Glossary

Instead of plugging it in, the instrument can be operated with the correct batteries.

Automatic accompaniment of the melody, which simplifies the left hand's part. One key (CASIO Chord) or multiple keys (Full Range Chord) can be used to create chords and control the harmonies of the "accompaniment" band.

Digital effect used for piano timbres in particular; the sound becomes brighter and more powerful (brilliance).

"Chains" refers to the concatenation of multiple sequences or patterns for automatic playback of them.

This function displays chords with lighted keys or chords on the display to support the learning of new chords or pieces of music.

Digital effect used to double the timbre, making the sound more vibrant, broader and much livelier. This effect is used for digital piano or organ timbres in particular.

The cross fader allows simultaneous volume control of two independent audio signals to achieve effects such as "cross-fading".

The nuances generated by pressing the damper pedal are authentically replicated.

The damper pedal causes the sound of the strings to fade slowly when released. If the pedal is pushed down when the keys are released, the strings are not damped. A seamless pedal recognises how far the pedal has been released and accordingly emulates the sound an acoustic piano would produce.

Delay is an echo-like effect that gives the timbre more depth and three-dimensionality.

Compatible with a variety of DJ apps including djay2 (by algoriddim).

Rotary knob for the simple adjustment of parameters.

Small pads equipped with percussion sounds; the pads can be played in addition to the keyboard.

Digital signal processor; provides high-quality effects and sound shaping.

Similar to the "split" function, the duet mode is used to split the keyboard into two sections. However, the range and the timbre are identical in this mode. This feature allows two musicians to play a piano duet or to practice together on one instrument.

As the name suggests, this function allows users to tune the instrument to another instrument, such as an out-of-tune piano.

A filter is used to trim the sound’s frequency spectrum. Extreme variations of the sound are possible using resonances (overtones).

The FX button modifies the sound by adding an effect.

The Hall Simulator is a high-quality digital effect. The acoustic environment of selected famous concert and music halls, cathedrals and arenas can be imitated in detail and naturally by this feature.

The specific feel of an acoustic piano also comes from the delay between striking the key and the sounding of the string. The size and mass of the hammer heads and the time that elapses until they hit the strings are directly linked to the pitch and striking intensity on the keyboard. CASIO Hammer Response technology reproduces this mechanical property of an acoustic instrument.

Thanks to small counterweights in each key, this keyboard construction method recreates the playing feel of an acoustic instrument.

Function allowing musicians to layer up to six timbres and mix these dynamically in proportion.

High Resolution Velocity is a new technology developed by CASIO and approved by the MIDI Manufacturers Association, in which the keyboard's velocity is resolved into over 16,000 levels rather than 127, thus taking into account all the subtle nuances of a concert grand piano's immense dynamics.

The XW synthesizers P1 and G1 are equipped with the new Hybrid Processing sound source. This function consists of sound production technologies that CASIO has continued to develop over the years and enables vigorous and inventive sounds to be produced.

An envelope is used to control the chronological sequence of a sound or effect from its beginning until it fades away.

Key-Off Velocity measures the force of key release to produce specific tone decay for certain sounds.

The key-off simulator ensures authentic end-of-note characteristics. Whether legato or staccato, the long time it takes for notes to fade when the keys are released softly is emulated with as much richness of nuance as the short fade-out time of notes when keys are released quickly.

The term tones indicates the different tones stored in the instrument.

This function allows users to create an individual sound by modifying existing tones and adjusting them to suit their preferences.

Option for connecting standard headphones. When headphones are connected, no sound is played through the instrument speakers.

This function layers two timbres, such as soft piano sounds combined with bowed string instruments, perfectly suited for ballads as well as slow and romantic songs.

This pedal dampens the piano sound, making it not only quieter but also softer.

Like the keyboard on an acoustic piano, these keys have a solid, closed underside. Key lighting provides visual support for the lesson system.

An oscillator used to control signals, generating a low-frequency, infrasonic resonance that can be used for automatic modulation of parameters.

