Kara-Moon Forum

The last time I owned a Casio,was about 7 years ago...at a time when I was just getting back on my feet and did not have sufficient funds to purchase a professional keyboard.
This lead me to choosing the Casio WK-3800 and even then,Casios were no joke(at least in terms of sound quality) and in fact,I can remeber the synth sounds being reminiscent to the old Roland Super JX-10 & the acoustic sounds were impressive as well,for a $400 keyboard.

Even though the WK-3800 was marketed as being a workstation,it only had 6 tracks and one insert effect(if I recall correctly).What was worse,is that there was not only the absence of pattern sequencing,but no quantizing either.
The single most distressing thing about the WK-3800,is that there was no audible metronome...meaning that-in the display,there was a graphical symbol of a metronome,with an animated arm that moved from left to right.

I went absolutely nuts..pulling my hair out,in trying to figure out how to turn on the metronome,only to find out via customer service,that there was in fact,no audible metronome.
Get this....I was told that the WK-3800 had a visual metronome-yes you read correctly;A VISUAL METRONOME.

All this being said,I was tickled pink to discover the WK-7500 is in fact,a workstation..with 16 track midi recording,quantizing,pattern mode,insert effects and audio recording!

From what I gathered in reading the manual on Casio's website,the WK-7500 seems to have only 2 insert effects,which is reverb and your choice of either chorus or a selection of one of the 100 other DSP effects in conjunction with the reverb(chorus & the other DSP effects cannot be used together).

There is also full computer connectivity,including an editor & the option of saving data.There is also an SD card slot for saving your work,which is a beautiful thing-especially so,since the previous WK model was still using floppy disks!! :o ::)

At the rate that Casio is now advancing,they will soon surpass Roland workstations and actually-in terms of sounds,Casio has already done that! :D

The release of the WK-7500 is slated for October,but no price is listed as of yet,but I strongly suspect that it will be well under a $1,000 and it should prove to be the biggest bargain in the semi-professional workstation arena and I am tempted at the prospect of adding it to my gear collection! :;

http://www.casio-intl.com/emi/sp/high_grade/en/gallery/


-Thom

Wow sounds like Casio have upped their game considerably.  I haven't owned a Casio since I was a kid, and once I became an adult and started playing semi-professionally I never gave them a second thought as I always considered them in the 'Asda/Walmart kids christmas present' area.

Looks like my synth snobbishness might have made me pass by a decent bargain synth or two!!

I started looking for a keyboard in the last few weeks, looked at WK-200, then WK-500, then WK-3800 (a floppy drive?!) and latched onto the WK-7500.   Casio informed me that North America should start to see deliveries between mid January and mid-February.  I'd guess that they've tied this into the NAMM show on January 13th as a new product announcement.  So for those interested, you're only a month away from it!  :;

My interest in a keyboard came about as a way to practice my vocals (accompaniement) and as a way to "try" to stick the songs/tunes/music in my head onto media and to develop them.  I also have a 5 year old daughter, so part of me is looking at this to perhaps allow her to acquire piano skills.

My skills with piano are decades old, and I'm torn as to what to acquire:

1) inexpensive ($280) WK-500, has some basic piano lessons and later get something else as technology moves on and/or my daughter needs something more piano like/better.  How much better is WK6500 and what is the price?  Looks to be close to same as WK500?  IS WK6500 just an upgraded version -based on EUro price wk6500 would be about  $100 more.

2) WK-7500 to allow me to get my songs out.  Concerns I have about the WK-7500 is possibility of keyboard clacking (like wk-500?), non-weighted keys (as opposed to PX-330), only a single insert effect(I'm not sure how important that is), and price (based on EU pricing without VAT it is $225 more (or approx $500) - is it worth that much more?) since price for WK7500 hasn't been listed yet.  Maybe WK6500 which might be at WK500 pricing?

I've been checking out Craigslist and Kijiji but haven't seen much.  Casio also seemed to be the best bang for the buck at the lower end of the spectrum, so if it is Casio I'm trying to understand how much dollar value the WK6500 and WK7500 should have over WK500 - and if it is worth it to me now.

Is there anything else I should look at?  I'd like to stick to 76+ keys.

