Casio SK-5

SK-5
Manufactured by 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.

Contents

Casio SK-5 specifications

Presets

Sampling and playback

Power

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. (You-Tube version has this scene in Part 1 at 3:58, West is talking to Brion about his Shirley Bassley sample; referring to the popular track "Diamonds from Sierra Leone"). Though it is not known whether the Casio was actually used in the production of the critically acclaimed album. Making of Late Registration (2005) was a behind the scenes documentary about the conceptual and artistic processes that went into making the seminal Late Registration album. It was directed by Tobias Spellman and features rapper Common, Nas, actor Jamie Foxx (who was featured on the hit single "Gold Digger"), Plain Pat, GLC, Brandy among others. The original documentary was sold as a Bonus Set upon release of the album (August 30. 2005). Late Registration went onto debut number one on U.S. Billboard 200 charts, selling 860,000 copies in the first week of sales.

Elastica used the Dog, Lion, and Laser Gun samples in their song "Mad Dog God Dam."

External links