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 - K1 , K1 II , K1R - New Slide Potentiometer for Volume ($10.70)

Greytsounds Kawai K1 Synth Patches • 6 Bank Set - Digital Download ($30)

Kawai - K1 , K1 II , K1R - New Slide Potentiometer for Volume ($16.90)

Kawai K1 - K1 ii K1R K1M - Battery Replacement Fix + Wire ($10.70)

KAWAI DC-8 RAM Memory Card For K1 II , K4 R and other Kawai Instruments - with Sleeve, Cover Booket ($106.50)

Kawai K1 J1-02 Rom Card [Three Wave Music] ($99.95)

Kawai K1 ($219.06)

Kawai K1 - Firmware Latest OS Version 1.3 update upgrade EPROM K-1 ($19.31)

Kawai K1 OS 1.5 EPROM Firmware Upgrade KIT ($22)

Kawai K1 II - Version 1.3 Firmware Update Upgrade OS Eprom for K-1 MK2 ($21.46)

Kawai K1 firmware Latest OS Version 1.3 update upgrade EPROM ($19.31)

Kawai K1 ll Black ($350)

Kawai K1 ii Digital PCM Synthesizer ($311)

Kawai K1 II - Version 1.3 Firmware Update Upgrade OS Eprom for K-1 MK2 ($21.46)

Kawai K1 ($200)

Kawai K1 Synthesiszer ($225)

Kawai - K4 , K4r , K1 , K1ii - New Slide potentiometer for Volume ($16.90)

Kawai Digital Synthesizer K1 ($259)

Kawai K 1r synthesizer module K1r ($250)

Kawai K1R Rackmount Digital Synthesizer Module ($149.99)

Kawai K1r 1988 ($204.47)

Kawai -K1 , K1 ii , K1R , K3 , K3m - New battery ($4.90)

KAWAI MM-16 16ch SysEx MIDI Mixer Controller for K1 K4 K4r XD-5 RARE w/ 100-240V PSU ($249.99)

Kawai K1r - Version 1.4 Firmware Upgrade Update EPROM for K1-R ($20.39)

Kawai K1m - Version 1.5 Firmware Upgrade Update OS Eprom for K1-m Desktop Synth ($20.39)

Kawai K1r OS 1.4 EPROM Firmware Upgrade KIT ($25)

Kawai K1m ($591.67)

Kawai K1m ($250)

Kawai K1r Rackmount Digital Synthesizer Module ($199)

KAWAI K1m series LCD Display - Plug n Play, blue background and white characters, 14 pin connector ($84.99)

Kawai K1m OS 1.5 EPROM Firmware Upgrade KIT ($22)

Kawai K1R Rackmount Digital Synthesizer Module ($149)

Kawai K1r II - Version 1.1 Firmware Upgrade Update OS EPROM for K1r MK2 Rack ($21.46)

Kawai K1r II - Version 1.1 Firmware Upgrade Update OS EPROM for K1r MK2 Rack ($21.46)

KAWAI K1m Desktop digital synthesizer OS version 1.3 + custom WAVE ROM ($644.39)

Kawai K1m OS 1.5 EPROM Firmware Upgrade KIT ($19.36)

Eprom - KAWAI K1m Synthesizer Module OS ROM Firmware - version 1.5 P105E ($10.75)

Kawai K1R Rackmount Digital Synthesizer Module ($140)

Kawai K11 Version KP076 ROM firmware upgrade EPROM update ($16.08)

Kawai K11 Mint Condition 1991 ($400)

Kawai K-100 drum machine 1987 ($501.23)

Kawai K11 61-key Digital Synthesizer ($250)

Kawai K11 Vintage Synthesizer ($245)

Kawai DC-8 Memory Card New Old Stock K-1 K-5 ($59.17)

K.Kawai KG-1C Baby Grand Piano ($4,800)