New Casio keyboard brings vocal synthesis to all musicians

Casio has announced a new keyboard that includes a one-of-a-kind vocal synthesiser.

The CT-S1000V is the world's first voice synthesiser that can convert any text into a musical phrase and then "sing" it in complete harmony using any notes played on its keys.

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As highlighted by The Next Web, this new keyboard will make it very easy for users to make themselves sound like Daft Punk.

Getting such effect in the past required an expensive vocoder or connecting your system to a PC and running software through it - however this product has made the process more streamlined and centralised.

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The vocal synthesiser on the CT-S1000V has 22 different sorts of voices, "including talkboxes, processed choirs, robot voices, vocoders, and whispered voices," all of which can be adjusted with parameters like gender, age, and vibrato.

Aside from vocal synthesis, the device offers a wide range of sounds and rhythms, including the same outstanding tones as the CT-S1. This instrument contains 800 tones, when the previous one had just 61.

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There's enough for synth fans to dig their teeth into with three assignable real-time controllers, a large assortment of synth sounds (including some legendary CZ & VZ vintage tones), and 150 arpeggiator effects.

The CT-S1000V can sit nicely in any home studio setup for today's creative musician, thanks to its built-in sampler and quarter-inch line outputs, as well as a complimentary wireless dongle for Bluetooth audio streaming.

Neil Evans, Head of Casio EMI, commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to finally reveal our stellar new product - the CT-S1000V. This innovative keyboard will deliver a musical experience like no other, thanks to its Vocal Synthesis technology.

"Being able to convert text into vocalised phrases, offers musicians all kinds of endless fun and unlimited creative possibilities. We are sure that this new keyboard will inspire a whole new generation of music makers worldwide."

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In addition to the CT-S1000V, the company has also announced the release of the CT-S500 at an even more compelling price, which comes without the vocal synthesis.

Both new products can be powered by six-AA batteries and weigh just 10 pounds- they can also be powered through a power brick.

The CT- S1000V will be available to purchase for RRP £429, and the CT-S500 will have a price of RRP £379.

Both new products are available now at music instrument retailers nationwide as well as online.

Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter