Casio CT-X3000 is so hard to operate!

[@kayandaeddings4803]

Casio should come out with an app. They need a Casio app for people who is visually impaired such as myself and others. Yamaha did it but not them. I’m planning to buy this keyboard this year sometime in October before my birthday in November.

[@gearfacts]

Great idea, definitely.

[@scrandy882]

This keyboard is actually not complicated to use. I am an absolute beginner and I got around it in a few days. It is no iPhone but if you want a sequencer and editable tones and styles in this price range you cannot expect them to add more keys or bigger LCD. If you need that buy the higher models. If not you have to work with some menues.Thats not really hard.

[@gearfacts]

This is such a relief to hear! :) #gearfacts

[@AspectStudio]

This is what I was thinking. I just made a comment saying it doesn't look nearly as hard as an Alesis drum machine I had...

[@stevekellett6934]

I found understanding the manual for the x3000 roughly equivalent to juggling soot and actually using some of the functions as easy as pulling my own teeth. But the sounds are great. !!

[@gearfacts]

I agree 100%. That manual is something else... :) #Gearfacts

[@touchedbytarot3654]

I found yr comment so on point and gave me a giggle too. I’ve had my ctx5000 for over a year and still struggle so not using it to its full potential. The user manual is a university course haha.

[@alicearcturus8610]

Nope. Not for this beginner. Nope. Thank you so much. I love music and love the way Casio sounds compared to others. I am on limited budget, (retired) so I want one that is inexpensive but will last for many years. The search continues. You saved me from a big mistake.

[@gearfacts]

As I always say, "Buy the one that makes you smile" :)

[@1942nn]

All keyboards with advanced features such as style editing, style creator, style assembly, etc... are tough to learn. I have done style assembly on Tyros3 ONCE, with success. Now, I try again in vain, even following the manual instructions line by line. I really forgot how I did it. I strongly believe learning advanced features is easy for a number of people and really difficult for others. Yamaha and Casio are designed in Japan (pls correct me if I am wrong), and Japan it not known for user friendly when it comes to user interface. I have worked with Japanese high tech products, a good example is one that I used supports single letter commands such as: A for open file, B for copy file, C for delete file, etc.... Very bad choices of letters for various operations.

[@peteskyrunner4845]

I've had this keyboard about a week now but I am only just starting to learn to play so I am concentrating on that rather than sequencing songs and editing sounds yet so I haven't even looked in the manual other than to shift octaves, which thankfully was very simple. But I have watched a few tutorials on how to create your own rhythms, edit sounds etc just out of interest and I must say it looks like it's going to be a huge learning curve. So many combinations of random buttons just to get one job done! I think you need a PHD in computer programming to understand it. But I don't regret buying it. Other than the operating system (which I will eventually get the hang of) the keyboard is an absolute beast! And fortunately now there are a lot of tutorials on KZbin :-)

[@AspectStudio]

Thats it exactly, lots of people have figured it out already for us late comers, lol. I'm super excited to get mine in the mail.

[@AspectStudio]

It dosen't seem all that bad to me. I had this drum machine, an Alesis something or other, and it was a nightmare. I can't wait for this thing to arrive in the mail, it looks like a cakewalk in comparison, thanks for the great video.

[@gearfacts]

Hi there, just catching up to see how you’ve found the CT-X3000 after one year?

[@vince89503]

Thank you for pointing this out on the new Casio keyboards, I purchased the xpw 1 some time ago and was super disappointed in the work flow of the keyboard. You can tell by listening to some of the preset patterns that the keyboard is capable of advanced sequencing , but good luck trying to program your own , even with the help of the manual. Always love your videos , thanks for what you do.

[@gearfacts]

Yeah it's a big big shame. I mean I've got a lot of experience and in this video I was trying to perform the simplest tasks... Made me feel like an idiot! But yes a lot of people are having difficulty with advanced functions on this one, and only one or two have messaged me saying that they're having no problems. Maybe it takes a specific kind of brain :) #gearfacts

[@ThaWolfe1]

Someone could make a living posting these type of KZbin’s, most keyboards in musical equipment have poor documentation, not easy to work, and the music store is no help. Remember I didn’t say all I said most

[@technov9838]

its for arrangers where you modify the sound that you want and put it on auto..its not hard at all..

[@godders7594]

Another honest review Mr G, just what a prospective buyer needs. Well done

[@gearfacts]

Thanks Gary. Yeah it's really disappointing to hear so many great sounds and then run into soooo much difficulty arranging them! I'll keep trying and might follow up with another video clarifying things. If you don't hear from me, I gave up!

[@cabalenjay3804]

Casio should make a comprehensive tutorial about ctx operation

[@gearfacts]

Absolutely, in fact I think it's quite remiss of them not to :/ Gearfacts

[@cabalenjay3804]

Gearfacts yes , just got mine last week. I have psr 900 and by far easier to operate

[@graghamstaylor2341]

Casio have a wonderful logical & easy interface on the PX 360/560 & made a 'big selling point' of it, so what the Hell are they thinking of with their latest boards !!

[@FeryAndrianus]

Agree with you. Unlike my first keyboard, Casio CTK-700 which was easy to use, this CTX got me dizzy quite a bit 🤣 I guess I have to be patient on this one. Mine is CTX-5000.

[@gearfacts]

Yes, I guess like everything it's a patience thing. As said in the video though, I was up almost all night trying to do something that I expected to be very simple. And that manual!! It's like a a geometry puzzle book :) Gearfacts

[@ivysilk6983]

I totally agree with you, it is so difficult to use. I have tried getting a rhythm to come up with no luck. I can turn it on and the tone 001stagepiano shows on the screen, the I press the rhythm button and no rhythm shows up, only a tone 345VcChSyn2, and this happens every time I press the rhythm button. I have tried for a week, and am at my wits end. I think there is a fault with this, so I'm sending back to Crescendo music in Perth, (I am in far north QLD, so it will take almost 2 weeks to get there, so I will most likely be without a keyboard for up to a month. Not happy at all. Thanks for this video, I wish I knew this before I bought the Casio CT-X3000. Cheers.👍👍

[@gearfacts]

Sorry to hear about all that hassle late. What drag! Casio really picked up their game with the CT-S series that came next, worth looking into.

[@ivysilk6983]

@@gearfacts Thank you, I think I will go back to getting a Yamaha. Cheers.

[@signalmanchief]

5 years now, still haven't wanted to do much beyond presets. Bought it for practice because It doesn't need an amp, but it has been on stage mostly. Great sounds, hard to find them in a live performance

[@gearfacts]

Yep I think that's the best way to approach this keyboard. Can't deny the quality of the presets :)

[@lynnesmith1959]

I just bought this onn,Amazon, but I'm thinking abt returning it. Beautiful sounds but steep learning curve.

[@gearfacts]

Yep, I hear you. I made another video about creating synth sounds, it might be helpful. But sequencing a song - still haven't figured it out to this day...

[@lynnesmith1959]

What Casio keyboard would you recommend that has just as good a sounds, but not so difficult to learn?

[@gearfacts]

@@lynnesmith1959 The Roland Go:Keys is slightly superior in sound, and much more simple. Perhaps slightly more expensive, but worth it.

[@vito_keys]

In the CT-X700 and CT-X800, the built-in metronome cannot sync with the Song Recorder function. Does it behave the same in CT-X3000?

[@gearfacts]

I would strongly expect it does :/

[@vito_keys]

@@gearfacts a Metronome Rhythm is required to substitute that

[@unreralism1972]

I bought the CTX 5000 (9000IN here in India). Before buying I watched some videos, including those by Casio where they demonstrated the different functions (without actually getting into the details). I assumed those things would be as simple as they seemed to be on the Videos, but I was so wrong ! I've had keyboards before, but this one was beyond my understanding,. Yes the sounds are great for the price, but the Operating system makes no sense at all. Secondly, keybed was noisy from day 1. Everytime I Played on a low volume, I could hear the kets rattle and squeak ! Struggled for a month, then sold it off and bought a Yamaha PSR SX 700. I shouldn't compare because the SX700 is 4 times more expensive, but my point is, I could figure out everything on the SX700 as soon as I unboxed it.

[@gearfacts]

I completely agree, Sayantan. Operating systems are an ongoing problem for Casio, they really need to work on it.

[@erichkohl9317]

I just ordered one of these from Sweetwater. I hope the OS is not as difficult as you make it out to be. ;-)

[@gearfacts]

Some people have gotten back to me saying that they've had no trouble. I guess it comes down to the kind of thinking and logic your brain uses. Don't be concerned, the sounds on their own make if worth the price :) Gearfacts

[@erichkohl9317]

@@gearfacts Yeah, even on Casio's forums I see some people struggling with the interface. I'm not *too* worried though, since I once owned a Yamaha MOXF6 and successfully learned even that sequencer. Granted, doing MIDI recording on a smaller screen is never going to be as liberating as using a DAW on a computer, but I'm just going to take it one step at a time, study the manual, and hope for the best. :)

[@davidmartin123]

I agree - this is what can happen when embedded software programmers write the user interface. Casio has since released CT-X video manuals, but they are also confusing. They belabor the simple and gloss over the complex. Set up for recording is particularly bewildering. Yes, yes, once you understand the mode/button press-hold/write/sure? sequences you get it, but that can take a frustratingly long time to initially figure out and to then master through repetition. Appreciate your pointing out this, it probably has resulted in some efforts by Casio to provide clarifying videos.

[@gearfacts]

Thanks for watching and posting, DM :)

[@ChristianKoehler77]

Why do they still use a display like that? There were better displays around in the 90s making menu operation so much easier.

[@gearfacts]

Word :) Gearfacts

[@graghamstaylor2341]

I have a PX-560 & a CTX-5000 . Why on earth did they not use the brilliant touch screen on the PX 360/560 (also missing on the latest PX-S 3000 Piano!) & charge just a small amount more for the 'flagships' of the PX -S & CT-X ranges? Both ausome boards though , I bought the 5000 for teaching KB mainly, but it is so good that I now sometimes Use it on gigs if set up space is a problem, & when midi'd from an 88 note weighted keyboard ( via a Kenton midi to host!) the CT-X APs& EPs are to die for !!

