CASIO SK-2100 (01) PDF Document

The CASIO SK-2100 features three main functions:

1. SAMPLING: This function allows you to “capture” virtually any audible sound and incorporate it into your music. Sounds can be sampled via a detachable microphone, played back on sampling pads or keyboard keys, and even used to create polyphonic chords. Sampled sounds can also be modified with LOOP and REVERSE effects or used in rhythm patterns.

2. MULTI-CHANNEL MEMORY: This function allows you to create and store entire songs, including melody and backing chord patterns, along with a selected rhythm. You can record two different melodies (MELODY 1 up to 2024 steps, MELODY 2 up to 1024 steps) and up to 159 chord changes.

3. PATTERN MEMORY: This function allows you to program two 2-bar patterns and two 1-bar fill-ins, which can include bass, rhythm, chord, and sampling sounds. You can create your own accompaniment patterns and play along with them.

The CASIO SK-2100 has a variety of controls for its features:

• KEYBOARD: 49 keys with a keyboard split point between F3 and F#3.

• SPEAKERS: Built-in speakers for sound output.

• VOLUME SLIDERS: Control the overall volume (Main), accompaniment, rhythm, and sample sounds.

• TEMPO CONTROL KEYS: Raise or lower the tempo of the rhythm.

• START/STOP KEY: Starts and stops Auto-Rhythms, Pattern Programs, and Multi-Channel Memory programs.

• SYNCHRO/FILL-IN KEY: Allows for synchronized rhythm starts when a key is pressed and triggers programmed rhythm fills.

• OFF BUTTON: Turns off Keyboard Split and Casio Chord functions.

• KEYBOARD SPLIT BUTTON: Activates the Keyboard Split function.

• CASIO CHORD BUTTONS: Select the mode of the Casio Chord function.

• SAMPLING KEYS: Used to specify sampling modes.

• PATTERN PROGRAM KEYS: Specify parts of patterns to be programmed in Pattern Memory.

• MULTI-CHANNEL MEMORY KEYS: Specify parts of songs to be programmed in Multi-Channel Memory.

• UPPER TONE KEYS: Select the timbre or sampled sound for keys above the split point.

• LOWER TONE KEYS: Select the timbre for keys below the split point.

• AUTO-RHYTHM KEYS: Select preset Auto-Rhythms.

• PROGRAM KEYS: Select programs in Pattern Memory.

• SAMPLING PADS: Trigger sampled sounds. Pads 1 and 2 are also used for Delete and Timing functions in pattern programming.

• DETACHABLE MICROPHONE: Used to record sounds in Sampling Mode.

• KEY TRANSPOSE KEYS: Transpose the pitch of sampling sounds.

• SAMPLING EFFECTS KEYS: Select LOOP or REVERSE effects.

• ENVELOPE KEYS: Specify the envelope of selected timbres in Sampling Mode.

• SPLIT POINT: The location on the keyboard (between F3 and F#3) where the keyboard divides.

• PERCUSSION KEYS: Program percussion sounds in the Pattern Program rhythm.

• POWER SWITCH: Turns the unit on and off.

• POWER INDICATOR: Shows when the power is on.

• SAMPLING LEVEL SLIDER: Controls the sensitivity of sampling input.

• SAMPLING LEVEL INDICATOR: LEDs that indicate the level of the sample sound input.

The rear panel of the CASIO SK-2100 has the following connections:

• SAMPLING JACKS (MIC/LINE IN): Used to connect an external sampling microphone or sample sound from another external sound source.

• TUNING CONTROL: Adjusts the pitch of the entire keyboard within ±50 cents.

• FOOT VOLUME JACK: For connecting an optional volume foot control (VP-2).

• OUTPUT JACKS (R/L): For connection to an external keyboard amplifier or audio equipment.

• HEADPHONE JACK: For connection of headphones (optional CP-2).

• AC ADAPTOR JACK: For connection of an AC adaptor (optional AD-5).