The lid simulator simulates the different sound characteristics (brighter/duller) when playing with an open or closed piano lid. There are four simulation levels to choose from depending on personal taste: open, removed, half open or closed.

Input (L/R with standard sockets) to connect an audio source with line level (e.g. another instrument or sound card) to an instrument.

Audio output on line level to connect the instrument to other professional devices, such as a PA or mixer console.

The loop button enables samples to be looped.

Master effects are the highest level of control that can modify or adjust the instrument’s output signal during sound production.

Master EQ is the highest level of control for modulating treble, mid and bass levels according to user preferences.

Zones can be allocated as required on the keyboard for controlling different tones and MIDI channels. Perfect for complex sound collages or MIDI master keyboard applications. Zones can also overlap without causing any problems.

The metronome beats in the preset time signature as a guide for keeping to the right tempo.

Input and output socket for conventional 5-pin MIDI plugs for connecting MIDI-compatible devices to each other.

Input for connecting a dynamic microphone.

The instrument features a small and compact keyboard.

This function mixes individual voices and controls balance and volume.

Button used to spontaneously apply a certain effect, such as vibrato, to a sound.

Wheel (seamless) used to spontaneously apply a certain effect, such as vibrato, to a sound.

Slider for the simple adjustment of parameters. The sliders can be assigned different functions.

Multifunctional keys are used to assign specific functions to individual instrument keys. For instance, users can assign changes in tempo or tone or start/stop commands to individual keys.

Function that allows users to learn pieces of music in a fun way, by having their playing rated according to the number of mistakes made. Multiple players can test themselves in the form of a competition.

Helps when playing well-known songs by allowing the musician to preset elements such as tempo, rhythm and timbre.

This setting shifts the octaves on the keyboard to the more comfortable middle zone when playing pieces of music that require users to play on the very low or high zones of the keyboard.

Integrated presets that configure the instrument for playing popular genres — from the French chanson and the Viennese waltz to Latin and Samba.

This function uses a miniature keyboard distributed over an octave to play quarter steps with keystrokes, making it possible to play certain Oriental scales. It is easy to save and retrieve these scales.

A term from analog technology that describes an oscillating circuit as used for the first step of tone generation in a classical synthesizer. An oscillator produces oscillations (=tones). Synthesizers often use several oscillators to mix several oscillations. A digital oscillator simulates analogue-electronic sound generation. XW synthesizer models have two each of virtual/analogue oscillators; two for PCM wave memory, one for external signals and one noise generator.

Overdubbing describes recording an existing recording without overwriting the first one. This allows recorded ideas to be developed further at a later date.

A pad controller, normally a matrix of several pads, enables single sounds or phrases, such as drum or synth sounds, samples, effects etc., to be assigned and played.

Function that allows the creation of any rhythm patterns for accompaniment.

Connection for a normal foot pedal or a simple foot switch.

A mode that allows users to play up to four timbres at the same time, including Hex-Layer and Solo Synthesizer. Likewise, many different synthesizer settings can be stored as a "performance".

A sequencer used to record short riffs, melody lines or chord progressions and afterwards play them back with a simple mouse click. Thanks to the option of overdubbing, even complex and polyphonic ideas can be realised and easily reproduced as well as being transposed.

Special button for switching quickly between piano and organ tones.

A wheel that is used for spontaneous and creative pitch modulation to play other timbres, such as wind and string instruments, more realistically.

Scratch disc with "vinyl-style" feel.

Number of voices (tones) that a musical instrument can generate at the same time. Polyphony reflects a digital instrument’s capability. This is particularly significant when playing at an advanced level, using the pedals or using automatic accompaniment.

Memory for the instrument’s settings (also called "registration" when used with keyboards). This memory allows the musician to change between several presets for different performances quickly and easily, e.g. while on stage.

Digital effect that adds reverberation to the timbre.

Rhythms are used as musical accompaniment to many pieces of music.

Users can modify and adapt existing rhythms using this rhythm editor.