[@rodrigovilleda764]

Christian Koehler maybe to maintain costs for a keyboard to cost half of less than a keyboard with same specs? CASIO has been always great quality products. I still have my three watches, my school and uni calculators, my childhood keyboard and all they work like the first day. I don’t need a big screen or more buttons to make it sound. Just take the time and try to understand it. I was looking for the Korg Pa600 but surprise a beautiful touch faulty screen. No thanks. Love CASIO with intelligent hardware 👍

[@NFawc]

If you could just tilt the screen that would help a bit too!

[@deltadanman]

Gosh, I ALWAYS have a hard time understanding manuals, so I approach my learning curve for 'most any new gear with the same mix of awe & trepidation I recall about my earliest dating experiences... However, I didn't realize 'til listening to your comments - that there is one source of frustration I typically avoid - by downloading the latest (often revised from the printed ) user manual - then letting Acrobat Reader do most of the 'heavy lifting' when searching and jumping between pages or needing multiple pages open at once. I'm able to do that because there's already a few large-screen displays here in the Delta man-cave which makes that feasible; I'm uncertain if the PDF format would be fully exploitable without a big screen tho, so anyone considering this suggestion should probably use an option to project to a nearby TV, if your PDF resides on a smartphone or tablet. From an early age, I grew up with an upright piano in my bedroom - along with a closet full of other 'real' instruments - so my definition of "great sounding" is hugely biased towards authentic-sounding; both the CT-X and the MZ-X models have turned-out to be disappointing [IMO] with regard to their built in sound quality. It frankly enrages me to see that Casio deliberately adorned these puny built-in speakers with gaudy plastic embellishments to make them appear far larger than they really are! The sonic consequence of this cheating typically sounds compressed to my ears - and lacks the dynamic range and nuance of the instrument it's attempting to imitate. I'm coming to a realization that I won't be able to afford a keyboard with a built-in amp & speakers that satisfy me. Although I can certainly tap into other nearby gear in the cave, I hoped to avoid complications from tethering, since I often need to rearrange my cramped surroundings to accommodate needs of some current project de jour. Most of us won't have an opportunity to listen 1st hand to the built-in sound in a showroom before we buy a keyboard, so if you care about more than just "really loud" please be sure you purchase from a dealer with a good return policy. Casio Music hosts several regional websites globally, with some marketing & support links specific to each region, but other support links have broader application - such as the worldwide user forum for Casio music gear.The sort of questions and gripes I'm seeing here, are also mentioned by forum members, so I think that also posting your comments there will get them seen by more owners of Casio gear, and more likely read by Casio's own Gear-heads as well. I recently downloaded & installed firmware updates to my CT-X5000 AND MZ-X300 - which appear to be applicable to any of those regional models which shipped with English language software. Ironically, that's the sort of task you'd expect to be a bit daunting - but it was actually quite straightforward. (There are also corresponding FW updates posted for the CT-X3000 and the MZ-X500 models.) All 4 model-specific updates have been posted recently, so there's a good chance that existing owners of any one of these models will want to consider updating. Especially, MZ-X owners - because there are also hundreds of additional tones, and dozens of new or enhanced features included with the 'bug-fixes'. Sadly, this update could be considered a Farewell Party for the 2 MZ-X models, as they are no-longer being built and (unofficially) there are no "Son of..." replacements in the pipeline for 2019 or beyond. As a result , you may stumble-upon a fleeting deal for an MZ-X keyboard at an unreal price; my own MZ-X300 sold (briefly) for less-than 1/2 of its still current street price elsewhere. I've also seen recent reports of MZ-X500 'flash-mob' style sales. Happy noodling!

[@gearfacts]

Hmmm, yes. Keyboards are like new cars now, they plummet in value as soon as you take them off the premises. I want to review the MZ-x300 as I've already done the 500. I'm in talks with Casio about organising this, i can't afford to buy one then take the massive loss if I then want to sell it (That's what I normally do for these reviews. Yep, this channel costs me a fortune!) GF

[@elsaportela574]

You are very right on your comments. It should be easier.

[@gearfacts]

100%. To be fair to Casio, they have improved the system with the new CT-S500.

[@HubertEtAlice]

Hi, great review again. I have the 3k since last Thursday and I find the learning curve is daunting. The OS is a nightmare and the manual looks as if it were written by a drunken sailor on steroids (or maybe dictated to Siri). I love the sounds, though, and also the feel of the keys, which I find very accurate. I was wondering, what made you decide for the 3k instead of the 5k apart from the price? I really am at a loss now and I am heavily hesitating between sending back the 3k, and get the 5k or, who knows, the E463. But I really find the sounds and the rhythms much livelier than on the Yamaha that I don’t know if I could go back. Also, I like to play with the backings and it is really great to have four variations instead of two, it really helps to build up an arrangement. I was very disappointed because I tired to upload some rhythms to the 3k. The process was very clumsy; fortunately, I got some help on the Facebook CT-X page, but the rhythms sounded really cheesy. I suspect this is because for compatibility reasons, the tones inside the rhythms are being mapped to the GM soundbank, which isn’t on par with the panel voices (this is a point where the E4xx XF voices shine in comparison with the 3k and 5k GM voices). Do you think it is worth remapping the voices in these rhythms to get a better result? I find also it is a pity that there is only one phrase set recorded in the keyboard for the phrase pads. All Yamaha middle-range keyboards always come with a full bank of default Multipads to get you started. I have got the feeling that Casio released the CR-X3000/5000 before the software was really ready. As for now, do you prefer the CT-X3000 or the E463? Have you kept both keyboards? Cheers.

