tkarl

Is anyone else learning Chords and is annoyed by all the 'extra' sounds?  I was, and I 'fixed' it.

See, the only way I know of to get the Chord Display to tell you what chord you are sounding is to turn on Accompaniment.  Trouble is, you get all sorts of 'extra' sounds in addition to the Tone you're playing.  Here's the fix.

I went to turn on 'Fingered Chords' option "6" in Chord fingering.

Then I Long-pressed the Mixer button, and the display says "On Part".

Keep pressing 3 until "Rhythm" lights up -- there will be only 8 Parts here.

Turn off parts 3, 4, 5, and 6.  Use the "3" key to scroll, then Yes/No to turn on/Off.  Wala!  No more extra sounds!

(Don't "Start" the Rhythm, just press the "Accompaniment" button until it lights in the Display)

OK, I know this is trivial -- unless you are just learning!

(Turn these Parts back on to get the Rhythms to sound properly.)  Make sure "Split" is off.

Wow, Chandler!  That has really spelled it out for me!  I get into equipment-phobia-mania.  First I got the CT-X800, returned the un-opened box due to limitations of that KB in volume-adjusting layered sounds.  Then I got the CT-X5000 -- great KB, IMHO.  So today, I passed upon re-investigating the CT-X800 thinking I needed those learning features, not on the '5000 -- the scale notes, etc.

I'm unsure if the weighted keys would help me -- as my aspirations lie in the Korg Pa4x and what it can do, rather than an acoustic piano.

I want the Score Viewer, so it looks like this works for the '5000!  Somewhere I read that  the KB needed to be "App-Ready" by having knowledge the App was there to work as the LK-265 has. 

If I decide I need more keys, then perhaps the 'S350.

I had been evaluating the Song Books for several models, and was initially impressed with the '800 for that reason.  Then I reasoned:  Why not use a DAW to enter all those Songs -- or just get specific MIDI files for the '5000.

Thanks ever so much for your Reply.  Comment further on this post if I've got something wrong, or you feel I need further advice.

I'm learning KB from scratch.

On 9/2/2019 at 7:03 PM, Brad Saucier said:

I'll tackle a portion of these questions.  Chandler might want to add to what I'm going to write.  Both Chordana apps will work in a limited way with USB MIDI equipped models . You can download the apps and try them on your mobile device without connecting it to a keyboard.  This will give you an idea of what will and will not work.  Basically, the main piano roll teaching system will work.  It will monitor the notes you play and use the keyboard as a MIDI sound source for the lesson songs.  The list of fully compatible models for each app is in the full app descriptions in the App Store or Google Play.  As for firmware updates, we don't expect any updates. 

 

 

OK!  What I'm hearing is the piano-roll learning will work (Good!); but full menu editing (for like the CT-X5000) will not. 

Thanks Brad!!!

There seems to be a bewildering array of differing learning methods from Casio; and no information comparing them all.

I'm having difficulty getting information on whether the Chordana Play app (or the one for Piano) can work with the CT-X5000.  There is no mention of Chordana in any of the manuals, and I understand that the App needs to work with an instrument designed to work with it.  So ... can it work with the 5000?  (I'm sounding hopeful here).

If not, please advise as to which is better for learning: the CT-S300 or the CT-X800?  Does the CT-X800 work with Chordana?  If not, how good is Casio's older learning (on the CT-X800) system compared to Chordana learning aids (on the CT-S300)?  

UPDATE: I guess we in the US are relegated to the CT-S200RD.  To be released October 1, 2019?  What do these $109 boards sound like?  Are the number of songs you can learn subject to those already in the CT-S200RD, or the Chordana App?

Is there any hope for Firmware Updates on the CT-X800 to fix: 1)the inability to adjust sound volumes per layer; and 2) any hope of Chordana App compatibility?  EXTRA CREDIT:  If the CT-X800 does not work with Chordana, then why has Casio integrated a Cell Phone shelf into it?

On 6/30/2018 at 8:05 PM, Ken Madell said:

Wow, Brad you are on the ball with answers.... Should I update my 3000?  Like I said there seems to be a phrase pad bug.  But, I've learned from many years computing, "If it ain't really broke, don't fix it. ".   I probably own one of the first units to be sold in the States.  Suggestion?  Ken.  

Hey guys: a 5000 newbie here.  

On updating the OS; is there a way to have the KB display the current OS version before you go through the update process?  I couldn't find one.  Thanks!

6 minutes ago, Brad Saucier said:

That particular guitar tone we were discussing is very difficult to control by hand.  Some other versatile tones are much easier to control and make for a much better live playing experience.  

I wish Casio had some instructions as to how to USE this feature.  I typed in "Versatile" in the OM, and got nothing.  Where's the "How-To"?

P.S.: This is fun!

1 hour ago, Brad Saucier said:

Yes I have a CT-X5000.  What you described sounds like tone 169 is functioning normally.  As I mentioned earlier, that tone is designed to be used by preset auto accompaniment.  It's not really playable by hand as you noticed.  The velocity changes for the various effects are abrupt.  Some of the effects can be very subtle, almost inaudible sometimes based on what velocity is played.  They are designed to enhance and add realism to the guitar sound in auto accompaniment.  Again, the way it's playing is totally normal.  

