The latest keyboard join Casio’s Casiotone range promises to deliver an impressive playing experience while boasting a compact and minimalist design. The CT-S1-76 delivers a 76-key version of the popular CT-S1, and uses the company’s AiX Sound Source technology to deliver faithful reproductions of a range of different instruments.
Although wider than the CT-S1 (for obvious reasons!), the new model retains the same compact depth and weighs in at just 5.3kg, making it an ideal solution for musicians needing a portable instrument. Despite it’s sleek form factor, the instrument boasts a built-in speaker system that utilises Casio’s Horizontal Bass-Reflex system, which they say delivers a robust sound quality with impressive low-end performance. As well as acoustic piano sounds, the instrument also includes a number of electric pianos and organs, with a total of 61 tones includes. You also get a collection of onboard effects, which include a wide variety of reverbs along with chorus, delay and a master EQ.
The minimalist design extends to the controls, with Casio including only the essentials, resulting in a simple user interface and neat look. The buttons that are present have been placed within easy reach of the keyboard, and it’s also possible to pair the instrument with the company’s Casio Music Space app to check and adjust its settings from a Bluetooth-equipped smartphone or tablet.
The CT-S1-76 is capable of running for up to seven hours on eight AA batteries, and can also be powered via an external DC adapter. Stereo audio inputs and outputs are provided by a pair of 3.5mm mini-jack connectors, and a sustain pedal can be connected thanks to a quarter-inch TS socket. MIDI is available over USB, and there’s also an optional adapter which will add wireless audio and MIDI over Bluetooth.
Pricing & Availability
The CT-S1-76 is available now, priced at £349 including VAT.
www.casio.com/intl/electronic-musical-instruments/brands/casiotone/cts1-76
