BeowulfX

Well its been 4 yrs. or so since the PX-5s was introduced. To date, the PX-5s still has unique features that adds value to its competitive pricing. But Roland has released its value digital piano+synth Juno DS-88 and Yamaha's MX-88...so competition is catching up at least with the digital piano+synth-function model. May be its about time to introduce a successor to the PX-5s that improves on the current features of the PX-5s to make Casio's "Pro" stage-keyboard line more appealing/enticing in light of recent competition (value models such as Juno DS-88 and MX-88) and the more recently introduced expensive digital stage-piano offerings from Roland (RD-2000), Yamaha (Montage 8). 1. Six to 8 zones, with toggle on/off switches below each zone fader/slider (of course each zone can be freely assigned to any of the 16 MIDI channels) 2. Larger screen (doesn't need to be touchscreen but that would be welcome too) 3. A couple more assignable knobs 4. Exp pedal input (sorry to mention this again) 5. touch strip in addition to the current Pitch/Mod wheels 6. Some sample/trigger pads (for triggering audio samples/clips) 7. Dedicated Split-button function 8. Better samples of bread and butter sounds (i.e. "patches" or "tones") Keeping my fingers crossed...

It would be nice to have a 76-key version of the MZ-X as mentioned in the original post but with channel aftertouch... - having a 76-key version of their "arranger-type" workstation is just in line with what Casio has been doing in their WK-series line a couple of years back (e.g. WK-6600, WK-7500, WK-7600) May be add in some newer if not better samples of strings (articulations) and other bread 'n butter patches... Better MIDI-controller functionality (so that MZ-X may also be great MIDI keyboard controllers) - this will add value feature to the MZ-X so that people may also get to buy not just an arranger workstation but something which may also double as a MIDI keyboard controller.

Well the MZ-X500 looks quite interesting...I personally think the new color scheme (blue) is a welcome change and it's good to note that Casio finally granted their flagship arranger workstation those MIDI I/O ports, expression pedal input (that the WK-series lacked) and added the multi-pad functionality as well. And the speakers of the MZ-X500...these should be quite loud for an arranger workstation class...I remember my old Casio CTK-811Ex keyboard is still functional after more than a decade and it's speakers were already loud back then (and they still are to this date). Now all that remains to be heard more of (other than the hardware specs) are the actual instrument/tone samples. Hopefully the bread n' butter sound samples have been improved...at the very least. I also hope that Casio makes a more comprehensive product/sound demo of this new arranger workstation in the coming weeks or months. If this arranger actually had a 76-key version...it'll be steal versus it's supposed competitions within the $1000-$1299 price range (i.e. Yamaha PSR-S770, Korg PA 600, Roland E-A7).

That's my bad...AlenK. You are indeed correct in mentioning the PX-360 does not have an expression pedal input. Being in the same x60 line, I incorrectly assumed that the 360 inherited the 560's additional pedal input. Thanks for pointing that out. I still sure hope the MZ-X has that extra pedal input (expression) and hoping that some of the core bread and butter sounds have better samples. I'm still looking at the MZ-X with much interest as an additional gear

If the price for the higher-end MZ-Xxx model will be around $1K it'll be competing with Roland's new E-A7 and Yamaha's PSR-S770. I hope the MZ-X has faders for its tonewheel organ patches/sounds...unless Casio decided to utilize "virtual"/onscreen faders through its touchschreen display... Good to see that Casio added those multi-pads...and hopefully an expression/volume pedal input will be present as well (considering it was included in the PX-360M/560 series)...

Well, I hope Casio also offers a 73/76 or 61-key version of the PX-560M to somewhat replace the current WK-series...may be at 61-keys or 73/76 keys, it will make a good 2nd-tier keyboard or companion keyboard to the PX-5S ...assuming there'd be better "warmer" samples/patches of strings (solo and section), better-sampled guitars (acoustic: nylon & steel, electric)...

