Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $10
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$100
$601+
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Description
Step into a world of musical innovation with the Casio MT-540, a versatile addition to any music enthusiast's arsenal. This portable keyboard caters to both budding musicians and seasoned artists, offering a range of features that inspire creativity and exploration. With 49 full-size keys, the MT-540 provides an authentic playing experience, making it perfect for practice and performance alike.
The MT-540 is packed with a variety of sound options, including 210 distinct tones and 12 drum kits, allowing you to experiment with different musical styles. Its 100 built-in rhythms offer a solid foundation for your compositions, while the auto-accompaniment feature enhances your playing by providing a dynamic backing track. Whether you're composing your next hit or just jamming with friends, the MT-540 is equipped to handle it all.
This keyboard also includes an onboard recorder, enabling you to capture your musical ideas on the fly. With its MIDI connectivity, the MT-540 seamlessly integrates with other music production tools, expanding your creative possibilities. The lightweight design and battery power option ensure that you can take your music wherever you go, making the MT-540 a truly portable powerhouse.
Key Features:
- 49 full-size keys for an authentic playing experience
- 210 unique tones and 12 drum kits for diverse sound options
- 100 built-in rhythms with auto-accompaniment
- Onboard recorder for capturing musical ideas
- MIDI connectivity for versatile integration
- Lightweight design with battery power option for portability
Product specs
| Brand | Casio |
| Model | MT-540 49-Key Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1980s |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Portable Keyboards |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Mini |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 49 Keys |
| Number of Pads | 8 Pads |
| Polyphony | 10 Voices |
FAQs
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How many voices of polyphony does the Casio MT-540 offer?
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The Casio MT-540 features 10 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously, which is useful for creating rich, layered sounds.
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What type of keys does the Casio MT-540 have?
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The Casio MT-540 is equipped with 49 mini keys, which are smaller than standard keys, making it a compact option for portable use.
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Is the Casio MT-540 suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Casio MT-540 is suitable for beginners due to its simple interface and portable design, making it easy to learn and practice on.
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What is the keyboard action type of the Casio MT-540?
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The Casio MT-540 has a synth action keyboard, which typically offers a lighter feel compared to weighted keys, suitable for electronic music styles.
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Does the Casio MT-540 have built-in rhythm patterns?
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Yes, the Casio MT-540 includes built-in rhythm patterns, allowing you to enhance your playing with automatic accompaniments.
Videos
8-Bit Keys
Casio MT 540 & Space Quest III
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Casio MT-540.
Features and functionality
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The Casio MT-540 shares the same sound chip as the CT-640, but some voices are only accessible on the MT-540 via MIDI or additional push buttons.
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The Casio MT-540 includes both MIDI in and out on 5-pin DINs, making it compatible with external sequencers like Beatstep and Octatrack.
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The "210 sound tone bank" label is often misleading, as it refers to combinations of sounds rather than distinct presets.
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Comparisons
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The MT-540 and CT-460, both released in 1988, are similar models; however, the CT-460 includes MIDI capabilities which both models possess, despite initial confusion.
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The Casio MT-540 is noted alongside models like Yamaha PSS-780 for its MIDI support, though the latter offers multi-timbral support and SysEx capabilities.
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User experience
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After decades, users report potential sound variations in MT and CT models due to oxidation, old capacitors, and differing chipsets over production cycles.
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Owners have noted that the MT-540's drum sounds may not be sequenceable directly, but it serves well as a MIDI controller for external synths.
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Users advise checking the battery compartment for proper functionality when the keyboard doesn't power on, indicating potential power supply issues.
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Other
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In the 2017 remake of Stephen King's "IT," the Casio MT-540 is accurately depicted as a model from 1988, fitting the film's timeline.
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Use cases and applications
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The MT-540 is recognized for its historical role in making electronic music more accessible, echoing the affordability and portability of iconic instruments like the 303 and 808.
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Value and pricing
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Users mention acquiring the Casio MT-540 for as low as $40, highlighting its affordability for those exploring vintage keyboard capabilities.
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Artist usage
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On his official website, Legowelt highlights his use of the Casio MT-540, a late '80s home keyboard known for its warm preset sounds and raw drum tones. This versatile instrument includes features like MIDI and an "ambient atmosphere sound generator," which creates endless soundscapes such as sea, forest, and rain. The keyboard's unique "Sound Effect" buttons, made from vibrant turquoise rubber with diagonal stripes, add an intriguing visual and functional touch.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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