The CASIO SK-2100 can be powered by three different sources:

• Dry batteries: The unit can be powered by six D size (SUM-1) manganese dry batteries. When batteries are weak, volume will be lower and tonal quality will be poor. The power indicator lamp will also dim. To replace batteries, open the battery compartment on the bottom of the unit, remove the old batteries, and load new ones, ensuring correct polarity.

• Car battery: Using the optional car battery adaptor (CA-5), DC power can be supplied from a car’s battery through the cigarette lighter socket.

• AC power: Using the optional AC adaptor (AD-5), the unit can be plugged into an AC outlet. This will automatically cut off the battery power supply. Use only an adaptor with the same voltage rating as the power supply in your area.

Yes, the CASIO SK-2100 has an auto power-off function. Power is automatically cut off approximately 6 minutes after the last operation of the unit. To restore power, switch the power OFF and then ON again.

To start playing:

1. After setting up your desired power source, press the POWER BUTTON. The POWER INDICATOR will light up.

2. Use the MAIN VOLUME SLIDER to adjust the volume to an appropriate level.

To select preset tones:

The CASIO SK-2100 has 12 factory preset tones and 4 preset sample sounds. When the power is turned on, the PIANO tone is automatically selected. To choose a different tone, simply press any of the UPPER TONE KEYS. An indicator above the selected key will light up.

To start a rhythm:

1. Select one of the 20 different rhythms by pressing any of the AUTO-RHYTHM KEYS. When the power is first turned on, ROCK 1 is automatically selected.

2. Press the START/STOP key to begin the rhythm. The TEMPO INDICATOR will flash, with a red LED marking the first beat of each measure.

To use Synchro Start:

This function starts the rhythm as soon as you play a note on the lower part of the keyboard.

1. After selecting the desired rhythm, press the SYNCHRO/FILL-IN KEY. The red TEMPO INDICATOR will light, showing that Synchro Start is in standby mode.

2. The rhythm will begin as soon as you play any key below the split point.

To stop the rhythm:

Press the START/STOP KEY once again at any time.

To use the Fill-in function:

The CASIO SK-2100 features 20 preset rhythm fill-in patterns. While a rhythm is playing, press the SYNCHRO/FILL-IN KEY to insert a fill-in pattern. If the key is held down, the fill-in pattern will repeat until the end of the measure in which the key is released.

To change the tempo:

• To raise the tempo, press and release the TEMPO CONTROL KEY (▲). The tempo increases each time the key is pressed.

• To lower the tempo, press and release the TEMPO CONTROL KEY (▼). The tempo decreases each time the key is pressed.

• To return the tempo to its initial setting, press both TEMPO CONTROL KEYS simultaneously.

Keyboard Split Function:

Press the SPLIT BUTTON. This divides the keyboard into an UPPER TONE section (for melody) and a LOWER TONE section (for accompaniment). You can select different tones for each section using the UPPER TONE and LOWER TONE keys respectively.

Auto-Accompaniment (Casio Chord – One-finger):

This function automatically plays full chords and a bass line with a single finger.

1. Press the CASIO CHORD ON button. A red LED will light up. The keyboard split function engages automatically.

2. Select an accompaniment tone by pressing a desired LOWER TONE KEY.

3. Start a rhythm using the Auto-Rhythm section.

4. When you play any key below the split point, a corresponding major chord is sounded. You can play other chord types as described in the chord chart.

Auto-Accompaniment (Fingered):

This function lets you play your own chords on the lower keyboard.

1. Press the CASIO CHORD FINGERED button.

2. Select an accompaniment tone by pressing a desired LOWER TONE KEY.

3. Start a rhythm.

4. Play chords on the keys below the split point. The keyboard will add an appropriate bass line that corresponds to the rhythm and chords played.

When using the one-finger Casio Chord function, you can play four types of chords based on the key(s) you press in the lower section of the keyboard. The root of the chord is the lowest note you press.

• Major Chord: Press a single key (the root note).

• Minor Chord: Press the root note key and any other key to its right simultaneously.

• Seventh Chord: Press the root note key and two other keys to its right simultaneously (three keys in total).