[@gearfacts]

All valid points and good questions. I think it comes back to my core philosophy: To be worth owning, an instrument has to be lovable. I can't love a CT-X keyboard. I love its sounds, but the operating system is such a downer that the board would never make me happy. With the PSR-E463, I find I can forgive its shortcomings in sound because everything else happens so naturally - it WANTS to make music. The CT-X seems to be saying "Yes I sound great, but are YOU good enough? I'll be here and waiting when you've figured me out". I believe the CT-X5000 is yet another step up in sound excellence but I can't afford one and Casio won't provide one for me to review! So for now I've kept the PSR-E463. I'm not saying that everyone should share my opinion, what I'm saying (and always say on Gearfacts) is: Buy the one that makes you smile :)

[@HubertEtAlice]

Gearfacts Hi, yesterday I shipped my CT-X3000 back but now I have another problem: I feel that the sounds of many entry-to-middle level keyboards by other brands are sub-par by comparison. Just from the videos (I suppose I should try the keyboards in person, but the next music shop is 50 miles away so I can’t go there that often), I even suspect that the CT-X3000/5000 sounds better than Yamaha PSR S670 (of which the sounds and styles already sound somewhat dated) and the Korg PA300, which sounds kind of artificial to my ears. If I go for the E463, I fear that I will tire off very quickly of its sounds, and the fact that the styles have only two variations and are not editable is quite frustrating when compared with the 4 variations, 4 fills rhythms of the Casio. Mind you, the E463 has a great feature: with the symmetric MIDI/digital audio interface, you can control any virtual synth on an iPad (for instance the Korg iM1) with the E463 and send the Audio back through the E463 speakers, so virtually you have another instrument. By the way, when I still had my old E433, I used it as a MIDI controller with my iPad and it was interesting because I was able to control any of the iM1 patches with the E433 arpeggiator. Great fun. Have you kept the 3k or have you shipped it back? I don’t think that the 5k is very different, excepted that you’ve got the category buttons to quicker access to the sounds and rhythms and better speakers but if you p,au mostly at home it doesn’t make much of a difference. The problem with the “buy the one that makes you smile” philosophy is that I am completely unable to evaluate seriously a keyboard while playing it for an hour in a music shop... after one week I still don’t know whether I liked the 3k or not... that why I sent it back, I suppose I still can reorder it if I change my mind... I would probably buy the CT-X800 if it were not for a few drawbacks. First and foremost, it is unforgivable that one can’t possibly adjust the balance volume between the upper1, upper2 and lower voices. It is hard to understand how Casio could make such a mistake. Secondly, I really like the fact that on the 3k the rhythms have 4 variations, it gives much more spice to the accompaniments. Thirdly, I really like the pattern sequencer and the phrase pads, this is something that I would probably miss on the E463 or the CT-X800. Also here the CT-X800 and 3k are almost the same price, which is kind of ridiculous, and the 800 costs 100€ more than the 700 just form the pitch bend and the USB to device connector... That said, the fact that the CT-X800 is much lighter and thus portable, that it has a category button, as well as a button to quickly switch to a piano or an organ, are nice features, and it is a pity that the 3k doesn’t have them. Well I suppose what I really need to do is go in a music shop and try the E463 extensively to decide whether I like it better than the 3k or not. Regards.

[@gearfacts]

vbdx66 Once again I find myself agreeing with all your comments. I ended up choosing the 463 over the 3000, but both are gone now as I have to keep selling off things to buy more the review, and keep the channel going :) My permanent resident keyboard is actually an M-Audio Venom. Nothing like either of the keyboards we're discussing of course. And although I have a love-hate relationship with it, every time I use it something interesting and magical happens, so it fulfils the 'smile' philosophy, though I do understand your reservations about that. But I digress. The PSR-E463 is limited in many ways but it's eminently productive, and that's where it trumps the Casio. Better is better for sound of course, but at the end of the day we want to have some actual music down. And as you point out, the 463 has plenty of scope for expansion by connection to other devices and even just by it's very user-friendly sampler. I tired the PSR-S670 once and found it utterly boring. Couldn't believe the price tag on it, and I could see no niche capabilities or special features at all. Some people regard it as a bit more professional - but not I. I agree about the CT-X pricing, it's an annoying price:features curve. I had a CT-X700 for a while and I must say I liked its smallness, and it still had a great set of bold sounds. It's interface was the same old story though. What to do, what to do?? I'm still in favour of the 463 if your budget is in that zone. Glynn

[@HubertEtAlice]

Gearfacts Thanks for your advice. I definitely need to go in a shop and try the E463 before making my final decision. There are a couple discounted CT-X5000 for sale right now at about the same price as the E463, so it is not a budget issue. I was able to lay down real music with the 3k in fact, but the interface kept giving me an headache. Maybe it’s the same thing as with smoking, though: just a question of getting used to the damn thing...?