No need to apologize Jokeyman, thanks for providing additional info/suggestion/help to DKNY I may have missed explaining what you mentioned in your post. If the WK-7600 actually has an audio in port, I'm thinking it's possible to route the virtual instrument sounds being emitted/produced from the PC/laptop back to the WK-7600 (as an audio signal of course) from the line out (L & R) of the audio interface to the audio in of the WK-7600 --- so that a person can use the internal speakers of the WK-7600 while playing the virtual instrument as well (?). Cable needed to do this will be a 1/4 " TRS (L & R on one end) coming from the audio interface to a 1/8" stereo plug/jack (on the opposite end) for connection to audio in of WK-7600.

Things you'd need to have in order to use your WK-7600 as a MIDI controller for Orchestral Sound Library and Sequencer Software: 1) USB Type B cable - same as those commonly USB cables used in desktop inkjet printers. You'd need this cable to connect your WK-7600 to a PC or laptop's USB port. 2) A Desktop PC (preferably with a quad-core processor and a minimum of 8GB RAM/memory) or a capable laptop (preferably with a quad-core processor and a minimum of 8GB RAM/memory) and discrete GPU with its own VRAM (so that it won't borrow precious system memory). Also, it's probably best if you have two HDDs in the desktop PC both 7200rpm drives: One for OS and programs/apps and one to contain the multi-gigabyte sampled orchestral virtual instruments. Make sure you don't get the "eco" or green-type of HDDs. If you're getting Western Digital HDD, get the WD Black series. A more expensive but blazing fast option is to go for SSD (Solid State Drives). This will cost more than the usual HDDs but having installed SSDs in my current Digital Audio Worstation (DAW) PC and my dedicated laptop (which I use as a sound module wherein it contains virtual instruments for live performance/gig), I would say that SSDs are worthy upgrades. Everything (boot up, application launch, data accessing) is fast/snappy. I have 2 SSDs in my current laptop both Samsung EVO 250GB SSDs: One for OS and apps, one containing the multi-gigabyte samples of EastWest Quantum Leap-Symphonic Orchestra Gold Edition (eats up 33GB of SSD storage space), Instrument samples of Cakewalk Dimension Pro 1.5, Native Instruments Komplete Elements. Of course, you have absolute freedom to configure a Desktop PC and choose which parts/components to use compared to the limited freedom you have in upgrading some components when using a laptop. 3) A discrete/separate audio interface (search Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or 2i4 or 6i6; M-audio track plus...there are a lot more expensive options but these should do just fine in a home studio/gig setting). Your concern here is getting the lowest-latency as possible so that you won't hear a noticeable delay from the time you press a key to the time a sound is "triggered" or emitted by the Orchestral virtual instrument residing in your PC or laptop. - you "might" get lucky using the built-in/integrated audio chip in a desktop's motherboard or laptop by downloading and installing ASIO-4-All driver for low latency setup. However, I still suggest that you get a dedicated/discrete audio interface as mentioned above. 4) Virtual Instruments - these are usually "sampled" from existing, physical/real instruments (can be acoustic orchestral instruments, electric pianos, tonewheel organ etc.) and can take massive gigabytes of space from your HDD or SSD. Other virtual instruments use physical modelling do not require a lot of disk space but requires quite a capable/powerful modern-day processor/CPU (minimum of dual-core @ 3.0GHz or higher to a recommended quad-core with or without hyperthreading). Since you've mentioned "orchestral library" in your post, try going to the websites of the following (google is your friend): a. EastWest Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra - I have the Gold Edition. The platinum is quite expensive. There's a cheaper "Silver" edition which can be a good place to start. Check here: http://www.soundsonline.com/Symphonic-Orchestra b. Miroslav PhilHarmonik: http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/philharmonik/ c. Garritan Personal Orchestra: http://www.garritan.com/products/personal-orchestra-4/ c. Sampletank 3 by IK Multimedia: http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/sampletank3/ 5) Sequencer softwares: there are several that are available online or in retail music stores. Here's a few suggestions: a. Cakewalk Sonar X3 (there's a $99 version, a $199 version and a $499 version): https://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/Versions b. Cubase Steinberg: http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/cubase/line_up.html c. ProTools: http://www.avid.com/US/products/pro-tools-software Suggested readings are here: 1) Virtual instrument buying guide: http://www.sweetwater.com/insync/virtual-instruments-buying-guide/ 2) Choosing an audio interface: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep08/articles/audiointerfaces.htm 3) TweakHeads Lab: http://tweakheadz.com/sequencer2/ Happy reading and setting up!

