Kawai CA-901 R

Kawai CA-901 R at a glance

The CA-901 R from Kawai is an excellent playable digital piano with a classic, noble look and outstanding sound characteristics. The instrument features a weighted 88-key "Grand Feel III" keyboard with hammer action. The Grand Feel III keyboard 's key length is longer than other digital piano keyboards; the keys themselves are made of wood. Like a real grand piano, each key moves smoothly on a balance beam. When a key is struck, a weighted hammer moves upward. Precise 3-sensor technology in the keys creates optimal repetition and allows for nuanced playing. The graduated weighted hammers create a true grand piano feel. In addition, weights are incorporated into the front of each key on the keyboard to allow for an even better balance between pronounced fortissimo yet low-fatigue playing with perfect control in pianissimo. All keys are equipped with ivory-like coverings (Ebony & Ivory Touch), giving the player a more grippy surface and significantly reducing slippage.

Sounds

The digital sound generation provides a total of 96 first-class sounds, including sounds from the top-class models Shigeru Kawai EX Competition Grand and Shigeru Kawai Concert Grand, each with 5 rendering characters, as well as Kawai EX Grand, SK-5 Grand and K60. In an elaborate process all 88 keys of these extraordinary instruments were carefully recorded, analyzed and made playable in this perfection. In this way it was possible to bring out the special characteristics of these concert grand pianos in detail and to create an excellent sound image. Due to the 256 voices, the CA-901 is fully polyphonic playable, which is also positively noticeable when playing together in pairs.

For the recording function, you primarily have two options: recording is done as an audio file in MP3 or WAV format on a separately available USB stick or in note form in the internal memory. The latter has a capacity of about 90,000 notes and manages ten songs that can be two-track. This is useful to check yourself, but also to replace the third and fourth hand on the instrument.

Sound reproduction

Kawai has paid special attention to the speaker system of the CA-901. The TwinDrive soundboard system has succeeded in reproducing a wide frequency spectrum directly through the soundboard. The rear soundboard is vibrated by two AURES transducers, so that no additional Bass speakers are required. The result is a dispersion behavior like a real piano and the best possible acoustic output of the piano sound. This system is based on the natural resonance behavior of acoustic pianos and is therefore far superior to the operating principle of normal loudspeaker systems. In addition to hi-end audio signal routing, digital power amplifiers and a high-quality headphone amplifier, the CA-901 is equipped with six speakers and 360-degree diffusers for the upward-facing speakers in addition to its exceptional soundboard system. These specially designed components create a sound experience that distributes natural sound throughout the room, allowing listeners to hear just as the player does without sacrificing quality.

More functions via app & Bluetooth connectivity

The CA-901 supports the Kawai apps PianoRemote and PiaBookPlayer. Via PianoRemote app you can handle almost all functions and sound switching even more clearly. With the PiaBookPlayer app you have access to over 500 practice pieces. Both apps are available for iOS as well as Android. Bluetooth connectivity also allows you to use the CA-901 as a Bluetooth speaker. Play eg. on your smart device your current favorite songs on Youtube on the instrument and play at the same time. Or listen to a podcast on the powerful stereo speakers, just because you can. MIDI is also transmitted via Bluetooth; this benefits musicians who want to record their playing in a DAW, so nothing stands in the way of its use as a master keyboard.