[@gearfacts]

vbdx66 Hmmm, CT-X5000 units for the same price as PSR-E463 eh ...Gosh that makes it a tough decision. I've never tried the 5000 but I've heard it's a pretty big step up. It may only be because it has huge speakers though. It may have more sounds too, but you'll be stuck with that operating system. Sheesh, good price though :/

[@Stephanie9959]

Hi from San Antonio Texas. Thank you for this video, I think you saved me a lot of frustration. I am going to get the Yamaha Psr- ew410 76 key with a 17 track sequencer or the Korg EK 50 instead.

[@gearfacts]

No problem Stephanie. I don't know about the Korg EK but that PSR-EW400 is very nice, I've reviewed it on Gearfacts. Good luck! GF

[@Stephanie9959]

+Gearfacts Korg ok 50 is the newest rage in this price range. Specifically targeting Yamaha and Casio priced at about 400 US dollars. I will check out your review of the Psr 400. Thanks for yiye reply.

[@kanan5467]

I'm between choosing CTX3000 or CTX800, X3000 has a great sound but confusing UI, while the X800 with a somewhat good UI while having a decent sound but still falls short compared to the X3000, what do you think? I'm a bit concerned seeing as how many people get confused in the UI of the X3000, if the UI is confusing might as well just stick to the piano voice and not experiment with it.

[@gearfacts]

Yep the UI is dreadful, second worst I've ever seen after the Casio XW-PD1.

[@kanan5467]

@@gearfacts So what do you recommend? the X3000 or X800?

[@gearfacts]

@@kanan5467 for basic live play I’d choose the 800. If you want to get creative with sounds then the 3000 does have a good effects/envelope processor. The difficult operating system can seriously affect your enjoyment of the instrument though.

[@kanan5467]

@@gearfacts I suppose I can go with the X3000 seeing as how I am planning to use it for a long time. So if I somehow progress, I may need to know or learn how to edit to become more creative. The only problem now is I need to find someone who puts up tutorials. Anyways, thank you for responding!

[@gearfacts]

@@kanan5467 Maybe have a look at this video first, it features the CTK3000 and compares it to other things you can buy on the second hand market: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGKWfZeciZKknKs

[@jps99]

I was hoping to find out how to adjust the metronome volume. I've done it once before, but today the manual might as well be Chinese. It would be nice, too, if the metronome didn't sound like someone whacking a hubcap with a fork. Still, love all those gorgeous instrument sounds!

[@gearfacts]

Yes, it's the great sounds that save this board. I can't answer your question though sorry (unsurprisingly!)

[@melodizerr7701]

Dear friend! Are you finally successful in recording new simple rhythm? Does it really work or not? I'm awaiting my booked x5000 and it's important for me to understand whether rhythm sequencer workable, but it' hard job or it completely doesn't work at the moment? Many thanks beforehand

[@gearfacts]

melodizerr Hello, yes it works definitely. I have managed to record one track but it was very difficult and I still don’t know all the details. I still love this keyboard though !

[@melodizerr7701]

Thanks a lot!

[@tkarlmann]

This keyboard is just fine! Why would I take advice from someone who cannot even get a full-screen of the KB shot in focus? I have the CT-X5000 and everything is fine; just read the manual!

[@gearfacts]

I'm glad it's going well for you! And no, nobody has to take my advice :) Gearfacts

[@scrandy882]

I am thinking the same thing. Almost did not buy it because of videos like this. If you are a bit tech-savvy this works just fine. Had no problems with it.

[@alexanderwilliams1731]

It’s a real shame on how hard this keyboard is but it’s still a great keyboard 🎹😃

[@gearfacts]

Undeniably true!

[@sunset9323]

let’s say i want to make my own song, which is better between go-keys and ctx-3000? i really confused about the differences. hope you’ll help :))

[@gearfacts]

Hmm neither of them are good for song writing. I'd be more inclined to get a Korg EK50 if you want good sounds and decent sequencing. Even a Yamaha PSR-E463 would be better if composing entire songs is your goal. The go-keys and ctx-3000 are better for live performance or linking to a computer.

[@NixiShavalMusic]

Its a bit of a pain but fuck does it sound cool, I mainly just use mine as a midi controller but I do like to play with it occasionally as its own thing or take it over to a friends place to jam out a bit

[@gearfacts]

Yep, I think that's where it shines - Jamming, live playing, just having fun. But synthesis, storage, sequencing... nope!

[@keanuman1]

Yeah, I agree. When I test drive this keyboard, the DSP editing and its parameters are confusing and harder than the MZ-X series.

[@gearfacts]

And it just gets harder from there :( #gearfacts

[@keanuman1]

@@gearfacts I remember press FUNCTION and then scroll until the display says "DSP edit" then press enter to select DSP patches and press FUNCTION again to select a parameter of that DSP. #cmiiw

[@ucbienquang4885]

So to you the operating system of this one is the only disadvantage?

[@gearfacts]

Yep, that's all it is. Otherwise it's a superb keyboard :) #gearfacts

[@ucbienquang4885]

What do you think about ctx5000? Is there any improvement than the ctx3000?

[@gearfacts]

Never tried it ...I know that it's a few more sounds and bigger speakers, but no battery power :) Gearfacts

[@1942nn]

Can the CTX3000/5000 loads rythms from USB thumb drive ? I search the manual, found nothing about this.