I still have the following Casio keyboards that are still alive and kicking: 1) Casio CTK-811EX (way back in 1998 or 1999) - this along with Voyetra music software introduced me to 16-track MIDI song sequencing. I've only had to replace the rubber contacts under the middle octave keys (octave of middle C). 2) Casio Privia PX-320 (bought back in 2008) - still alive and kicking. Nowadays, I'm just using this as a purely Pianoteq 5 88-key controller. My PX-320 is 6 years old. No problems with the board/circuit other than the keys that have gotten a little loose over constant use/practice. And last year, I got a PX-5S and so far so good. There might be lemons that can be encountered from time to time but these affect not only Casio but other keyboard manufacturers as well. Over all, I'd like to think that Casio products are reasonably durable. I'd prefer, however, that all keyboards (including Casio's) return to being "Made in Japan" as I think that most electronic products in the past that were "Made in Japan" had amazing durability.

You could try checking out these reviews about the PX-5S here: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul14/articles/casio-privia-px5s.htm http://www.keyboardmag.com/combo---do-all/1191/casio-privia-pro-px-5s-review/29374 I have a PX-5S since November 2013 and enjoy using it not only for its pianos/EPs but its MIDI controller capabilities. However, since you're currently using a WK-7600, don't expect to have a 16-track MIDI sequencer (in the traditional workstation sense) as the PX-5S only has a phrase sequencer. The PX-5S have some "shortcomings", depending on your needs/expectations, like the lack of expression/volume control pedal input, which can be remedied by buying an external MIDI device --- see the PX-5S forum section for a discussion topic), 16-track MIDI sequencer (I'm not referring the PX-5S phrase sequencer), additional 3 sliders/faders (to have a 9-drawbar capability) and probably a better sampling of strings/brass/guitars. However, for the price of this keyboard the feature set/capabilities of the PX-5S, its synth engine and the support (through Mike Martin's Casio PX-5S live stream tutorials) make having the PX-5S a great buy. I could only wish that the next "PX-7S" (or whatever the name is of the successor to the PX-5S) may add features that other keyboardists (owners and non-owners of the unit) are requesting for (which are currently missing from the PX-5S). Now that would be a killer board if ever these additional features are considered by Casio

I'm not currently in front of my PX-5S right now, but may be you could check if there's a program change setup in the stage setting you're currently using which may be transmitting that MIDI info in the MIDI channel (this is MIDI channel 1, for zone 1 of a stage setting by default) towards MIDI receive channel of Musebox. Or if you have a PC, try using the editor and check the stage setting you're currently using by default. Unfortunately, I don't own a Musebox so I'm not sure where to find the MIDI setup parameters in it. But if you find the MIDI setup in the Musebox, you may want to check the MIDI channel which receives the MIDI signal coming from one of the zones (in a stage setting) of the PX-5S. IIRC, if you disable MIDI transmit, then you'd only hear the sounds of the PX-5S and the Musebox will not produce any sound as you play the PX-5S since no MIDI data is transmitted from Casio to Musebox gear. I'm quite sure other members will have better ideas/suggestions or workarounds just wait around a bit

