Casio CT-S400

The Casio CT-S400 is a 61-key arranger keyboard designed for beginners and amateur musicians who want more sounds, accompaniments, and customization options than a basic entry-level keyboard offers. Its AiX sound generation, 600 sounds, 200 rhythms, and recording features let you practice songs as well as create more elaborate accompaniments. It remains portable, weighing just 4.5 kg.

Key Features

• 61 velocity-sensitive keys with 3 sensitivity levels to adjust the keyboard’s response to your playing.
• 600 AiX sounds and 200 rhythms with automatic accompaniment to cover a wide range of styles.
• Layer and Split functions to layer two sounds or assign multiple sounds to different zones of the keyboard.
• Multitrack MIDI recorder capable of storing up to 5 songs across 6 tracks, handy for gradually building an arrangement.
• 32 registrations for quickly recalling sets of preset settings.
• Bluetooth Audio and MIDI available with the optional WU-BT10 adapter.

Is the CT-S400 suitable for learning and improving?

The 61 keys are touch-sensitive with three sensitivity levels, which can be disabled if necessary. The 160 built-in songs allow you to mute the left-hand part, the right-hand part, or both, so you can practice the different parts separately.

The CT-S400 is a 61-key arranger keyboard, not a weighted-key digital piano. For learning focused on acoustic piano technique and a repertoire requiring 88 keys, a weighted-key digital piano would be more appropriate.

What can you do with the sounds and accompaniments?

The 600 sounds utilize the AiX sound engine and include pianos, keyboards, strings, brass, basses, synthesizers, and percussion. The Layer and Split functions allow you to layer two sounds or assign different sounds to the left and right zones of the keyboard.

The 200 rhythms provide automatic accompaniment with several chord recognition modes. The CT-S400 also offers 200 One Touch presets, 100 arpeggiator types, and 12 automatic harmonization types to help you quickly set up a configuration suited to the selected rhythm.

Can you record a song without a computer?

The built-in MIDI recorder can store up to 5 multitrack songs, each consisting of one system track and five solo tracks. This allows you to record multiple parts in succession and build an arrangement directly from the keyboard, without external software.

This is a MIDI recording, not an audio recording. The keyboard stores the performance data and plays it back using its own sounds.

How can I quickly recall my settings?

The CT-S400 features 32 registrations organized into 8 banks of 4 configurations. These are used to store various playing parameters and to quickly switch between configurations during a rehearsal or performance.

The My Setup function complements this system by allowing you to recall a favorite configuration. The backlit LCD screen and selection dial make it easy to access sounds, rhythms, and settings without cluttering the front panel with controls.

Can you play with headphones or stream music from a smartphone?

The two built-in 2.5 W speakers allow you to use the keyboard directly without additional speakers. A 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack headphone output lets you practice quietly, while the AUDIO IN jack accepts an external audio source via a wired connection.

Bluetooth connectivity requires the Casio WU-BT10 adapter, sold separately. Once installed in the USB TO DEVICE port, it can receive Bluetooth audio from a compatible device and facilitate Bluetooth MIDI communication. The Bluetooth Audio function is therefore used to stream audio from a smartphone or tablet through the keyboard’s speakers, not to wirelessly transmit audio from the CT-S400 to Bluetooth headphones.

How do I connect the CT-S400 to a computer or an app?

The Micro-B USB TO HOST port enables MIDI communication with a computer or compatible device. In particular, the CT-S400 can be used with CASIO MUSIC SPACE to access learning features and compatible songs.

This USB connection carries MIDI data and should not be confused with a USB audio interface. Depending on the smartphone or tablet you’re using, you may need a suitable cable or adapter.

Is it portable?

The CT-S400 measures approximately 93 x 25.8 x 8.4 cm and weighs 4.5 kg without batteries. Its size is compact enough to be transported between home, class, or a rehearsal.

It can be powered by AC or by 6 AA alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH batteries. Casio claims approximately 4 hours of continuous operation, though actual runtime may vary depending on the batteries and usage conditions.