Roland A-88MKII MIDI 2.0 Update

[ElmerJFudd]

“With the free MIDI 2.0 update installed, A-88MKII owners will be ready to take advantage of dramatically increased musical expressivity as compatible instruments and apps become available. Pianos will perfectly reflect the most subtle keyboard playing techniques, orchestral sounds will be more acoustic and lifelike, and synthesizer textures will respond to performance gestures like never before.

 

When it comes to MIDI controllers, playability often seems like an afterthought. The A-88MKII breaks that mold with rigid, wooden construction and the 88-note Ivory Feel PHA-4 keyboard found in acclaimed Roland instruments. With high-resolution sensing and lightning-fast response, the PHA-4 accurately translates the subtlest playing nuances, and users can personalize the sensitivity for their own unique touch.”

[CyberGene]

I keep reading about how MIDI 2.0 will drastically improve piano playing and call that BS. From my experience with how scanning switch-based keyboard works, there’s always the issue with accuracy. Or, in other words, if a hammer velocity of say 2m/s should produce a MIDI value of 120, but your scanning controller isn’t accurate enough and will randomly produce 119 and 121, then it’s meaningless to switch from 7-bit value range (0-127) to a 16-bit one (0-65535). 

[Baldwin Funster]

Might be good for the most skilled of piano players. Won't do shizzl for organ. And the chaos of compatibility issues after some 45 years of the status quo, could be a bumpy ride.