It's quite clear that keyboard manufacturers (Roland, Korg, Yamaha, Casio and even Kurzweil) are already starting to offer their lightweight value-oriented keyboard offerings. The MOXF8 and Roland FA-08 being Yamaha's and Roland's "lightweight" and relatively affordable workstation offerings, respectively. If you already have the PX-5S, and are still tempted to go for the MOXF series, the most logical thing to do is to get the "best of both world's" by opting for the MOXF6 instead as a 2nd-tier. That way, you can still have the benefit of a weighted 88-key keyboard/controller and the rompler-sounds of the Motif line through the MOXF6 (you can create a stage setting in the PX-5S that can control the MOXF6). I recently bought a Roland FA-06 after considering other options like the MOXF6, Krome 61 & 73 and even arranger-type keyboards like the Korg PA-600, Casio WK-7600 and Yamaha PSR-750 to make up for what the PX-5S lacked and in the process complement it (e.g. 16-track MIDI song/sequencer, expression/control pedal input, assignable physical pads and a more intuitive GUI). I ended up getting the Roland FA-06 after almost getting the MOXF6. I truly hope Casio releases a workstation keyboard that will have better sampled strings, brass, guitars, actual MIDI In/Out in addition to the USB-MIDI-only port and provide it with controller features (4-zone capabilities or more, DAW-mode, sliders capable of transmitting control CC's). In other words, the same "formula" that made it work for them when they released the PX-5S.

Looking forward to try the EWF-related stage settings... Thanks to both Mike and JK

Hmmm...I almost bought the WK-7600 two weeks ago as I was looking for a 2nd-tier keyboard that will complement my PX-5S. It seems that through your assessment, the WK-7600 is a step-back rather than a step-forward towards the right direction in certain features/functions? It could be that WK-series keyboards may not be the current "best-seller" among Casio's EMI line up nowadays...or may be it's not the priority in the list of music electronic products to be improved significantly or whatever other reason they may have why these products were only given, at best, minor improvements. However, may be Casio should still consider providing their top-of-the-line WK-keyboard (i.e. WK-7600 and its future iterations) with features that will make more of the pro musicians out there take notice the way the PX-5S surprised them (despite the PX-5S being criticized for its lack of an expression pedal input, that is) and if only to further strengthen the drive to remove the "toy-keyboard-impression" from its EMI line. Other competitor keyboard manufacturers (Roland, Korg and Yamaha) are already offering their own relatively lightweight and value keyboard offerings, and while Casio still has the advantage of providing reasonably-priced, lightweight 88-key DP line (Privia series) with good weighted-key-action/feel, the other keyboard manufacturers are taking notice and it may just be a matter of time before they're able to come up with something that will take away such advantage. Their Privia line is probably selling reasonably/quite well. However, I think Casio shouldn't de-prioritize its WK-series line much in favor of the future iterations/versions of the PX-5S, PX-350 and XW-synth series). The WK-7xxx series which is supposed to be their "top-of-the-line" workstation keyboard should also get that pro upgrade features that the PX-5S and XW-series were provided with. Casio should also consider getting/recording/providing better samples of commonly-used tones (instruments) for its WK-series (to include future versions of the PX-5s and XW-line) such as: 1) Strings/strings section (marcato, spiccato, sordino, legato would not only be welcome surprises but a welcome changes) 2) Brass/brass section (sforzando, portato, fall) 3) Guitars (both acoustic nylon/steel and electric) The aforementioned are usually the more criticized tones/samples in Casio keyboards. They've done quite well in the piano sound category and to a certain extent in the electric piano sounds (given the PX-5s), now its time to improve the other commonly-used (and criticized) instrument tones above. The WK-series line should be provided with pro features and sounds worthy of being classified/categorized as and given a model name of "Workstation Keyboard" 7500/7600 (WK-7500/7600). Otherwise, people currently patronizing casio keyboards will just eventually get tired of the minor "updates" and Casio's continued limited I/O options (e.g. lack of MIDI In/Out, Expression pedal input, non-CC transmission of faders etc.) for its WK-series will only serve to drive away people (both existing and potential casio-keyboard customers) and force them to eventually go for the competition. The type of competition that is already trying to offer their own versions of value-for-your-money keyboards in order to take away Casio's advantage.