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Description

The K5000S is an Advanced Additive Synthesizer that combines real-time performance features and unique synthesis capabilities into a single unit.

The first of the series was the K5000W keyboard workstation introduced in 1996. Soon afterwards the K5000S was introduced, followed its rackmounted sibling the K5000R. In Japan, Kawai stopped production of all models of the K5000 by the summer of 1999, although they were officially discontinued months earlier in other parts of the world. The K5000 is credited as one of the few commercial synthesizers to use additive synthesis. Even today this technology is mostly found in software synthesizers.

ADVANCED ADDITIVE TONE GENERATOR

The K5000S series updates the famous K5 synthesizer tone generator and its unique additive harmonic synthesis approach. The Advanced Additive Tone Generator contains 32 source generators, which depending on how they are used, can yield up to 32 voice polyphony.

PCM samples can also be mixed with additive sources. As few as one or as many as six sources can be used to make a single sound. For example, a PCM wave of a piano hammer can be superimposed with the sound of the piano string created by additive harmonics.

128 BAND FORMANT FILTER

A new addition to the Advanced Additive tone generator is the 128 Band Pennant Filter, which can used as a Parametric EQ or several other con?gurations. The Formant Filter is completely controllable by envelopes or LFOs.

MACRO CONTROL

Unique to the K5000S model are the macro controls for major sound parameters, available on the front panel for instant access. In addition, four user controls are programmable for each patch.

PROGRAMMABLE ARPEGGIATOR

The K5000S Programmable Arpeggiator, features a wide range of control, ideal for use in Tekno and other modern musical styles.

DIGITAL EFFECTS SYSTEM

The K5000S contains an advanced digital effects processor (DSP), which allows four individual effects of chorus, delay, distortion, etc., in addition to reverb and a graphic equalizer.

When playing a single sound, individual sources can be routed to individual effects; when playing multiple sounds in Multi mode, individual sounds can be routed to individual effects.

Product specs

Brand Kawai
Model K5000R Rackmount Digital Synthesizer Module
Finish Silver
Year 1997
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 32 Voices

FAQs

Is the Kawai K5000R a polyphonic synthesizer?

Yes, the Kawai K5000R is a polyphonic synthesizer with 32 voices, allowing for complex and layered sound production.

What type of synthesis does the Kawai K5000R use?

The Kawai K5000R utilizes additive synthesis, which allows for the creation of rich and detailed sounds by combining multiple sine waves.

Does the Kawai K5000R support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Kawai K5000R features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it easy to integrate with other MIDI-compatible equipment.

Is the Kawai K5000R suitable for live performances?

As a rackmount digital synthesizer, the Kawai K5000R is designed for studio use but can be integrated into live setups with appropriate MIDI controllers.

What are the standout features of the Kawai K5000R's sound engine?

The Kawai K5000R's additive synthesis engine allows for deep sound customization and unique timbral possibilities, making it a favorite for sound designers seeking distinctive textures.

RetroSound

RetroSound

Kawai K5000 Rack *Advanced Additive Synthesizer*

Video thumbnail for Kawai K5000 Rack  *Advanced Additive Synthesizer* by RetroSound

Kawai K5000 Rack *Advanced Additive Synthesizer*

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Kawai K5000S/K5000R - Modern Atmospheric Sounds by LFOstore

Kawai K5000S/K5000R - Modern Atmospheric Sounds

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for Kawai K5000S/K5000R - Best Atmospheric Sounds by LFOstore

Kawai K5000S/K5000R - Best Atmospheric Sounds

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for KAWAI K5000R Advanced Additive Synthesizer by いーえるP@TinySymphony

KAWAI K5000R Advanced Additive Synthesizer

いーえるP@TinySymphony

いーえるP@TinySymphony

Video thumbnail for Kawai K5000S/K5000R - Bundle 60 Custom Presets by LFOstore

Kawai K5000S/K5000R - Bundle 60 Custom Presets

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for Kawai K5000S/K5000R - "Deep Spheres" 50 Multi Presets by LFOstore

Kawai K5000S/K5000R - "Deep Spheres" 50 Multi Presets

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for Best Ambient Synth Shootout #13: Kawai K5000R - Song 1 by Christian's Sonic Spaces

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #13: Kawai K5000R - Song 1

Christian's Sonic Spaces

Christian's Sonic Spaces

Video thumbnail for Best Ambient Synth Shootout #14: Kawai K5000R - Song 2 by Christian's Sonic Spaces

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #14: Kawai K5000R - Song 2

Christian's Sonic Spaces

Christian's Sonic Spaces

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Kawai K5000R & K5000S

soundonsound.com

The Kawai K5000R offers a unique additive synthesis experience that stands out in a crowded market, but its limitations in multitimbrality and a confusing manual may deter some users. While the sophisticated arpeggiator and real-time control knobs enhance creativity, the lack of GM compatibility and a more robust patch memory might leave serious synth enthusiasts wanting. In essence, it’s a compelling option for those eager to explore additive synthesis, but it requires a willingness to navigate its complexities.

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
engineeermusic

It's powerful, but complicated to program. Screen issues are common.

I owned the K5000R, which is the rack version of the K5000 series. I also had the additional controller box with 16 knobs.

This is actually an amazing synth considering its capabilities. You can get amazing sounds out of it, if you know how to program it. Programming this synth is nothing for beginners, though. It was too much of a synth for me, as I was just starting out in the 90s.

Filing displays are very common throughout the K5000 series. The screen on my K5000R broke, also.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses Kawai K5000R

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Universal Indicator

...
Verified via Pitchfork

In the epic gear list that accompanies Aphex Twin's Syro album artwork, a "Kawai K5000R" is listed.

See how Martin Stürtzer uses Kawai K5000R

Martin Stürtzer

Music Producer

...
Verified via BandCamp

Quote from the artist: "Recorded in the night from October 8th to 9th 2018. All sounds played and sequenced live with Waldorf Microwave I, Oberheim Matrix 1000, Yamaha TG77, Kawai K5000R. Moog Sub37, Eurorack Modular, Access Virus TI, Yamaha DX7."

See how Callisto uses Kawai K5000R

Callisto

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this image a Kawai K5000R can be seen in Callisto's rack as the second lowest unit, above the rack mixer.

Album Usage

The Kawai K5000R has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Kawai K5000R, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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