted to buy one, then maybe I can comment. But, you
> > know, Money.
> > > Anyone who can give comparisons of these synths, I
> > would appreciate. >
> > > Rig > > [Non-text portions of this message have
> > been removed] >
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > ------------------------------------
> > > 
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > 
> > 
> > -- 
> > 
> > CZ/VZ         mailing
> > list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CZsynth
> > FMHeaven    mailing list    :
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fmheaven/
> > FS1R        mailing
> > list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fs1r/    
> > Vokator        mailing
> > list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vokator
> > FM-Synthesis    mailing
> > list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fm-
> > synthesis/
> > 
> > http://www.summasounds.de/
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > ------------------------------------
> > 
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > 
> > 
> >     CZsynth-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
> > 
> > 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> 
> 
> 


-- 

CZ/VZ 		mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CZsynth
FMHeaven	mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fmheaven/
FS1R		mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fs1r/	
Vokator		mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vokator
FM-Synthesis	mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fm-
synthesis/

http://www.summasounds.de/

I'm no mind-reader, but I sympathise with Gary, and I think I follow his logic. Here goes:

1. The XW range are NOT "entertainer" keyboards (they have no auto-rhythm or easy-play features).
2. They are Casio's first major range of instruments since the VZ series to concentrate on creative sound editing.
3. They may not offer phase distortion synthesis, but the synth engines included go far beyond the sample-playback used on recent Casios - pulse width modulation, dynamic filters, portamento, true ADSR  etc.
4. And don't forget true MIDI ports, no speakers and an external input. This thing is a SYNTH.

At least that's how I see it.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Summa 
  To: CZsynth@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Friday, June 08, 2012 1:39 PM
  Subject: Re: [CZsynth] Re: New To Group: Seeking XW-P1 Cakewalk INS File


    
  What makes you think that the XW line is the logical successor to the 
  CZ/VZ Series, since there are at least synthesis wise no similarities 
  I'm aware of. I might be wrong, but so far the XW line rather looks 
  like a mainly sample based a modern solo entertainer keyboard, with 
  sound editing capabilities, at least for the mono synth.

  Best...

  Summa

  On 7 Jun 2012 at 18:17, Gary G. wrote:

  > I guess I understand. Fair enough. Even though I sort of considered
  > the XW line to be the logical successor to the CZ line in the near
  > future and since the universe really doesn't need 10 Bazillion
  > splinter groups for each product I sort of assumed XW posts would be
  > welcome in this group.
  > 
  > Then again if that's how you and everyone here feel about it I'll just
  > unsubscribe from the group and restrict my future queries to the
  > PX-WK-CTK group instead.
  > 
  > Sorry to drag you all off topic. Feel free to unsubscribe me from the
  > list.
  > 
  > Regards,
  > 
  > Gary
  > 
  > ----------------------------------------
  > 
  > All The World's A Stage
  > 
  > ----------------------------------------
  > 
  > 
  > --- On Thu, 6/7/12, Summa <flotorian@...> wrote:
  > 
  > > From: Summa <flotorian@...>
  > > Subject: Re: [CZsynth] Re: New To Group: Seeking XW-P1 Cakewalk INS
  > > File To: CZsynth@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, June 7, 2012, 9:06
  > > PM Hi Gary,
  > > 
  > > don't get me wrong, but I'm not happy when ppl. start to
  > > post links 
  > > to promotional videos here, even if it's recent Casio gear,
  > > since I 
  > > want to keep this group as clean of spam as possible...
  > > 
  > > Thanx!
  > >      Summa
  > > 
  > > 
  > > On 7 Jun 2012 at 21:53, happyrat1 wrote:
  > > 
  > > > 
  > > > 
  > > > Casio's Mike Martin did a live one hour video workshop
  > > on the XW-P1
  > > > the other night and the video is archived here.
  > > > 
  > > > http://www.ustream.tv/channel/casiomusicgear#events
  > > > 
  > > > He's also planning a possible workshop on the XW-G1
  > > perhaps next
  > > > month.
  > > > 
  > > > Definitely worth checking out if you are considering
  > > buying one of
  > > > these anytime in the near future.  He goes into
  > > explanations of the
  > > > major features in exhaustive detail.
  > > > 
  > > > Gary
  > > > 
  > > > 
  > > > 
  > > > --- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com,
  > > bill bigrig <billbigrig@...> wrote: >
  > > > > I understand that this is a "groove" synth. I have
  > > a Yamaha DJX,
  > > > (lame), a DJX-II, (pretty good), and a Roland JX-305,
  > > (OK, but
  > > > difficult learning curve). I would REALLY like to hear
  > > opinions how
  > > > this synth stacks up against these and similar "groove
  > > synths). I am
  > > > tempted to buy one, then maybe I can comment. But, you
  > > know, Money.
  > > > Anyone who can give comparisons of these synths, I
  > > would appreciate. >
  > > > Rig > > [Non-text portions of this message have
  > > been removed] >
  > > > 
  > > > 
  > > > 
  > > > 
  > > > ------------------------------------
  > > > 
  > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
  > > > 
  > > > 
  > > > 
  > > > 
  > > 
  > > 
  > > -- 
  > > 
  > > CZ/VZ         mailing
  > > list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CZsynth
  > > FMHeaven    mailing list    :
  > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fmheaven/
  > > FS1R        mailing
  > > list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fs1r/    
  > > Vokator        mailing
  > > list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vokator
  > > FM-Synthesis    mailing
  > > list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fm-
  > > synthesis/
  > > 
  > > http://www.summasounds.de/
  > > 
  > > 
  > > 
  > > ------------------------------------
  > > 
  > > Yahoo! Groups Links
  > > 
  > > 
  > >     CZsynth-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
  > > 
  > > 
  > 
  > 
  > ------------------------------------
  > 
  > Yahoo! Groups Links
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 

