Prospective Buyer-Have a few Q's

[Alex_T22]

So, I'm looking into purchasing a new keyboard, and this seems like it's going to be the one for me--I've just got a few questions first! 

I've used the Privia 130 and I love it--but it is not meant/built to gig the way I've been trying to use it lately. With no 1/4" out, I've been spending money on adapters and plugs left and right just to make it work--and even then the sound quality is not the best! 

 

First off, let's get the stupid ones out of the way first. When I play with my band I usually just hook right up into the PA system that is available at the venue. Knowing that the Px-5s has a L/R 1/4" out capability--would I just have to use 2 separate 1/4" cables into separate inputs on the mixer for the best sound? Or a stereo to mono cable? Due to the lack of consistency at some of the venues we play, I just really want to have an understanding of what's the best way to use this keyboard in a live setting--or essentially what has worked well for others. Specifics are appreciated!! We play everywhere from basement shows to semi-professional venues with D.I. boxes available--so all feedback is appreciated! 

 

Okay, next. Same question--different context. Practicing/Rehearsing. With no onboard speakers, what do you plug into to get your work in day to day? I have a small epiphone practice amp--but would that be enough/too much? What do you use to rehearse with this keyboard? 

 

Lastly, was this worth it!? I know I've seen so many incredible reviews for this keyboard and I'm very excited to be purchasing it within the next couple of weeks--but I just really want to be sure where I'm putting my money. I've been a Privia user for years--so I'm hoping they won't let me down. Thanks again for any and all consideration. 

 

Cheers. 

[Brad Saucier]

Running mono 1/4 inch out is best for stage and live performance.  The outputs on the px5 have one mono summing 1/4 jack that combines left and right for output but most things work well in mono.  Some things like rotary sim for organs requires the non-summing 1/4 output since the rotation effect is stereo and it doesn't sum well.

 

Is it worth it?  This Privia is unlike any other one that has ever come before it.  The power and flexibility of it's custom editing and setup is immense.  You won't be disappointed overall especially if you like to tweak.  It can hold it's own against many high end products. 

 

For an amp?  Many are using powered PA speakers for monitoring.  They typically sound better than keyboard amps.  It depends on how much volume you need.

 

I'm sure some others will weigh in on this too.

[dc2k]

Well worth it. The fun part is designing your own sounds by layering all the samples and applying the various filters, envelope and effects to each sample. then you can create and have up to four areggiators on top doing different things. It lets you create really complicated and deep sound scapes. I never get bored exploring what it can do and can play around with it forever. I hadn't used even a synthesiser before so there was a big learing curve figuring it all out but the help on here and clinic videos sure helped. Remember to get the second online manual if you get one because the one in the box doesn't go into as much detail.

 

Don't forget to download some of the new stage settings casio and the members here have uploaded. Mike put up a great new bank of synth type settings recently. You can hear some of them here: 

https://soundcloud.com/casiomusicgear/rachaels-ballad

 

There is a nice Vangelis inspired one amongst them from his Bladerunner soundtrack to compliment the one that comes on the board like this one on the p1

 

I heard a Chariots Of Fire stage setting too, so that shows you what the board is capable of out of the box.

[Display Name]

Hi Alex and welcome to the Casio Forums. 
 

The PX-5S is probably the best value out there today. It's a digital piano, a synth, a MIDI controller, it's highly portable and has amazing sound. Plus the support available here and on Facebook from Casio's Mike Martin and the user community is priceless, esp. when it's crunch time and you need a fast answer!

As Brad said, mono is usually the way to go in a live gig, unless it's a REAL small room, ie. a large living room (LOL). Anything bigger, go mono. Most people run their PX-5S into a PA directly from the keyboard or a small mixer.  If you have a FOH situation, they usually have a DI box to level the sound for their board. Again, mono is the way to go.

For eveyday use at home, monitors or smaller PA speakers work well, as do headphones. A keyboard amp will work, but the sounds (esp. the piano) won't sound nearly as good.

Also, make sure you join the PX-5S Facebook Group (link in my sig below) - lots of action there and quick quick quick answers! 

I will just close out saying I have played keyboards for over 25 years and don't buy new stuff very often.. so I need to make sure it will last and be something special. The PX-5S is by far my favorite keyboard and I will never sell her.   

 

[Alex_T22]

Wow, Thank you so much everyone. You've helped me out immensely--actually to the point where I have found a used Px-5s on Guitar Center's website and am making the call first thing tomorrow morning to order her! SO PUMPED. I really wanted to go new--but the deal I'm getting plus 2 years of pro coverage plus the 30 day trial period just makes sense for me now. I'm aware of the warranty with Casio with registered products as well so I'll be sure to check the product once she ships! 

 

Thanks for all of the audio help! I'll pick up a couple 1/4" cables in anticipation of it's arrival!

 

I asked the amp question simply because when I rehearse with my band we have a P.A. system--but I wanted to know what would work best as far as working on phrases in my own down time and headphones/my practice amp should be perfect just for dexterity purposes. 

 

Very grateful to join such a helpful community--and can't wait to start contributing more! 

 

Here we go!