Casio CT-X5000

The Casio CT-X5000 is a 61-key arranger keyboard designed for experienced amateur musicians or keyboardists who want to prepare their songs, create their own accompaniments, and easily connect to a sound system. Its 800 AiX sounds, 17-track MIDI sequencer, 128 registrations, and dedicated line outputs make it ideal for both rehearsal and live performance. Its built-in 15 W + 15 W amplifier also allows you to play without an external sound system.

Key Features

• 800 AiX sounds and 235 rhythms provide a vast library of sounds and accompaniments in a single instrument.
• 128 presets to set up complete configurations and quickly recall them during a rehearsal or performance.
• 17-track MIDI recorder, 42-channel mixer, and event editing to create arrangements directly on the keyboard.
• Dedicated left/mono and right LINE OUT outputs to connect the CT-X5000 to a mixing console or PA system without using the headphone output.
• Separate microphone input to connect a compatible microphone directly to the keyboard.
• Built-in 15 W + 15 W amplification with two 10 cm speakers for rehearsing or playing without an additional speaker system.

Is the CT-X5000 really suitable for the stage?

The CT-X5000 features two line outputs via 6.35 mm jacks, with a left output that can be used in mono and a right output. These connections allow you to send the signal directly to a mixing console, active speakers, or a PA system while keeping the headphone jack available separately.

The 128 registrations, organized into 16 banks of 8 memories each, are used to prepare the sounds, rhythms, tempos, and other settings needed for different songs. The Freeze function allows you to retain certain parameters when switching registrations.

What can you control while playing?

The keyboard features a pitch bend wheel and a modulation control. These are used to adjust certain parameters in real time, including pitch with the pitch bend wheel and modulation effects available on compatible sounds.

Two pedal inputs complement these controls. The second input can accommodate a compatible expression pedal, allowing you to control an assigned function with your foot without taking your hands off the keyboard.

How much can you customize the sounds?

The CT-X5000 offers 100 DSP types, 32 reverbs, 12 choruses, and 20 delays. The master EQ also includes 10 presets and one user slot.

These effects allow you to tailor the tones and overall balance to a song or playing style. The Layer and Split functions can be used in conjunction to layer sounds or assign different tones to the left and right zones of the keyboard.

Can you compose a complete song without a computer?

The MIDI recorder includes a system track and 16 additional tracks. It can store up to 10 songs of approximately 40,000 notes each, with real-time recording, overdubbing, Punch In/Out, and track and event editing functions.

The 42-channel mixer then allows you to adjust the various parts of the arrangement. These functions are still based on MIDI data: they should not be confused with recording a final audio file.

Can you create your own accompaniments?

The CT-X5000 lets you edit and create user rhythms with up to 8 parts. It can thus be used to prepare an accompaniment for a song or style that isn’t available as-is among the 235 original rhythms.

The four Phrase Pads function as triggers for recorded phrases. Up to 100 user phrases can be stored and recalled while playing.

What is the microphone input for?

A 6.35 mm MIC IN jack is available directly on the CT-X5000. It allows you to connect a compatible microphone and use both the keyboard and the microphone signal simultaneously without necessarily needing a small mixing console, for a simple setup.

However, this input does not replace all the functions of a sound mixing console. To manage multiple microphones, multiple sources, or a more complex stage mix, external equipment is still required.

Can you record an audio file directly?

The CT-X5000 can record a performance to a compatible USB flash drive in 44.1 kHz stereo WAV format. This feature produces an audio file and is therefore distinct from the 17-track MIDI sequencer used to build and edit an arrangement.

The USB TO DEVICE port is also used to play back compatible WAV files from a USB flash drive. The second USB port provides MIDI communication with a computer.

How does it differ from the CT-X3000?

Both models share many creative features, including 800 voices, 235 rhythms, a 17-track MIDI recorder, a 42-channel mixer, and Phrase Pads. The CT-X5000 primarily adds features that are useful when it’s used as a standalone performance keyboard.

Notably, it features a 15 W + 15 W amplifier (compared to 6 W + 6 W on the CT-X3000), dedicated stereo line outputs, a microphone input, and a modulation control. The CT-X5000 is therefore the more logical choice between the two when regular use in rehearsals or on stage is a priority.

What are its transport limitations?

The CT-X5000 measures approximately 94.8 x 38.4 x 11.6 cm without the stand and weighs 7 kg. It remains portable for rehearsals and performances, but its size and weight are greater than those of the smaller Casiotone keyboards designed primarily for portability.

It operates using the included AC adapter. Unlike the CT-X3000, the CT-X5000 is not designed to run on batteries, so a power outlet must be available at the venue.