So, anything with "Versatile" in the name is not playable?  Really?  I count 169, 170, 171, 220, 221, 257, 258!  Some exhibit the "169-phenomenon" more than others.  I also tried heavier touch responses -- all worked better than Touch-2.  The 'Thump' also comes through in my headphones -- so all this tracks what you said.  As a bonus, I tried my 001 Stage Piano tone though my headphones -- and the 'Twang' in that "A-note", I reported earlier, is completely gone!  Perhaps my on-board speakers resonate strangely with that one note?  I've changed my Touch Response to "Normal" instead of "Light" now.

My problem is TOTALLY resolved; Brad, my sincere thanks to you!!! 

Duh!  I just found the mapping for these Tones in the Appendix!  I'm not sure what it all means, but Tone #169 has all this going on: (See Attachment)!  Note: Column #2 is Velocity!

18 minutes ago, Brad Saucier said:

Are you listening through the internal speakers or something else? Different speakers and headphones may enhance certain frequencies more, causing spikes that can overemphasize certain notes.  Having said that, it's normal for some sounds to vary slightly key to key due to the way real instruments are sampled and mapped to the keys. This is common to all sample based instruments. 

 

As far as tone #169 "VstNyGt", the full tone name is "Versatile Nylon Guitar".  Versatile tones have velocity sensitive sound effects and articulations, which could be things like slap sounds, muted pick sounds, harmonics and more.  A versatile tone may have several different layers of sounds that switch based on velocity.  These tones are mainly intended for use by preset rhythms where velocity is precisely controlled through programming.  

My '5000 is in quiet room and I am using the speakers.

On #169:  Sometimes, with considerable time where no keys are pressed and no other action or settings are changes, etc.; I can go to Tone #169, press a key, and hear nothing but the thump of the key -- with Touch set to 2 or 3.

Brad: do you have a CT-X5000?  If not, and if no other replies are forthcoming, I'll make that video.  It almost seems the my KB is either defective, or there is not enough processing power to both do Touch Sensitivity and play the sound.  I'll try my headphones to see if that 'thump' is generated as a sound or is the physical key thump.

My new CT-X5000 is acting weird.  Here is what it does:

1) Tone = Stage Piano 001:  2nd octave from the left, the A-note has definite "Twang" to it.  Notes either side of it, and the others, do not.  I can hear this 'twang' in most of the piano tones only on this particular "A".

2) Tone = #169:  With Touch Response = 2, I get inconsistent play in second octave from left.  Sometimes no note will sound, sometimes a sound will be heard, other times a different tone can be heard.  With Touch Response = 1 (off), the KB will sound every time.  I am playing these notes slowly & deliberately; not fast or anything. 

Can someone try this on their CT-X5000 and see if theirs does this too?

(Please note, the my CT-X-5000 is set so as to come on after a power-on with nothing saved from my last session.)

I could make audio / video recordings of these Issues if need be.

Please help!  Do I need to send my unit back?

On 6/24/2018 at 2:38 PM, Ken Madell said:

 

It plays a full classical piano repertoire from the free Casio 'Chordana Play Piano' app from your smartphone.  The app was designed for Casio piano models, but recognizes the CT-X as a Casio, and let's you play the 100 classical masterpieces that sound great on the 3000 ( Chopin )  

 

OK, I DL'd the App.  Now what?  What cord do I need to get from my Samsung Smartphone to the CT-X5000?  (I'm NOT a smartphone person -- I only use the thing when necessary.)  Is the connection wireless?  Where do I plug the cord?  Where do I put the phone & what is the best length for the cord?

One thing I may not like in my CT-X5000 is the Tremolo on all the organ voices.  Thank goodness I can edit that DSP effect out.  Only trouble is, I don't like using up so many User slots just for Organ sounds.  Meanwhile, call me dizzy listening to all that Tremolo!  Any other ways to fix this?

So do you think the AiX sounds are something special, or marketing hype?

Fantastic news from you guys above!  

More news -- I just got my CT-X5000 today -- having fun playing with it.

Yes, all my PC's have built in sound card, but I read somewhere on YT that noise creeps in unless the card is external.

I was looking at the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6, here: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlet6i6G2--focusrite-scarlett-6i6-usb-audio-interface

My motherboards & my laptop has some sort of input for a mic -- I guess I forgot I could use that as my audio line input!!!   Thanks!

Brad: Your equipment list looks like a Casio catalog!  How would you compare the sounds in the CT-X5000, the MZ-x500 and the PX-S3000?  Oh, Facebook links -- perhaps you don't own all of those KBs.

5 minutes ago, Brad Saucier said:

You could always record audio from the line outputs.  

Which means ~$200 more for a sound card?

