The K1 remains very underrated. In the wake of the D50 and M1. But it stands in the shadow of neither. Its choir patches are instant PSBs. And brass instant sledgehammer. Just AWESOME.
Great overview, thanks! Been contemplating getting a K1r for some time now to fill that 1U gap in my rack. Awesome that the card data can be sent via MIDI, wasn't aware of that - that's a game changer! BTW, there's a free K1 VST called K1v by Nils Schneider, that includes all cards and comes with an editor that can be used with the hardware synth. I have used the K1v in my recent rave explorations and it works and sounds great.
"Righteous stuff, honestly" "It's not faithless" ...I don't think you were trying to be funny, but these turns of phrase had me laughing throughout the video. Much appreciated. Also, this is a great demo of the presets in general. The K1 is indeed a classic. Righteous stuff!
I Love Some Of These Vintage Forgotten Synths Which Are Still Useful Today . I Have A Kawai K1 - II Keyboard . Thank You gwEm For This Demonstration And A Totally Entertaing And Informative Video As Always . Best Wishes .
I purchased my K1 keyboard brand new back in the day because, well, because it was half the price of a D50 !!! But even 8-bit sounded magically clean and clear compared to analog gear. I followed up with a K1r and a K3m (monster synth !!!). I still have them all, along with a Kawai Q80 and Q80EX sequencers. Still going strong, easy to use, and great "lo-fi" sounds all their own !!! Great value synths !!!
@@gwEmbassy They are awesome. Very, VERY easy to use. Great for ideas that you can then flesh out. I have used them to record songs that I have written in a matter of minutes, and for longer tunes that need time to completely form in my mind. I actually prefer them over my Steinberg Cubase for their simplicity of "capturing the moment". I love them !!!
This was my first synth, I bought it in the late 90s, mostly to use as a midi controller, at the time it was a real steal for something with aftertouch, the synth was basically a free bonus. Some years ago I painstakingly sampled all the 8-bit waveforms, to use in trackers, etc. and someone released a ROM rip of them within a few months. I guess great minds and all, but it was a lot of time wasted. I've never really had room for it so it's been in its box for most of the last 20 years, although the card is floating around my apartment for some unknown reason, as well as the AC adapter.
There is a lot to be said about 8 bit sounds. I sometimes feel they track better within a mix with percussion, bass, etc. This was why so many people liked the Ensoniq Mirage. Of course the Yamaha DX7, Ensoniq ESQ-1, and Roland D50 were so well liked in that era. The bit rate was higher on those boards but they have a digital/analog hybrid kind of sounds. But to me this Kawaii K1-m and the Kawaii K3 were the best of their boards. The K3 is really sweet but it is difficult to find those in good shape. Nice demo of the K1m. Fantastic sounds. All very usable even today if mixed well.
I think you might be right about the 8bit sounds. My theory is that due to the lower dynamic range manufacturers have to put more of an effort into making them sound good. My favourite drum machine, the TR-707, is also 8bit
Very helpful review! I've been on the market for the K1 for the best part of a year. I fell off my chair when you said you got the K1m for £80. It rarely comes up on Ebay these days and the last one had an asking price of £365 (I've seen the Roland D50 sell for less!). I believe there's at least one free soft-synth of the K1 but I'm old school and would prefer the hardware. K1 Keyboard versions can go for less than £150 but I'm hoping to get the K1r for about £100. If I do I'll be sure to revisit this video. Cheers for the insight!
I don't think Kawai charged for the preset data, just the card hardware itself. According to their card catalog you could send off to get the preset data on disk for free even back in the day.
Asking for 280-450 GBP for the desktop version on Reverb at the moment... Dunno if it's due to people wanting a shortcut to 90s rave sounds or pure greed. Some of those sounds you played were used on LFO's 'Brainstorm'. Not the LFO on Warp but the Paul Hardcastle moniker.
Greedy bastards, I had one on my watchlist on Reverb for £120 last Autumn wish I got it now, I was chatting with a mate at the time as he was after a cheap K4 for the Bukem Atlantis pad, I suggested k1 as well.
@@gwEmbassy That's why it looked so oddly familiar! I had the CBX-K1-XG for my business travels some 25 years ago. This transparent version looks beautiful, never knew it existed!
@@gwEmbassy the Kawai is for me though. When that LFO preset played, omg. So that's the synth. I always wondered what synth it was. I thought it was the Alpha Juno for 30 years. Rave techno is my bag. Kawai will be mine one day. I have to practice self control these days. Almost bought a K2500r sampler for 399. Those were 2.5 grand back then.
Entirely unrelated but I know you're good with answering comments and have obvs had enough gear to possibly know... Can you recommend a small drum machine or sequencer that can record at least two external midi tracks (to be output) and do decimal point BPM? I was looking at something like the Akai XR20 or Alesis SR18 but it looks like they only do whole number BPMs, which is no good for looped samples. Thanks!
