Pros and Cons
Casio’s Compact Digital Piano series has been upgraded with three new models. The mid-range Casio CDP-S160 offers everything you need to get started, plus more features than the more affordable CDP-S110. Sold as a bundle with a stand and pedal unit, it is also Casio’s most affordable digital upright piano.
The CDP-S160 shares the same ultra-compact chassis as its smaller sibling. While the S110 is available in black or white, the CDP-S160 comes in either black or red. A special feature of the CDP-S160 is the sturdy black CS-470P stand with an integrated triple pedal unit.
Unlike the S160, the CDP-S110 lacks the necessary connection for a triple pedal, so you can only pair it with the simpler, pedal-less CS-46P stand. Buyers of the CDP-S160, on the other hand, get a digital piano that’s well-suited for home use. Though it lacks the built-in keyboard cover that some digital uprights offer, the S160 is a compelling, affordable all-in-one solution priced at around $700.
A comparably equipped CDP-S110 will come to around $550, once you factor in the cost of a stand and a high-quality sustain pedal. However, this more affordable option lacks several features found on the CDP-S160, including soft and sostenuto pedals.
With portable pianos, optional stand solutions don’t necessarily include integrated foot pedals. A connected sustain pedal typically relies on a basic non-slip surface for support. This is also the case with the CDP-S110. Especially for beginners, it can be frustrating if the sustain pedal shifts or slides backward while playing. In this regard, the CS-470P stand included with the CDP-S160, with its built-in triple pedal unit, is a significant advantage that should not be underestimated.
The CDP-S160 offers everything we already appreciated about the S110: Its 88-note scaled hammer-action keyboard with textured ebony/ivory key surfaces provides a well-rounded playing experience. Three available velocity curves let you set the sensitivity to your liking.
The ten built-in sounds include a dynamic acoustic grand piano, electric pianos in the style of the Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and DX7, as well as church and jazz organ tones. The strings tend to be a bit synthetic, and the harpsichord lacks a key-off sample, but these sounds are still nice to have. One feature I missed was a piano/bass split preset, as the S160 does not offer a split function. However, sound layering is possible. In this case, the 64-note polyphony can occasionally be pushed to its limits.
The instrument’s heart is, of course, the grand piano sound, and Casio has done an excellent job here. Compared to the older CDP-S100 model, the multisample has been completely reworked and now features longer individual samples. The result is impressive, even when played through the internal speakers, which Casio has also carefully fine-tuned.
Naturally, with two 8-watt speakers, you can’t expect the same quality as on higher-end digital pianos with more powerful sound systems. Still, the S160’s speakers deliver a pleasingly clear and present sound. The bright tonal character and amplifier output make up for the lack of brilliance control. If you want to connect to an external sound system, however, the only option is the headphone output.
The CDP-S160 offers several advantages over its smaller sibling, not just in terms of the stand and integrated pedals. Most importantly, it has a built-in MIDI recorder. While the memory is limited to about 2,500 notes (enough for a single song), and there’s no multitrack recording, it’s still a valuable tool for self-assessment when learning or practicing the piano.
Another useful addition is the Duet mode, which splits the grand piano sound into two equal ranges across the keyboard. Ideal for piano lessons with a piano teacher.
A final difference from the S110 is the inclusion of alternative tuning systems. In addition to standard equal temperament, the CDP-S160 offers 16 other scales or temperaments, including historical and culturally specific tunings such as church modes and Arabic or Oriental scales. For players from musical traditions outside of Western Europe, this can be essential. Otherwise, it’s an interesting option for more advanced musical exploration.
The Casio CDP-S160 has few physical buttons and no display. As a result, most functions are accessed by holding down the Function key and pressing specific keys on the keyboard. This includes everything from sound selection and metronome control to controlling the recorder and adjusting MIDI settings.
This is where the app becomes particularly useful: Casio has now replaced the familiar Chordana Play for Piano app with the more advanced Casio Music Space (Android/iOS). It offers remote control for adjusting sounds via smartphone or tablet, practice songs, and a song player with both piano roll and sheet music views, as well as additional practice features. The CDP-S160 connects via a USB cable (using an OTG adapter or the Apple Camera Connection Kit). A separate mini-jack is also required to connect to the piano’s audio input.
Interestingly, the CDP-S160 is actually the successor to the CDP-S150, which was never released in certain markets. In some regions, the new model is sold exclusively as part of a complete bundle: the CDP-S160SET, including a matching triple-pedal stand unit. Compared to its predecessor, the piano sound engine and speaker system have been improved, and the S160 now comes with three fully playable pedals as part of the package. These, along with extras such as the built-in MIDI recorder, set it apart from the still-affordable entry-level portable model, the CDP-S110.
The CDP-S160 also supports Casio’s Music Space app via a cable connection, providing convenient control and additional practice tools. And if you want to take the instrument to a rehearsal or gig, removing the stand is as easy as loosening four screws. All in all, a well-rounded Casio package that delivers solid value and quality in equal measure.
Release date: February 2022
Keyboard: 88 keys, Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II, 2-sensor system
Polyphony: 64 voices
Included accessories: AC adapter, music rest, music stand, CS-470P stand
Piano app: Casio Music Space (free for Android/iOS)
Manufacturer/Distributor: Casio
Pros and Cons
Henrik Bruns
Compared to its predecessor, the piano sound and speaker system have been improved, and in the bundled set configuration, the S160 essentially becomes a compact digital upright piano with three fully playable pedals.
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