Thom...?  ;D

Hi Kwandar,

Thanks for the updated info on the release of the WK-7500(I was told not to long ago,that the 7500 would not be available until the spring of this year).
After having heard the 6500 in a video from a Brazilian convention,I was not all impressed....but then again,the product was not amply demonstrated.
Casio is pretty vague when it comes to describing the sample quality & sound engine,as they like to refer to it as a "Dual-Element",or a "Tri-Elelment" sound source(whatever that means). ::)
Being that the 6500 is only a Dual-Element sound source,it seems only logical to gravitate towards the Tri-Element 7500(although the difference could be negligible).

Since I've only been working with professional keyboards in the last 6 years,I can't offer a comparison between the WK-500 and the others and it was only an accident that I even knew of the WK-7500's existence.
As for the key-bed quality...well....you get what you pay for amongst keyboard workstations in this price range,but word has it,that the key-bed noise has been improved on this model(when in doubt,crank up the volume & drown out the key-bed noise...problem solved)! ;D

The cost of the WK-7500 is 449 euro,which translates to $589 USD...but does not necessarily determine the actual retail price in the U.S..

As for the number of insert effects on the WK-7500...if I recall correctly,I read that the 7500 has 2 insert effects,but that the reverb & chorus effect cannot be used simultaneously.

Can't really tell you what else you should be looking at,until you tell me what your max dollar amount is for a keyboard.I can however,tell you that things get really interesting in the $1,000 range though! ;)


-Thom

Hi Thom, thank you for the reply.

I'm hoping that Casio is right on North America delivery timing.  It seems reasonable given NAMM and the fact that we are only a few weeks away.  I've been listening to videos on youtube, but its hard to hear enough (that was recorded properly) to get an impression.  The Casio PX130/330 has a quad element sample engine and l'd be extremely happy if the WK-7500 comes close to their grand piano sounds.  My estimate of pricing for Wk-7500 from the UK (I used a percentage comparison based on other products in the Casio line) indicates it could come in at about $499 in North America.  My place for a cheap WK-500 only appears to have one left, so I'm hoping they hurry up and confirm pricing and I get to hear/see touch soon and make a decision.

I heard that Brazilian video as well, and as I recall the guy was holding microphone over a speaker.  I found a few factory demos uploaded and a little bit of playing .. factory demos sounded pretty good I thought, recorded through line-in. 

http://www.youtube.com/user/fedepede04

Piano seemed good, drums were good, love to hear more though.

My maximum dollar could be high, but realistically my wife was having sticker shock at $500.   I'm in the Casio/Yamaha lower end range and need to try to maximize bang for the buck, maximize my fun/enjoyment, get my daughter some learning/use out of it hopefully.  Out of curiosity though, what do you like in the $1,000 area?  What do you like playing the most, and why?

I'm a little lost on insert effects (I only have some prehistoric piano background).  Do you often use more than two? 

Thank you.


PS As an interesting side note it looks from the Casio UK Website that they've already dropped the WK-6500

Kwandar,

Well....I don't have any 76-key keyboards myself, due to space constraints,& the nearest thing to the $1,000 range I have,is my Kurzweil PC3LE6....which I paid $1320 for.
Despite it being only a 61-key,it does have full size keys with a very solid semi-weighted action and STELLAR piano sounds...as well as many other sounds that can only be described as "8-element"-quality sounds! ;)

There are some good choices for a $1,000 in terms of workstations such as the Yamaha MO6 & the Korg M50 61-key,but 76 keys will run you an average of about $500 more for the extra octave.
I previously owned the Korg M50 61-key & the sequencer is hands down,the most comprehensive & user-friendly workstation in the business,for a grand.
The pianos were usable,but where this keyboard really shines in terms of sounds,are the brass,drum,bass,guitar & synth sounds.

As for insert effects,my Korg M3 has 5 insert effects & 3 master effects(all of which I cannot live without),as they really bring a professional polish to the end result of my recordings.
That being said,I a-l-w-a-y-s use all of the insert effects that are available.
My Kurzweil has 8 insert effects,but the effects routing is implemented differently & the amount of the effects used,is contingent to the number of effects that are utilized in each program patch....so it's a terrible pain in the ass & it's nothing anywhere near as gratifying as the effects routing in my Korg M3.

