Vidal MIDI keyboard controller

Three-pedal input is possible. There are Sustain and Expression jacks that are the usual two connections for a triple pedal such as Fatar VFP3.

TimN wrote:

Three-pedal input is possible. There are Sustain and Expression jacks that are the usual two connections for a triple pedal such as Fatar VFP3.

Since it is just a controller rather than a source of sound itself none of that actually matters, you can use external midi expression usb adaptor connections. I have multiple expression pedals hooked up right now combined with my humble Casio CDP.

I recently discovered the Vidal MIDI keyboard controller project that is developing something that will interest many of us.

https://playvidal.com/products/vidal

The concept is a keyboard that looks, feels and plays like a compact piano, with all-wood keys and case, but is a MIDI controller that can play Pianoteq and other VSTs. The MIDI controls on the keyboard (lever, encoder knob, and switch, plus the pedals) are kept to a minimum, but can be assigned to any purpose (for example within Pianoteq MIDI Mappings). Their own web app will enable you to shape velocity mapping and save it to the instrument.

The novel keyboard action really caught my interest. The wood keys are full-length, and pivot on a conventional piano pin rail, with felt bushings. To produce a piano feel through the keystroke, with resistance feedback that changes dynamically like a piano through the stroke, they seem to employ a combination of adjustable springs, weights and magnets, rather than the swinging counterweight hammer substitutes that are used in many other digital keyboard actions. The action can be physically adjusted to be lighter or heavier. They don’t yet show details of their action, but you can see some views of the keybed and keys in the gallery of photos and video clips on their Instagram page @playvidal.

They show plans for 61-, 73- and 88-key versions, but so far photos only of a 61-key model. It appears that some details are still being tested and finalized, but it is certainly an attractive instrument. They say they plan to start shipping instruments this Fall.

The project development team includes (1) a classically trained pianist and piano restoration expert, (2) a bass player and web developer and (3) a software and embedded systems engineer. It is exciting to me that their aim is a keyboard that feels right to a classical pianist on the team who has restored and regulated many grand pianos.  I’m eager to test one!

Paulo164 wrote:

I am surprised there is not a word about MIDI on their website.
Realistic piano action is a thing, transcribe movements into precise MIDI events is another thing and is as much important.
I think this is missing in their marketing.
At least, Lachnit covers the topic quite well.

I think they are still finalizing features, so some details are not yet on their website. However, I confirmed with them that it can output Hi-Res MIDI and that the 3 controllers (encoder knob, switch, lever) can be assigned any MIDI function. I'm sure more details will appear soon, including about the sensors and the key action. I believe they are using conventional sensors rather than the optical ones used by Lachnit.

I recently discovered the Vidal MIDI keyboard controller project that is developing something that will interest many of us.

https://playvidal.com/products/vidal

The concept is a keyboard that looks, feels and plays like a compact piano, with all-wood keys and case, but is a MIDI controller that can play Pianoteq and other VSTs. The MIDI controls on the keyboard (lever, encoder knob, and switch, plus the pedals) are kept to a minimum, but can be assigned to any purpose (for example within Pianoteq MIDI Mappings). Their own web app will enable you to shape velocity mapping and save it to the instrument.

The novel keyboard action really caught my interest. The wood keys are full-length, and pivot on a conventional piano pin rail, with felt bushings. To produce a piano feel through the keystroke, with resistance feedback that changes dynamically like a piano through the stroke, they seem to employ a combination of adjustable springs, weights and magnets, rather than the swinging counterweight hammer substitutes that are used in many other digital keyboard actions. The action can be physically adjusted to be lighter or heavier. They don’t yet show details of their action, but you can see some views of the keybed and keys in the gallery of photos and video clips on their Instagram page @playvidal.

They show plans for 61-, 73- and 88-key versions, but so far photos only of a 61-key model. It appears that some details are still being tested and finalized, but it is certainly an attractive instrument. They say they plan to start shipping instruments this Fall.

The project development team includes (1) a classically trained pianist and piano restoration expert, (2) a bass player and web developer and (3) a software and embedded systems engineer. It is exciting to me that their aim is a keyboard that feels right to a classical pianist on the team who has restored and regulated many grand pianos.  I’m eager to test one!

For now I think the LX706 for quite less money may offer some similar features on paper (offset balance rails, variable note-off, long pivot length..) at a lower price and you get some sound engine and pedals as a bonus if you want.