Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Casio CTK and WK Arranger Keyboard Reviews

Casio CTK and WK Arranger Keyboard Reviews

The WK-6600 is cheaper if you don't need hammond tone wheel organ sound with drawbars - used in 60's rock, gospel, tv shows, ballgames and church sounds. The older Yamaha keyboards use obsolete memory cards or floppy disks, only the new ones have USB stick storage, but they don't have a mic input, they do have built up a library of songs since the 1990s. The Casio does not have much of a user base  to share songs with.  The 6600 can be found at pawn shops for as little as $200, the 7600 for $300


What's the difference between wk-6600 vs wk-7600
FROM http://piano-keyboards.specout.com/compare/471-472/WK-6600-vs-WK-7600
price from:  $299 / $449
voices 48 / 64
sounds 700/820
preset slots  none/ 260
rhythms 210 / 260
songs  305/305
weight 16 / 18 lbs
hammond tone wheel organ sliders  no / yes



ebay 9/2016 Casio WK6600 76 Key Workstation Keyboard with Power Supply - (New)
$299.00 List price: $449.99


http://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/keyboard-reviews/hands-on-review-casio-wk-7500-keyboard-workstation
Casio WK-7500 Keyboard Workstation





Hands-On Review: Casio WK-7500 Keyboard Workstation

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Before you jump to conclusions…keep reading.
By Craig Anderton
Editor in Chief, Harmony Central
The semi-weighted, 76-key, velocity-sensitive keyboard has a bit more resistance than typical synth keybeds. It's comfortable, with a solid "feel." The display is a big, readable LCD; plenty of buttons simplify navigating through the relatively transparent operating system. There are nine physical "drawbars" for drawbar organ sounds, but can also serve as controllers for editing sequencer track parameters......
... very cool extra feature—you can play back the sequence, and record the result as audio to an SD/SDHC card (2 to 32GB), while simultaneously recording audio from the mic or instrument input. (Or just record the audio—ideal for capturing a vocal, guitar, or other musical idea.) You can also save sequencer data as a Standard MIDI File.

Yes, it's an arranger—but check the fine print

I used to think arrangers were for people who couldn't play, or one-man bar bands. But they can be used creatively, and they also make fine "soundtrack generators"—with the cost often being less than commercial music libraries. I don't want to detour too far from musician-land, but for audio-for-video, soundtracks, and broadcast, an arranger keyboard can be the fastest, most cost-effective answer when the client asks "How about a sort of Latin theme for this commercial?"
As to the 250 styles (which Casio calls "rhythms"), each rhythm has an intro, two variations, two fills, and an ending; however you can edit these (alter the mix, panning, effects, etc.) or create your own 8-track rhythms with drums, percussion, bass, and five-chord patterns, which you can save to the 100 available memory slots. It's possible to switch styles while playing without glitches.
You can store 999 files on an SD card, as well as record up to five songs (or about 30,000 events) in a sequence. So, calling up a single sequence file can actually load five songs for instant playback—great for live performance. Speaking of live, you can also save 96 complete setups that basically store a snapshot of everything that's happening in the WK-7500.
But the arranger tag is a bit misleading, because you can also consider the WK-7500 a synth/ ROMpler for stage use or, thanks to the portability, something you could take on vacation for songwriting at the beach.

...Conclusions
If I had to describe the Casio WK-7500 in one word, it would be "surprising." It's a fine arranger keyboard, but does much more. The audio recording option goes beyond the norm, and it seemed anything I looked into did more, and was easier to figure out than expected. Even the battery life is decent—around four hours of continuous use—and there's free Data Manager software for transferring various WK-7500 data types to your Mac/Windows computer. Then there's the arpeggiator and alternate tunings, and auto-harmonize, and…
What you can do with the WK-7500 is pretty astounding, but perhaps the biggest surprise is the value. With the WK-7500, Casio is back into workstations in a big and impressive way.
How to convert funny CASIO format files to .WAV
that is where a lot of new CTK/WK-7XXX owners get lost, particularly if it is their first dual function MIDI/audio board. Even the manual is confusing about these two functions. The SEQUENCER section states that audio files are not supported while the audio section states that MIDI files are not supported. Obviously, those passages are referring to their own specific function, but read from another standpoint can make the board seem pretty useless.

When you format the SD Card in the keyboard, it sets aside 640Mb for storage of audio files. MS-DOS and Windows can not see this storage area, but the 640Mb will be deducted from the available space on the SD Card as shown by MS-DOS and Windows. The keyboard saves audio files to this area in a Casio proprietary (non-WAV) format and MS-DOS and Windows can not see them. To port them to your PC and convert them to a WAV format, you will need to download and the Data Manager 6.0 or 6.1. Insert the SD Card into your PC's card reader slot and start Data Manager. Click on the AUDIO button at the top of the Data Manager window and the five audio file storage slots will show up in the right hand panel. Storage slots with files in them will show a file size to the right, while empty slots will show a file size of zero to the right. To convert a file to WAV format and store it on your PC's hard drive, click and drag the file from the right hand panel to the left hand panel. The resulting WAV file will be stored on your hard drive in a subdirectory specified by you under the "Preferences" tab. I know this sounds a bit involved, but once you have done it a couple of times it becomes pretty routine. For the most part, you are just using the Data Manager to manipulate your audio files instead of Windows Explorer. Once the file has been converted to WAV format, you can bring it up in your DAW software for further editing.
d in case you haven't guessed yet - you can not delete an audio file. Those 5 storage slots are permanent, and you just move data in and out of them. You delete old data by recording newer data over it, so don't bother dragging one of those 5 slots to the garbage can at the top right of the Data Manager screen. It won't do anything. The garbage can is for the PC stuff listed over in the left hand panel.
piano tutorial:

From Amazon 


Casio WK6600 76 Key Workstation Keyboard with Power Supply
This keyboard offers musicians 700 different tones to choose from, a built-in arpeggiator with 150 different types, along with a USB port for easy computer and MIDI connection capabilities. The Casio WK6600 76 Key Workstation Keyboard features a 32 channel mixer plus a MIC in, and 10 reverb types along with 5 chorus types. This keyboard won’t stifle anyone’s creativity, but bring it to the next level. This workstation is great for creating your own demos, and works with a computer to control your favorite software or save your finished projects.






Song Sequencer
The Song Sequencer provides 16 tracks plus one system track that supports recording of up to five songs and a total of approximately 12,000 notes. Each individual musical instrument part can be recorded to a different track for real multi-track recording capabilities. A full selection of editing tools include event insert, event delete, event copy, quantize, a locator feature for selecting the range of notes to be edited, and more. A step recording function also lets you input notes by specifying the length and pitch. Completed recordings can be converted to SMF (Standard MIDI File) format and stored to an SD memory card.
32-Channel Mixer
Button operation can be used for individual simultaneous adjustment of volume, pan, reverb send, and other parameters. Sound input from an external source via the MIC IN terminal can also be adjusted as desired.
Multiple Digital Effects
Built-in effects include reverb (10 types), chorus (5 types), and DSP (100 types using 46 effect types including delay, phaser, flanger, wah, rotary, and more). You can apply different effects to a tone to create exactly the sound you want. By adjusting the parameters of the DSP effect types, you can create original DSP effects and store up to 100 original types in memory for later recall.
Input/Output/USB Ports
Different input/output terminals are provided to meet a variety of different needs: line out terminals (L/MONO, R) for connection of the mixer of a stage PA system or other devices, a MIC IN terminal for connection of a musical instrument or microphone, an audio in terminal (AUDIO IN) for audio device input that can be output through the speakers, and more. The USB port provides easy computer and MIDI send/receive connection. It also enables quick and simple transfer of song sequencer, pattern sequencer, tone editor and other data, as well as audio data recorded to an SD memory card from an audio device between the digital keyboard and a computer. Download of a special Data Manager 6.1 application is required in order to transfer data to a computer.









AHL Sound Source
The sound source is pre-programmed with digital samples of acoustic musical instruments recorded using the most advanced digital technology. Thanks to CASIO original sound technology, the AHL sound source is capable of reproducing all of the natural smoothness of the original waveform.

700 built-in tones for endless creativity
210 preset rhythms across many different musical genres
Song Sequencer has 16 tracks plus one system track
32-channel mixer for adjustments in volume, pan, reverb send and more
Rhythm Editor for blending instrument parts from multiple built-in rhythms
Includes multiple digital effects such as reverb and chorus
Equalizer incorporates five selectable frequency characteristics
Registration saves current setup for instant recall when you need it
Create original tones with tone editor
SD memory card slot to save work
USB port to connect to computer or MIDI
AHL Sound Source gives you the most realistic musical instrument sounds