Being that your wife has a stronghold on the family budget,I would strongly advise that you resign yourself to only the WK-7500,because there is absolutely nothing else out there that comes close to the 7500,for the price....for what it offers.
If insert effects are really important to you,then I would suggest that you find a means of exporting your tracks from the 7500,to a computer DAW(assuming you are in fact,buying the 7500).


-Thom

Yes, the PS3LE series looked fantastic! (heh - so did that Motif :) )

Dumb Question #1:  Can you program a tone with effects already included in it, so you work around the 2 effect limitation? 

I haven't used a DAW and my brother who uses an expensive Roland mentioned he doesn't use DAW as there is a lot of latency between hitting the key and using the DAW. 

Dumb Question #2: Does USB reduce latency versus Midi, perhaps?  (He is using a high end Roland of some sort, but he got it used, so maybe he only has Midi)

What DAWs do you recommend?

and yes .... if they get around to selling them and price is somewhat close to my expectation, then that is probably what I'll end up with, though I'd prefer a PC3LE7 .... okay ... lets be honest ... I'd prefer a Motif 4 :)

Answer # 1; The number of effects resources in a keyboard is overall,so the effects applied to the program and the effects applied in the sequencer mode,are all drawn from the same pool.
That being said,the effects(preset or custom) in the program mode,that are copied to the song mode,are drawing processing power from that pool...thereby leaving you with less effects that you can implement in the sequencer section.
In the simplest of terms,if you apply two different effects to a program patch,that's two less effects resources you have to work with in the song mode.....so if you have a total of 5 insert effects in a Korg M3 for example,you now have only two additional insert effects to apply to your song.
As for the master effects(which the Korg has a total of 3),you can combine these effects with your insert effects,& choose what tracks you want to apply these effects to.

As for latency,that's pretty much a thing of the past,as most current hardware keyboards are designed to work seamlessly with computers.I've never used a midi connection to hook up a hardware keyboard to a PC-but this is immaterial,as USB is the way to go,as I have never a latency problem(with the exception of my first bout with a computer sequencer,as I didn't know what I was doing back then),but there are adjustments that can be made within the software program,to eliminate latency issues....should they surface for some reason.

As things go with hardware keyboards & DAWS-I myself,prefer to use midi controller keyboards with my computer programs,as they are drastically cheaper than hardware keyboards(obviously) and there is a wide variety of key-beds to choose from.
You can get a 76-key midi controller keyboard with great action for under $500(USD),but the price of controller keyboards vary greatly,depending upon how comprehensive the control surface is...i.e. how many DAW controls there are...knobs,sliders,faders & such....also,some controller keyboards have automatic mapping features that configure themselves to your DAW's screen functions(but all controller keyboards are user-programmable).

The way that I incorporate my hardware keyboard recordings into my DAW program is pretty unorthodox,in that when I am done sequencing my songs within my Korg & Kurzweil keyboards,I then record the outgoing audio to a hardware multi-track recorder and then transfer the tracks as WAV files via a USB thumb drive,to my computer DAW.

All this being said,it may be in your best interest to buy the WK-7500 mainly for your daughter's use to keep things simple for her and then eventually invest in a midi controller keyboard,audio interface,powered speakers & a software program for your PC(this is absolutely the most prudent & pragmatic way to acquire high quality sounds at a cost that is a mere fraction of what it costs to buy a hardware workstation).

I have two software programs-one of which,is the Propellerhead Reason 4 program,which is a midi-based program(sequencer,multiple synthesizer engines & sample-based sounds.
The other,is my main recording platform...the center of my studio,which an audio/midi program called Presonus Studio One.This was my first audio/midi program,so I have no basis for comparison with the other big names,such as Pro Tools,Sonar,Ableton etc.,.

However though...based on my research,it seemed to me that the Presonus program had the best configuration...very efficient,powerful & the most versatile.
It's $400(USD) for the program,but worth every red cent,in my opinion,as it offers quite a library of virtual instruments,effects,built in MP3 conversion & CD burning & a direct upload to SoundCloud.
The customer support is top notch & they are very kind & generous to newbies,as are the folks on the Presonus forum,which is located on the Presonus website.

By the way,I do prefer the Korg & Yamaha keyboards for their sequencers & computer screens-as even though the Kurzweil's sounds & effects are amazing,the size of the screen & sequencer,leaves a lot to be desired.

