Real-Time Filter Control on the Casio XW-P1

You might remember in my NAMM video post of the new Casio XW-P1 I wasn't sure if the filter control knob worked real-time for Hex Layer sounds. In the first video it almost appeared like it did while in the second, General Manager of Marketing, EMI, Mike Martin, states that it does not. It turns out it indeed, does not. What you hear in the first video was most likely an envelope or other modulation source being applied to the filter. Mike confirmed this with me.

Real time control of the filter for held notes via the filter knob only works in Solo Synth Mode / monophonic mode.  For all other polyphonic synth modes you will not hear the knob effect until you re-trigger a note.  This isn't an issue for sequences or arpeggios as notes transition along, but if you plan on holding a note or chord and turning that filter knob, it won't take effect until you press a new note. The same would of course apply to drones or notes with long release times.

It is worth noting, there are other modes of real-time control including control over the mix of each of the six layers allowing you to blend them on the fly. Effects can be controlled real-time in Hex and other modes. Six oscillators per patch, six layers, step sequencer, arpeggiator, and more. This is still an extremely powerful synth for the price.