Casio Introduces Limited Edition XW-P1 Performance Synthesizer

DOVER, N.J., Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc. re-entered the professional synthesizer market this year with the launch of two products ideal for performing and recording artists – the XW-P1 Performance Synthesizer and the XW-G1 Groove Synthesizer. Based on the successful introduction of the XW series, Casio has teamed up with aNYthing, a streetwear/lifestyle brand located in New York City, to create a limited edition XW-P1 synthesizer. Designed in a signature gold hue, only 200 XW-P1GD units will be available at Guitar Center and Musician's Friend.

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"We were honored to work with Casio on the design of the limited edition XW-P1. Music is a major part of our culture and everyday life – it sets the stage for how people behave, dress and interact," said Kiernen Costello, CEO of aNYthing. "We hope our creativity and experience helps Casio to make some noise among one of our core audiences – the underground, performing artists."

Casio's XW-P1 is the 2012 recipient of Keyboard Magazine's prestigious Key Buy Award, as well as a National Association of Musical Merchants (NAMM) Best in Show honoree. Equipped with 61 keys and Casio's exclusive (HPSS) Hybrid Processing Sound Source, the XW-P1 provides screaming virtual analog monophonic leads and basses, drawbar organs, complex layers, stereo pianos, drums and more to produce the sounds and real-time control any performing musician needs.

"As the epitome of innovation, value and quality, we hope our limited edition XW-P1 sparks some excitement and inspires young artists," said Mike Martin, general manager of Casio's Electronic Musical Instrument Division. "Our collaboration with aNYthing represents a new direction for Casio in the musical instrument business. In the future, we plan on additional collaborations with both influential artists and unique companies that will further allow Casio to go beyond sound and enable musicians of varying levels to express themselves and enjoy music like never before."

A six oscillator monophonic solo synth is just one of the amazing sound engines in the XW-P1. Two virtual analog style oscillators, two PCM based oscillators, a noise oscillator and an external oscillator via mic and line inputs can be combined to make up a single solo synth tone. Each oscillator has an independent filter, envelopes, independent key tracking, portamento, two LFO's and access to master resonant filter.

In addition to the solo synth, the XW-P1 Performance Synthesizer is armed with an arsenal of gig-ready sounds like stereo pianos, vintage electric pianos, strings, brass, guitars, basses, drums and more.  The sounds can easily be used within the XW-P1's step sequencer to create unique grooves and compositions.

Furthermore, the XW-P1 has four real-time controller knobs, pitch bend and modulation wheels, along with nine sliders to provide control over internal sounds and external devices. Through standard MIDI ports and with a class-compliant USB port the keyboard can be used as a controller for other instruments, including computer software and iPad® based software applications. It also includes an audio input allowing you to monitor an MP3 player, computer or other device without the need for a mixer. 

The XW-P1GD will be available in October 2012 for an MSRP of $799.00 at available at Guitar Center and Musician's Friend. For additional information, visit www.casiomusicgear.com.

About Casio America, Inc.

Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions, established in 1957. Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc titles and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com.

About aNYthing

Founded by streetwear vet Aaron Bondaroff, known to the public at large as A-Ron the Don, aNYthing (A New York Thing) is a streetwear / lifestyle brand that has been bubbling on the New York underground for several years now. aNYthing has begun to evolve into a creative collective, bringing into the fold many of the untapped talents in arts and fashion that walk the New York streets.

SOURCE Casio America, Inc.