This article will focus on the Casio CTK-240 synthesizer , which is too large for the school bag, but for beginners to study at home, this would be a good option. It is perfect for both acquaintance with the synthesizer base, and for simple entertainment when there is nothing to do. If you wish, you can use 50 compositions, 100 styles and tones for self-study. The design decision impresses many buyers. The device received an elegant small case, so it can be called a real work of art.
General description of the CTK line
This line includes both advanced models and beginner level. Basically, almost all products with the CTK index are intended for beginners or musicians with average skills. The described model in this line is considered one of the simplest. In addition to it, the following modifications can be added to those presented after the Casio CTK-240. Reviews that describe in more detail the operation of this device, read below.
What determines the simplicity of the device? This unit has a minimal set of functions, only 100 tones and several accompaniment variations. Such a device allows a novice musician or child to play some simple unobtrusive melody or listen to how the compositions should sound. The downside of a device such as the Casio CTK-240 synthesizer (specifications are described below) can only be called the fact that the keyboard is not full-sized, as it has only 49 buttons.
If we talk about the 2200 series and so on, we can say that the functional set here remains the same. However, they have built-in sampling for use, the keyboard is much larger, and it is also possible to record sounds from the microphone.
4000 series gives you the opportunity to work with editing styles, that is, it allows you to turn off a particular part, replace sounding instruments, activated effects, and so on.
The 6000 Series features more serious models. There is already a special mixer, as well as a sequencer, which allows you to create your own melody.
Modification 7200 makes it possible to use a large number of functions in the settings. Devices allow you to work with saving notes on a memory card, use the synthesizer as a processor. This device can process vocals, other sounds. I must say separately that most of the powerful devices work with a full keyboard, which has a piano type. If you wish, you can easily find its modifications with both 60 keys and 88.
Price category
The Casio CTK-240 is in the mid-range price range. When it was first released, the estimated cost varied within $ 100, but now the price varies depending on the outlets. In some online stores, a synthesizer can be bought for 10 thousand rubles., In the rest - for 5 thousand rubles. In order to make a more profitable purchase, you need to pay attention to this device at all various specialized points of sale. In addition, in order not to fall for a fake, it is recommended to still purchase a musical instrument from trusted sellers for the proposed price. You should not buy a Casio CTK-240 synthesizer if the offer seems dubious.
Specifications
This model is a synthesizer that has 49 buttons. 100 tones integrated. Polyphony is designed for 12 notes. For some timbres, only 6 of them are suitable.
What about auto accompaniment, the Casio CTK-240 has about 100 rhythmic patterns. The mode of this function can be selected. There are only 2. There are two controllers. The volume is designed for 10 steps. 50 melodies are built into the internal memory, there are only three controllers for them.
The display is installed. It displays the playback tone, melody, title or song number that sounds from the built-in memory, as well as the keyboard settings used by the user.
What about the tempo, the display shows its value, the work of the metronome, the synchronization process. In addition, the name of the chord may be displayed on the screen. Transpose has 12 steps. The volume of Casio CTK-240 is adjustable from 0 to 9 levels. The ability to connect headphones using the standard stereo jack is available. The resistance is 78 ohms, the voltage does not exceed 2 watts. There are two options for power, we are talking about the battery and mains operation. The battery can give the opportunity to interact with the synthesizer for no more than 6 hours in a row. Six AA-type zinc batteries are installed. The tool turns off automatically after 6 minutes of inactivity. Without a battery, the device weighs about 3 kg.
General description of the device
The synthesizer has 49 keys, that is, it works with four octaves. Polyphony is represented by 12 notes. Such data is quite enough for beginners. In the internal memory there are 50 little things, 100 rhythms. If you wish, you can turn them on, alternate between them, connect, and also add your own notes, playing your own tunes at the same time as existing ones. In addition, a metronome is built in, so you can change the playback speed.
