Kronos pianos versus Casio PX-5S

[geoelectro]

it uses a tri-sensor mechanism which gives you high definition MIDI.

Triple sensors have nothing to do with increased velocity precision. Same can be had on standard double action keybeds. Plus, it's not "HD MIDI", it's "high resolution velocity" only, for things that support it (like Pianoteq).

Evil, does the high resolution velocity transmit through MIDI? I wondered if it was only an internal thing or not.

BTW, hi from the NI board!

Geo

[lonelagranger]

Mr. EvilDragon, you are correct about high resolution velocity. I was incorrect in my statement. I may not have explained the sensor system accurately, and a number of postings seem to be very detailed about it's implementation.

I ran across this information that I found interesting:

I'd say the benefit has more to do with repeating notes softly. In that case, I think there may be a subtle benefit even when playing slowly, in the feel (of not having to raise your finger as high, which may feel more expressively natural when playing very delicate passages), and possibly in the sound (if you're not using pedal, the third sensor provides the only way to re-strike the key without silencing the note first). So in terms of same-note strikes, the benefit has much more to do with playing soft than it does with playing fast. That said, yes, the faster you need to repeat that soft note, the more you may appreciate the feature, but it is still tied to the need to repeat the note quietly, rather than the need to repeat the note quickly

I have used the Casio PX-5S and the Roland A88, both equipped with the tri-sensor mechanism. I was using Pianoteq 5 as my sound source and when playing with the Roland A88 I felt it was very responsive and provided a wide range of articulation. I am sure Pianoteq had something to do with that. But it did provide the closest thing that I have experienced to playing an acoustic grand. But the piano and how it sound and how it feels when you play it is very subjective. We all have our own favorites. It's just wonderful to live in this time of technological offerings.

[psionic311]

Perhaps you should try fiddling with SGX2's velocity response settings more. It's incredibly dynamic to me.

Fair enough. But I'd have to purchase the Berlin Grand first. Between that, Pianoteq, the PX-5S, and the couple Moog modules I want to get yet (Minitaur and Slim Phatty), it seems like a never-ending $$ chase.

I need a gigging 88 key. I have a Kronos 61 and a 61 key MIDI controller. For around $1000-1200, I could either get the new PX-560M or the PX-5S.

If I get the Berlin, I'd still need to spend around $1000 on an 88 key controller. Seems to me like the Privia's keyboard action is the best bang for the buck, so it looks almost inevitable that I'd go with a Privia... which would render the Berlin almost a waste of $250 or so... yes or no?

[psionic311]

Lagrange, you got that right about these wonderful technological times we live in. We have so many options now, affordable and within sensible reach.

It's even more exciting with the current resurgence in analog synths.

But then again, it does come down to the artistic dilemma... more tools or less tools to better produce your craft?

Going by the old "less is more" guideline, there is something to be said about cutting back the myriad of options that can paralyze the creative process. I guess I'm searching for the bread and butter while wanting to have my cake and eat it too. The more I think about this post, the more I'm inclined to take the plunge and go for a Privia. Guess I just wanted re-assurance from Kronos users that it would be a good investment that would cancel the need to get the Berlin grand as well.

[EvilDragon]

it uses a tri-sensor mechanism which gives you high definition MIDI.

Triple sensors have nothing to do with increased velocity precision. Same can be had on standard double action keybeds. Plus, it's not "HD MIDI", it's "high resolution velocity" only, for things that support it (like Pianoteq).

Evil, does the high resolution velocity transmit through MIDI? I wondered if it was only an internal thing or not.

BTW, hi from the NI board!

Geo

Yes, it's using CC #88 to do so (sending a CC88 value directly after played note to allow 128 further levels for EACH individual velocity from 1-127).

[Normski]

I have both a PX-5s and a Kronos 73.
The Kronos Ac Pianp in my opinion is way better.
In fact everything is better on the Kronos except maybe Wurlitser EP.

[danmusician]

A couple of questions for danmusician ,please.

How does the hammer action feel between the two ?
Also..Is the Casio keybed any quieter than the Kronos ?

Thanks.

Regarding the keybed noise, I've been playing my PX-5S a lot more this week. I would say that the hammer action noise of the PX is LOUDER than the Kronos. I don't notice either noise when I'm playing through an amplifier. But I believe there is more mechanical noise with the PX. Keep in mind, there's a fair amount of mechanical noise in an acoustic, too. But it's always covered up by the sound of the instrument.

[taylorman]

I have an original Kronos 88 and the Previa. I sure like the weight of the Previa and find myself taking it when I need simple sounds and a simple set up.

However, I find the Kronos piano to be much richer and deeper sounding. Noticeably so but I am no audiophile. The keybed seems a little heavier and just more solid to me on the Kronos. For me, it beats the Previa in almost every way except cost and weight.

As others have said, the Previa is an amazing board for the money and the fact that you can just put it under one arm and go is awesome! Because of that, I find myself asking if I can get away with the Previa on a gig or if I have to take the Kronos. When playing in around the studio, I will go to the Kronos every time.

I find it a little clunky and cumbersome to get around on. The screen is small and the navigation is still just a little weird to me.

If I could only have one, it would be the Kronos. As it is, I use the Previa more than I thought because of how light it is.

[danmusician]

...The screen is small and the navigation is still just a little weird to me.

If I could only have one, it would be the Kronos. As it is, I use the Previa more than I thought because of how light it is.

Amen on the screen and navigation. Changing stage settings from bank to bank seems backwards to me.

[ferchis]

I think we could all agree that the perfect solution will surely come when there's a workstation as powerful as the kronos, but even lighter in weight than the PX-5S. that shouldn't be too far away now...

[Bachus]

I think we could all agree that the perfect solution will surely come when there's a workstation as powerful as the kronos, but even lighter in weight than the PX-5S. that shouldn't be too far away now...

12" touchscreen, karma controlls like the kronos to the left, and assiganble synth Comtrolls like roland system 1 or arturia origin to the right, adapting to the chosen synth.. Would work like the system 1 controlling the plug outs...

Wouldnt that be the best of both worlds...

[EXer]

sending a CC88 value directly after played note to allow 128 further levels for EACH individual velocity from 1-127).

Before, not after.

CC#88 is a prefix, cf. http://www.midi.org/techspecs/ca31.pdf

[EvilDragon]

Yeh, before.