Introduction: Acoustic Excellence in a Digital Piano
When searching for an electronic piano, the most common question is: "Which digital piano sounds most like an acoustic piano?" The Kawai piano brand leads the industry in answering this question with innovative sound technologies. With the SK-EX Rendering technology, Onkyo audio system, and Harmonic Imaging algorithms implemented in the CA98 and CA78 models, Kawai makes it almost impossible to distinguish the sound of an electronic piano from an acoustic concert grand.
SK-EX Rendering: The 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 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
- Gives the performer the impression of sitting at a living, breathing instrument
Resonance Modeling Technology
New resonance algorithms physically model the complex tonal interactions created by an acoustic piano's strings, dampers, and other parts. The result? An expressive and natural sound that is 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 specialist components designed for high-end audio reproduction.
Advanced Audio Technologies
1-bit DSD processing - The highest digital audio quality
Dual DAC signal conversion - Double precision
DIDRC circuitry - Onkyo's exclusive technology
These technologies together reproduce the sound of the Shigeru Kawai concert grand with astonishing richness and clarity.
CA98: TwinDrive Soundboard Technology
The flagship model, the CA98, features a significantly improved dynamic 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 to a real wooden soundboard. The result:
- A richer, more natural piano tone
- An immersive sound experience that envelops 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:
- The highest quality listening experience
- Engaging sound even in private settings
- A 3D sense of space
Harmonic Imaging™: Kawai's Prestigious Sound Technology
88-Key Sampling Technology
Each key of a piano has its unique tonal characteristic:
- Some keys have only one string, others two or three
- Differences exist in the shape and density of the hammer felt
- The unique tonal character of each note is preserved
Kawai's 88-key sampling samples and reproduces each key individually, instead of "stretching" a small number of samples.
Progressive Harmonic Imaging (PHI)
With 88-key sampling, PHI uses a larger tonal "database" than standard Harmonic Imaging, providing more tonal detail across the dynamic range.
Ultra Progressive Harmonic Imaging (UPHI)
UPHI uses the largest tonal database, ensuring the greatest possible tonal detail.
Harmonic Imaging XL: The New Standard
Starting with the new Concert Artists series, Kawai introduces Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL) technology.
What does "extra-long" mean?
HI-XL increases 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: The Perfect Tone for Every Style
Subjective Choice and Musical Styles
A musician's preference for a 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 with 88-key sampling, Concert Grand 1 is the standard recorded, well-balanced EX Concert Grand sound 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 very different character from Concert Grand 1.
Pop Piano: Los Angeles Studio Sound
Many higher-end models also feature a "Pop Piano" sound. This is also an EX Concert Piano, but the recording methods and equipment are the same as those used in popular 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 that requires a more intimate piano sound.
Conclusion: For the Most Demanding Piano Enthusiasts
Whether it's the original Harmonic Imaging sound or one of its new counterparts, your choice will be at a colossal level of realism and expressiveness - a quality worthy of the most demanding piano enthusiasts.
With Kawai electronic piano technologies, you're not just getting a digital instrument - you're 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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