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Description

Experience the harmony of tradition and innovation with the Kawai MP8, a digital piano that captures the essence of acoustic excellence in a versatile stage-ready design. At the heart of this remarkable instrument is the AWA PRO keyboard action, crafted with real wooden keys to emulate the tactile experience of Kawai's grand pianos. This action delivers a nuanced playability with graded hammer weights, mirroring the dynamic response of the renowned Kawai EX Concert Piano.

The MP8 is not just about feel; it's also about sound. With 192-voice polyphony and Kawai's Harmonic Imaging technology, this digital piano offers a vast palette of vibrant tones, including industry-standard grand piano sounds and over 250 additional voices. The four-zone performance architecture allows for unparalleled flexibility, enabling unique sound assignments and MIDI configurations for each zone. Customize your performance with split, layer, and velocity switching functions, and save up to 256 setups for instant recall.

Convenience meets creativity with the MP8's comprehensive control suite. Four assignable knobs provide dynamic control over reverb, effects, EQ, and more, while an intuitive assignable ON/OFF switch seamlessly integrates external devices like sequencers and metronomes. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the USB port ensures smooth connectivity with your computer, expanding your creative possibilities.

Key Features:

  • AWA PRO keyboard action with real wooden keys for authentic feel
  • 88 keys with graded hammer weights and counterbalances
  • 192-voice polyphony
  • Harmonic Imaging technology for realistic sound reproduction
  • Over 250 high-quality sounds
  • Four-zone performance architecture with split, layer, and velocity switching
  • 256 customizable setups
  • Four assignable control knobs for effects and MIDI settings
  • USB connectivity for computer integration

FAQs

What type of key action does the Kawai MP8 have?

The Kawai MP8 features the AWA PRO Action, which includes 88 wooden keys, providing a realistic and responsive piano playing experience similar to that of an acoustic grand piano.

How many sounds and effects are available on the Kawai MP8?

The Kawai MP8 offers 256 sounds and 20 effects, including chorus, flanger, and delay, allowing for versatile sound customization and performance options.

Is the Kawai MP8 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Kawai MP8 is well-suited for live performances, featuring 4 MIDI zones, real-time edit controls, and multiple output options, including L/R XLR and 1/4" jacks, to connect to sound systems easily.

Does the Kawai MP8 support MIDI connectivity?

The Kawai MP8 supports MIDI connectivity with MIDI In, Out, and Thru ports, as well as a USB port, enabling seamless integration with other MIDI devices and computer software.

What kind of polyphony does the Kawai MP8 offer?

The Kawai MP8 provides 192-voice polyphony, allowing for complex passages and sustained notes without any loss of sound quality or note dropouts.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kawai MP8.

Features and functionality

  • The Kawai MP8 is praised for its key feel, which closely resembles that of an acoustic piano, more so than other digital keyboards.

    Source
  • Owners note the old sound engine can be identified by short sustain and decay, as well as noticeable looping.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users experiencing latency issues with the Kawai MP8 have resolved them by using a straight USB connection and installing ASIO4ALL, achieving low latency.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users suggest the Kurzweil Micro Piano as a better-sounding alternative to virtual piano software, highlighting its quality sounds from the K1000 series.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite efforts to improve sound via virtual instruments like NI's The Grandeur, some users still find the sound unsatisfactory, especially with large chords.

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Build quality

  • The wooden key action is praised for its realism, similar to the Kawai VPC1, providing an authentic acoustic feel.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MP8 is considered a strong VST driver option when purchased at a low price, enhancing its utility.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Kawai MP8

soundonsound.com

The Kawai MP8 showcases a blend of impressive features and some notable shortcomings. While it boasts a striking design, exceptional piano sounds, and a whopping 192-note polyphony, the heavy keyboard action may require some adjustment for players used to lighter touches. The addition of USB connectivity is a modern touch, yet MIDI timing discrepancies detract from its performance reliability. Overall, the MP8 stands out as a versatile instrument, especially for those focused on piano, but it may not be the perfect fit for every musical style or scenario.

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Artist usage

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See how Matthew Bellamy uses Kawai MP8

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Archive

Featured in this September 2006 Kawai News newsletter.

Matthew Bellamy (MUSE)

-SUMMER SONIC 06’- at Chiba Marine Stadium Marine stage August 13th 2006

MUSE appeared on the stage at 18:00 for the semi final act. The stadium was filled up with over 50,000 people. The audiences were totally enchanted by their overwhelming sound and beautiful voices. When the 3rd song was started, Mr. Matthew(=Matt) Bellamy (Vo/G/Key) began to play MP8, which was covered with upright-shaped, white-polished cabinet case. The gold “KAWAI” logo on the upper panel of the piano was shown on the big screens with him, and it was very impressive.

After the concert, we Kawai had an interview with him, and he pleasantly answered to our questions. We could feel that Matt loves Kawai products very much in his words.

(...) Q2. When did you know Kawai?

A2. When Kawai introduced MP9500. After the recording for our 2nd album “Origin Of Symmetry” (2001), I looked around the music stores and got the MP9500. Its 4 band equalizing system helped my sound making very much. The touch and tones were really beautiful, and it seemed as if I had played a grand piano. After MP8 replaced MP9500, it became the best instrument to express MUSE’s music with its 192 note polyphony. Today I could show my best performance to the audience with MP8. I think none of other makers can produce a stage piano like MP8 except Kawai.

Q3. Could you give Kawai people a message?

A3. Kawai is a brilliant piano maker. Please keep the excellent works.

See how Don Airey uses Kawai MP8

Don Airey

Keyboardist

Judas Priest

...
Verified via Archive

Featured in this September 2006 Kawai News newsletter.

Don Airey (Deep Purple)

-Rapture of the deep tour in Japan- May 17th-22nd 2006

“Please keep manufacturing good pianos. There are many people who are waiting for Kawai pianos.”

On May 19th 2006, Mr. Don Airey from Deep Purple visited our Ryuyo piano factory during his busy schedule of their live tour in Japan. It was his first time to visit piano factory and he enjoyed the factory tour very much. He was very interested in each process of manufacturing and looked around with a smile.

At the R&D piano laboratory, he tried the Kawai concert grand piano SK-EX. He praised its touch and response very much. “I sensed the keyboards moved by themselves, fantastic!” he commented. This news was broadcasted on TVs and he played the piano solo for the masterpiece “Smoke on the water” and “Highway Star ” at their requests.

During the Japan tour, he played MP8 on the stage. He fascinated the audience with his outstanding performance, and excitement of the audience reached to the climax when he started to play “Smoke on the Water” on MP8.

See how Mark Stanway uses Kawai MP8

Mark Stanway

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Grand Slam

...
Verified via YouTube

Mark Stanway is seen using the Kawai MP7 Professional Stage Piano (top tier) and the Kawai MP8 (bottom tier) keyboards live in a performance with Richard Bailey, as shown in the YouTube video titled "MARK STANWAY & RICHARD BAILEY (Ex Magnum) Live," published by Mark Stanway in 2018.

Album Usage

The Kawai MP8 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Kawai MP8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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