Casio XW-G1

Back in 2013, Casio surprised everyone with this groovebox disguised as a full keyboard workstation, packing a step sequencer that could output nine MIDI tracks—perfect for jamming ideas without a computer.

It blends virtual analog synthesis with PCM tones across 64 voices, letting you stack up to six oscillators per patch, each with its own multimode filter, key tracking, four envelopes, and two LFOs for deep sound design. Hands-on knobs invite real-time tweaks, while the 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard anchors everything; phrase sequencer, arpeggiator, and sampling via the 1/8-inch stereo line or mic input keep rhythms flowing to SD card or USB. Effects like delay, chorus, flanger, distortion, ring mod, and pan add polish, with full MIDI I/O (DIN and USB) for integration. Battery-powered at just 5.4kg and 948x384x124mm, it's gig-ready without bulk.

Players dig the tough, distinctive sounds and sequencer flexibility for quick productions, though some find the menu-diving a hurdle without a deep manual study. Still, it's a cult favorite for affordable, all-in-one experimentation.