Digital Pianos: the types of device characteristics, how to choose

Created with the maximum proximity to the original, a good digital piano produces sound in the same way as the classical piano - with the help of hammers. Current models have a high-quality audio transmission and a little reminiscent of synthesizers.

on the upscale Piano and you can learn, and to give concerts.

Types of digital pianos

Electronic pianos differ in several ways, chief among them - is the type of housing, and "filling".

Classification by external parameters of the case:

• Portable model. Made in a lightweight plastic body without stand. Compact device helps the owner to save space and protect gear.

• Compact digital piano. In the case of this instrument, made of lightweight wood or particle board, set of high quality speakers. Due to the compact piano sound is a more clear and realistic than that of counterparts in a plastic case.
• Hull model. Stationary tools in a heavy frame made of solid wood are equipped with sensitive speakers that transmit the most natural sound. Professional series phones are only present in this line.

The advantage of portable and compact models is considered to be a lightweight body, but this advantage turns into a serious drawback for a functional.

Polyphony compact devices is less than 64 votes, the options are limited to 10 keystrokes, no functionality for recording tracks and play records, you can not add the party.

In addition, the compact models significantly smaller arsenal of sound effects, sound options, there is no function of the arrangement of the work.

Device digital pianos

The traditional instruments used mechanical principle of the organization of the keyboard. The keys associated with the hammers, rising when keys are pressed and falling under its own weight on the strings.

The general principle of the mechanism is placed in the following algorithm:

• digital piano keys are equipped with one or more sensors that are "stored" velocity keystrokes.
• In accordance with the speed and pressing force of the pressure built microprocessor adjusts sound output from a tool, increasing or decreasing the volume, making it longer or shorter.
• The processed sound is output via the instrument's speakers or through headphones.

Manufacturers remove samples from well-known brands?

C acoustic grand pianos and pianos and digital pianos make to sound a certain way, such as antique pianos elite DM or vintage pianola.

At the sound of modern devices added realistic sound shades:

• Sounds simulating resonance between strings of individual keys.
• Noises emitted by the movement of mechanical hammers, squeaking pedals are pressed.
• Echo and reverb effects.

There are electronic piano in which the sound is synthesized on the basis of other principles - based on mathematical algorithms and the generation of sound change sound samples. The principle of operation of such devices is not disclosed.

Features digital pianos

The underlying technical specifications of the digital piano:

• Polyphonic (ability to maintain a sound processor and a plurality of play back of sound waves). This parameter is responsible for the sound complete. Modern appliances are manufactured to the parameters of polyphony 64, 128 and 256 votes.

• Manageability sound by using the pedals. The standard models for beginners can be only one pedal, provides loud and zing. Pedal for electronic keyboards are sold separately, or blocks one by one.

Connecting the pedal allows you to control the volume, include special effects, add the expression game.

The package often includes a digital device:

• Stand of wood or aluminum (if acquired piano compact)
• headphones,
• Stand for the music.

Benches, bags and wraps, advanced stand, pedal blocks, cables for connecting the piano to the computer, notebook, tablet and an external acoustic amplifiers - listed accessories are not included and must be purchased separately.

They are versatile and can be used for any tool marks.

Benefits

The advantages of modern digital pianos include:

• The relative compactness of the device, light weight, ease of transportation. Even professional body parts can be moved around the room without fear that the settings stray.

In addition, the contractor can independently carry the piano, going to concerts.

• Getting rid of the problems associated with the prophylactic setting, which required the original piano or piano is mandatory once in 3-4 months.

• Adjust the volume and the possibility of playing in the headphones without interference and surrounding neighbors.
• Available, compared to the price of the classic tool cost.
• Ease when recording music - Digital tools are not necessary conditions studio with microphones and special soundproofing.
• The ability to play the piano sound different models of grand pianos and other instruments groups (functionality available to certain groups of models).
• The ability to perform the arrangement of melodies, add sound effects or play solos in the orchestral sound (characteristic not for all models).

disadvantages

The main disadvantage of inexpensive electronic musical instrument is considered to be mechanical, "lifeless" sound. These problems are the result of several deficiencies piano:

• In the original instrument and a digital analogue of sound different principles, because of what the artist feels uncomfortable at work. The musician has to "break" execution style in an attempt to achieve a beautiful melodic sound.

• The electronic device has a limited number of samples that are retrieved by pressing one keys, while an acoustic instrument under the hands of each individual artist sounds individually.
• Electronic analog does not possess a sufficiently intense and rich colouration.

the older generation of teachers of music schools to teach children do not recommend using an electronic piano, preferring to practice the technique on a conventional instrument.

How to choose a digital piano

To choose the right piano, you must immediately decide on the purpose of use of the instrument:

• Electronic piano to study at a music school teachers are not welcome.

• "For the soul" and the game at times suitable simplified models - compact and portable. They are the most affordable and are not endowed with superfluous functionality.

Required parameters when choosing a piano to study:

• The total number of octaves and 88 keys (some manufacturers trim the number of keys, the result is a piano can not be considered complete).
• Mandatory function - resistance when you press the keys. This principle is typical for the original piano.

For keys of the second and third octaves press must be lighter than for the small and the first octave. The keys are large octave kontroktavy subkontroktavy and should be the most "heavy".

• The sensitivity of the recoverable and regulation of volume, depending on the pressing force on the key. The optimal rate if the level of keyboard sensitivity can be adjusted by setting the special modes.

In the soft mode, the piano will be convenient to play the children in the "hard" mode will be able to fully exercise people with musical training.

Some manufacturers lay the device able to recognize more than 100 variants and pressed to extract depending on that of differently pitched tones. The more pressing the options specified by the manufacturer, the better.

• The completeness of the keyboard, high sensitivity of the option and the appropriate body (compact and portable or landline) and, of course, price - these are the basic parameters that guided in choosing apparatus.

For additional useful functions include:

• Built-in metronome to exercise a sense of rhythm.
• Function audio transpose - increase or decrease the pitch in semitone step (important for a comfortable learning the vocals).
• Function recording multiple tracks and listening to the recorded material. This is necessary when learning individual music tracks for the left and right hands, or for lessons of his party, which is part of the ensemble performance.
• The function of setting the frequency ranges for individual taste - in the manner of a classical or an old piano, grand piano, contemporary sound.
• Built-in imitation of other instruments - drums, violins, organ.
• Possibility subtraction of the sound, the presence of 2 connectors for headphones for ensemble playing.

what better

Professionals are of the opinion that an acoustic instrument that could replace any one high-tech electronic device. The higher the degree of "natural" sound, the higher technical perfection digital piano.

The best device, without regard to its compactness and lightness - a steady piano in a powerful package.

Professional pianists placing the device the following requirements:

• The feeling of "natural" touch. Keys must exactly repeat the original wooden keys Piano in size and level of resistance to pressing.

• The piano must have stability, possibility to adjust the height of the keyboard under the arms, a support under the sheet (professional model possess these properties).
• The device must have a function to connect to an external speaker system.
• The device should be registered more than 10 samples of embodiments with classical piano sounds of different kinds.

Other qualities - backlit display, key sensitivities over 100, 260 polyphonic voices, the function visual split when playing 4 hands, demo performance of music - no more than a nice bonus for the present professional.

As a rule, all of the technical surplus is not evaluated children who are learning to play and that, above all, must earn technique keys ownership.

Exploitation

The main convenience of the electronic device that does not need to be adjusted. During the operation from the user is required to comply with the usual precautions:

• Do not spill liquid on the instrument. The only case where an acoustic piano will be stronger than the e-mail.
• Avoid accumulation of dust on it, covered by the case. At the break compact unit is desirable to place a trunk.
• Do not allow physical impact, not to turn and do not drop.
• Do not place heavy objects on the surface.