The synthesizer perfectly imitates such instruments as a guitar, organ, piano and others. There are only 100 tones. The synthesizer has received compact dimensions and light weight, which facilitates its storage and use. The manufacturer also took care of the availability of a fairly necessary accessory called a music stand. In the center of the device is an electronic display. It displays playback information. Two speakers are located on the side, which have a power of about 1.6 V. If desired, you can adjust the playback level at any time, we are talking about volume. No need to worry about earphones. After all, the synthesizer allows you to change the volume from very quiet to quite voiced. The USB port is not integrated. If an adapter is needed, it must be purchased separately. The operation book is written in many foreign languages except Russian. Moreover, the synthesizer itself is not Russified. However, for both a child and an adult, it will not be difficult to understand the intricacies of this device.
Tool purpose
Everyone knows that the products of this company are not intended for professional use. It’s rare when you can compare Casio synthesizers with Yamaha or Roland Fantom. The same situation is with the described tool. This device assumes that it will act as a training “manual”.
What this instrument may recall from Yamaha's models is that it has a metronome and auto accompaniment. To decide whether this device is suitable for a particular consumer, you need to start from your needs.
Sound
Professionals note that the sound is not bright enough, and some notes are played out of tune. However, it is striking only specialists. For beginners, the sound characteristic of this device will be quite adequate and suitable for studying a synthesizer. Many write that for such a price category such data is more than understandable and it is not worth demanding something superprofessional. Like the "related" synthesizer Casio CTK-2400, whose characteristics are also pretty good, the described one has high-quality melodies built into the internal memory. There are no complaints to them. Therefore, we can say with confidence that this device complies with its price category. If desired, some amplifiers and acoustic units are allowed to be connected to the device. This will allow you to diversify the sound, make it more powerful and enjoyable. The device has adequate sound characteristics that do not disappoint buyers. Therefore, do not worry that the sound will be bad or poor quality.
Device design
The design of this device is similar to the design of the famous Casio CTK-2400 model (customer reviews about it are good). It has minimalistic features. Moreover, it is common to most devices of this type. The device is no different. Individual parts, like the entire case, are decorated in black and white. Just above the keys, you can see the buttons that are responsible for activating certain functions, the battery compartment is on the back side. In general, the design does not disappoint, but also does not distinguish the device from competitors. But this is not a minus, since all professionals are accustomed to such a design.
Positive customer reviews
Buyers note the excellent volume control button, low weight of the device and good sound. Moreover, the advantages include an interesting and discreet design, as well as an abundance (as for a beginner) of available functions.
Most write that value for money is more than pleasant. The keys have a soft pressing technology, so it’s convenient to use them. Separately, it is necessary to note the build quality. The synthesizer is perfect for beginners who are just planning to learn how to play this instrument.
The sound will please most buyers. There are not so many built-in functions to get confused in them, but not so few. In general, they will make it possible to use the tool 100%.
Discussing the Casio CTK-240 synthesizer, customer reviews highlight the ability to work with four channels. This will allow beginners to learn how to play on two hands at once. However, I must say that if you need a device for serious work, this device will not work.
Negative reviews
Basically, users do not write negative reviews, since there are no negative sides when using this device. However, there are people who lack a USB port. There are no comments on the rest of the content. The main thing is to correctly understand the purpose of this tool.
Summary
The article considered a synthesizer, which received quite a lot of positive reviews. Users practically do not make comments to the device address. The manufacturer took care of good sound, beautiful design, and also so that the beginner could fully understand the intricacies of working with the Casio CTK-2400 musical instrument. The description in the manual, unfortunately, is not presented in Russian, so it is of little use. However, if you wish, you can watch the review on the Internet, as well as use special resources to translate key points. However, basically such manipulations are not required, since the control of the device is intuitive to everyone. In general, many recommend paying attention to this synthesizer. Some people buy it for a child if the subject of piano study in a music school is not basic. The price category is quite adequate, and the quality is completely suitable for it.