Kawai K5000S

(Originally written by iSiStOy/translated from Audiofanzine FR)

See previous reviews.

UTILIZATION

Classic configuration.

Patch editing is rather complex. You don't have to know the FFT formulas but you should already know what additive sound synthesis means (that is to say potentially thousands of parameters) if you want to create a patch from scratch.

The user's manual is much too short!!

SOUNDS

The sound is... how could I describe it... ... I can't find the right words!
Mind-blowing!!!
With a good tube preamp and a good channel strip (tube, compressor, EQ) you'll get a killer sound!!!
It doesn't sound very realistic although it should, theoretically. It's wonderful for ambient with its incredible pads and stunning organic sounds.

The keyboard's feel and responsiveness are excellent. It has been my master keyboard since I bought it.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for 2 years. It's the ultimate tool to create atmospheres even if the editing is terribly boring (but it's "normal" for this kind of synthesis).

Rather good value for money. But I'm not objective.

With the XP I would even steal it from a newbie who would probably be fed up due to the unproductive editing hours.
I bought mine (K5000W) on Ebay for a very low price with CC box and a memory extension.

Synthesizer with two types of sound source:
- Additive Synthesis
- Subtractive based PCM (120 waveforms available)

you can mix up to 6 sources in a multi-mode patch and then to mix 4 patch.
on the other hand is quickly reached the limits of the 32-voice polyphony.

There are a lot of possible modulation and 4 potentiometers and two programmable buttons for live.
there is also a programmable arpeggiator extremely well designed and effect section with four effect buses and 4 selectable effects (among 36) + a reverb / delay effect and a general EQ.

UTILIZATION

I have the manual in French which gives a basis to start but the best is to have the book "Wizoo book" completes with a lot of example and this one trick.

If a program there programming provided with SoundDiver edition K5000 I highly recommend for editing patch.

I will not speak of the PCM part is excellent though.
The originality of this synth is additive synthesis is often little known.

Additive synthesis offers the K5000 is to "draw" the sound you want harmonic harmonic. Each harmonic has its own envelope: not a classic ADSR but loopable AD1D2R.

the result is then passed through a filter size of 128 bands.
To make the parallel subtractive you usually one or two low-pass filters / high / band 2/4 poles you put in series or in parallel, which gives you a frequency attenuation curve. With the filter element, you draw directly the curve: you the equivalent of 3 passes tape combined with a low-pass and high-pass, all with different resonances ba there has to draw the curve!

once you've spent three days and three nights the above, all this comes in a filter section and classic VCA with their own modulations (then in effect as section) ...

In short you get into another dimension space-time where time passes much faster when you program or sound and ability are unique.

SOUNDS

He excels in tablecloths and Pad and wherever we need the live sound and move, but it can get out of the lead and bass extremely convincing (subtractive filter part can come into self oscillation)

The keyboard is very good and manages velocity and aftertouch.

OVERALL OPINION

I have quite a subtractive synth and I wanted to touch the additive synthesis I also have a sample bank K5000 that I find beautiful and I wanted to see what synth was able to get these sounds.

At the time of its release, this synth was far ahead of its time (it still is for that matter) only limited polyphony betrayed his age.

I got it for 400 € and it is given in view of the capabilities of the machine.
This synth goes beyond that classic synth can do and is capable of outputting sounds that no other synth is able to achieve. the only limit is your ability to stay awake for the program ...

The best model for K5000 keyboard because it includes the rotary controllers

to see if the memory card is already in ME1 !!!!!!!!!!

take care because it is a super Becane!!

UTILIZATION

Nothing to say except that it is better to have the memory card in ME1 to extend the internal memory

SOUNDS

Royal C

OVERALL OPINION

A machine that is currently underestimating its value !!!!!!!

All is said, a bomb with a digital analog access, simple functions and useful keyboard, which in 1996 was well ahead of its time

UTILIZATION

Very easy no problems, just small flat for the manual in English, and the organization of sounds that could have been made by "family sound" (but good spending time can be organized in any sauce)

SOUNDS

I learned nothing by telling you that this synth is not the n to make realistic sounds ...
but the sounds that they are expected to its powerful, warm, c is a marvel

OVERALL OPINION

To sum up what comes out of good synth sounds with real-time controller, an arpeggiator of thunder, the individual outputs, very good feature to work in the afternoon and a brushed aluminum look to be beautiful and more inspiring confidence in the strength again its bargain price is low in view of its ability