• Do not place the device close to the battery, avoid extreme temperature fluctuations during transport equipment.
• When you connect the keys to your computer, make sure that the technical capabilities of your sound card and operating system.
• Clean the device can be slabomoschnym can Handheld vacuum cleaner, It is desirable to set it to "blow-out" and treat the surface of the device.

For wooden casing landline care device as well as for a polished wooden body of the acoustic tool. It can be cleaned with a damp sponge, use a special polish for brightening.

Guarantee

At 1000 digital pianos have 1-2 instrument whose detected manufacturing defects. Standard warranty issued by the manufacturer, is 1-3 years.

Retail network can provide an extended warranty on the mechanisms implemented (up to 10 years).

The warranty will be canceled if:

• When viewed show up traces of mechanical action unit - cracks, dents, scrapes, burns, traces of corrosive substances and liquids.
• The reason for the above damage served electrical instability or natural disasters.
• Damage caused by improper use of products.
• On the body revealed traces of opening and attempts to repair the thing.

The guarantee does not apply to the housing of the digital piano as he is considered a consumable item, and accessories (headphones, patch cords, cleaning products, batteries).

Faults and repairs

The digital piano is almost nothing to break. The first devices could have a problem with the sound, with chips, are often reluctant to electronics. Today, problems related to marriage or technical malfunction are extremely rare.

Much more often Piano deteriorates due to improper use or as a result of the use of force.

Related accessories - headphones, pedals, sound amplifiers - Stalling and must be purchased separately. Accessories are versatile and interchangeable, so the elements of technology from different manufacturers are compatible with the digital piano.

Replacement connectors, chip elements carry in the universal service center for repair of digital technology. Specialized service organization is only in large cities.

manufacturers

It produces several series. In a series of Privia CDP and offered compact low-cost devices. Casio PX-150 and CDP-120 - the most popular of these models.

In models of Casio PX-350 and CDP-220 is present the extended memory system for recording and playback of music in parallel, many additional sounds. The warranty on the product is 3 years.

It produces a wide range of keyboards - from the simplest to corps of professional models with a mechanical sound production system.

Series Arius YDP - model for the maintenance of skills, the Clavinova series is suitable for professional use, as has the most organic sounding and best mechanics.

Both options are shown in the official Russian website. The warranty on the product is 2 years.

It produces the most realistic sounding keyboards. Technology SuperNaturalPiano manufacturer introduced on all models pianos, regardless of budget. The keys have extra sensitive, the HP model.

The company takes care of product design - the site presents and flagship products manufacturer, and rare models. The warranty on the product is 3 years.

Korg brand tools are renowned for unique vintage sound. This producer sampled the most expensive and rare species of original acoustic pianos and grand pianos.

SP and LP series are suitable for lovers, C series is designed for professional musicians. Produced by piano Korg SV1 series were specially developed for the stage sound. The warranty on the product is 1 year.

It manufactures the most extensive line of devices for music lovers and professionals. A top manufacturer has provided the ultimate in pure sound of the instrument series ES, CL and KDP.

CN CA series and designed for the execution of the concerts. The warranty on the product is 1 year.

Kurzweil

The manufacturer provided a mechanism sound, properly approached to the acoustic, but some models unsuccessfully experimented with speakers. In Kurzweil MP-10 column directed at the floor, which has a negative effect on the sound.

The warranty on the product is 1 year.

The Italian company has released a bestseller StagePlayer, which reflected the many requirements of modern digital pianos.

Hammer mechanism, extended polyphony and a wide tonal range of a few tracks for the record, a lot of effects.

All this diversity has not justified, since such an impressive array of features the manufacturer has added a total of 4 types of sensitive keys and a pedal. The warranty on the product is 1 year.

Medeli

The manufacturer produces the cheapest devices of the above. CDP5200 model is popular among professional musicians, as the console is equipped with an extended tone and playing style (500 tones).

Hammer the keyboard non-truncated, to 88 keys. Manufacturer combines classic design with technical innovation - the addition of a liquid crystal display to the classic wooden case.

A common problem is the brand of electronics failure. The warranty on the product is 1 year.