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Average rating:
4.7 out of 5
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I have to say this synth is totally mind blowing. It makes sounds that just inspire you to write. Its added a whole new dimension in sound to what ive written. Very digital sounding, but so what. Thats like saying an electric guitar has a strong "electric guitar" sound to it. Not for the "techno" preset kids. This synth has a character all to its own....totally unmatched.
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A note to Formant and others... Yes, the keyboard is good quality and it IS a Fatar - I know since I pulled my K to bits! Damn thing, every second octave of keys won't trigger so it's back to the shop with this one for a repair. I don't play this board THAT hard so I'm wondering if it's actually the keyboard or (most probably) an internal signal routing fault from the keyboard circuitry. Damn damn damn! This machine is ace at organ sounds (I thinks that's additive's strong point, much like how a drawbar organ mixes fundamental frequencies). I love the Trinity's raspy dance organ preset and, unbelievably, I actually managed to program an EQUAL on my K5000 - that in itself almost makes it worth owning! Kawai should make a next-gen K5000 with features like: * sample playback (ust the ability to playback wav files, etc) with SIMM expansion * multimode filters (LP, BP HP, BR) with selectable precision instead of fixed 24 dB/oct * a quality ROM wavetable (at least 16MB) * a good sequencer like Yamaha has on many of their boards * synth keys instead of semi-weighted ones (we're playing a synth here people NOT a piano) * a ribbon controller (he he!) * K5 colour scheme (silver sucks - black plastic feels warmer and looks better) * 16 part Multi The K5000W has some of these features but misses some really important areas. So come on Kawai - build the 'Special K'!!!
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I already wrote a long review, but 5 months later, i have more stuff to say. 1. I've already blown a tweeter with the happy resonance etc. 2. Yes, the sound doesn't need layers, but my gawsh it's stunning when you max the polyphony on a multilayered beeping, screaming, humming, moaning, entrancing super-patch. Yow. 3. Download and install OS 4. Go to the australian Kawai website. It's much better than OS 1. :| The filter seems to sound a little different with the new OS-- it's got a fuller resonance, not as narrow a spike. Also, the additive engine is debugged. You can still "overdrive" the harmonics though. 4. Use the upper harmonics to add feelings of space to yer patches. 5. Raa. :) love!
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I got mine thinking that additive synthesis was some mysterious blackbox that would make my stuff sound good. As it turns out I don't even like most of the stuff programmed with the additive tools but fortunately it comes with plenty of onboard samples to play with and make original sounds...
The one thing that i would say this board is best at is pads.... man o man... it is a pad machine
It also does trancey ravey stuff quite well for the mid to high end stuff, but i wouldn't use the synth for bass normally (although i have)
One thing to note, this is the best keyboard i have ever played physically, the actualy keys i think are from fatar or something but it is better than the triton, roland etc stuff... the keyboard is just nice!
Anyway this one of the cornerstones of my studio... get one if you need pads or a good controller with some extra coolies get one.
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Wow.... not much I can say after that amazing review.. Totally digital, but it has character. Analog is so passe anyways :) The effects leave me scratching my head sometimes, mainly the reverb and delay, but I use external fx anyways. It's a little bit tricky to program, I'm starting to churn out some decent patches, but I plan to pick up the Wizoo book to help me out. The filters are fabulous (I drive my dog nuts while soloing!) and for realtime performance it kills! (I just wish I had more than two hands) My very first synth, and I'd buy it over and over again. For every useable preset there's about eight stupid ones that I just wiggle the knobs with and make obnoxious noises, but that's why I'm learning to program the damn thing. It has great morphing pads, though, very dark and moody. The arpeggiator is great, haven't used it TOO much cuz I got mad keyboard skillz :) But the pads and evolving sounds almost make me weep when I play melodies with them...deep, dark stuff. If you get one, find the presets you like, save em and delete the rest and start making your own shit, or else you'll never appreciate what this beautiful silver beast has to offer. A small part of me wishes I had the workstation version for the sequencer (I hate computers sometimes) but unless it has A LOT more polyphony/multitimbrality I don't see what use 40(!) trax would be. I WOULD like another synth to kinda cover the weak spots of the K5000 (mainly analog basses and string-like patches) and I'm veering towards the PAIA Fatman, though I have some qualms about playing something that I built myself. Either that or I'll have to whore myself to the amish people of pennsylvania to afford an AN1x (yes I know they're only 400 some bucks, but I'm a poor student with no minimum wage job). Bottom line: If you find one new (good luck) or used (I've seen em, but the prices are rising-maybe they'll become like the 303 and I can sell mine for a ridiculous price in ten years, but why would I want to?) BUY IT!!!!!!!!!! It's well worth the price. 500,000 out of 5
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