Synths ⇝ Kawai ⇝ Kawai K1

The Kawai K1 is a sample-based synthesizer that uses 8-bit PCM waveforms. It functions similarly to the Roland D-series synthesizers and although it's not quite the same, it can be thought of as "budget LA synthesis". The patch memory can be doubled with a DC-8 memory card. A DC-16 and DC-32 can also be used. It uses a standard CR-2032 3V lithium battery for its memory.

An updated version was released as the Kawai K1 II. It is also available in rackmount form as the K1r and in tabletop module form as the K1m.

It has a single card slot and can be expanded with a variety of expansion cards.

Specifications

Year Released: 1988

MSRP: $799

Keyboard: 61 keys with velocity and aftertouch

Polyphony: 16 notes

Multitimbral: 8 parts

User Patches: 64

User Performances: 32

ROM: 256 8-bit PCM waveforms (204 additive waveforms, 52 acoustic samples)

Screen: 16x2 character backlit LCD

Power Consumption: 4 watts

Dimensions: 936 mm x 260 mm x 80 mm

Weight: 6.8 kg

User Demo Videos

Rating

Sound Samples

WAV samples are available on freewavesamples.com.

File Downloads

Kawai K1 and K1m Manual

Kawai K1 and K1m Wave List

Kawai K1 Sound Libraries

Items for Sale on Reverb

Kawai OLED Display Upgrade - Kawai K1 / K1ii / K1M / K1R / K4 / K4R / RV-4 / XD-5 / MM-16 ($66.40)

Vintage Kawai K1 manual & wave data guide & quick reference card. ! Free Shipping ! ($20)

Kawai K1 II Vintage 1989 Digital Synthesizer with Manual and Expansion Card ($250)

Kawai K1 Black ($120)

Kawai K1II vintage vector synthesiser from 1989. 61 key keyboard. Made in Japan. ($224.68)

Kawai K11 Original Manual ($9.99)

Kawai K11 Photocopied Manual ($2)

Kawai K1r ($199.20)