All user reviews for the Kawai MP8

-88 Notes
-beaucoups sounds and all triturables
-connectique complte (noon, USB, jack output (L / R), XLR output (L / R) on stage very apprciable becaufe more DI box, pedal expression, sustain and una corda ...

USE

-keyboard of excellent quality I am a pianist, so I used to play on real wooden keys with weight and all the feelings that go with it ... I have not tried his "rival" The Roland 700SX, which must also be a sacred beast race, because for me most was this wooden mechanical.
-two Mollettes bend and vibrato for lovers of the electric band or Joe Zawinul ...
-The Configuration is quite simple, if we take the time to explore the possibilities of mp8 for effects and soundboard simulations for piano sounds, which are also very well conus.
-For What MIDI is very convenient, 4 zones with the volume knobs (for internal or external sounds), so it's convenient as I did noticed prcdemment.
clear manual (but in English ...)

SONORITS

The sounds and effects are well conus, piano sounds trsralistes the Rhodes also in terms of other sounds I do not use them, but are generally good (there was also a good drum set ...)

full keyboard
weighted keys


UTILIZATION

The manual is clear, but the setup is not easy to get right.

SOUNDS

The sound is fantastic. I usually use the grand piano only. I like it and always get positive feedback after a performanc.

OVERALL OPINION

I played every digital piano I could locate within four states. The Kawai MP8 is the one I choose to play. It is a great sounding "grand piano." The drawback is the wood construction for the weighted keys. It makes the unit very heavy and that becomes a problem if you travel a lot to play. Even though it is difficult to transport, I would still choose the MP8 Kawai exclusively for the realistic touch.

See characteristics on page Kawai https://www.kawai.de/mp8_en.htm
It is very complete, still details to be perfect:
- No headphone output with dedicated volume control (but it is common to all the digital pianos I believe, and many hi-fi amplifier does not have; That said that listening to headphone should be exclusive with one listening on speakers?
- Pedal block provided contains only two pedals ... (Physically Kawai designed the block with three pedals, but only two are installed ...
No problem with the weight & size of the machine, I use quasi-fixed bad it's so deep, however, with the cables at the back there is more than 50cm from the wall - but the internal mechanics must take a little space ...

UTILIZATION

-> The keyboard of course ... from around the piano, I can only praise the work done by Kawai on this point, however, the keyboard is a bit heavy ... (It's a matter of taste of course) and requires a break (what a fright the first day when some keys did not go back correctly on ppp passages!). Finitition keyboard OK, nothing more (the keys are not all aligned, highly visible in raking light, but without any effect on the game - for sure that this mechanism is different from the blocks molded platic with millimeter accuracy of Other productions!)
Another point: the keyboard is very noisy! This is obvious when playing off camera (ok, little interest), but also when playing with headphones (for other people in the room!). No worries, however, with small speakers, the sound is completely integrated with its "global" (or even closer to that of an acoustic piano?)
Settings are set at the factory touch too "exaggerated" I think (I would have four positions between "Normal" and "Light" to find my preference, other positions are "grotesque", and for now I can let me make a profile "User" to me is - again the curve generated by the MP8 is too exaggerated)

The general interface is very simple, say it is finally in my logic. All buttons are bright, is very convenient and makes up a small display.
I liked the digital dials + / - rather than Button (bcp faster!) For menus & values. Ditto for the 4 assignable knob: they are "absolute" so when you touch it they instantly take the value corresponding to the position of knob; Outside the previous value of the parameter (before it touches the knob) could be quite different and if you just do a "little extra" on a parameter, it must be done first press a button to see the numerical value present on the screen, turn the knob to find that value and do little more. I think that other brands use "Vpod" (or sth like that), ie a free digital knob stop allowing the knob always set correctly in relation to its current value;

Otherwise, little misadventure: The firmware upgrade required to go through the MIDI ports rather than USB (crash, complete machine, with no possibility to go back!). Handle with care.

SOUNDS

In terms of sound: I use the piano only qq first ... I toured the 256 sounds "to play", to say the they are usable ... My use is limited solely to use as a replacement of an acoustic piano, so I'm not interested in other sounds.
For piano, simulations of sympathetic resonance & tables resonances are very realistic (and adjustable), but they are "exclusive" when you come out of a passage with the pedal (ie with the simulation of the soundboard ), it does not keep the harmonics on the buttons ... is again a small detail, but it means a bit of Bartok's example ...
The coupling touch / sound is nickel, it took me very little time to find my feelings as a pianist and enjoy playing. The keyboard makes even heavy simplest interpretation of an acoustic piano, but beware of the return on an acoustic, you have to "relearn" to play dpi.

OVERALL OPINION

- I use it for two weeks now, Here we go (hopefully) for a long time!
- In + +: the feeling of playing an acoustic piano. Perhaps the look too, but it is matter of taste;
- En -? (For my own use) see the above points, maybe even have a keyboard similar to a pian ... and some details of ergonomics.
- Very few tried digital piano -> Yamaha keyboards with wood (too expensive!), Kawai Series AC (the same keyboard, with amplification, however, ugly ...)
- Value / Price Ok for me.
- I do it again the same choice without hesitation;

Everything has been said ...