• Minor Seventh Chord: Press the root note key and three other keys to its right simultaneously (four keys in total).

For example, to play C chords:

• C Major: Press the C key.

• C Minor: Press the C key and any key to its right (e.g., D).

• C Seventh: Press the C key and any two keys to its right (e.g., D and E).

• C Minor Seventh: Press the C key and any three keys to its right (e.g., D, E, and F).

The CASIO SK-2100 has 4 memory areas for samples. You can record four short samples (up to 0.8 seconds each) or two long samples (up to 1.6 seconds each).

1. Press the SAMPLE CHANNEL KEY (SAMPLE 1, 2, 3, or 4) for the memory area you want to use.

2. Press the SAMPLING key for a short sample or the SAMPLING LONG key for a long sample (only available for channels 1 and 3). A green LED will light, indicating the unit is ready to sample.

3. The keyboard will begin sampling as soon as it detects a sound via the built-in microphone or an external source. The sensitivity can be adjusted with the SAMPLING LEVEL SLIDER. You will hear a cymbal crash sound when sampling is complete.

NOTE: When you record a new sample, the previous sound in that channel is erased.

There are two ways to play back sampled sounds on your CASIO SK-2100:

1. Playing on the Keyboard:

• After sampling, the sampled sound is automatically assigned as a tone. You can play it on the UPPER TONE keys (above the split point).

• The pitch of the sampled sound will correspond to the key you press. The original recorded pitch corresponds to the A4 key.

• When a sample is selected as a tone, the keyboard split function is automatically enabled.

2. Playing on the Sampling Pads:

• You can also trigger your sampled sounds at any time by pressing the corresponding SAMPLING PADS located in the center of the operation panel.

• Sounds played via the Sampling Pads are always at the original pitch at which they were sampled.

You can play up to three sample notes polyphonically, combining notes from the keyboard and the sampling pads.

To use Sampling Effects (LOOP, REVERSE, TRANSPOSE):

1. Select the sample you want to modify by pressing its SAMPLE CHANNEL KEY (1-4).

2. Press the EFFECT SELECT key.

3. Press the corresponding sampling effect key on the keyboard (LOOP, REV., or the KEY TRANSPOSE keys). A sound will confirm the effect has been applied.

• LOOP: The sampled sound repeats as long as a key is held down.

• REVERSE: The sampled sound plays backward.

• TRANSPOSE: The pitch is raised or lowered chromatically.

To cancel LOOP or REVERSE, repeat the steps.

To use Envelopes:

Envelopes alter the loudness and timbre of sampled sounds over time.

1. Select the sample you want to modify by pressing its SAMPLE CHANNEL KEY (1-4).

2. Press the EFFECT SELECT key.

3. Press the desired ENVELOPE key on the keyboard. There are several options, including SLOW ATTACK (volume fades in), TREMOLO (slight vibrato), and DAMPED TONE (piano/guitar-like decay).

You can alter the pitch of any Sample Pad sound without affecting the keyboard’s pitch.

1. Press the CHORD key in the Multi-Channel Memory section. The corresponding LED will light up.

2. Specify the Sample Pad you wish to alter by pressing the corresponding SAMPLE CHANNEL KEY (1 through 4).

3. Specify the new desired pitch by playing a key on the UPPER TONE half of the keyboard. The initialized pitch corresponds to A4.

4. Press the CHORD key in the Multi-Channel Memory section once again. The LED will go out, indicating the procedure is complete.

Sample sounds and their effect statuses are protected by a memory back-up function and are retained as long as the unit has power from batteries or an AC adaptor.

You can program custom rhythm, bass, and chord patterns. First, it is best to erase any existing patterns from the program memory you wish to use (PROGRAM 1 or 2).

To erase a pattern: Press the key for the pattern type (RHYTHM, BASS, or CHORD), followed by the DELETE KEY (#1 SAMPLE PAD), and then the PROGRAM KEY (1 or 2).

1. Program a Rhythm Pattern:

• Press the RHYTHM PATTERN key.