If you don't play live venues & portability is not an issue,you really ought to invest in a computer workstation,as you can just gradually add the sounds to your DAW as you can afford them and virtually all of the sounds you buy are much better in sample quality & overall sound quality-but this of course,is contingent on how much money you are willing to invest in each sound package you buy for your DAW program.


-Thom

Thom:

Thank you very much for the extensive message, and thank your for putting things in terms I could understand!  I appreciate the help.

Is there any reason that a WK-7500 wouldn't work as a midi-keyboard? (recognizing keybed on WK-7500 might not be quite as nice, as that is not where the money is going).  Ohh ... I think in reading your response it is the controls you can set for the DAW from the keyboard?  I see they have a "local control" button, but does that mean controls can be mapped into the DAW (or mapped by the DAW) somehow?

Workstations I can do .... I take it I need a separate audio card?

This is becoming more and more interesting :)   Can't wait to actually have something!

No problemo mi amigo...glad to help. 8) Though the WK-7500 does have a USB cable,I am not sure if it doubles as a midi controller...I would suggest downloading the PDF manual from Casio's website,on that matter.

As for mapping out controls,the auto-mapping function that some midi controllers have,is a two-way communication between the controller & DAW,whereas manual mapping is done from the controller itself.

The audio interface that I had mentioned in my previous post,has a audio card built into it(a better value,& a lot easy to install-via a USB cable).


-Thom

A lot of newer consumer grade keyboards are "midi" but lack midi ports :) What they are doing is putting a usb port on the keyboard which your computer will see as midi. For sure the casio line is doing this. Anyone know of others?

I don't know if the port on the keyboard is switchable (so that you can do things besides midi on it). Anyone?

From a computer view it works just fine. Just like having a USB<->MIDI interface you can pick up for a few bucks.

The downside is that you can't hook the keyboard up to other midi stuff (or the other way around). And, no, you can't fake it by using the aforementioned USB-MIDI interface since you need a host (computer), not a client (keyboard). Just like you can't connect 2 cameras with a usb cable. There was a discussion on this a while ago on a casio discussion group on yahoo.

It's quite possible that if there is a demand someone will manufacture an appropriate interface to connect real midi to fake.

So long as you don't what to go gigging with the keyboard and need a lot of midi interfacing you'll be fine. If you do, remember you'll need a computer to act as an interface.

Hope this helps,

<i>"I don't know if the port on the keyboard is switchable (so that you can do things besides midi on it). Anyone?"</i>

Casio has a download available called Data Manager 6.0.  "Data Manager 6.0 is a music data management software that you can run on your computer to perform the following tasks.
•    Save Instrument data to a computer.
•    Copy PC data to the Instrument.
•    Save Audio Files to a computer."

Not sure if that is what you mean by switchable?

I finally see that Casio is getting the WK-7500 ready for Namm - there was a short video preview up (not that I can find it again?!)  I also so some discussion that this (or perhaps they were referring to an as yet announced Casio keyboard?) will do for workstations what the Px-330 did for piano keyboards.  If so, that will be quite something.

I can't wait to see some keyboards in the stores.

Now ... to clarify, would it be likely that there is (or will be) some "auto-mapping" for a DAW?  Not having used a DAW, I'd presume that they would have a list of instruments you can map to, if there is auto mapping?

Kwandar,

Bear in mind that Casio is still a consumer grade keyboard & a budget one at that,so don't expect too much from it.More than likely,the functions listed on the Casio website may be all that this keyboard is capable of.

You should be aware as well,that an Auto-Mapping feature is a specialty amongst professional midi controller keyboards,which make them quite expensive.
That being said,it's highly unlikely that the WK-7500 has this function-as if it was included,it would most certain be advertised.


-Thom

I know it is consumer grade, but the two areas I am concerned about are sound and keybed.  IF (and that may be a real leap of faith) it is of the same quality as the PX330 with respect to those two items (tri-element is the same, although only 64 notes polyphony versus 128 on PX330) then it is likely to more than serve any purpose I have. 

Given it is the bottom of the market where the volumes are, and Casio is a low-cost producer, they may well be moving the market up from the bottom.  Time will tell.

All that being said I'm quite sure that the keyboard doesn't have mapping.  I should have been clearer in my question.  I was thinking that perhaps the DAW software might have mapping to different keyboards (although the WK-7500 would be too new to have mapping immediately).  Do DAW's map?