@@gwEmbassy Just gotta find one now, lolz. I started in '99 on a DR202 and SP202 and, after 23 years, untold £££ and rooms full of gear (now sold) later, it appears that's where I'm ending back up, ha ha (plus an SP303). "Sometimes, you gotta stick with the ancient ways; the old school ways..."
There is a free VST/AU K1 plugin on the web, sounds 100% the same. Do not bother to buy the keyboard. I used to have one, it was my first synth but it was so archaic. Not even a filter. The only geniuses are the ones creating the sounds with so many limitations. Again, get the VST and you are all set. It has all the cards as well.
The K1 remains very underrated. In the wake of the D50 and M1. But it stands in the shadow of neither. Its choir patches are instant PSBs. And brass instant sledgehammer. Just AWESOME.
Yeah, it’s an awesome box, I agree :)
Great overview, thanks! Been contemplating getting a K1r for some time now to fill that 1U gap in my rack. Awesome that the card data can be sent via MIDI, wasn't aware of that - that's a game changer!
BTW, there's a free K1 VST called K1v by Nils Schneider, that includes all cards and comes with an editor that can be used with the hardware synth. I have used the K1v in my recent rave explorations and it works and sounds great.
Thanks for mentioning the VST, someone mentioned it on the original stream, but I edited that part out. It’s a fun piece, definitely worth 1U
"Righteous stuff, honestly" "It's not faithless" ...I don't think you were trying to be funny, but these turns of phrase had me laughing throughout the video. Much appreciated. Also, this is a great demo of the presets in general. The K1 is indeed a classic. Righteous stuff!
I’m just like that :) thanks for watching and the nice comment!
I Love Some Of These Vintage Forgotten Synths Which Are Still Useful Today . I Have A Kawai K1 - II Keyboard . Thank You gwEm For This Demonstration And A Totally Entertaing And Informative Video As Always . Best Wishes .
So cool!! Would love to try a Kawaii K1ii keyboard one day
I purchased my K1 keyboard brand new back in the day because, well, because it was half the price of a D50 !!! But even 8-bit sounded magically clean and clear compared to analog gear. I followed up with a K1r and a K3m (monster synth !!!). I still have them all, along with a Kawai Q80 and Q80EX sequencers. Still going strong, easy to use, and great "lo-fi" sounds all their own !!! Great value synths !!!
how do you find those Kawai sequencers? I have often wonder about those
@@gwEmbassy They are awesome. Very, VERY easy to use. Great for ideas that you can then flesh out. I have used them to record songs that I have written in a matter of minutes, and for longer tunes that need time to completely form in my mind. I actually prefer them over my Steinberg Cubase for their simplicity of "capturing the moment". I love them !!!
This was my first synth, I bought it in the late 90s, mostly to use as a midi controller, at the time it was a real steal for something with aftertouch, the synth was basically a free bonus. Some years ago I painstakingly sampled all the 8-bit waveforms, to use in trackers, etc. and someone released a ROM rip of them within a few months. I guess great minds and all, but it was a lot of time wasted. I've never really had room for it so it's been in its box for most of the last 20 years, although the card is floating around my apartment for some unknown reason, as well as the AC adapter.
A very cool first synth! Time has been kind to it.
It sounds amazing!
Yes, it does! Get one while they are still cheap :)
@@gwEmbassy I shouldn’t - gear acquisition syndrome is too strong in me ;)
Can relate!
if you're in a small country and can't find it used - there is a free vst emulation which sounds good too
thanks for this tip!
There is a lot to be said about 8 bit sounds. I sometimes feel they track better within a mix with percussion, bass, etc. This was why so many people liked the Ensoniq Mirage. Of course the Yamaha DX7, Ensoniq ESQ-1, and Roland D50 were so well liked in that era. The bit rate was higher on those boards but they have a digital/analog hybrid kind of sounds. But to me this Kawaii K1-m and the Kawaii K3 were the best of their boards. The K3 is really sweet but it is difficult to find those in good shape. Nice demo of the K1m. Fantastic sounds. All very usable even today if mixed well.
I think you might be right about the 8bit sounds. My theory is that due to the lower dynamic range manufacturers have to put more of an effort into making them sound good. My favourite drum machine, the TR-707, is also 8bit
woah had no idea thats where that LFO sound came from
It’s fun how they didn’t change it whatsoever :)
@@gwEmbassy I just learned it was used on Clock DVA's Buried Dreams too, great album
Great sounds and form factor. Reminds me a bit of the TG33 but the terrible (amazing) dark reverb is missing.
I need to try some of the Yamaha TG units!