Top Customer Reviews

Style Name: WK6600 Stand-Alone Keyboard Verified Purchase
So much, almost too much, to learn, but that's not a bad thing! The 100+ page manual is complicated as heck and I've resorted to re-writing parts of it in ways that make more sense while applying it to the keyboard. The sounds are amazing, the feel is perfect for me, although I'm not familiar enough with a real piano to properly compare in that way. I haven't played keyboard in decades, so this is a re-learning experience for me. My only complaint so far is that some of the guitar instruments lose at least half their volume beginning at the octave above middle C. It mostly falls off from the G above that, and onwards. I more recently played guitar, and those notes are not uncommonly played on a guitar, so it's disappointing to lose them on this keyboard. The 12-string guitar is most noticeable, and since I have some favorite pieces that I used to play on 12-string, this bothers me greatly. Again, the manual might have a cure for this problem, but wading through it takes time, so I haven't found it yet. Also, some of the instruments lack bass, even through earphones or through an amplifier with good speakers. The harpsichords, for example, are very tinny. That, too, is most likely adjustable, which I'll eventually figure out from the manual. A person needs to be able to devote a TON of time to really understand this machine.
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Style Name: WK6600 Stand-Alone Keyboard Verified Purchase
I already have the Casio WK 7500 which is phenomenal. Unfortunately some of the keys stopped playing after three years, most likely due to spills. I decided to replace it with the WK 6600 because I am not really proficient with the drawbar organ. I figured that this model would meet my needs.
The preset organs are good enough that with a little tweaking I am able to get some impressive sounds. Most of the other voices are the same as the WK 7500; some have been added, others have been omitted. The string section is much better on the WK 6600. It has added stereo strings which sound amazing. I'm sure the 7600 has them also. I also like that the bass guitars now have their own button rather than sharing a button with the other guitars.
The equalizer adds an added dimension. The settings can make the tones soft, bright, bass boost or powerful. The settings affect the whole board rather than just one individual instrument at a time. Still, it's good enough for me.
The key bed has been improved. The keys have a tighter feel to them. I was fine with the key bed on the 7500 but I do like the improved feeling.
The reason I only gave four stars is the onboard speakers. The 7500 and 7600 awesome 7watt speakers. unfortunately the 6600 only has 6 watt speakers. if you turn them up more than a quarter of the way you get distortion. The instrument has great sounds but to avoid the distortion, you have to keep the speakers so low that you can hardly hear them. Good thing for me that I can use the 'stereo instrument in' feature of my 7500 and play the instrument through those speakers instead.
Had I known about the speaker quality I would have opted for the CTK 7200 or WK 7600 instead. The CTK 7200, costs $50.00 more and only has 61 keys but it has the 7watt speakers and the draw bar organ. If you already have an amp or some external speakers, the WK 6600 has enough features to keep you satisfied.
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Style Name: WK6600 PPK Premium Pack
Did not buy yet... but but am about to as a Christmas present.

My son(16) and I checked this out at a local Guitar Center. We also looked at all the other comparably priced keyboards(<$400, even ones with weighted keys) from other manufacturers... This is the one he liked best. Though he learned to play on a real piano, he liked the feel of the WK6600. But, what I think he liked best is the amount of sounds and features this keyboard has. I certainly can't wait to "borrow" it from him to add a few keyboard tracks to some stuff I've been working on.

At this price (I've done A LOT of searching), I can't find anything I'd rather have. So many things to like about it... My favorite thing is the line(s) out. A rare find at this price.

Do yourself a favor though and don't base your purchase decision on the reviews here. Get to your local music store and test a few. I'm glad I did. My head was spinning trying to decide what to get based on reviews here on Amazon.

Guitar Center(USA) sells just the keyboard for $299. I will buy this for $329.99 on Amazon. I figure the for an extra $30, the headphones, stand, ac adapter and cover are worth it (probably $60 if ordered individually) since I will need them anyway.

I gave 4 stars because I don't own it yet but was impressed. I will update after 12/25/14.
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Style Name: WK6600 PPK Premium Pack Verified Purchase
I bought this for my daughter in-law's college graduation gift. She only said that she wanted an electronic keyboard, but was really happy with this one. It has far more features than what she expected. I did a lot of online searches and this one was rated very highly for the price range. She is happy. I am happy.
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Style Name: WK6600 Stand-Alone Keyboard
I'm NOT an experienced piano player. In fact, I got my WK 6600 with frequent flyer miles, rather than having to pay cold hard cash. It was the best option with my card so it's what I chose.

I decided to teach myself piano and wanted something that I wouldn't outgrow as I learned, or wouldn't cost me too much in miles if I decided it wasn't for me.

The Casio is a good choice for a beginner. I've fooled around with pianos, as has everyone. The keys on this are a bit stickier than regular pianos, but that's easily overcome. I bought a simple introductory book on reading music and a stand for $25. So far, after a few months, I'm happy with my selection.

The range of 76 keys has enabled me to play whatever I've wanted to. The unit sounds very good, like a real piano to my 59 year old ears. It has touch sensitive keys so you can tell the difference between 'piano' and 'forte'.

It has a HUGE variety of features, virtually none of which I've tried. I've played around with the organ feature, the electronic piano, strings, etc. I''m not good enough yet to make recordings so haven't used that feature.

Since I'm not an expert I don't know how this compares to other units, but as a starter keyboard I have to say I'm satisfied. It's a good sounding, hardy unit which doesn't dance around on the stand you play it. You'll have to judge its value vs price, but I'll be using it for a good long time.
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