Feature Highlights - Kawai ES520 Owner's Manual

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Feature Highlights

Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHC II) weighted-key keyboard action
The new Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHC II) action has been developed to reproduce the distinctive touch of an acoustic
grand piano. The weight of the keyboard is appropriately graded to mirror the heavier bass and lighter treble hammers of
acoustic pianos, with a smooth matte texture applied to each black and white key for enhanced playability. As with other
Kawai digital piano keyboard actions, Responsive Hammer Compact II utilises triple sensor hammer velocity detection, and
features a springless mechanism that delivers a smooth and natural piano playing experience.
Despite its lightweight, compact design, the RHC II action allows experienced pianists to perform with confidence, playing
fortissimo with power and certainty, while delicately controlling the softest, most gentle pianissimo passages.
Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and Kawai EX instruments reproduced with Harmonic Imaging sound technology
The ES520 digital piano captures the rich, expressive sound of the Kawai SK-EX and EX grand pianos, with all 88 keys of these
exceptional instruments meticulously recorded, analysed and faithfully reproduced using Progressive Harmonic Imaging™
sound technology. This unique process accurately recreates the broad dynamic range of the original grand pianos, affording
pianists an extraordinary level of expressiveness ranging from the softest pianissimo to the strongest, boldest fortissimo.
The instrument's built-in Virtual Technician feature allows various characteristics of these acoustic piano sounds to be shaped
at the touch of a button, with settings to adjust string and damper resonance, in addition to subtle hammer, damper, and key
release noises. This personalised piano sound is further enhanced with atmospheric reverberation effects, delivering a rich,
vibrant piano tone with breathtaking realism and authenticity.
Strong selection of additional instrument sounds
Supplementing the realistic acoustic piano voices, the ES520 digital piano also features a strong selection of additional
instrument sounds, ranging from electric pianos and drawbar and church organs, to string, choir, and mallet instruments,
inviting musicians to add greater variety to their performances.
Furthermore, the Dual playing mode also allows two different sounds, such as grand piano and strings, to be layered together,
while the Split and Four Hands modes divide the keyboard into two independent sections. The volume balances for each
playing mode can also be adjusted quickly and easily using the real-time panel controls.
Wide range of connectivity options
The ES520 digital piano features a variety of standard connectivity options, with Line-level output jacks that allow the
instrument to be enjoyed in larger settings such as churches and schools. Standard MIDI and USB to Host connectors ensure
flexibility when using computers and other electronic instruments.
Integrated Bluetooth® 0connectivity
In addition to standard MIDI jacks for connecting to other instruments, the ES520 digital piano also boasts integrated
Bluetooth MIDI and Audio technology that allows the instrument to communicate with supported smart devices wirelessly.
Once connected to a phone, tablet, or laptop, ES520 digital piano owners can enjoy a wide variety of exciting music-related
apps that enhance their learning and playing experience, or stream audio from songs and videos through the instrument's
speakers without additional cables.
* Availability of Bluetooth function dependent on market location.
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