[@gearfacts]

Not individual rhythm patterns, just songs and wav files

[@soloharmonicsrobj8246]

Yes, the functionality is difficult on the CTX3000. Don't be in a hurry to learn this keyboard. There is so much good sound crammed into this unit and that's the bitch with digital synthesis. I'm still trying to learn how to access all the available DSP modules for selected tones. As far as the manual is concerned. My advice would be to take time to study it and learn Greek, he he!

[@gearfacts]

100% agreed :)

[@pcuimac]

So Rich Formadoni now implements the Documentation? I ask, because KORG documentation is exactly of that type where everything is explained with a reference to dozens of other parts of the manual. You can't learn anything from it. The MZ-X OS is much more sophisticated than this bs.

[@jackiegillings6030]

hi i just bought the keyboard and love it....but after mixing my song if i change to another song and go back to my original song the mixer settings are gone... would you know if you can save your mixer settings with this keyboard.

[@gearfacts]

One of the many mysteries of the CT-X series ...I'm sure there'd be a way but I've spent too many hours trying to understand this keyboard :) GF

[@jackiegillings6030]

thanks for getting back. maybe i have to mix each track before i record but that seems strange..kinda of ass backwards for mixing a song

[@nothing.here182]

Thanks for pointing this out! How's the keybed like compared to something like a Yamaha Psr e series keybed?

[@gearfacts]

I think the Yamaha equivalents are slightly better but they are both mediocre. If key action is very important to you, it's well worth spending a bit more and getting the Korg EK-50 :) #Gearfacts

[@nothing.here182]

@@gearfacts Thanks for the tip! KORG usually isn't on my radar but if they have superior keybeds to Yamaha and Casio than I should give it a look. I dont need weighted keys per say but I want something very sturdy with a bit of give at least

[@gearfacts]

@@nothing.here182 Yeah definitely try it out anyway. I really felt a difference. Good luck!

[@nothing.here182]

@@gearfacts thanks again! Seems like a lot of people are saying the same thing about the Korg's keys. Very excited to learn more

[@teezeeteezee7874]

Since u saith that hard operating thing, I think the psr e 463 it's better??? What can u u say bout that e463?

[@gearfacts]

The CTX3000 sounds great, but personally I don't want my music time to be spent figuring out how to do things. Very frustrating instrument!

[@alexmandelli9297]

I own this Keyboard.... The new AiX sounds are a big Improvement for Casio Keyboards... The best sounds for me are the amazing Drum sets, the well made Grand Piano/Digital Pianos, some of the "Solo Voices" and Synths. The included 235 Styles are "remastered" from the CT-K and WK Keyboard Series, some of them are OK, some sound like bad arranged Midi Files... They do need a big Improvement! Personally I am not happy about the Keys feeling, they are too flimsy and "Clickety-Click" on the touch... Also, the display is very Ugly and frustrating! It doesn't matter the way I look at it, I won't be able to see it the right way, all I can see is Black rows and spots! :-) The Function Buttons are flimsy and very rubbery... The other FRUSTRATING thing about this keyboard is the Operating System! Is so very hard to understand and complicated to use... Anyway, I would give this New Casio Keyboard a 7/10 Score because the new AiX Sounds... I would love to see a new updated "Key bed", a better Display and better arranged Styles and better Operating System!

[@gearfacts]

What can I say but YES, I agree completely with all those statements :) Gearfacts

[@rene.grondzi]

I made samples on the casio ct-x3000 that sound 100x better than on my yamaha psr s970

[@HubertEtAlice]

Rene Grondzi How do you mean “samples”? You mean “tones” I suppose?

[@rene.grondzi]

@@HubertEtAlice yes

[@alexmandelli9297]

The more I get into this Keyboard the more Frustrated I get... I found some new compatible styles for this Keyboard, loaded them into a USB stick... Plugged it into the keyboard and waited about 2 minutes for the keyboard to Mount the USB stick! Then, to load one style into the Keyboard memory, I have to press so many buttons and go thru so many menus and this is just for one style! The I play the style loaded into the keyboard and see if I like it... THEN... To load another style, you have to do it all over again... and go thru all the menus and buttons... What? Frustration after frustration... Does anyone want to buy this keyboard? I am selling it... Sorry Casio!

[@bernsteiner88]

Do you know how to make the chords appear when you are playing the keyboard?

[@gearfacts]

Should appear on the treble and bass clef anytime you play

[@bernsteiner88]

@@gearfacts ohh I thought I could see chords on the screen when I am playing normal piano anywhere on the keyboard, my korg microarranger does that

[@Mr.Face222]

You just need ACCOMP enabled and then you can play a chord on the left side.

[@Stop_Elitists_Wars]

Yeah, ctx5000 no joke..just not intuitive & in my case not worth the time to learn. Question, which keyboard even at a higher price is easier to use & layer, record on?

[@gearfacts]

Oh the PSR-E463 is beautifully easy to work on. Here's a demo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKmQZqJuZamKe8U

[@thedonvrgs]

Its normal that if i play a song With the max volumen, the horn sound have a snore? Sorry my english is not good

[@gearfacts]

Maximum volume will strain the speakers. It is normal :) Gearfacts

[@MariusVideoOfficial]

I fint the audio outputs a little noisy for my taste...Casio has not well engineered this important part of this keyboard...I have It, I think that's good for live situations but not for recording, in homestudio too...

[@gearfacts]

I agree. Apart from the sounds, almost everything is bad on this board!

