Casio SK-5

SK-5
File:Casio sk-5.jpg
Manufacturer	Casio
Dates	1987–?
Technical specifications
Polyphony	4
Timbrality	Monotimbral
Oscillator	5 PCM
Synthesis type	Sampling
Attenuator	ADSR, 6 preset envelopes
Memory	8 preset tones 4 samples (0.7 second) 2 samples (1.4 second) 496-step sequencer
Effects	sample reversal sample looping 6 envelopes
Input/output
Keyboard	32 mini-keys 4 built-in sample pads 4 sample-trigger pads
Left-hand control	none
External control	none

The Casio SK-5 is a sampling keyboard introduced by Casio in 1987. Samples may be gathered from a built-in microphone or a line-level input from another source.

The keyboard was rebranded as the Realistic Concertmate-650 for sale at Radio Shack stores.

Casio SK-5 specifications

Presets

• Preset tones/samples: 8 preset keyboard sounds, including
  • Piano
  • Vibraphone
  • Dog
  • Surf
  • Trumpet
  • Pipe organ
  • Chorus
  • Flute
• Built-in samples: 4 (high conga, low conga, lion, laser gun)
• Envelopes
  • Piano/guitar damped tone (slow decay)
  • Long release (slower decay)
  • Reverb (some sustain after decay)
  • Slow attack (slow initial volume increase)
  • Tremolo I (fade out with some vibrato)
  • Tremolo II (slight vibrato)
• Auto-rhythms: 10 (rock, disco, 16 beat, march, bossa nova, samba, slow rock, waltz)
• Demonstration tunes
  • Picnic
  • Turkish March
  • Clair de Lune
  • Eine kleine Nachtmusik
  • Surprise symphony
  • Jingle Bells
  • American patrol

Sampling and playback

• Sampling rate: 8-bit, 9.38 kHz
• Tuning control: ±30 cents
• Built-in speaker: 8 cm diameter / 1 watt output
• Inputs: microphone phone connector (1/4 inch), line-in minijack (1/8 inch)
• Outputs: audio-out minijack (1/8 inch)

Power

• Auto power off time: 7 minutes since last operation
• Power: 5 AA batteries or 7.5 volt negative tip polarity AC or DC adapter
• Power consumption: 1.8 watts

In popular culture

The distinctive "Lion" sample has been used in several commercial recordings. It can be heard at the very end of "Ghetto Thang" on De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising album, and also during "A Shropshire Lad" (at 1:27) by Half Man Half Biscuit.

In the Kanye West documentary Making of Late Registration, producer and composer Jon Brion (Fiona Apple, Robyn Hitchcock) is seen in the first studio scenes of the documentary talking with West holding an Casio SK-5 in his lap. (YouTube version has this scene in Part 1 at 3:58, West is talking to Brion about his Shirley Bassey sample; referring to the popular track "Diamonds from Sierra Leone"). However it is not known whether the Casio was actually used in the production of the critically acclaimed album.

Elastica used the Dog, Lion, and Laser Gun samples in their song "Mad Dog God Dam." Electroclash band Le Tigre also utilised the SK5 for their single "Deceptacon", and the SK5 featured in the music video of this song.

In the 2005 movie "Hustle & Flow", the lead character D-Jay obtains a SK-5 from a homeless man, which inspires him to enter the rap game.

In the cartoon Bob's Burgers, the character Gene Belcher can be seen frequently using a Casio SK-5.

External links

• Casio SK-5 Remastered Demos
• Casio Sampling Keyboards archive: SK-5 — review and modding info; includes original manual.
• a demo of casio sk5