Kawai James

Thanks ReezeKeys, that looks very secure.

Thanks! That's another potential device to consider.

Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ground+loop+isolator I don't have any personal experience of using these, however I know some folks have had success with them, typically when playing VIs on a laptop controlled via USB-MIDI, then routing the sound back into a digital piano via an instrument's Line In connectors. Regarding the QuiccoSound, I have both the original mi.1 (as in the very first Indiegogo backed device) as well as the latest mi.1 II, which has even better latency. I haven't used it for gigging yet, but this is ultimately what I intend to try once my new iPad arrives. I'm hopeful that it will work for playing (the latency playing VIs on my Mac is pretty acceptable), so should be absolutely fine for just sending PGM# messages. Cheers, James x

Cool, thanks for confirming the MIDI. Could the Rubix be powered by just the iPad itself, or would I need to add additional power via the micro USB? I even wonder if I could adopt the Electro's USB port (which can only be used to communicate with the Nord Sound Manager tool - no USB-MIDI on the old NE3) and use that as the power source for the Rubix?

Hi Stokely, Yeah, that would be the cleanest solution of all - in the future, that might ultimately be the direction I take, however if I'm going to go all-in on the iPad as the sound source, it's probably overkill to use board that has loads of built-in sounds and additional functionality I'll likely never use. I think I posted this a little while ago, but I'd love to see an iPad musician focussed 73-key MIDI controller with USB audio/midi interface, pedal inputs, *and* 1/4" outputs. Something like the Numa Compact 2x, but with less keys, and without any sounds. Cheers, James x

Hi Reezekeys, Yeah, using the iPad's headphone out would work, but...I dunno, maybe I'm just not confident in that 1/8" connector - with musical instrument related stuff, especially plugging into an amp or speakers, I feel more comfortable with regular 1/4" jacks, you know? It's a similar case with those $8 interfaces - maybe they do work fine, but I cannot imagine the circuitry inside being up to much for that price...and yeah, the look doesn't inspire much confidence either. Cheers, James x

Hi cphollis, Do you recall which device you used? Yes, a small mixer with support for USB audio input would do the job. As I mentioned in my first, I could pick-up a used Behringer Q502USB for around $40~$45, assuming it's still in the thrift shop. However, I like the idea of having MIDI IN/OUT available also, which is why the Roland Rubix22 ticks a lot of boxes. Cheers, James x

Thanks for the suggestion. That would certainly be a nice, compact solution, however I'm also seeking the ability to control the output level with a knob/slider. I should note that the 9th gen. iPad still has the 3.5mm headphone jack, however I'd prefer not to use it. Cheers, James x

Two other options to consider: 1. Use a USB to MIDI IN/OUT adapter (e.g Roland UMone etc.) to connect the Nord to the iPad. 2. Use a ground loop filter in between the iPad and the amplifier. Cheers, James x

Thanks Max! Yeah, I quite like the look of the MG mixers. The MG06 would also be a suitable candidate, however there is no U (USB) variation of that model. As I say, I don't really have an intention to mix lots of audio sources, so it would be difficult to justify all the connectivity of the MG10XU just for outputting sound from one device. Regarding the Rubix, am I correct in thinking that when connected to the iPad via USB, whatever is connected to the MIDI IN/OUT ports (my Electro in this case) would be able to control the VI app that's running? Cheers, James x

DovJ, thanks for your reply. Okay, I see. Interesting that the behaviour can vary depending on the developer. I don't have the new iPad yet, so will no doubt have to spend a little time experiment with everything (including getting to grips with Camelot Pro) once it arrives. Thanks again! Cheers, James x

Hello folks, The band I play with wishes to resume practising after taking an extended break due to Covid. I decided to use this resumption as an excuse to buy myself a new iPad (the standard 9th gen. model), which I intend to use as the primary sound generator, eventually replacing my trusty but crusty Nord Electro 3. I purchased B-3X a little while ago, and intend to add NeoSoul Keys Studio, and hopefully other apps for Pianet and crunchy New Orleans piano (maybe soundfonts would be my best bet?), then control everything via Camelot Pro. Well, that's the plan, anyway. Currently, my setup consists of the Electro, outputting to an ART Studio V3 tube pre-amp, and then connected to whatever amp or speaker is available to plug into. I like having the pre-amp as I prefer the tone through the tube (yeah, even if it's purely a placebo...), and the knobs to control input and output volume are also very handy for getting a little extra drive or volume. While waiting for the iPad to arrive, I'm researching how best to integrate this into my current setup. I'm actually wondering if I can replace the pre-amp with a small external mixer, audio interface, or DI box. I would like to connect the iPad via Lightning/USB cable (rather than the headphone output), so am looking at products that can accept USB. There is a Behringer Q502USB mixer at a local thrift shop which will probably do the job, however I also like the look of the Roland Rubix22, which I can probably pick-up for around twice the price. I intend to control the iPad from my Nord via Bluetooth MIDI using a Quiccosound mi.1 mkII, however the Rubix would also facilitate connecting via wired MIDI if desired. I don't really need a mixer, nor an audio interface, as I don't intend to connect any additional sound sources (although I guess it could be handy to also connect the Nord's audio output, to use as a fall-back, or to ease the transition over to a fully iPad-based system). However, it seems that in order to get USB audio input, 1/4" (or XLR) output, and still have an easily accessible output volume knob, those are only options. I wonder if there are any other interesting, viable options for getting sound out of the iPad (without using the headphone jack) that I may have overlooked? Thanks in advance! Cheers, James x