• Press the START/STOP key. The TEMPO DISPLAY will flash like a metronome.

• Select a percussion instrument using the PERCUSSION KEYS on the keyboard.

• Tap the TIMING PAD (#2 SAMPLE PAD) in time with the metronome to program the selected instrument’s part. The 2-measure pattern will repeat.

• Select other instruments and repeat the process to build up your rhythm.

• Once complete, press the START/STOP key, then press the PROGRAM KEY (1 or 2) to save it.

2. Program a Bass Pattern:

• After programming the rhythm, press the BASS PATTERN key.

• Press START/STOP. Your custom rhythm will play.

• Play a suitable bass line using the UPPER keyboard.

• When satisfied, press START/STOP, then the PROGRAM KEY (1 or 2) to save.

3. Program a Chord Pattern:

• Press the CHORD PATTERN key.

• Press START/STOP. Your rhythm and bass patterns will play.

• Program the rhythmic pattern of the chord accompaniment by tapping the TIMING PAD (#2 SAMPLE PAD).

• When satisfied, press START/STOP, then the PROGRAM KEY (1 or 2) to save.

Once your pattern is complete, you can play it back and perform with it.

1. Press the PROGRAM KEY (1 or 2) corresponding to the pattern you created.

2. Press the START/STOP key. The programmed rhythm will start.

3. The bass line and chord accompaniment will begin as soon as you play a key on the LOWER TONE half of the keyboard, using the Casio Chord progressions.

4. You can play original melodies over the top using the UPPER TONE half of the keyboard.

5. You can also trigger programmed percussion fill-in patterns by pressing the SYNCHRO/FILL-IN KEY.

You can record chords, Melody 1 (preset tones), and Melody 2 (sampled sounds) into the multi-channel memory.

1. Program the Chord Memory (up to 159 chords):

• Select a suitable rhythm from the AUTO-RHYTHM section.

• Press the CHORD MEMORY key.

• Press the START/STOP key. The rhythm will start after a 1-measure count-in.

• Play your desired chord accompaniment using the Casio Chord or Fingered chord modes.

• When finished, press the START/STOP key, then press the CHORD MEMORY key again to exit programming mode.

2. Program Melody 1 (up to 2024 notes):

• Select a tone for your melody from the preset UPPER TONE keys.

• Press the MELODY 1 key.

• Press the START/STOP key. The rhythm and your recorded chord progression will begin after a 1-measure count-in.

• Play your desired melody along with the accompaniment.

• When finished, press START/STOP, then press the MELODY 1 key again to exit.

3. Program Melody 2 (up to 1024 notes using samples):

• Follow the same procedure as for Melody 1, but press the MELODY 2 (SAMPLE) key instead. In this mode, you can use sampled sounds for your melody, and any timbre changes or sounds from the sampling pads will also be recorded.

To play back your complete recorded song:

1. Press the PLAY key in the Multi-Channel Memory section.

2. Press the START/STOP key.

The programmed rhythm, chord accompaniment, bass line, and melodies will start playing after a 1-measure intro count.

Hint: You can use the Multi-Channel memory for accompaniment only by leaving the MELODY channels empty and just recording the chord progressions.

To ensure safety and reliability, please observe the following precautions:

• LOCATION: Avoid using the unit in direct sunlight, in areas with extreme temperature or humidity, or in sandy or dusty places.

• POWER SUPPLY: Use only with the rated voltage. To prevent noise and degraded sound quality, avoid using the same power outlet as other equipment, particularly household appliances.

• HANDLE GENTLY: Do not drop the unit, as strong shocks can cause malfunctions. Sliders and keys are designed for a light touch, and excessive force may cause damage.

• KEEP IT CLEAN: Clean the keyboard with a soft cloth. Never use paint thinner, benzene, or other solvents.

• IN CASE OF MALFUNCTION: If the keyboard does not function properly, check that connections are correct and that the power source is working (e.g., batteries are not dead). If it still does not work, contact the original retailer. Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself.