Topic by prelude

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  • prelude
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Topic: Anyone use a Kawai ES110 with PianoTeq? How to connect the MIDI out?

I've debating between a number of entry-level digital pianos.  The Roland FP30x seems good, but the action is decidedly heavier than the Kawai ES110, which feels more 'fun' to play.  The one large drawback is that it doesn't have USB MIDI out, but instead a MIDI DIN connection.  To connect it to the computer (and thus to PianoTeq), I'd need to have it go through a converter box/cable to converter from the DIN to USB. 

Do any of you use the Kawai ES110?  How do you connect it to PianoTeq?  Do you notice any lag if you go through a DIN-USB conversion?  And, by the way, how do you like the Kawai?  Would you choose something else if you had it to do over again?

Reply by johanibraaten

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Re: Anyone use a Kawai ES110 with PianoTeq? How to connect the MIDI out?

prelude wrote:

I've debating between a number of entry-level digital pianos.  The Roland FP30x seems good, but the action is decidedly heavier than the Kawai ES110, which feels more 'fun' to play.  The one large drawback is that it doesn't have USB MIDI out, but instead a MIDI DIN connection.  To connect it to the computer (and thus to PianoTeq), I'd need to have it go through a converter box/cable to converter from the DIN to USB. 

Do any of you use the Kawai ES110?  How do you connect it to PianoTeq?  Do you notice any lag if you go through a DIN-USB conversion?  And, by the way, how do you like the Kawai?  Would you choose something else if you had it to do over again?

I don't have an ES110 but my piano only has MIDI through DIN connectors. I use this one to connect it to Pianoteq:
https://www.esi-audio.com/products/midimateex/

It's very reliable and just as fast as MIDI through USB.

Reply by Key Fumbler

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Re: Anyone use a Kawai ES110 with PianoTeq? How to connect the MIDI out?

Oh dear, that's horridly dated for a product of that age. Hopefully it makes up for it in other areas?
If it's a nice price second-hand (or end of line) I guess it's worth fiddling about with adaptors?

At least the new version of the entry Kawai the ES120 has standard USB Midi:

["USB to HOST] port
This port is used to connect the instrument to a computer
using a USB “B to A” type cable in order to send and receive
MIDI data."

Here's an A/B feature comparison:
https://www.kawai-global.com/product_co...&ct=36
Note the triple pedal support for upgradability. If I was buying new now that would be a requirement.

Looks like a fairly substantial price difference at the moment though. I suppose you've got to weigh that up against the price of a possible future kludge of quite expensive USB pedal adapters and the mandatory midi to USB adaptors for the keys, the latter you've mentioned already.

Maybe you won't ever want the three pedals?

Last edited by Key Fumbler (30-09-2022 09:35)

Reply by peterws

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Re: Anyone use a Kawai ES110 with PianoTeq? How to connect the MIDI out?

johanibraaten wrote:
prelude wrote:

I've debating between a number of entry-level digital pianos.  The Roland FP30x seems good, but the action is decidedly heavier than the Kawai ES110, which feels more 'fun' to play.  The one large drawback is that it doesn't have USB MIDI out, but instead a MIDI DIN connection.  To connect it to the computer (and thus to PianoTeq), I'd need to have it go through a converter box/cable to converter from the DIN to USB. 

Do any of you use the Kawai ES110?  How do you connect it to PianoTeq?  Do you notice any lag if you go through a DIN-USB conversion?  And, by the way, how do you like the Kawai?  Would you choose something else if you had it to do over again?

I don't have an ES110 but my piano only has MIDI through DIN connectors. I use this one to connect it to Pianoteq:
https://www.esi-audio.com/products/midimateex/

It's very reliable and just as fast as MIDI through USB.

I've had my 110 for two years and it's a star.  Got rid of a P515 to make way for it, and never regretted the change.
Using a Roland UM-1 as interchange gives faultless results.  I had to use this on the P515 too, and the FP50 before then.
Not everybody likes a light action, but as you say, it's great fun to play and suits my old fingers really well.
I'm happy to use Pianoteq, and the 110's native sounds for a nice change on occasions.
You'll get one cheap right now, I'd imagine.
The pedal that comes with this, unlike that of the 120, permits half pedalling.

Last edited by peterws (18-10-2022 19:32)
I'm playing all the right notes but not necessarily in the right order

Reply by jacko

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Re: Anyone use a Kawai ES110 with PianoTeq? How to connect the MIDI out?

peterws wrote:

Using a Roland UM-1 as interchange gives faultless results.  I had to use this on the P515 too

not sure what your set up is, but a UM1 or equivalent is not needed to connect a p515 to a computer, tablet or phone - just a usb connection for midi and audio

i have no experience with the es110 but it has a lot of very satisfied users

if you get one and find the pedals limiting, check out midi expression from audiofront as one possibility for getting a three-pedal set up