Newbie here.  No DAW yet, CT-X5000 is on its way to me.  I noticed that neither USB connection allows me to record Audio tracks.  How big a deal is this?  What if I record all 16/17 tracks to my DAW (Probably Mixcraft 8), then won't I quickly run out of Polyphony?  So, if I do run past 64 voices, what do I do?  Conventionally, I would convert some/all MIDI tracks to Audio tracks before I can layer more MIDI.  I want to use the CT-X5000's voices and not available VST's.  What do I do?    Do I require the WK-7600, or is there a workaround?  Thanks!

On 11/5/2018 at 2:28 AM, vbdx66 said:

It was not the CT-X5000 but the CT-X3000 and I returned it because of its complexity. I agree with Ricky, the MZ-X500 is beyond my budget and besides, I find that the CT-X series sounds much better, the sounds and rhythms are fresher and more realistic. And anyway, it has become clear that Casio won’t do any follow-up for the MZ-X line.

I will probably go for a CT-X800 to complement my Yamaha DGX650 and wait and hope that in the next two years, Casio will launch an AiX powered board which will meet my needs (simplicity of the CT-X800 but with 4 variation rhythms and the possibility, at least, to adjust the levels of the Upper1, Upper2 and Lower voice; or else, sophistication of the CT-X3000 with a more friendly user interface and easier operating system).

Just my 2 cents 😉

I have a CTX800 sitting here still in its box.  Let me share a few things I learned after I bought -- but will return my CT-X800:

1) You cannot edit the AiX sounds on the CT-X800 as you can on the CT-X3000/5000.

2) You cannot MIX the layered sounds at all on the 800.

3) There are no Line Outputs on the CTX800 -- you must use the Headphone Output.

4) Same here -- limited budget -- cannot go for the MZ-X500 -- but from your comment -- the CTX line with the AiX chip, sounds better.

5) You cannot Sequence on any of the CTX KBs -- that's OK for me -- I'll do that in my DAW; but you DO have those handy Phrase Pads in the 3000/5000.

6) The 3000/5000 records MIDI in full 17 tracks; the 800 only does 6 or so tracks.

I hope this helps.  I'm getting the CT-X5000 and will accept the learning curve.  No, it does not take a PhD to learn the 5000!

On 7/3/2019 at 11:42 AM, KennyC said:

I have a project studio and lots of VST libraries.  I am interested in the PX-S3000 as a USB MIDI controller.  

I don't think so.  I believe that question was asked and answered here:

On 5/29/2018 at 10:40 PM, Muso7 said:

 

I own the Korg PA4X-76 and yes I also wish for a few things on it that my MZ-X500 already has

Pete

How would you compare the Grand Piano, Orchestral & Guitar sounds between the Pa-4x and the MZ-X500?

There was a YT video comparing the various chips Casio has for piano resonance & another for Extended Depth (?) chip on another KB.  Does the X500 have either of these chips?

I have been looking at the 560, but I was hoping to connect it to another keyboard that is way more than completely capable (Korg Pa4x).  However, I was stopped by sources saying that I needed a Px-5s to anything of that sort.  Now this thread is saying I could connect to other 'boards with the 560?  I want to play sounds from the other keyboard on the Px-560.  What about playing Px-560 sounds on the other 'board?  Are both possible?  What if a computer talks to the 'other' board?  Can the MIDI link to the 560 still work?

I always thought that the PX-560 had one Hex Layer, while the PX-5x had two Hex Layers.  Then I watched a YT video by Rich Formidoni where he says that the PX-560 has FOUR Hex layers -- allowing you to play up to 24 sounds at once.  Who is right?

Here is Rich's Video.  5:44 is where he begins with Hex Layers.

I was looking for the ability to strum in the demo -- I thought I might have heard it once or twice, but I'm not sure when the pedal was used to activate it.  I now think, beginner here, that if I hear a guitar chord played on a keyboard without a strum, it sounds so much less realistic.  I would prefer to have settings where the strum speed is adjustable.  Where can I get all that?  Can this "guitar pack" be used on the Px-560?

Pianomanchuck:  Thanks again for all your great videos!!

Congratulations, and thanks for your brief report!  There are no user reviews here in the US that I can find.  If you ever decide to create a review on the Px-560, please let us know.  I am saving up for one, meanwhile all I have is drool, desire, and a spreadsheet where I weighed different specs, showing that the 560 was far better for me than the 5s.  Good luck with your new instrument!  Hello from the state of Illinois in the US! 

Thanks for help guys!  I'm really excited about the Px-560, and, from what I can determine, I don't require the Px-5s, and certainly will not miss the building-a-ship-in-a-bottle screen there.

So, that means I can connect the Px-560 through MIDI to my PC's DAW, and get the same capabilities I would have with the Korg Kross?  Does connection to a PC/DAW require the use of a sequencer?

Color me confused.  I cannot seem to determine if the new Px-560 has a 16+1 channel sequencer.  Casio does not seem to want to call anything on the Px-560 a sequencer, rather a "Midi Recorder".  What is the difference?  Ok, compared to the actual sequencer like the one on the Korg Kross.  More confusion: the Px-5s has a "Phrase Sequencer!  There is NO mention the Px-560's manual of the word "sequencer".  Please assist, thanks!