BothHands

I just joined CasioMusicForums because I need guidance in choosing between PX-560 and PX-360. I received amazingly helpful information in my first thread/inquiry and now I find THIS THREAD where you've compiled all these useful tutorials. Too good. I've known for a while that my future includes a Casio keyboard (I don't even consider other brands anymore) and now that I've stumbled into "a nest of Casio experts" I'm determined to find a way to obtain a PX-560 and learn to really use it. FWIW, I found some very helpful videos on YouTube by a man who publishes under the name PianoManChuck. For someone like me who is far from expert, his presentations help to emphasize important features and clarify some of the subtle distinctions among Casio products. 👍 Thanks, AlenK, for compiling this thread.

Good points all, Jokeyman123. I understand your concern for the keybed, but the one I've been cozying up to locally seems really substantial to me. I would assume that unless someone really, REALLY beat on it the mechanical aspects of that keyboard should hold up for a long, loooong time. But I hear you. The problem with electrical surges is that just ONE can fry something rendering it crippled, but showing no sign of failure TODAY. Ticking timebomb... Good sense points to buying New at the best discount available. That's probably what I'll shoot for, UNLESS...a used deal comes along that's just "worth the risk."

Thanks, Brad. Clearly the PX-560 is the instrument for me, so I'll 'study up' and then see what kind of deal I can find. Another question related to the impetus of this thread, COST: Sometimes a PX-560 that's been returned in perfect condition can be had at a discount. Despite appearing to be perfect, I worry that it might have taken an electrical surge, and that might have damaged or weakened some aspect of the circuitry. Do you have any idea of how robust the circuitry in these things is, and/or weather my concern is overblown? All things considered, $1200 is a very reasonable price for the features and capabillities of the PX-560. Ah, but human nature always seeks a "better" deal... Ugh =]

re Q2. Great. re Q3. I'll do my usual Google Grind, but Iet me ask you here-and-now on the off chance that you might have a simple answer at hand. Is it possible to: 1) play the part to a PX-560 track 2) subsequently convert that midi data to an audio WAV file within the PX-560 3) then copy that .WAV file to a USB thumb drive for transfer to my harddrive/DAW? re Q4. I'll need time to digest this. Looks like you're saying: 1) the rhythm data resides on the System Track 17 2) the System Track / Rhythm data plays back in sync with midi data on other tracks 1-16 3) but only within the PX-560. New Q5. "the internal MIDI recorder does not playback or record through the MIDI ports." So the traditional MIDI IN is only for triggering a PX instrument sound via some outboard midi send? And the traditional MIDI OUT is only for using the PX as a keyboard controller sending midi data to some other midi device? Am I close? (head spinning...) =]

Excellent comparison, Mike71. I will research the PX-5S because COST is a factor for me. But at first glance the CONs seem to outweigh the PROs. Money is important, but having to struggle with some of those CONs might be a false economy. I've familiarized myself with the PX-560 interface a bit at a local music shop, and I really appreciate that big, easy-to-understand LCD screen. Thanks for good information, Mike.

Thanks Brad, for such a thoughtful, detailed reply. I will research the tone editing and full fledged synth (hex layer tones) aspects, and I much appreciate you bringing those features to my attention. Q2. Do I understand you to say that in addition to Pitch Bend and Modulation, the Expression Pedal input is also recorded and transferred as midi data? That would be a BIG deal. Q3. To record the internal PX-560 sounds to DAW, is it simply a matter of connecting the PX stereo 1/4" OUTS to two DAW preamps and then recording as I would any other line level sound source? Q4. Esoteric Question: Is it possible to export the PX-560 or 360 internal percussion sounds/patterns as part of the midi data? Specifically, if I build a multitrack compostion in the PX based on an internal rhythm/percussion pattern, can I send that percussion to my harddrive as midi data? Your comments thus far make a good argument (or provide a good exuse!) for paying more for the PX-560. and frankly, that Amazingly BLUE control panel "had me at hello." =D

Hi, all. I have a question regarding both the PX-360 and PX-560. I decided to post in the PX-560 forum, but this PX-360 forum is also "the right place"... Please see the post AT THIS LINK Thanks, Tom

Hi, all. This is my first post here. I'm a songwriter. My primary instrument is acoustic guitar, then electric guitar and bass. So I'm by no means a pianist, though I enjoy writing on piano. At present I use a simple 61-key midi controller to play virtual instrument parts into a DAW multitrack recording system. I intend to buy either a PX-360 or PX-560 for standalone composing. In most cases I won't rely on the PX sound set for the actual recording, but I will rely on them for "inspiration." I intend to transfer the midi composition from PX keyboard to my computer harddrive, and then work within the DAW. I assume Pitch Bend and Mod Wheel information will be recorded as midi data and can then be transferred to the computer... Please tell me if that's not correct. My issue concerns COST. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the only substantial difference I see between the PX-360 (street price $900) and the PX-560 ($1200) is that the PX-560 includes a MOD WHEEL. If there are subtle enhancements in the 560's on-board sounds I probably won't notice them. If there are other important differences that justify the $300 higher price of the PX-560, please advise. If YOU think the Mod Wheel (and other enhancements?) is worth the additional $300, please clue me in. Thanks, Tom