  -- 

  CZ/VZ mailing list : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CZsynth
  FMHeaven mailing list : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fmheaven/
  FS1R mailing list : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fs1r/ 
  Vokator mailing list : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vokator
  FM-Synthesis mailing list : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fm-
  synthesis/

  http://www.summasounds.de/



  

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Gary,

I did not think the post was off-topic nor particularly commercial. It is just an informative video about a new Casio keyboard that has stirred up interest. In my opinion, the post was not spam or commercial, it was informative. I know somebody else can see it differently, but that happens all the time in life and you can see it in this group.

One issue that is clouding this discussion is that it's not clear the XW line are going to be welcomed into the "family". There are some similarities, there are some differences. Different people in the group will seem them as more similar or more different depending on their own internal filters.

I agree with you that I don't like a million splinter groups. Sometime in the future we will know if the XW line has enough interest to support its own group. For now, the answer is not clear.


--- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, "Gary G." <happyrat1@...> wrote:

>
> I guess I understand.  Fair enough.  Even though I sort of considered the XW line to be the logical successor to the CZ line in the near future and since the universe really doesn't need 10 Bazillion splinter groups for each product I sort of assumed XW posts would be welcome in this group.
> 
> Then again if that's how you and everyone here feel about it I'll just unsubscribe from the group and restrict my future queries to the PX-WK-CTK group instead.
> 
> Sorry to drag you all off topic.  Feel free to unsubscribe me from the list.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Gary
> 
> ----------------------------------------
> 
> All The World's A Stage
> 
> ----------------------------------------
> 
> 
> --- On Thu, 6/7/12, Summa <flotorian@...> wrote:
> 
> > From: Summa <flotorian@...>
> > Subject: Re: [CZsynth] Re: New To Group: Seeking XW-P1 Cakewalk INS File
> > To: CZsynth@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Thursday, June 7, 2012, 9:06 PM
> > Hi Gary,
> > 
> > don't get me wrong, but I'm not happy when ppl. start to
> > post links 
> > to promotional videos here, even if it's recent Casio gear,
> > since I 
> > want to keep this group as clean of spam as possible...
> > 
> > Thanx!
> >      Summa
> > 
> > 
> > On 7 Jun 2012 at 21:53, happyrat1 wrote:
> > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > Casio's Mike Martin did a live one hour video workshop
> > on the XW-P1
> > > the other night and the video is archived here.
> > > 
> > > http://www.ustream.tv/channel/casiomusicgear#events
> > > 
> > > He's also planning a possible workshop on the XW-G1
> > perhaps next
> > > month.
> > > 
> > > Definitely worth checking out if you are considering
> > buying one of
> > > these anytime in the near future.  He goes into
> > explanations of the
> > > major features in exhaustive detail.
> > > 
> > > Gary
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > --- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com,
> > bill bigrig <billbigrig@> wrote: >
> > > > I understand that this is a "groove" synth. I have
> > a Yamaha DJX,
> > > (lame), a DJX-II, (pretty good), and a Roland JX-305,
> > (OK, but
> > > difficult learning curve). I would REALLY like to hear
> > opinions how
> > > this synth stacks up against these and similar "groove
> > synths). I am
> > > tempted to buy one, then maybe I can comment. But, you
> > know, Money.
> > > Anyone who can give comparisons of these synths, I
> > would appreciate. >
> > > Rig > > [Non-text portions of this message have
> > been removed] >
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > ------------------------------------
> > > 
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > 
> > 
> > -- 
> > 
> > CZ/VZ         mailing
> > list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CZsynth
> > FMHeaven    mailing list    :
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fmheaven/
> > FS1R        mailing
> > list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fs1r/    
> > Vokator        mailing
> > list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vokator
> > FM-Synthesis    mailing
> > list    : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fm-
> > synthesis/
> > 
> > http://www.summasounds.de/
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > ------------------------------------
> > 
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > 
> > 
> >     CZsynth-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
> > 
> >
>