UTILIZATION

Here is the main strength of MP8: touch ... It may seem very heavy (the heaviest I've played so far) the first day but you get used quickly, it allows a fine in the game after it is a matter of taste.
I tried a lot of competitors (P120 yamaha, roland 700 SX ...) but it's the only one that really suited me on this point (decisive factor in my purchase)

SOUNDS

The MP8 is perfect for the piano, later, to compose, it is better to join an expander or a few plug-ins:

Basically:

- Pianos: Excellent (I do not agree with the previous opinion, I find the 2 Concert Grand as good as the other one)
- Bass: Excellent (one fingerslapbass enough to eat!)
- Electric Pianos: average
- Guitars: no
- Organs: none
- Pads and strings: how
- Vocals: Not bad

OVERALL OPINION

The MP8 is perfect if you will, like me, a keyboard touch wood used impeccable as well as playing piano as a master keyboard for applications Home studio.

Design for a piano for most pianists, with a touch trs heavy, real wood keys. Polyphony 192 notes. You can combine up to four internal sounds a layer of pure CRER sounds even more complex. 256 presets, all ditables. There is a reverb effect as "stand alone", the choice of another delay, auto-wah, flanger, tremolo, phaser, chorus etc. etc.. Professional connections with outputs XLX separated (not loving the rglage master) and conventional output Jack. The instrument comes with a double pedal with the possibility of "half-pedal" what is interesting trs playing the piano.
An instrument that is to be trs imression solid, rather heavy but the dsavantage to be accepted because of the wooden keys.

UTILIZATION

C'tait the main reason to buy the MP8. TOUCH KEYBOARD and best of all you can find looking und keyboard allows for exercises for piano with no possibility of playing a real instrument. And APRS three months of use, I must add that it is even more enjoyable that many real keyboard!
I never want to do exercises on a piano numrique, plastic keys were not at all true, do not talk about the sound ... Now with the MP8 ... I play this instrument sduit It does not get tired, I feel I really have amliorer my skills every time I play shall adopt. That's why I Whereas the Kawai MP8 to have a lgitimation in itself, not a digital piano like the others.
I would like to note und well over 10, do with that touch, I would not really how to do better!

SOUNDS

The MP8 has a good mix of sounds trsralistes and wearable. Excellent Concert Grand 1 (which according to the Manufacturer Has a real sample from Kawai Concert Grand and a stamp rather clear lens). We must mention the "Damper Resonance Effect" (which is a simulation of the co-vibration of the strings to hit in the prmant PDAL) and the "String Resonance Effect". These effects are authentic and trs adjustable in intensity. I especially like the sound of the notes above C4 with the sound of hammers. The bass is strong and powerful trs, perhaps a little too loud in the mix.

Unfortunately the sample of deuxime Piano, 2 CG is, I think everything is bad, but holds no.
There are certainly many other piano presets, but they are mostly variants of samlpes CG1 and CG2.

Whereas the other sounds, I like organs (such as drawbar organ and church of). Dja presets are included with the effects, which are themselves well trs.

Speaking of Rhodes .... hmm, ja rhodes as a true comparison, and it's not the same thing. The Rhodes in the Kawai are not "dirt" of the true vintage instrument, they tend to E-Pianos of the 80's era. With a little rglage they can be used but for a gig I prfre quite my old buddy

OVERALL OPINION

J've had it three months. The rapprort qualitprix, I find many trs. I bought an instrument for me could only justify its price with the touch of the keyboard absolutely gnial.
It's going to be my main instrument digital for long, even if the dvelopement new sounds, the internal sounds will not be the height of the time two or three years ...
I would do the choice, knowing that it is trs heavy but it's worth just like with my Mark II 88 I never regret having brought with me!

See below

UTILIZATION

Agree with karl, touch is slightly heavy at first but within a few days becomes a real sensitivity plaisir.quelle! What expression!!

SOUNDS

To separate from his Kurzweil c is really not easy, but in the range of sounds offered by the mp8 found happiness. Right to the acoustic piano grand piano.
j uses a lot of the studio for great gospel, but the concert grand 1 and 2 are very
good, damp pedal, harmonic sustain.

The Rhodes is not too bad, same as water, used for other small sounds.
the effects are subtle, but effectively.

OVERALL OPINION

After 3 weeks of use, a few concerts, I do not regret my purchase.

Has any of the notices prcis previous ones.

To find out more at the CHARACTERISTICS of this wonderful piano, you must visit this link: https://www.kawai.de/mp8_en.htm

UTILIZATION

Finally, APRS over a year of research quality of touch is now, the MP8. While it is heavy, even for beginners Heavy trs. I find it a perfect ism and especially impressive.
APRS a while running, the keyboard keeps its characteristics but is more than ractif beginners.

Gnrale configuration is far from being simple, but reading the manual that APRS is very well done and well Retailer (so rare that it is important to prciser) any becomes clearer.

