This Just In......PX-5S

[GovernorSilver]

Even without the onboard speakers, I'm tempted by this one as an upgrade over my Privia PX-320

[Mike Martin]

Mike, I wonder if they addressed a couple of my little niggles about the PX3... the inability to name a registration, and the inability to switch directly from one registration bank to another (i.e. in order to go from Bank 1 to Bank 5, instead of holding the Registration button down and hitting the 5 button, you have to hold the Registration button down and hit the Up button four times). Maybe?

 

Yes you can name registrations (called Stage Settings). You can press bank, choose 5 then choose the number.

[HSS]

Even without the onboard speakers, I'm tempted by this one as an upgrade over my Privia PX-320

Yeah... I'm in the same position. I have a PX330 and really like its onboard speakers, but I'm seriously tempted by this new beast.

[AnotherScott]

Are user registrations selectable via MIDI Program Change?

 

Yes, that's how I'm using the iPad to do it. I'm the only one that has played the PX-5S before yesterday, the Set List App allows me to have all of the Perfomanced on a screen so everyone can find them.

Is this a Casio app? Or are you using some other existing set list app to do this?

 

Yes you can name registrations (called Stage Settings). You can press bank, choose 5 then choose the number.

Very nice!

 

I saw the sonicstate video where you mentioned you considered aftertouch. Glad to see it's at least on Casio's radar. I don't actually miss not having it on an 88, and even besides the cost issue, I agree with the sentiment that you didn't want to risk messing up the great piano feel of the new 88 action. But it does make me optimistic that there will be AT on a future synth-keybed board from Casio. Maybe something 73-76 keys with an improved version of the XW-P1's clonewheel and the XW-G1's knobby synth and sample RAM...

 

The only kind of obvious shortcoming I see, having viewed the back panel there, is that there appears to be no expression pedal input, which on a controller, does not seem to be as easy to rationalize away as the aftertouch, as it would seem to not be as expensive and would not have compromised touch or any other function of the board. I don't suppose it's something that may yet make it onto the production version? Of course it would be nice to use it to bring in layers on the PX itself, but if the software isn't there to support that, it would still be useful even just to pass MIDI volume or MIDI expression (or perhaps a definable CC) out to other connected devices that you would be driving from the PX. (And on the PX, even if its function could merely duplicate that of the mod wheel, it would be useful.)

 

I don't so much mind the two-tone aesthetics that some have complained about... and I'm glad you got away from the black-buttons-on-black-background that made the PX3 unnecessarily difficult to manipulate on stage, which is more important. But I wonder if they considered making at least the battery cover white. I think most people would have found the single color top more attractive. I'm thinking maybe it was a decision to carry over the aesthetic of the XW series with the black ipad area on the right, but it seems less stark there, and also, seems functional, as it provides a rubbery grip surface to hold an iPad, where black would probably be least likely to get dirty and worn looking. But on the PX, it does look a little goofy and seems to have no functional benefit.

 

I'm still buying one, though. ;-)

 

[Joe Muscara]

Are user registrations selectable via MIDI Program Change?

 

Yes, that's how I'm using the iPad to do it. I'm the only one that has played the PX-5S before yesterday, the Set List App allows me to have all of the Perfomanced on a screen so everyone can find them.

Is this a Casio app? Or are you using some other existing set list app to do this?

Set List Maker

[AnotherScott]

Set List Maker

I wondered if it might have been that. That's a great app, with a very responsive developer. I actually thought he was likely talking about an existing app, but then in the video where Steve Fortner was playing, when the iPad control was mentioned, it seemed a bit more ambiguous, like maybe there actually was a Casio-specific app.

[Al Coda]

The only kind of obvious shortcoming I see,..., is that there appears to be no expression pedal input,..., I don't suppose it's something that may yet make it onto the production version?

 

When I´ve read "2 pedal inputs",- I hoped one of the inputs is for a double-switch pedal (sustain/sostenuto p.ex. and/or the 2nd switch freely assignable and controller number assignments storable per patch and zone) and the 2nd input for a freely assignable MIDI continuous controller pedal, controller number assignments storable per patch and zone too.

 

From the website:

 

>>>

Serious Control

 

The PX-5S is a powerful four zone controller, complete with 4 knobs and 6 sliders all of which are completely configurable to control internal sounds, effects parameters or send continuous controllers to other gear. Each zone on the PX-5S can control an internal sound, an external MIDI device or both simultaneously.

<<<

 

So,- MIDI wise, it´s all implemented it seems, but CASIO designers forgot the connector for a MIDI CC pedal which is essential when both hands are busy playing the keys and you don´t have a hand free for the knobs and sliders.