Hi, Gary.

   I would encourage you to set up a Yahoo Group devoted to the new line of Casios. You might want to ask the owner of this group offline, if it would be OK to post a simple, polite announcement of the group in this thread so it is easy to find.

   This group is well-defined and in my opinion provides an excellent place for people interested in the CZ, VZ, and FZ lines to meet up.

   If the new Casios catch on, a group devoted to the new line would probably serve a similar function for the new gear and should have a home of its own.

Steve

 



--- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, "Gary G." <happyrat1@...> wrote:

>
> Incidentally I felt the link was in fact on topic since it was a direct response to a member's request for info about the unit.
> 
>   
> Regards,
> 
> Gary
>

See below.

--- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, "happyrat1" <happyrat1@...> wrote:
> 
> The problem is that in real life I don't buy a new synth every week.  It doesn't thrill me to spend a month of Sundays learning the file format and hacking and debugging and messing up my setup to create a file once and then never use that skillset again.

Steve: I hear you! I never use my INS file building skills any more. I could if I wanted to, but I have no need. So, I understand. 


> The GOOD NEWS however, is that I've been in contact with Mike Martin, the liaison for Casio and the XW series in North America over on Harmony Central and he's volunteered to create a proper INS file sometime in the next couple of weeks.

Steve: Good news indeed. I think it entirely appropriate the manufacturer to do this, especially if they want to appeal to musicians who use SONAR (and likewise for other software makers/sellers). Kudos to you for contacting Casio and getting the ball rolling on the INS file development.

 
> So in the meantime I'll keep my fingers crossed and once the file appears in my inbox, I'll attach it on all the Casio and Cakewalk forums I've been querying on this past month for archival purposes and to make it available to anyone else who wanders in sharing my predicament.

Steve: I would recommend just posting it in a thread devoted to the new Casio gear at the Cakewalk forum website and in any Casio forums devoted to the new Casio line. I understand your zeal, but I would encourage you not to post it in all Cakewalk and Casio forums.

I assume you would want Google and other search engines to find these specific forums, and not a bazillion other forums.

 
> At any rate, thanks to everyone for your interest and input in this matter and I eagerly await the opportunity to post a few tunes once I get this up and running on my sequencers.

Steve: I would strongly advise against posting tunes here. There just isn't the space here. I am sure there are places like BandCamp and SoundCloud where you can post music. 

Also, since your skillset seems to include getting company reps to do things on behalf of their products, I would encourage you to try to get Casio to set up a website where users can post tunes made with their gear.  I think they would be happy to do that as part of marketing.

Just some thoughts. Hope they help.

Steve

> 
> Regards,
> Gary
>

keep it up , i like hearing about new gear 
we always have our reference point as cz owners 

that first post was kinda "iff-ie" like if he asks here 
is there not proper support at casio for this dang thing

ok 
2 cents?
charles

When I think of lineage and succession, products from Roland, E-Mu, and TwelveTone Systems come to mind.

Each developed gear (or software) continually over the span of years that built on and expanded the kind of gear (or software) that came before.

For example, if you trace the Cakewalk for MS-DOS to SONAR X-1 (or whatever its called) I think you will see a logical, step-wise progression in terms of functionality and sequential improvement, although the MS-DOS version and the X-1 version are totally different.

With both Roland and E-Mu, if you trace the various lines, I believe you can see similar step-wise progression and improvements (including some quantum leaps). Take for instance the Proteus/1 [and variations], E-Mu samplers based on the Proteus synth engine design, the Proteus 2000 line [and variations], and their software incarnations (Proteus X and Emulator X).

Indeed, with the _Z lines of Casios, I believe you can also see some succession and continuity, although it was rather short-lived compared to Roland, E-Mu, and Cakewalk.