Hmmm...the longer this thread becomes,the more I am inclined to just strongly suggest to you,that you should forget about the Casio & just invest that money into transforming your PC into a music workstation-because in doing so,you will have addressed all of your concerns by leaps and bounds.

Just think about & give it some serious consideration,as you would have the flexibility to cultivate multiple options....such as choosing the number of keys you want(along with the quality of the key-bed),software with sounds far superior to that of ANY Casio and all of the tracks & effects you would ever need.

Since you are interested in vocals as well,I have to be perfectly honest with you....recording vocals using budget keyboards and/or portable multi-trackers to capture vocals is a certifiable nightmare.
Unless you are prepared to spend well over a grand,you will only be left with piss-poor pre-amps & effects to work with,which will merely yield in distortion issues & an excess of ambient noise.

If you at least have a dual-core processor with 2GB of RAM & assuming that you are using Windows,I might be able to hunt down a nice set up for you,if you are willing to go this route.
However though,with the software,powered speakers,midi controller & audio interface,I won't be able to keep it all at the $600 mark...so expect to pay around a $1,000 for everything.

For the price of a high end Casio stage piano,you could have it all and also have unlimited possibilities and it's really the most economically viable solution in the long run,because a computer workstation will never become obsolete.


-Thom

I have a quad core with 4Gb actually, so that (other than adding a sound card) isn't a problem.  I don't have speakers, but I have nice AKG headphones.

I'll lose portability however, and  I need something for my daughter too, something with at least 76 keys and something I can move to another room (away from MY *I'm possessive* computer) :) 

I noticed a lot of open source software and thought I might try to experiment with that.  There is no question the best sounds would be from a "good" soft synth setup, but I'm really lost as to what I need.  Hmmm .... it really is something to consider.

Okay, with $1K to spend, what software, midi-controller and sound card would you ideally get?

With the monster PC you're running,it would be silly of you not to ramp it up to a music workstation! 8)

If I was starting from scratch,here's what I would get;

Software: Presonus Studio One Pro $299 @ BHphotovideo.com

Audio Interface: Mackie Onyx Blackjack USB $199 @ BHphotovideo.com

Midi Controller Keyboard: M-Audio Axiom 61(version 2) $329 @ BHphotovideo.com

Generally,this retailer is the cheapest around...but it's always wise to constantly price check on the internet with as many retailers as you can find(but stay away from SamAsh online).

The Presonus software comes with plenty of virtual instruments(enough so,that you won't have any need for any open source VST's).Presonus S1 also has all the multi-effects & mastering effects you will ever need and has built in conversion to MP3 & such.

The M-Audio has the auto mapping,which M-Audio refers to as Direct Link.The key-bed action is superb.

Just as a reminder,audio interfaces have an upgraded sound card built into them(& Mackie is high quality),so all you need to do is run a USB cable & you're good to go(once you configure your PC's audio settings).

As a golden rule,I passionately disapprove of trying to mix on headphones-as mixes don't translate well to other systems easily,but until such time as you can afford a pair of studio monitors,the AKG's will suffice(I only use headphones to lay down vocal tracks).

If you insist on the open source route,then there's plenty of folks here that can navigate you through this realm,as I never dabbled in it myself.

Thank you for all that info!

I can't use your retailers unfortunately, as I'm in Canada.  We get treated like Hawaii and Alaska (or worse) for shipping charges, and we have a wonderful 13% sales tax :)  Fortunately I'm usually able to source at pretty good costs.

Presonus in particular looks great.  That is exactly the type of thing I'm looking for.  I don't insist on open source ever - I just like best product for best price, and since I don't know the products, it seemed like a good place to start at the time.

I'm trying to understand what the Audio Interface does beyond a sound card, (although from your description it includes a sounds card) so it looks like I'll have to invest a little more reading time.  I note that this comes with Traction 3 software included.  Have you heard anything about that vis-a-vis Presonus?  (Yes, I know my cheapness is showing again, but honestly ... this started out as a $200 project! :)  )

Thanks again!

If you're going for the Presonus DAW, you should know that during the NAMM music trade show days (13-16 jan) they're doing a deal for the download-version of the light version of that DAW for just 20 USD (http://www.presonus.com/namm/ (http://www.presonus.com/namm/)). After getting this light version, you can apparently upgrade to the full Studio One Pro for just 200 USD which would mean getting the whole thing for 220 USD.

