The Musikmesse International Press Award (MIPA) was given for the first time at Frankfurt Musikmesse 2000. The jury was composed of 25 international music magazines from all over the world and the award for best instrument in the Digital Pianos category went to MP 9000.

Piano - Power - Performance

For over 70 years, we have set the standard for building the finest acoustic pianos in the world. Now, for the first time, Kawai has applied their craftsmanship and technological leadership to a digital piano designed and especially for the modern musician... MP9000.

PIANO

First there is the touch, the keyboard where man meets machine. For the MP9000, Kawai developed the Enhanced AWA Grand Action. Eighty-eight wooden keys operate a series of hammers that are perfectly balanced and weighted to re-create the feel of a true Grand Piano. The contacts themselves are attached directly to the hammer rail above the keys, adding incredible authenticity to the piano keystroke, and reliability to the entire action.

Kawai set out to create the best piano sound possible for the MP9000. Inside the soundproof anechoic chamber at our research facility, a team of piano sampling specialists from around the globe began to meticulously record the rich and vibrant tone of the Kawai EX Concert Grand, free from any external noise or coloration. Using state of the art digital equipment, stereo recordings were made of each and every note at a variety of dynamic levels. From this information, Kawai was able to plot an accurate "map" of the EX Piano's harmonic structure. Using our proprietary process of Harmonic Imaging, Kawai is able to manipulate the sample data to ensure that the MP9000 sound is always faithful to the original map of the EX Piano's harmonic and dynamic signature. Harmonic Imaging offers an unparalleled range of dynamic expression and tonal accuracy, from delicate pianissimos to thunderous fortissimos.

To further re-create the Gand Piano experience, the MP9000 also uses Kawai's Virtual Voicing. In a real concert grand, the skilled technician can "voice" the instrument to a particular timbre. Our Virtual Voicing digitally "voices" the internal piano sounds, creating an array of tonal colors never before available in a digital piano. Add to all this our Sympathetic Resonance, which introduces the harmonic information of the un-damped strings, and the result is the most incredible and faithful recreation of a Concert Grand Piano ever!

POWER

The MP9000 also does double duty as a full function MIDI Controller. Two internal Zones and Two external MIDI Zones combine to create one of Sixty-Four performance Setups. Up to 32 Setups may be chained together for instant access using the Link Mode. Each of the External Zones contains extensive resources for controlling a full MIDI setup either on stage or in the studio, including Solo Modes. For additional control, the MP9000 features Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels, combined with an extensice array of pedal assignments and options. The Four real-time Front panel knobs will also send any MIDI Continuous Controller number, for performing or sequencing real-time MIDI edits. All parameters and assignments are independent for each zone.

The culmination of breathtaking sound, superlative touch, intuitive performance design and many new technologies, the MP9000 is simply the finest digital piano available.

PERFORMANCE

The sleek front panel is laid out to allow instant access to each of the 16 Internal Sounds, nearly every performance parameter, and to a wealth of features all designed to custom tailor the sound of the MP9000. Four multi-function knobs offer the performer Real-Time control of the internal Sounds, the on-board Reverb and Effects, and a responsive Equalizer.

The Reverb hosts seven different types; from a Studio Quality Plate to a caversous Concert Hall. Delay, Rotary Speakers, Auto Wah and over 20 other high quality digital effects further enhance the sound. Sounds may be split, layered, switched by velocity, and freely transposed across the keyboard. A bright, back-lit LCD Panel keeps track of the current settings.

CONNECTIONS

Kawai's dedication and commitment to the professional performer is evident on the rear panel as well. Fixed level XLR outputs for direct connection to a Studio Console or Live Sound System and two assignable pedal inputs round out the usual complement of MIDI, headphone and standard outputs.