However, with the new line of Casios, other than very general characteristics, I could be wrong, but I just don't see any succession or lineage--other than corporate ownership.

I see nothing wrong with Casio developing a new synthesizer, but let's be honest--it is a completely different thing from the previous lines of Casios. And that's OK with me. 

Steve

--- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, "Simon Beck" <simon@...> wrote:

>
> I'm no mind-reader, but I sympathise with Gary, and I think I follow his logic. Here goes:
> 
> 1. The XW range are NOT "entertainer" keyboards (they have no auto-rhythm or easy-play features).
> 2. They are Casio's first major range of instruments since the VZ series to concentrate on creative sound editing.
> 3. They may not offer phase distortion synthesis, but the synth engines included go far beyond the sample-playback used on recent Casios - pulse width modulation, dynamic filters, portamento, true ADSR  etc.
> 4. And don't forget true MIDI ports, no speakers and an external input. This thing is a SYNTH.
> 
> At least that's how I see it.

Hey, Happyrat, THANK YOU for having reached out so much on this issue
and getting the possibility of the person at Harmony Central creating
an .INS file, very cool!  I do hope Casio will have the smarts to
provide a lot of support for this synth, hopefully helping people with
just this kind of thing, to promote it.

I have the performance version, the XW-G1, so I hope someone will
create one for that also, although hacking at the P1 version would be
good as a start if that's the only one available.

Do keep us advised, of course if I see something i'll post so.

On Tue, Jun 5, 2012 at 3:35 PM, happyrat1 <happyrat1@...> wrote:
>
>
> --- In CZsynth@...m, charlie 'chop' copp <charles.copp@...> wrote:
>>
>> yes you're first ins file might take a month ,
>>  but you will hammer out and forge all that is needed to write many more ins
>> files , alot quicker,with experience and know how gained from  practical
>> usage
>>
>> charles
>>
>
> The problem is that in real life I don't buy a new synth every week.  It doesn't thrill me to spend a month of Sundays learning the file format and hacking and debugging and messing up my setup to create a file once and then never use that skillset again.
>
> The GOOD NEWS however, is that I've been in contact with Mike Martin, the liaison for Casio and the XW series in North America over on Harmony Central and he's volunteered to create a proper INS file sometime in the next couple of weeks.
>
> So in the meantime I'll keep my fingers crossed and once the file appears in my inbox, I'll attach it on all the Casio and Cakewalk forums I've been querying on this past month for archival purposes and to make it available to anyone else who wanders in sharing my predicament.
>
> At any rate, thanks to everyone for your interest and input in this matter and I eagerly await the opportunity to post a few tunes once I get this up and running on my sequencers.
>
> Regards,
> Gary
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

Hi Simon,

On 8 Jun 2012 at 14:03, Simon Beck wrote:

> I'm no mind-reader, but I sympathise with Gary, and I think I follow
> his logic. Here goes:
> 
> 1. The XW range are NOT "entertainer" keyboards (they have no
> auto-rhythm or easy-play features). 

Well I wrote modern entertainer keyboard, not home keyboard/organ. 
You could say groove keyboard as well, since the (what I call) "music 
box" functions like phrase/step sequence probably be a proper 
replacement. 

>2. They are Casio's first major
> range of instruments since the VZ series to concentrate on creative
> sound editing. 

Well, bringing up the VZ series as example for creative sound editing 
sounds kind of absurd to me. Even so I like the VZ, Casio made the 
hell of a hard to edit parameter beast, at least without editing 
software.

>3. They may not offer phase distortion synthesis, but
> the synth engines included go far beyond the sample-playback used on
> recent Casios - pulse width modulation, dynamic filters, portamento,
> true ADSR  etc. 4. And don't forget true MIDI ports, no speakers and
> an external input. This thing is a SYNTH

Well, I'd call that lowered expactations ;) and imho this has nothing 
to do with the Casio CZ/VZ series, since they don't share most of the 
features you listed. I think even the FS1R, D50 or the Fantom X 
Series has more in common with the VZ/CZ series than the XW Series... 

When looking at its concept I'd rather put the XW-P1 in line with 
recent korg synthesizers.

> At least that's how I see it.

It's not a discussion about its synthesizer status, rather if it fits 
into the line CZ/VZ line of synths. 


...Summa
 

-- 

CZ/VZ 		mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CZsynth
FMHeaven	mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fmheaven/
FS1R		mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fs1r/	
Vokator		mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vokator
FM-Synthesis	mailing list	: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fm-
synthesis/

http://www.summasounds.de/