Casio Unveils Retro Gaming-Inspired Sampler
▼ Summary
– Casio unveiled a prototype sampler, the SX-C1, at NAMM, featuring a design reminiscent of a Game Boy and an SP-404 with a directional pad, buttons, and 16 sample pads.
– The final device is planned to have 16-voice polyphony, 16-bit/48kHz recording, 160 sample slots across 10 banks, and 64GB of internal storage preloaded with classic Casio sounds.
– It includes two assignable effects slots and a grid-style step sequencer, along with detailed sample-trimming functionality using a visible waveform.
– The sampler is designed for portability with a built-in mic, speaker, and AAA battery power, but also includes various audio jacks and USB-C ports for connectivity and computer integration.
– This product marks Casio’s return to the sampler market after decades, though its release date, price, and US availability remain unconfirmed.
Casio has made a striking return to the music production scene with the prototype SX-C1 sampler, a device that masterfully blends retro gaming aesthetics with modern sampling capabilities. Unveiled at the NAMM show, its design immediately grabs attention, featuring a directional pad and four buttons reminiscent of a classic game controller. These flank a small 1.3-inch OLED screen, while the lower section houses 16 rubberized pads for triggering samples, complete with a distinct pixelated font for labeling. This unique fusion suggests an instrument built for both playability and creative fun.
While the unit on display was not the final version, Casio has outlined some key specifications. The finished product is slated to offer 16-voice polyphony and will record samples at a quality of 16-bit / 48kHz. It will provide substantial storage with 10 banks of samples, totaling 160 individual slots, all housed within 64GB of internal memory. To kickstart the creative process, the sampler will come pre-loaded with a collection of iconic sounds sourced from classic Casio instruments.
The device incorporates two assignable effects slots, clearly indicated by thumbwheels marked FX1 and FX2. Although the full list of effects remains under wraps, demonstration footage clearly showcases a bitcrusher and a delay in action, hinting at a focus on textured, characterful sound manipulation. Another promising feature is a grid-based step sequencer that evokes the spirit of classic drum machines. More concretely, Casio has confirmed the inclusion of a proper sample-trimming function with a visible waveform display, a level of editing precision often missing from more compact and budget-friendly portable samplers.
For maximum portability, the SX-C1 features a built-in microphone and speaker and can be powered by AAA batteries, enabling completely untethered music-making. It doesn’t skimp on connectivity, however, offering 1/8-inch line-in and line-out jacks, a headphone output, and two USB-C ports. These USB connections are versatile, handling both power delivery and audio data, allowing users to sample directly from a computer source with ease.
This announcement marks a significant re-entry for Casio into the sampler market, a domain where its legendary 1980s models like the FZ-1 and SK-1 left an indelible mark. Details regarding final pricing, a specific release date, and regional availability, including a potential US launch, are still pending. The company is currently gathering feedback on the prototype, and further information is expected as development progresses toward a commercial release.
(Source: The Verge)