 

It would have been so easy if they decided to design the pedal inputs using TRS jacks, for a double-switch pedal and a MIDI multi purpose continuous controller pedal,- but now, that makes changes to the circuit board necessary which is harder than offering a software update.

 

... it would still be useful even just to pass a definable CC out to other connected devices

 

This !

And because there are 4 zones usable for external MIDI gear, at least 1 MIDI CC offset value should be storable per patch and zone too,- MIDI CC#7, which cannot be overridden when MIDI CC#11 is in use as a continuous controller w/ the CC pedal or knob(s) and slider(s).

 

For outgoing MIDI, there would be the workaround using a Midisolutions Pedal Controller box together w/ a MIDI CC pedal,- but that´s not everyones cup of tea as also not perfect because you might want the MIDI CC pedal also internally for the WAH effect w/ Rhodes, Clav and Wurli, which normally is MIDI CC#4,- and you cannot re-programm Midisolutions boxes on the fly.

 

A.C.

[Bif_]

I just saw Mike's video for sonic state. Good point about the batteries...

I feel like the battery-powered feature is a design decision made by the Casio engineers based upon their understanding of their customer base some place other than in the U.S. It's a bit of a solution to a non-problem.

 

I equate battery power with something other than a 'pro' instrument. As a salesman, I understand Mike Martin's position of putting a positive spin (and potential usefulness) of the feature but I wouldn't probably ever put batteries in that board.

 

And yes, I'm still gonna look real hard at getting one of these!!

 

Greg

 

 

[AnotherScott]

For outgoing MIDI, there would be the workaround using a Midisolutions Pedal Controller box together w/ a MIDI CC pedal

Luckily I've got the old Digitech MC2 which is an even better solution. Too bad they're hard to come by, and no one makes anything quite like that today. I guess the FCB1010 would be another solution, albeit perhaps a bit of overkill, and probably weighs almost half what the piano does. ;-)

[eric]

Hey guys. I had a great chance to test drive the new Privia today on a quieter Sunday afternoon. Thanks to Dr. Martin for hooking me up and I was the de facto demo guy for about 15-20 min.

 

It is for real and I played it. I loved it. The keys felt great, from the wood grain texture to the weighted response. Sounds were excellent. I was in a funky clav mood and they had a sound or two where the sustain pedal would act as the wah-wah, moving in tempo to beats on the pedal. Very musical and funky. I fond a more distorted clav sound and Mike helped dial in the pedal control. VERY COOL!!!

 

I was thoroughly impressed with the PX5s and look forward to spending more time with one! Nice work.

[VegasGT3]

I got to play it on Saturday and I thought the action was an improvement over the PX-3, which I own. I also liked the new key texture. It feels similar to the new Kawai controller.

 

This keyboard is a complete winner for the price. I will buy one for sure!

I hope it comes with a gig bag like the limited edition?

[Tobias Åslund]

The only kind of obvious shortcoming I see,..., is that there appears to be no expression pedal input,..., I don't suppose it's something that may yet make it onto the production version?

When I´ve read "2 pedal inputs",- I hoped one of the inputs is for a double-switch pedal (sustain/sostenuto p.ex. and/or the 2nd switch freely assignable and controller number assignments storable per patch and zone) and the 2nd input for a freely assignable MIDI continuous controller pedal, controller number assignments storable per patch and zone too.

I'm also interested in this. It would be a serious omission if there's no expression pedal in ona pro board, that is partially marketed as a four-zone controller. Then again - Casio don't offer expression pedal in any other of there portable pianos or on the XW-P1, which I think is a shame.

 

Mike - could you shed some light on this?

[Mike Martin]

This is correct. While I am not 100% certain, I don't think this will be changed at this point. Unfortunately things are not as simple as you'd think.

[iDavid]

Does the Px-5S have grand piano lid simulation and sympathetic resonance like the 850?

[AnotherScott]

I got to play it on Saturday and I thought the action was an improvement over the PX-3, which I own. I also liked the new key texture. It feels similar to the new Kawai controller.

Yes! When I first played the PX-350, my feeling was that the action it most reminded me of was a Kawai MP-10 (which uses an older version of the VPC keybed). Except that I actually liked the Casio better... a bit lighter and quicker feeling, with a firmer bottom. But there was something similar in the overall feel. There is an "elegance" to them.

[thomsurf]

This thing keeps getting better and better. Did you by any chance notice if the keybed was noisy compared to Kawai fx.?

 

[Al Coda]

This is correct. While I am not 100% certain, I don't think this will be changed at this point. Unfortunately things are not as simple as you'd think.

