Weighted "Grand Feel Compact" wooden keyboard with Ivory touch
Piano samples based on "Harmonic Imaging XL" sampling
45 high-quality sounds
256 voices
Reverb, Delay & modulation effects
Virtual Piano Technican
29 Piano Music Songs
33 demo songs
Metronome function with 10-time signatures + 100 rhythms
Recording function, audio (WAV/MP3) or internal 10 MIDI songs with 2 tracks
2x 50 watt / 4 speaker sound system
High-end headphone amplifier
Split, Dual & four hands mode
Retractable keyboard cover
Adjustable music stand with anti-slip pins
Bluetooth audio & MIDI
2 headphone outputs
USB MIDI
The CA-501 from Kawai is an excellently playable digital piano with a classic, classy look and excellent sound characteristics. The instrument features a weighted 88-key "Grand Feel Compact" wooden keyboard with hammer action. The Grand Feel Compact 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 white keys are equipped with ivory-like coatings (Ivory Touch), giving the player a more grippy surface and significantly reducing slippage.
Sounds & Recording
The digital sound generation provides a total of 45 first-class sounds, including sounds from the top-class models Shigeru Kawai EX Competition, Shigeru Kawai SK-5 and Kawai EX. Using a sophisticated Harmonic Imaging XLsampling 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-501 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
The 2x 50 watt stereo speaker system shines with upward-firing speakers and 360° diffusers that provide the most realistic listening experience possible. Thanks to two 13cm bass speakers and two 8x12cm top speakers, a very balanced and differentiated sound response succeed even at low volumes.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity allows you to use the CA-501 as a Bluetooth speaker. Play eg. on their smart device your current favourite 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 and audio is also transmitted via Bluetooth; this benefits musicians who want to record their playing in a DAW, so nothing stands in the way of using it as a master keyboard.