Casio Intros Trackformer XW-DJ1 DJ Controller & XW-PD1 Groove Center

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Casio has introduced two new Trackformer DJ products, the XW-DJ1 DJ Controller and XW-PD1 Groove Center. 

XW–PD1 Groove Center

The XW-PD1 Groove Center, above, is equipped with the sound engine from Casio’s XW series of synthesizers The XW-PD1 design includes 16 velocity-sensitive pads and 4 knobs for fast real-time music production.

The XW-PD1 features an outer ring containing 16 buttons, which let you visualize the current rhythm pattern at a glance. Users can create rhythms and phrases with the pads as well as apply DSP effects such as roll, filter, bit crusher, break, and pitch shifter.

The XW-PD1 includes drum sounds for a variety of electronic styles, including Hip Hop, Trap, and House. It also features a synthesizer engine, a variety of effects and can sample sounds.

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XW–DJ1 DJ Controller

Casio’s XW-DJ1 DJ Controller, above, features a 7-inch platter that provides the feel of an analog turntable, filter controls and cross fader. The XW-DJ1 is compatible with Algoriddim’s djay2 apps.

The XW-DJ1 integration with djay2 provides direct controls for cue points, tempo sync, effects and looping. Additionally, the XW-DJ1 is portable because it is battery-powered and offers a built-in-speaker.

The two Trackformer controllers can also be used in tandem. The audio output of the XW-DJ1 can be connected to the audio input of the XW-PD1. This lets users do remix performances, using the unique capabilities of each product.

Pricing and Availability

The XW-DJ1 DJ Controller will be available, beginning January 2015, for an MSRP of $299.00.

The XW-PD1 Groove Center will be available beginning March 2015 for an MSRP of $399.00.

49 thoughts on “Casio Intros Trackformer XW-DJ1 DJ Controller & XW-PD1 Groove Center”

    1. I still love my casiotone mt -65 some things don’t have to be aimed at professionals to still turn out awesome. I can see these things turning up at JB HiFi and selling like hot cakes to teens.

      1. Most music equipment isn’t sold to professionals anyways. I consider a professional to be a a person who earns their entire living from musical work. Not just gigging on the weekends/

        Something like less than 10% of guitars are sold to working musicians. The rest are to hobbyists. Can’t remem where I read that….

        Imagine that’s about right for all gear except super boutique recording.mastering stuff.

    2. Your statement shows your ignorance. Casio has always been on the cutting edge — who had the first affordable samplers? Who invented phase distortion synthesis? Are you even aware of the re-launch of their proline?

    3. many idiot think like you ,because they are not aware of the enormous progress made….
      And those idiot (like you) will never know what they miss

  8. I love to see a demo video showing the benefits of those products… They look interesting.

    The JD1 have an interesting idea with the platter. I don’t like the position of the faders and looking the printed borons and labels I feel that is not and ergonomic or logical position of things… (they look like HANDSONICS but in the wrong position rotated 90 degrees).

    I use to have many groove machines and the PD1 doesn’t look like an advanced instrument maybe it was USB for internal sound editing or something but that interface doesn’t looks like a “deep sound editing” option.

      1. Wtf you talk about?
        Is the kaossilator a 64 step sequencer? NO!
        can the kaossilator samples 35 samples up to 7 seconds pro sample? NO!
        Does the Kaossilator have 850 Internal sounds? NO!
        Does the kaossilator have 200 effects? NO!
        Does the kaossilator have 8 Patterns? NO
        Can the Kaossilator control midi?NOdoes the kaossilator have a USB pc editor? NO!

        Does the kaossilator work also on batterie YEs ,that is the only common feature….

  11. Worst Design Ever!!! totally awkward and dysfunctional design…. maybe sounds great, but i think is too bulky (a nightmare to carry on, or put it on dj place) so Casio think about it,,,

  17. LOVE the Star Wars references (something maybe all of us synth freaks can agree on for a change)…kinda am embarrassed by the actual products though (something most of us can agree on)…anyway, keep making music and carry on until Episode 7…bitchin’

  19. These are both designed with right handlers in mind. I’d particularly want to flip the dj controller the other way and control the disc with my left hand. They should offer free transfers a lefty can apply so you can read the button labels the other way.

  20. I am very excited of that synth engine. Is the rompler engine closer to XW-G1 or PX-5(with samples and the XW-monosynth)? Does it have several monosynth instances and effect processors and do the effects sound as good as PX-5.

    Casio’s come back has made me all giddy and I cannot wait to see more of their offerings. The XW-P/G1 were almost there, but if only they could combine them with the advances they managed to squeeze out of the PX-5, I don’t care about the form they package it in.

  21. The Groove Center’s price and function set puts it in competition with the new Korg electribes. I’m not going to dismiss it on form factor (Behringer Tweakilizer ring any bells?) but Korg has the pedigree and Casio does not. But I’m still interested to hear it in action.

    The logo suggests a landscape orientation, but the tilted faders and button ring make it anyone’s guess. Maybe rectangles that have a top and bottom are your daddy’s form factor?

  22. Im not sure, it seems like you could switch between the faders and the buttons very quickly with one hand, rather than hunching over the controller. I personally don’t use these controllers though.

  23. It’s GOT to be better than the Akai Rhythm Wolf. Looks like it may be a lot of fun. Hopefully less money than the electribes though. I can’t see Casio being able to successfully compete with Korg, unless this thing has some killer features we don’t know about yet.

    1. “It’s GOT to be better than the Akai Rhythm Wolf.”

      I would never have thought to compare an analog drum machines with a DJ controller. Innovative!

          1. Both are left-field products that make electronic music and come from manufacturers not currently associated with their respective product. Akai’s making an analog drum machine and Casio making a groovebox? Both are also at the pro-sumer price bracket.

            I bought a Rhythm Wolf. This casio CANNOT be worse than that POS. Even if the Casio didn’t turn on, I would throw it up against a wall and sample it breaking, and it would still be more musical. If you want mine, I’m selling it BTW. lol

  24. …. just wondering what happened to the keyboard versions?! will we see xw p2 or g2 in ghe short future? P1 and G1 are out of stock here in Germany! Wondering what Mike Martin says!!!

    greetings

    frank

    1. On request Casio Europe confirmed that the complete range (XW P1 and G1) is out of stock and production. They donn’t know if there will be an successor soon. Interesting!

      Greetings

      1. Haha! Wonderfully bad!
        For pure comedic value I’d like to see a soundclash between her on this & the Slipknot guy on the KDJ1. A DJ1-off, if you will.
        That’d be priceless.

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