Very helpful review! I've been on the market for the K1 for the best part of a year. I fell off my chair when you said you got the K1m for £80. It rarely comes up on Ebay these days and the last one had an asking price of £365 (I've seen the Roland D50 sell for less!). I believe there's at least one free soft-synth of the K1 but I'm old school and would prefer the hardware. K1 Keyboard versions can go for less than £150 but I'm hoping to get the K1r for about £100. If I do I'll be sure to revisit this video. Cheers for the insight!
good luck in your hunt!
Yeah i luv K1
😎
I don't think Kawai charged for the preset data, just the card hardware itself. According to their card catalog you could send off to get the preset data on disk for free even back in the day.
That’s beautiful!!!
The last affordable classic synth.
there’s a lot of truth to that
Asking for 280-450 GBP for the desktop version on Reverb at the moment... Dunno if it's due to people wanting a shortcut to 90s rave sounds or pure greed. Some of those sounds you played were used on LFO's 'Brainstorm'. Not the LFO on Warp but the Paul Hardcastle moniker.
that is really far too much money!
Greedy bastards, I had one on my watchlist on Reverb for £120 last Autumn wish I got it now, I was chatting with a mate at the time as he was after a cheap K4 for the Bukem Atlantis pad, I suggested k1 as well.
so rare to see that controller keyboard, I have that yamaha there but it's the white one with the built in speakers
great controller!! big fan of mine. cool you have the one with sounds
Sounds pretty good to me, lol.
Aye! It’s pretty good
If I can find one cheap enough - you have sold me
I hope you pick you up for a good price :)
DOCTOR WHO 1980s - RADIOPHONIC WORKSHOP ahoy . . . 😅
some of the sounds are a bit like that
Sold mine. Needed the money.
That’s too bad :( At least there are a few around if you decide to replace it one day.
nice looking little yamaha CBXG-k1.. or whats the name... How did you achieve it ?
it’s the CBX-K1. I got it on a trip to Japan :)
Love it! I have the rack version. You have a very cute controller keyboard there, what is it?
I love this controller. It’s a Yamaha CBX-K1
@@gwEmbassy That's why it looked so oddly familiar! I had the CBX-K1-XG for my business travels some 25 years ago. This transparent version looks beautiful, never knew it existed!
I had to get it special from Japan(!)
Oh wowww I want. It's only 150 with shipping here in the states. I have one more single rack space. I want this or Korg m3r or D110 rack
All three and great synths to be honest, you can’t go wrong :)
@@gwEmbassy the Kawai is for me though. When that LFO preset played, omg. So that's the synth. I always wondered what synth it was. I thought it was the Alpha Juno for 30 years. Rave techno is my bag. Kawai will be mine one day. I have to practice self control these days. Almost bought a K2500r sampler for 399. Those were 2.5 grand back then.
@audiolego4495 that LFO preset is definitely amazing :) :)
@@gwEmbassy I like ravr techno from 89 to 93 era. It's what I produced mostly.
KAWAI TOUR - K1 ; SINTESYZER - MINI :
KAWAI : 2023 .
hopefully you enjoyed the tour!
what's the name of midi keyboard you used?
It’s a Yamaha CBX-K1
Entirely unrelated but I know you're good with answering comments and have obvs had enough gear to possibly know...
Can you recommend a small drum machine or sequencer that can record at least two external midi tracks (to be output) and do decimal point BPM? I was looking at something like the Akai XR20 or Alesis SR18 but it looks like they only do whole number BPMs, which is no good for looped samples.
Thanks!
Not 100% but have a look at the DR-202. It has two MIDI tracks, not sure about the decimal point tempo.
@@gwEmbassy Yeah, that was my first piece of 'music technology' I ever got. I can't remember either, lolz. Will DL the manual... Cheerz
@@gwEmbassy And it does!
Excellent! Your way is clear. I did a couple of videos on it : ua-cam.com/video/9zCMb-WpE4U/v-deo.html
@@gwEmbassy Just gotta find one now, lolz. I started in '99 on a DR202 and SP202 and, after 23 years, untold £££ and rooms full of gear (now sold) later, it appears that's where I'm ending back up, ha ha (plus an SP303). "Sometimes, you gotta stick with the ancient ways; the old school ways..."
Looks as the Yamaha TG 33
Another Yamaha TG mention, will surely need to try one
@@gwEmbassy Jeff Mills 92´s records.
Whats the name of the LfO patch?
it’s called “arrangement”
There is a free K1 plugin available 😁
perfect for people who prefer to work with a computer
A pad soun has a slow attack and a long release.
that’s a good statement too
Not cheap anymore 😅
Ha, my little channel will not affect the prices!
They are still cheap.
There is a free VST/AU K1 plugin on the web, sounds 100% the same. Do not bother to buy the keyboard. I used to have one, it was my first synth but it was so archaic. Not even a filter. The only geniuses are the ones creating the sounds with so many limitations. Again, get the VST and you are all set. It has all the cards as well.
thanks for the tip!
Vst version mach better.)))
in what way?
You really sit in your kitchen?? Huh... 🙂
sometimes :-D