Kawai • Craftsmanship • Engineering • Innovation
Understanding Kawai sound engines correctly
Harmonic Imaging, Progressive Harmonic Imaging, Harmonic Imaging XL, and SK-EX Rendering are not just variations of the same name; they are families of technology that express sampling, dynamics, resonance, and processing depth at different product levels. Which system is used in a specific model, which acoustic grand piano is sampled, and how the speaker structure is configured must be checked together.
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Introduction: Acoustic Excellence in a Digital Piano
When looking for an electronic piano, the most frequently asked question is: "Which digital piano sounds closest to an acoustic piano?" As an answer to this question, the Kawai piano brand leads the industry with innovative sound technologies. With the SK-EX Rendering technology applied in the CA98 and CA78 models, the Onkyo audio system, and Harmonic Imaging algorithms, it is almost impossible to distinguish the sound of a Kawai electronic piano from an acoustic concert grand.
SK-EX Rendering: Next-Generation Sound Engine
The Digital Embodiment of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Concert Grand
The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full-size concert grand, Kawai's flagship model, lies at the heart of the CA98 and CA78 digital pianos. Known as "Japan's Premier Pianos," Shigeru Kawai instruments are used in concert halls and music institutions worldwide, distinguished by their tonal clarity and exceptional dynamic range.
Multi-channel 88-key Sampling
To accurately reproduce the stunning sound of the Shigeru Kawai concert grand in digital format, Kawai has developed a new piano sound engine called SK-EX Rendering. This technology combines multi-channel 88-key sampling with the latest resonance modeling technology.
What is multi-channel sampling? The sound of the Shigeru Kawai concert grand is recorded from various points, which:
- Reproduces a wider range of tonal characteristics
- Responds more vividly and authentically to changes in dynamics
- Creates the impression for the performer that they are seated at a living, breathing instrument
Resonance Modeling Technology
New resonance algorithms physically model the complex tonal interactions created by an acoustic piano's strings, damper, and other parts. The result? An electronic piano with an expressive and natural sound indistinguishable from an acoustic piano.
Onkyo Audio System: Premium Sound Quality
The Power of Japan's Leading Audio Brand
The CA98 and CA78 electronic pianos were developed in collaboration with Onkyo, one of Japan's leading premium audio equipment manufacturers. These are the first musical instruments to use expert components designed for high-end audio reproduction.
Advanced Audio Technologies
1-bit DSD processing - Highest digital audio quality
Dual DAC signal conversion - Dual precision
DIRDC circuitry - Onkyo's exclusive technology
Together, these technologies reproduce the sound of the Shigeru Kawai concert grand with stunning richness and clarity.
CA98: TwinDrive Soundboard Technology
The flagship CA98 model features a significantly improved speaker system that combines premium Onkyo driver units with Kawai's newly developed TwinDrive soundboard technology.
Unique Acoustic Projection
TwinDrive technology uses the latest Onkyo transducer components to direct sound energy into a real wooden soundboard. The result:
- A richer, natural piano tone
- An immersive sound experience that surrounds the performer
- Maximum closeness to an acoustic piano
Headphone Experience: Discrete Spectra Module
Both Concert Artist models incorporate Onkyo's new high-performance Discrete Spectra Module headphone amplifier. In combination with Kawai's existing Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS) technology:
- Highest quality listening experience
- Engaging sound even in private settings
- 3D spatial sense
Harmonic Imaging™: Kawai's Renowned Sound Technology
88-key Sampling Technology
Every key of the piano has its own unique tonal characteristic:
- Some keys have only one string, others have two or three
- There are differences in the shape and density of the hammer felt
- The unique tonal character of each note is preserved
Instead of "stretching" a small number of samples, Kawai's 88-key sampling samples and reproduces each key individually.
Progressive Harmonic Imaging (PHI)
Along with 88-key sampling, PHI provides more tonal detail across the dynamic range by using a larger tonal "database" than standard Harmonic Imaging.
Ultra Progressive Harmonic Imaging (UPHI)
UPHI provides the greatest possible tonal detail by using the largest tonal database.
Harmonic Imaging XL: A New Standard
Starting with the new Concert Artist series, Kawai introduces Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL) technology.
What does "extra-long" mean?
HI-XL extends the length of the critical attack portion of the sound by up to 120%, expressing the characteristics of each note more clearly and organically.
Multiple Piano Sounds: Perfect Tone for Every Style
Subjective Choice and Musical Styles
A musician's preference for piano sound is highly subjective and depends on personal taste. The type of music to be played is also a factor. For this reason, most Kawai digital pianos offer more than one acoustic piano sound.
Concert Grand 1: Classical and Jazz
In models featuring 88-key sampling, Concert Grand 1 is the well-balanced EX Concert Grand sound recorded as standard for classical and jazz music.
Concert Grand 2: Original Character
Many models feature Concert Grand 2, the original Harmonic Imaging Concert Grand sound. It has a character quite different from Concert Grand 1.
Pop Piano: Los Angeles Studio Sound
Many higher-end models also include a "Pop Piano" sound. This is also an EX Concert Piano, but the recording methods and equipment are identical to those used for famous pop and rock piano recordings made in recording studios in the Los Angeles area.
Upright Piano: Intimate Sound
The new Concert Artist instruments are equipped with a new upright piano sound, perfect for music requiring a more intimate piano tone.
Conclusion: For the Most Demanding Piano Enthusiasts
Whether it is the original Harmonic Imaging sound or one of its newer counterparts, your choice will be of a massive level of realism and expressiveness—quality worthy of the most demanding piano enthusiasts.
With Kawai electronic piano technologies, you are not just buying a digital instrument—you are bringing the soul of an acoustic concert grand, the audio excellence of Onkyo, and decades of Japanese craftsmanship into your home.
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