Sounds great, thanks miden! I have a bunch of other questions on a similar theme, but will probably save them up and make a new thread after playing with the new iPad for a little while. Cheers, James x

DovJ, if I may hijack cassdad's thread briefly... I recently purchased a 9th gen iPad (should arrive by the end of the month) with a view to using it primarily as a tone generator, and eventually replacing my Nord. I already own B-3X and am eyeing Camelot Pro to manage set-lists and sound settings. My question is: how are sound settings managed in Camelot Pro? Do I first create the organ sound I need in B-3X, then save it as a new preset in that software, or are all these presets stored and controlled from within Camelot Pro? Cheers, James x

I'd love to see an 7x key version of the MP7SE, however I'm afraid I don't know if this is mechanically possible. Kind regards, James x

Yes, that's essentially it. Those additional MIDI sounds are primarily intended for the Rhythm Section auto-accompaniment feature, as well as for playing back MIDI files. If a customer really wishes to play those sounds, it should be possible to select them by sending the relevant PGM Change no. to the instrument via MIDI. This can be from a DAW, and it might even be possible to send the message from the ES920 to itself, by bridging the MIDI IN/OUT ports with a single cable. I recall PianoManChuck had a video about this for the MP7, and it may also work for the ES920, although it's not something I have any direct experience with. Another option might be to use the PianoRemote app to send the PGM Change message, then store the sound as a User sound within the app (or a Registration on the instrument itself). Again, I haven't tried this myself, but it could work. Kind regards, James x

Hello gravy_no_g, That's not something I've seen/heard about before. My recommendation would be to raise this oddity with your Kawai dealer and/or the Kawai distributor/subsidiary in your country. If you require any further assistance, feel free to send an enquiry via the Enquiry Form of the Kawai Global website. Kind regards, James x

That's true, although I would argue that an iPad and something like NeoSoul Keys will sound better than most (all?) hardware modules. USB-MIDI facilitates that, as does the relatively low-latency Bluetooth MIDI onboard, if you wish to pursue the wireless route. James x

Yes, I was also a little disappointed to learn that 5-pin MIDI would be removed from the ES120. However, given the choice between 5-pin MIDI and USB-MIDI, I think the majority of ES120 customers would prefer the latter. Lack of USB-MIDI on the ES110 was seen as a negative for many potential customers, even a reason not to buy in some cases. Sure, you can add a MIDI to USB adapter relatively easily, however most folks expect this kind of connectivity to be built in - if it's not, they'll go elsewhere. Ideally, the ES120 would have included both USB-MIDI *and* 5-pin MIDI, however for one reason or another this did not happen. Kind regards, James x

Good commentary on the M2 Air from one of my favourite channels: Difficult to argue with his conclusion. My M1 Air is still a great computer - the arrival of the M2 does not change this fact. Cheers, James x

My apologies if this video has already been posted elsewhere, but here's a full tour of the NAMM Show. The acoustic piano coverage starts from around 33:50 (with Kawai, although I think that's just a coincidence): Cheers, James x

I would recommend double-checking this information. I have an M1 MacBook Air, and indeed the early versions of macOS Big Sur did indeed allow iOS apps to be run (I used a third party app to download some iOS apps from my iPad), however I gather that later OS updates removed/changed this functionality. I can still run the iOS apps I dumped, however I gather new apps I add will no longer launch. Of course, iOS apps downloaded via the app store will work correctly, however I wished to try iOS versions that were not available from the app store. Cheers, James x

I think Konnector and Elmer have already answered your question nicely, however perhaps the closest portable instrument to the KDP90 would be the original ES100. The ES100 utilises the same AHA IV-F keyboard action and 88-key EX (not SK-EX) piano samples. The speakers are a similar size, however the KDP90 has a more powerful amplifier. Here is a comparison of the ES100, ES110, KDP90, and KDP110 for reference: https://www.kawai-global.com/product_comparison/detail.php?n=kdp110,kdp90,es110,es100&ct=36 I hope this helps. Kind regards, James x

Thanks Aidan. My Dad emailed me about Alan Hawkshaw's passing the other day. He was a big fan of him as a younger player, and still has some of his LPs (playing the Philicorda!). A few years ago I sent a message via Hawkshaw's website, thanking him for his incredible music, and included a link to my own performance of "Senior Thump" played with some friends over here. He was kind enough to email me the following day saying that he enjoyed watching the video and hoped that I continue to have fun with music. I was so chuffed! Okay, time to head over to YouTube to enjoy some of his KPM recordings! RIP William! Cheers, James x

I watched it at the cinema with my wife last weekend. Neither of us are familiar with source material (although I remember the computer games...). I thought it was absolutely stunning. The other day I watched this scene breakdown with Denis Villeneuve - he's a genius. Note that there may be spoilers in this video. [video:youtube] Cheers, James x