The selection of sounds, splits, overlays, EQ, effects, everything is arranged for a quick scne ACCS. The volume faders make it easy to spot when it comes to swinging sounds shuffled. Everything is rflchi to be as intuitive as possible. In addition, all the buttons light to see clearly even on the darkest scnes.

Petit point ngatif: activation of the choice of effects and reverb is by a long press on the button, it's not rev fast, but against the activation or deactivation part are facilitated with short support.

The keyboard is an advanced MIDI controller very practical live in the studio is one of its strengths also.

SOUNDS

The sounds, the second best point of MP8 APRS touch.
The sounds of piano, it must be said, are poustouflants. The modlisation is perfect in the bass and treble, a little worse in the Fully mdiums but enough to fade the pianists who swear by the sound.

The other sounds are sounds complmentaires or gadget. Nothing either unusable After a few settings, but it does optimized for use at the piano, and this is no worse. They are mostly made of good quality from the pads.

SETTING THE The sympathetic resonance, the frequency curve (dynamic), touch, volume hammer / wood, coupled with mcanisme Submitted REALLY hammer the keys on the piano gives the sensation of playing best upright pianos, see better.

The rest of the settings with the effects (delay, phaser, flanger, ... etc.) and are more or less useful. The reverb is INTERESTED to give depth to the sound.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for some months now.
I like almost everything, or plutt, I did not find a major default. It is lightweight (38 kilos) and is around 45-50 kg with flight case, which is correct, my Kurzweil RG 200 home all by himself weighed 55kg.

I tried enormment of other models in the brand and competing lines before you buy, it is the only one who got the ds more beginners. Also finishing a little "vintage" is reminiscent of an old piano of years went by.

The MP8 is one of the most expensive keyboard in the world of piano numrique laptop, but it was worth every penny (between 2000 and 2500 euros now). The flight case distributed by Kawai is also excellent but a bit expensive (400 to 500 euros).

With the experience I would do this choice, a thousand times and eyes closed. No keyboard is perfect, but the approach that all of the same perfection.

9 / 10, although MRIT!

Does everything said.

UTILIZATION

The feel is just great, and should all pianists purists wishing sensations practitioner. The heaviness of the buttons can Drout beginners and habitus of plastic keys, but you get done quickly and this makes the game more fluid.

Access in menu is not empty DIFFERENT ds dpart, but once the logic of the organization of the items included, the navigation is done instinctively. Unfortunately, the size of the notch prevents a comprehensive menu, which would ease the select.

Finally, the manual is complete and will be a trs prcieux alli during your first steps.

SOUNDS

The piano sounds and an excellent quality of possdent LGERS dtails ism that grow the extreme.

Other sounds are relatively crdibles, but overall remain classics. A large part of them operate in the intelligent Manir VLOC thereby enriching the game

The effects on offer are LGERS but enough to customize the sounds.

Finally, the possibility of four sounds grate both the rpart and the keyboard is really impressive and useful.

OVERALL OPINION

I use the MP8 for 2 months.

J'apprcie essentially his touch and high quality sound. While some sounds and some effects are lgrement back, the MP8 will continue to surprise you.

While this is a huge investment, but given the level of both ism, it is ultimately not much for a keyboard similar to that of an upright piano. That's why I do not regret that choice, and I counsel those who take hsitent premium.

Despite its few default, the MP8 knows impose its suprmatie.

The features are excellent in theory and practice.

UTILIZATION

This instrument is of great use to me, touch is really exceptional, I found the pleasure of playing like a real good acoustic piano.
The configuration is particularly intuitive handling is pleasant, and the construction looks to me very strong.
The selection of MIDI is not particularly easy, as all MIDI manipulation, the choice as a master keyboard is particularly rich in order expanders, which are also not interfere with internal sounds!
the manual is clear.

SOUNDS

The sounds are more than just suit me, they are mostly complementary and different in texture than I already have (and I have many!).
The sounds are really good, often original sound of a texture (globally) and classical piano sounds Concert Grand Concert Grand and 2 are fabulous.
The layers are very thick, the distinguished Japanese brand, in fact I think the engine sound quite "American", which for me is fine.

OVERALL OPINION

When I tried it, I knew it was the Kawai MP8 who went to replace my Roland RD 500.
I have the last fortnight.
This instrument is monstrous from its qualities (... and his weight!) And by the pleasure of playing it. This is the first among all competitors I feel a joy piano.
Although quite expensive, I think its very good quality / price ratio, especially as to have an acoustic piano of this quality, it takes at least ten thousand euros.
In addition to these qualities of master keyboard, the combination of this superb touch and beautiful piano sounds make this a feast for the musician.
Of course I do it again this choice, since I just bought it!
Again!

I have a MP8 for the scene, and I am classical composer, intermittent. I am very bad for the setting of the MP8 to have a real good sound piano.J 'have a hard time to me but I think digital must know the regler.Qu 'one of you gives me the right settings for I will not play on an acoustic piano from now seen declining budgets france.Je will therefore soon obliged to bring this famous MP8 on scene.Et I fear not mal.Merci for answers