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 ($12.59)

Kawai K1 1988 ✅Cleaned ✅checked Super PRO Vintage Synthesizer ($375.82)

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

Kawai K1 r black ($220.44)

Kawai K1 II - Version 1.3 Firmware Update Upgrade OS Eprom for K-1 MK2 ($25.24)

Vintage 1980s Kawai K1 II Keyboard Synthesiser ($257.18)

Kawai K1 Owners Manual ($80)

Kawai K1 II - Version 1.3 Firmware Update Upgrade OS Eprom for K-1 MK2 ($25.24)

Kawai K1 II ($325)

Kawai K1 firmware Latest OS Version 1.3 update upgrade EPROM ($22.71)

Kawai K1 - Firmware Latest OS Version 1.3 update upgrade EPROM K-1 ($22.71)

Kawai K1 ROM Card (E1-01) ($100)

Kawai K1 R (NEW Old Stock - still w/ display peel) ($341.65)

Rare KAWAI J1-02 ROM card for K1 K1R K1m series synths ($102.87)

Kawai RAM ROM cards for K1 K1R K1m synthesizers modules rare! 1 of 3 selection ($105)

Kawai K1m - Version 1.5 Firmware Upgrade Update OS Eprom for K1-m Desktop Synth ($23.98)

Kawai K1r - Version 1.4 Firmware Upgrade Update EPROM for K1-R ($23.98)

Kawai DC-8 RAM card for K1, K1R, K1M, K1II, K1RII ($88.58)

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

Kawai K1r II - Version 1.1 Firmware Upgrade Update OS EPROM for K1r MK2 Rack ($25.24)

Kawai K1r Black ($225)

Kawai K1r Black ($200)

Kawai K1R Rack Module Rompler Vector Synth Digital Synthesizer - Cool Sounds! ($225)

Kawai K1M ($248.37)

Kawai K1r II - Version 1.1 Firmware Upgrade Update OS EPROM for K1r MK2 Rack ($25.24)

Kawai K11 Photocopied Manual ($2)

Kawai K1m OS 1.5 EPROM Firmware Upgrade KIT ($22.78)

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

Kawai K11 Version KP076 ROM firmware upgrade EPROM update ($18.92)

Kawai K1M ($367.40)

New Kawai K-15e Upright Piano Black SP17815 - Sherwood Phoenix Pianos ($5,136.32)

Kawai K-15 E Polished Mahogany ($2,636.97)

Ripcord USB to 12V Kawai K1 Synth-compatible power cable by myVolts ($19.60)

Valhala Orchestral Card for Kawai K1/K1r/K1m ($70)