I've not worked with this DAW myself but it looks good and it's gotten a great review in my favourite music tech magazine Sound On Sound.

Aside from an audio interface being a simple way to upgrade to a better sound-card,it has full size 1/4" audio outputs for connecting studio monitors(as supposed to those horrendous PC-powered speakers).
An audio interface's primary function,is to interface external sound sources directly into your PC,such as microphones,guitars..etc.,.

I paid $400 for my Presonus S1(& I still think it was worth every red cent),so I can see no reason for you to pass up the opportunity to get it for $220,as Marc pointed out.

As for the Traction 3,I really don't know anything about it(other than it being a program geared for DJ's).

There is a fairly steep learning curve for someone who is brand new to computer DAW's,but between the folks here & the folks at the Presonus forum,we've got your back,all the way.

I myself,have never been a very technical person,as I'm merely a musician that learns what is necessary to record music effectively and the people here and on the Presonus forum,have saved my *ss countless times.

If you do decide to get the software,I help you along with whatever I can and whatever may be beyond my ability to resolve,the tech support team at Presonus is the best in the business.

Things will be a little easier on you than it was for me,because I bought this software when it was still in it's infancy & I had to contend with all of the bugs that the older versions had.
Now however,all of the glitches are ironed out now and the amount of freebies in terms of sounds has accumulated to quite a library.

Now THAT is one sweet deal.  That is a simple decision, and I'm ordering that tomorrow.  THANK YOU!!

(Can you find a deal like that on the audio interface and keypad? ;) )

For anyone interested, Casio finally announced the North American availability of the new WK and CTK keyboards starting in February:

http://www.gear4music.com/news/article/NAMM-2011-Casio-Release-New-CTK-and-WK-Keyboards/399/2011-01-14

PRICING ... Casio finally put out a press release.

Available in February, 2011 the WK-7500, CTK-7000, WK-6500 and CTK-6000 deliver pure playing pleasure. The new series will be available at music channels with MSRP’s ranging from $299.99 to $599.99. For more information, visit www.Casio.com.

I'd expect retail/street pricing for the WK-7500 to come down to $499.  I've been told that this will work as a keyboard controller too, although I'd like to get some clarification.  If so, I think it might be worth the extra $170.

Picked up Presonus One Artist ... what I can get working looks good (wish it would quit asking for non-existant DVDs).

Kwandar,

Indeed,lite versions of software programs can be irritating to work with-which is why I insisted on buying the Studio One Pro version-but of course,I paid $400...whereas you only paid $20,so your problems are minor,at best.

I think that if you go to the Presonus website,there may be an updated version of Artist that you can download,to fix your "DVD" problem.

If you run into a brick wall,register at the Presonus website & post your query on their forum....the Presonus staff is helpful,but some of the Presonus users on the forum are extremely helpful,as they are more knowledgeable than the tech support staff and can fix ANY problem you my run into.

-Thom

Don't get me wrong, PResonus works ... and its very nice so far. 

The DVD thing is minor, and doesn't at all effect the product's usability - just a nuisance item, and for $20 it was a fantastic deal!

In case anyone is interested ... demo/discussion of WK-7500 from NAMM I found. 

http://www.keyboardmag.com/GearVideo.aspx?bctid=750401513001&bclid=27965002001

Well..it's nice to hear some of the individual sound programs demonstrated,but this guy Rich from Keyboard Magazine is an idiot,as he hardly new anything about this instrument,as the guy conducting the interview was explaining all of the details in full. ::)

This of course,is nothing in new in these conventions,as quite of few demonstrators are virtually clueless,since these large companies don't want to shell out the green for someone who is knowledgeable.

The thing is though,that Casio's are such simple keyboards & all it takes is a bit of internet research,to get one's head around a keyboard like his.
I certainly wouldn't embarrass myself like this at a show by being so ill-prepared.


-Thom

I thought the stereo grand piano was very good - but I suppose that is why they led off with that.  I was a little less enthusiastic with the other sounds (I would have preferred hearing something in strings other than erhu. 

The Hammond sounded fairly decent from what little I heard, but I wish the interviewer had played it, as he certainly seemed to know more about it.

Maybe its just me but I wasn't that impressed with the Wurlitzer ... it was okay.

