? Kawai CA901 | Piano Tone Review | Exploring the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Competition Grand Sound ?

#DigitalPiano Kawai has come out with a brand new sample set for the CA901 and CA701 which they are calling the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX competition grand. Kawai actually improved the acoustic SKEX a few years ago with a different rim structure, resulting in a more mid-heavy sound with a cleaner, clearer treble. The original SKEX sample was based on a recording of the original SKEX, whereas this new competition sample is based on the updated SKEX concert grand. The old sample is still included here as well, but comparing them side by side, it’s apparent that the competition grand has beefier upper partials which get more pronounced the higher you play in the range. The bass on the other hand is still quite similar. In both cases, we’re working with a super in-depth multi-channel sample, fed through Kawai’s Rendering engine which offers a number of different preset options with different tonal configurations of the same core samples. There are also editable resonance engines, as well as their Virtual Piano Artisan function which allows you to edit 20 more sound-related parameters. Outside of this mode, Kawai’s HIXL engine is included as well, with 96 total sounds including 3 core grand pianos and a great sample of a Kawai K-60 upright piano which happens to be one of the best upright piano samples we’ve heard on a digital piano. Thanks for watching! Connect with Merriam Music: