Kawai Digital Pianos | Stage Pianos

Kawai MP8II Digital Stage Piano

The best just got better

KAWAI proudly presents the new MP 8 II. The highlights of this model are surely the new AWA Grand PRO II action and the revised piano sounds, equipped with string resonance, damper effect and key off sampling. Also some new live features are added. Of course we retained the major features of the MP 8 including 192 notes polyphony, 256 sounds/setups and 4 effect processors.

Real Wooden Keys

Continuing the advancements of its multi-award winning predecessor, the KAWAI AWA Grand PRO II, 88 note wooden-key mechanical action, closely reproduces characteristics of the acclaimed KAWAI EX Concert Grand Piano. Its graduated action, with decreasing weight from bass to treble, offers the dynamic feeling of an EX grand, and is widely regarded as one of the best digital piano actions in the world.

Previously, when the normal touch curve didn't fit your playing style, the only solution was to choose one of the different touch curve presets in the piano. With the User Touch Curve feature, you can create your own touch curve. In User Touch Curve mode, you are asked to play dynamically from soft to loud to input your playing style. The piano then analyses the data and creates the perfect touch curve made especially for you.

Sound

The MP 8 II is equipped with the latest generation of piano sounds, as might be expected from a manufacturer of acoustic grand pianos. The authentic sound of KAWAI stage pianos begins with the world renowned KAWAI EX Concert grand piano. Placed inside an anechoic chamber, free of audio reflections, the rich sound of this world class instrument is meticulously analysed and recorded by our Master Piano Artisans. The acoustic portrait of each note is later transformed into a precise three dimensional digital representation, employing KAWAI's proprietary Harmonic Imaging™ technology. This unique process faithfully reproduces the broad dynamic range of the original grand piano, from subtle pianissimos to thunderous fortissimos.

A piano technician plays a very important role, providing an acoustic piano in the best playing condition for the pianist. Our VIRTUAL TECHNICIAN function does the same work digitally. You'll find Kawai's exclusive Virtual Voicing, capable of digitally "voicing" the piano sound. There are also controls for adjusting the action's Touch, String and Damper Resonance, Key-Off Effect and many other piano-specific settings.

The MP 8 II offers 256 editable sounds playable with 192 note polyphony. You can choose from excellent sounds like E.Piano, Organ, Pad Sounds, warm Strings, powerful Clavi’s, versatile Brass Sounds, Vocalpads, Bass Sounds, Drums etc. The MP 8 II has everything for the stage and studio pianist.

MIDI / Setups

As a MIDI master keyboard, the MP 8 II fulfills the requirements of a professional stage performer, whether at home or on tour. The 88 note key keyboard can be divided into 4 independent zones, with each zone able to play/trigger either internal/external voices/MIDI devices, or control both simultaneously, for a maximum playback of 8 sounds. Separate fader sliders allow the levels for each zone to be controlled intuitively, in real-time, with a variety of additional functions and assignments available at the touch of a button, from one of the 256 programmable setups further assisting live performance. By using setups it is now possible to filter MIDI note information sent i.e. program changes only, for example.

As well as looking fantastic the breath taking sound, perfect key touch feeling, intuitive operation system and a lot of other technology, make the MP 8 II the "ultimate" stage piano.

Performance

The neatly arranged control panel allows direct access to each of the 256 internal sounds, almost all performance parameters, and huge possibilities for modifying the sound of the MP8 II. The 4 analogue control knobs gives realtime access to sound parameters, effects, MIDI controllers an a 4-band EQ.

For live performance the MP 8 II has a new feature that allows you to adjust, easily and quickly, the overall intensity of the reverb and/or EQ along with assignable functions, like preventing the accidental pressing of buttons on the panel, controlling external sequencer, metronome and many other ON/OFF assignments assist you with your performance.

Studio quality reverb, and professional digital effects, including distortion, pedal wah, and variable-speed rotary speaker simulation, can be individually applied to each zone, and precisely adjusted in real-time using 4 analogue control knobs. In addition, this area also provides direct access to a four-band graphic equalizer and advanced tone control envelope parameters, and even allows Continuous Controller information to be transmitted to an external MIDI sound module.

With powerful features such as these, KAWAI is understandably gaining a reputation as the instrument of choice among professional stage artists.

Connections

The MP8 II offers a lot of connectivity including XLR Outs with Ground Lift, USB, 2 free assignable foot switch inputs, MIDI In/Out/Thru, headphone and line outs. The stereo line outs can also be switched to 2 mono outputs for the simultaneous use of a monitor and mixer.

The F-20 pedal allows stepless damper pedal playing.
This pedal is included with your MP 8 II.

Specifications