Casio has displayed a prototype of a new standalone hardware device, the SX-C1 Sampler, at the 2026 NAMM Show. Marking a potential return to the dedicated sampler market for the company, the device combines a handheld form factor with 16-bit sampling, a built-in microphone, and a control layout inspired by retro gaming controllers.
While the unit displayed is currently in development and specifications are subject to change, the chassis features a 1.3-inch OLED display flanked by a directional D-pad and four function buttons. The lower section houses a standard 4×4 grid of 16 rubberized pads for sample triggering, alongside dedicated slider and rotary controls for effects manipulation.
The SX-C1 is designed for portable, standalone operation. It records in WAV format at a 16-bit, 48kHz sampling rate. According to preliminary specifications, the engine supports 16-voice stereo polyphony and includes a grid-style step sequencer. Visual waveform editing is supported via the OLED screen, allowing for sample trimming directly on the hardware.
Internal storage is listed at 64GB. The device is expected to ship with a library of preset sounds sourced from vintage Casio instruments (such as the CZ and SK series), while offering 10 banks of 16 slots for user samples.
Key Features (Prototype Specs)
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Architecture: Standalone digital sampler with 16-voice stereo polyphony.
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Audio Quality: 16-bit / 48kHz WAV recording.
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Control Interface: 16 velocity-sensitive pads, D-Pad navigation, and dual effects thumbwheels.
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Storage: 64GB internal memory.
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Connectivity: 3.5mm Line In, 3.5mm Line Out, Headphone Out.
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USB: Dual USB-C ports for power, data transfer, and class-compliant audio.
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Power: USB-C or AAA batteries (approx. 2 hours battery life).
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Physical: Built-in microphone and speaker; weighs approx. 315g.
Pricing & Availability
As the SX-C1 is currently a prototype, Casio has not yet announced official pricing or a release date.
Looking for samplers? Check out Sweetwater or Thomann.
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