 

Martin, I don´t think it will be a real deal breaker for most potential buyers, but it would be ice on the cake if CASIO would be able to make that hardware change because I doubt it´s difficult to add the software functionality since it already exists for the knobs and sliders.

 

I myself, I´d simply combine the PX5-S w/ an additional controller surface and connect CV pedals there,- I have a Jim Cooper Fadermaster Pro allowing that.

 

I appreciate, USB MIDI and physical MIDI is totally independent, which offers a lot of options in a MIDI rig.

 

I imagine a small and portable gigging rig realised by the PX5-S and my Kurzweil PC361 which will also work as my (home-)studio MIDI controller rig.

 

For the time being, the only 4-zone controller competing against PX5-S is the old Kawai MP6, which includes a MIDI CC Pedal input and is a bit higher price range up to now,- but CASIO now offers more polyphony, is more lightweight and has great sounds and some features the Kawai doesn´t offer.

 

A.C.

 

[AnotherScott]

For the time being, the only 4-zone controller competing against PX5-S is the old Kawai MP6, which includes a MIDI CC Pedal input and is a bit higher price range up to now,- but CASIO now offers more polyphony, is more lightweight and has great sounds and some features the Kawai doesn´t offer.

The MP6 is a great piece, and it even has something of a clonewheel engine in it. But it weighs nearly twice what the Casio weighs, and to my fingers, the Casio has the better action besides. Once you're looking at around the price of the MP6, I guess you could also consider the MOX8, Krome 88, maybe SP4-7/SP5-8 to be competitors as well. But something I like about the Casio, in addition to lightest weight and probably best action (and lowest price) is how shallow it is. One issue I have with the MOX8 as a bottom board, for example, is that it forces your top tier board to be quite a bit further back (or higher).

 

[HammondDave]

Are the batteries included?

 

Seriously.... Is this really something that we absolutely need as keyboard players? I would have loved Casio to spend the money they spent on a battery compartment and associated power switching circuitry .... to adding three more faders and an expression pedal input making the board more useful to keyboard players....

 

Or maybe I am missing something......

[BigJPatton]

Put me in the group that likes that this board does not have built in speakers, it's a stage piano, no need for the extra weight, and the board looks more slick without them, which is why I use a PX3.

 

For me this is too much board, on the bottom I only need a great acoustic piano, electric piano, great action and light weight, so if they released a new PX3 I may make the move, but why bother? the only thing I would like is the lighter action like the 330, the PX3 action is great but heavy like an old upright, I wonder which action this one has.

[Mike Martin]

There is no difference between the action of a PX-3 and PX-330

[Mike Martin]

Does the Px-5S have grand piano lid simulation and sympathetic resonance like the 850?

 

Yes

[Tonysounds]

This thing sounded great at NAMM. And Mike's programming skills are sick.

[BigJPatton]

There is no difference between the action of a PX-3 and PX-330

 

Oops, I meant the 310

[FJR]

My wallet almost made it through winter namm season, unscathed!

I mean 88 keys, 24 pounds!, no extra crap on the sides!!, and 24 pounds!!!

 

This is correct. While I am not 100% certain, I don't think this will be changed at this point. Unfortunately things are not as simple as you'd think.

 

Oops! I spoke too soon. I assumed the second pedal was expression.

[B3Nut]

This thing sounded great at NAMM. And Mike's programming skills are sick.

 

I'm really impressed with the sound of the demos. I'm pretty much sold on this being my next piano, as long as my fingers like the keys (and I liked the PX-350 I tried, so if this is better...)

 

And I'm very interested in the battery power capability. Just need a battery-powered amp and I won't be left out of my bandmates' beach and campground shenanigans. :-)

 

TP

[HammondDave]

And I'm very interested in the battery power capability. Just need a battery-powered amp and I won't be left out of my bandmates' beach and campground shenanigans. :-)

 

TP

 

How about built in solar panels? Now That's a game changer!

[HammondDave]

I am telling you cats now... even though my cynicism permeates throughout my posts... don't be surprised if I buy one of these as well...(if the keyboard feels good to my fingers)....

 

For that price, who can resist ?

[Doerfler]

I am telling you cats now... even though my cynicism permeates throughout my posts... don't be surprised if I buy one of these as well...(if the keyboard feels good to my fingers)....

 

For that price, who can resist ?

 

I think that will be a common denominator for many of us "cats".

[RedKey]

This thing sounded great at NAMM...

http://imageshack.us/a/img12/8987/dscf1809t.jpg

 

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img20/621/dscf1804e.jpg