The unique CASIO string resonance system precisely simulates the resonating and interacting piano strings for all 88 keys. The nuances generated by pressing the damper pedal ("damper resonance") are authentically replicated.

With this feature, users can record and loop any sound or any notes played. The possibilities include "jamming" with yourself or easily creating experimental loops with overdub recordings. The only limit is your creativity.

This feature allows users to make short audio recordings, which can then subsequently be played on the keyboard. This function is very entertaining because each recording can be used creatively!

Slot for standard SD memory cards that allows for easy transfer of data between storage medium and instrument.

A sequencer allows you to record your own ideas and compositions on the instrument (MIDI). It is possible to record and edit several songs with up to 17 tracks per song, depending on the sequencer’s size, thus creating complex arrangements.

Tuning based on different scales allows users to play other sequences of semitones and whole tones, which enables them to play in different modes, such as old ecclesiastical modes.

"Hammer action" means that the digital piano keyboard is weighted with little hammers to provide realistic touch sensitivity, just like that of a real grand piano. "Scaled" means that the weight of the keys decreases from the low to the high keys, just like on an acoustic instrument.

The II in Scaled Hammer Action II stands for an improved keyboard developed by CASIO. "Hammer action" means that the digital piano keyboard is weighted with little hammers to provide realistic touch sensitivity, just like that of a real grand piano. "Scaled" means that the weight of the keys decreases from the low to the high keys, just like on an acoustic instrument.

Slider for the simple adjustment of parameters.

Virtual analogue monophonic mode of XW synthesizers, similar to old analogue synthesizers and their sound properties.

This pedal causes the tones being held when the pedal is pressed to be sustained (just like the damper pedal). All the other tones die away as usual when the keys are released.

Option to divide the keyboard into two zones playing differing timbres, e.g. bass with your left hand and piano or vibraphone with your right hand when playing jazz or swing pieces.

The stage settings can be used to store all kinds of settings and configure the instrument quickly at the touch of a button.

Standard keys with no weighting and not in the style of a piano.

A step sequencer is used to create individual rhythms as well as melodic arrangements. A meter with a predefined number of steps is played continuously. A sound can be produced for each step and each track at the push of a button.

In addition to the classic tones, the PX-5S contains a powerful Synthesizer Engine that was developed from the XW-P1. This Synthesizer Engine provides a range of options for manipulating sounds using filters, LFOs and envelopes.

The elegant keyboard design provides the same luxurious feel and look as genuine ebony and ivory. The carefully roughened surface texture prevents fingers from slipping, even after playing for a long time.

Like the keyboard on an acoustic piano, these keys have a solid, closed underside.

Track transform effects allow users to create unique, personal sounds.

The transpose function shifts the scale on the keyboard by semitones, for instance so that an F would be played on the C key.

The new CASIO keyboard mechanism features three sensors per key; these sensors detect the intensity with which the key is struck to reproduce the response of a grand piano. This precise measurement also allows extremely sophisticated playing techniques at a high repetition speed.

Pieces of music stored in the instrument. They can be used for practising or simply to listen to for enjoyment.

This system allows you to turn off the melody part of a lesson song to play it by yourself.

This lesson system helps you to learn an instrument’s lesson songs by playing them first with the right timing, then using the correct keys and finally playing it at the right tempo.

The CASIO lesson system for keyboards, teaching the parts of a piece for the right and left hands separately before both hands play together. Step-by-step learning enables the song to be fully mastered.

Port for a USB cable to connect the instrument to a PC or Mac for the purpose of MIDI and/or data transfer.

Port used to connect standard USB storage media to your instrument to transfer data to/from your instrument.

XW-G1 synthesis type for tones utilising users' audio recordings as source material. This feature can be used for extremely inventive and experimental sound creation.

A series of classic electric pianos has been elaborately rerecorded especially for the PX-5S. These recordings have been integrated into the PRIVIA Pro as samples.

These pads are integrated in the instrument and allow you to play sounds in addition to the keyboard, such as sounds recorded using the sample function.