[@MariusVideoOfficial]

​@@gearfacts For the annoyng noise I solve with a noise gate but is not the best solution because the noise is a component of the sound too then we can only "cover" the silenced parts without hisssss and when in play is less present...I can't undestand how a brand like Casio can produce a keyboard with an noisy audio like this CT-X3000...I'm curious to know if the CT-X5000 is noisy too, because It has a Line output dedicated, not like the 3000 that uses the Phone output, incredible if I think to price...for the rest I'm studyng the OS to use the 16 parts sequencer, slowly I'm starting to understand the philosophy of this bad system, but is powerful surely and require to memorize the various not intuitive passages to obtain what You want. The sequencer is powerful and rich of nice features to work well, quantization of a section of bars, copy, paste, insert bars and a single event editing to correct notes, velocity etc on single notes.

[@cassisbrook]

@@MariusVideoOfficial I have an old CTK-811EX (20+ years old) and record via the phone/line out ➡️ digital interface ➡️ my laptop. There is some background hiss from that output, as evident here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3jWfaCVea5jbZI - It is annoying but I've just learned of noise reduction on the program I use (Audacity) which has helped.

[@MT_keyboards]

Completely opposite of the MZ-X series, which has fantastic and very easy to use operating system. Casio should have put a touch screen at least on the CT-X5000.

[@deltadanman]

Really? Are you available for MZ-X tutoring?

[@gearfacts]

Yep I'd say that feature may well come with the next version. That old CTX style screen is looking very dated. Gearfacts

[@gearfacts]

haha yeah I've had one go on the 2000 and nothing came intuitively to me tbh! Gearfacts

[@deltadanman]

The MZ-X series touchscreen is legible across greater angles than the CT-X models; even so its grainy, 5-inch 528 × 320-dot display would be a non-starter on the cheapest modern cellphone. Beyond that, I haven't figured how to scroll thru long lists or jump directly to a selection or setting - when multi-choice categories are segmented into multiple pages, with up/down arrows to jump between pages... AND that Down Arrow is perilously close to the non-illuminated Back Button - so it's easy to hit 'Back' by mistake, somewhere around page 15 on your long journey to page 17 - then have to start-over from the beginning... Arrgh! Somebody shoot me!

[@yzimsx]

It's a cleverly designed plot to get committed users. The machine punishes you hard, you're forced to memorize obscure and absurd things, like a secret code. You'll be a devoted fan and an obedient servant ever after. Ha ha ha!! Users are going to feel an unprecedented level of comradery, having been initiated to the bizarre secret society of Casio CT-X. Btw, tip for fellow CT-X users, for recording your own rhythms: if you make a mistake and want to erase only one drum sound, say, the snare drum: keep recording, press down the snare drum's key as lightly as you can, and hold it down through an entire cycle. All the snare hits will be replaced by silence, and you can re-record the snare without stopping, exiting rhythm edit mode, or anything.

[@gearfacts]

Sooooooo true :) Gearfacts

[@torstenH78]

Did you ever try to record a new style on Roland E-A7 arranger ??? Or create some new midi setups and store your own drumsamples on a stick ( it´s not possible, they forgot the function!!!) ?? Then you will see, theat ALL todays medium-priced keyboards are difficult to program. They all bring this things on market to earn money, but after that, they leave the user alone with all the software-bugs in it... Roland is the bad example, because they never tray to make better updates :-(

[@gearfacts]

Yeah some are hard to use and some are *really* hard to use! :) #gearfacts

[@alexbtps1]

My 2 kids's christmas present... It will be mine aswell! LOL

[@gearfacts]

It will be smiles all round, especially when you get into the synth category :) #gearfacts

[@alexbtps1]

@@gearfacts it is already plain fun with them and my 30 years Casio CT670 because it's "A little known champion" if you see what i mean... I've just bought a midi/usb interface for the CT670 but i don't know what software to download and increase things i can do with it. Can you advise me? Please. Regards.

[@gearfacts]

Alexbtps1 hmm I have no specific advice. I guess I’d start by googling “midi sequencer freeware” and go from there :) #Gearfacts

[@mickmanly3161]

Anyone know how to midi a korg i5m into the Casio 3k.

[@gearfacts]

It would have to be done via computer. You'd need a USB>midi interface and some software that will route the data as required. So you have the 3K connected with USB as normal, then on another USB socket you'll need the USB>midi interface connected through to the i5m. Then use your software to set up the IN and OUT device. It's a tricky setup but in theory it should work. Good luck! Gearfacts

[@cabalenjay3804]

tottaly opposite of yamaha psr

[@gearfacts]

Dude I totally agree with that statement!

[@LandoCruz-xv9of]

Really? is it that hard? 😁

[@gearfacts]

Hard enough for me to get sick of trying. Have you seen the manual?? It’s like algebra

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Any keyboard this feature rich will have a very deep operating system, doesn't matter which manufacturer. IF you spend thousands of dollars more you can get a touch screen, but the menus will be just as deep or deeper. When buying a feature rich keyboard you must invest the time to understand its possibilities, it is part of being a keyboardist....otherwise just buy a piano.