Drums seemed okay ... again, would have liked to hear more.

For $499 I can't be complaining too much however, and he did indicate this could be used as a midi-controller.   Not at all bad for the price ... not a Kronos though I wasn't expecting that either ;)

Yes indeed,Casio is very adamant about showcasing their best sounds,while avoiding the sh*t sounds.....which leads me to believe that the drums sounds(since they weren't performed as a single),are probably very average....as well as the strings,synthesizer,brass & woodwind programs.
I get the distinct impression,that Casio applied most of it's production budget to improving it's sequencer,rather than focusing on sound quality.
If Casio increased the price tag-to say,$700...and at least had the sound quality of the old WK-3800,then the WK-7500 would have been one hell of a workstation & still have been a fantastic value.


-Thom
 

And one more video ... a lot of repeat and not the best sound recording .... however ...

http://findallvideo.com/wnamm-2011-casio-wk7500/id/3399748079

For the price I still like it ...

Sweet deal at Guitar Centers .... being Canadian I didn't know about them and the rest of you probably do, butthey have a web coupon (Good till end of day tomorrow) for $100 off a purchase of $499 or more..... and you can order a Casio 7500 for $499, which makes the price only $399.

THAT is a good deal!  (not nearly as good a deal for Canadians, but a little bit better than $499 if you include taxes)

Two detailed write-ups on the WK-7500 that make for an interesting read.  They note that the piano sounds come from the PX-330 (that explains why I liked them!) and both reviews indicate the other sounds are reasonably good.  Also mentioned that key action is good - better than PSR-900.  Good bang for the buck and it sounds like this is going to be a good keyboard (but no Kronos ;( )

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/315091/George_Kaye#Post315091

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/315894/Searchpage/1/Main/45149/Words/wk-7500/Search/true/Re_Played_the_Casio_WK_7500_ne#Post315894

Hi guys. I recently purchased a Casio WK7500 workstation after doing some pretty extensive research. I have played keyboards for about 20 years, starting with a Korg midi controller-type board, using a Roland rack-mount sound module and Cakewalk computer sequencing software.

When I bought the WK7500 I also upgraded to the latest version of Cakewalk SONAR Home Studio. My problem is that I am using a USB cable between the WK7500 and my computer. The computer sees the Casio and the driver is installed on the PC, but the Cakewalk software does not see the Casio. What Am I doing wrong? Any suggestions? Thanks.

JL

I'd put the question up on the Cakewalk forums.

A bit late, but in case you didn't sorted it out: you need to activate the midi device before you can use it in a track. Go to the device configuration page and activate both the midi-in and midi-out casio device. That should do it...

Moon

I'm new to current keyboards and music recording software.  So tell me, what is the advantage of a computer program like Cakewalk compared to the recording features already on the 7500?  Is it a matter of much more user-friendly interface, flexibility, sound quality, variety of voicings?  All of the above?  What do you use on SONAR that the basic HOME version of Cakewalk doesn't have?  What related sound/music/recording software is recommended to complement the 7500?

Thanks.

Hi JL,

I'm neither a Sonar user (I use Cubase), nor a Casio WK7500 user (I have a Motif XF8), so I can't really speak to your question too much.  I did want to say welcome, though.  :)

Universally, I would say, though, it all comes down to comfort level and work flow.  It's really hard and ... of limited usefulness to gather opinions from others who try to make music on the internet, as they, of course will have their own biases and agendas in terms of the tools they like to use and why.  My best advice is to start with what you know and are comfortable with.  Grow slowly and do it for the right reasons.  If you find that working with a WK7500 and the home version of Sonar is effective, then there's no reason to change.  If you need something more that you don't have, find out what it is, and grow with an eye toward what YOU want, not what others say you should want.  :)

It's an unfortunate trap we all fall into and one point or another... The best music I make (which is comprised of mostly choral type work with me as the sole performer) could be done with one decent mic, a decent interface, and a minimally functional DAW package.  What I have is more than I need.  I don't regret what I have, as it not only improves my work because I've taken it on slowly and learned how to use it, but it also allows me to pursue other types of music. My point is that I could make perfectly good tracks with much less.  The gear is only as good as you are at using it, so take a deliberate and balanced approach when you expand. 

Others here do use Sonar, so I'm sure they'll have much more practical advice to offer.  :)

Anyway... welcome again.