[@gearfacts]

I hear what you're saying, but as mentioned in the video I have indeed invested the time to great excess I feel, as have many other respondents. Operations on this keyboard that could reasonably considered to be basic in nature are widely agreed to be difficult or persistently elusive. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't alert consumers to this general consensus.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

@@gearfacts The operating system of a keyboard will not match the logic of every user, every OS from every manufacturer is different and will match the personality/psyche of one user more than another. This is why many musicians are brand loyal, because they favor the engineers thinking of how an OS should be done. So the reviewer cannot apply their own narrow perspective to this OS and judge for others. I teach how to use keyboards, I use my 50 years experience and then spend a minimum of 2 years learning the keyboard before reviewing or teaching.

[@gearfacts]

Wilderness Music I’m not sure it’s a question of user schema. Confusion over the operation of Casio keyboards abounds and there is widespread awareness and concern about this among users. People who make music are always intelligent, committed and usually technically-minded so the general dissatisfaction can’t be a matter of a lack of individual effort and attention: The design must be flawed. The impression I’ve formed after making over 1000 Gearfacts videos is that different brands observe each other and assume different design strategies in order to find a place in the overall market. This is a natural and unsurprising economic phenomenon. Casio has recently put a great deal of effort into their excellent AiX sound engine. However the operating system of their mid-line keyboards has remained basically unchanged for a decade. Yamaha on the other hand have kept much the same sounds (for an even longer epoch) but the onboard features have been advanced. So the two leading companies are clearly and deliberately taking quite complementary approaches. My point is that Casio keyboards have become more sonically advanced but they’ve reached the point where the standard operating format is due for redesign. It could also be argued that Yamaha should consider freshening up its antiquated XG-based sound engine. This is a furtive ongoing topic of discussion across many of my related videos. I’ve got about 30 years experience with keyboards. My focus is more on the joy of sound and music-arranging rather than live play and I’ve always joked on my channel about my lack of keyboard skills. An experienced keyboardist should be able to listen to my basic playing and form an understanding of how the instrument would sound in their hands. For the less-advanced keyboardist, I spare them the annoyance of a demo that pompously exhibits great skill and leaves them feeling patronised and somewhat misled. This is why I review keyboards the way I do: A basic sound check with a very close look at features. It’s a way of imparting quality consumer information whilst showing respect to all viewers. I’d also dispute the concept of brand loyalty in this market. No-one is brand loyal when buying for the first time because there’s no history to be loyal to. When they are buying for the second time they’re likely to be open-minded again as they enter a music store and have at literally dozens of models to choose from. Internet forums abound with “should I buy the Kawai, the Korg or the Roland” questions. I have never seen a post that expressed brand loyalty. To close the sale, I think Casio has focused on ‘first impressions’ made by the beautiful AiX engine. But they have done this at the expense of factors that will affect customers later on, and this will dissuade brand loyalty if anything. With the experience I’ve gathered I would humbly say that I’m well-qualified to make this assessment. I’m sure the next few years of competition between the two leaders is not only going to be exciting to watch, it’s going to greatly benefit the consumer.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

@@gearfacts Thank you for your reply. I have done extensive tutorials on Casio "high grade" keyboards and the viewers with just a little help begin to understand the OS and go on to make the Casio's sing. A few 40 minute tutorials is all one needs to be productive on these keyboards. The Casio's are complete keyboards this is why an understanding of sound design and recording engineering is necessary to use all the features. There certainly is brand loyalty among my pro musicians crowd, brand loyalty begins with the 2nd purchase obviously, there is no such thing as brand loyalty on a first time purchase. I have Korg friends and Yamaha friends who only buy the new release of the same brand or upgrade to a higher level keyboard with in the brand. When it comes to workstations few pro musicians wish to learn a different OS. Why? Because we have spent years developing sound on one manufacturers OS going deeper than the manufacturer realized.

[@gearfacts]

@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene Sounds like your guys aren't really the same viewer demographic as the average Gearfacts watcher. Gearfacts is more of a consumer advice channel, which is why the PSR-E463 vs Casio CT-X3000 video is popular despite the lack of direct recording. The words I often use in videos and in response to requests for advice is "Don't buy on spec, buy what makes you smile." The logic being that the bottom line is enjoyment rather that technical potential. Good music will follow if you are smiling. I know that's not unilaterally true, some people's enthusiasm lies deep within the actual tone of an instrument. I have respect for that, but again it's not the group that Gearfacts is aimed at and I doubt I'll ever increase my focus on those peoples' needs because (a) it's not the way I feel about instruments and (b) as you correctly point out, I don't have the musicianship to adequately expose these kinds of capabilities in the top-tier instruments. I can't take that direction without turning away from the beginner/intermediate community who just want to have some amateur musical fun. So while Gearfacts is making a few technical advances like 1080p video and direct audio, the subject matter and presentation is likely to remain mush the same. It has been suggested that I should put my face in the videos more, and be a little more "hyped" and add more humour. And yes, those presenters do get more views but that's a matter of personal style, Clear delivery of the 'facts' as represented in the name 'Gearfacts' is what's important to me. On a pseudo-related subject, I'm really looking forward to Yamaha's response to Casio's AiX engine. The ball is in their court and I'm sure they're working with great urgency right now as we speak. Inevitable good news: Consumer wins! I'd be interested to see your tutorials but it seems there's just music on your channel (?)