Kawai CA-501 Digital Piano: Review

1. Key Action of the CA-501: Grand Feel Compact Wooden-Key Action

This updated 2023 model retains the highly regarded Grand Feel Compact wooden-key keyboard action of its predecessor.

The Grand Feel Compact wooden-key keyboard action is a type of keyboard action used in some of Kawai's digital pianos. This technology is designed to provide a more realistic playing experience by replicating the touch and feel of an acoustic piano.

The Grand Feel Compact action uses wooden keys that are weighted and graded to simulate the weight and balance of the keys on an acoustic piano. The keys are made of high-quality materials and feature a textured surface to provide a natural grip for the player's fingers.

The technology also uses triple-sensor key detection, which means that each key can detect the exact amount of pressure being applied to it at three different points along the length of the key. This allows for a more detailed and nuanced playing experience, as the piano can accurately reproduce the dynamics and articulations of the player's performance.

The Grand Feel Compact action also includes let-off simulation, which mimics the subtle "notch" felt when the hammers on an acoustic piano are released from the strings after striking them. This adds to the realism of the playing experience, as it allows the player to feel the same tactile feedback as they would on an acoustic piano.

Overall, the Grand Feel Compact wooden-key keyboard action is a high-quality technology that provides a realistic and expressive playing experience for pianists of all levels. Its advanced features and attention to detail make it a popular choice among musicians who require a digital piano that closely replicates the feel and touch of an acoustic piano.

2. Authentic Sound of the CA-501: SK-EX Competition Grand Piano Sound

In the CA-501 is the SK-EX Competition Grand piano sound included, which is reproduced by using the Harmonic Imaging XL sound technology.  The SK-EX Competition Grand Piano sound is a specific sound profile used in some of Kawai's digital pianos. It is based on the sound of Kawai's flagship SK-EX concert grand piano, which is a popular choice among professional pianists and used in international piano competitions.

To create the SK-EX Competition Grand Piano sound, Kawai uses advanced recording and sampling techniques to capture the sound of the SK-EX concert grand piano. This includes recording each key individually at various dynamic levels and tonal nuances to capture the full range of the instrument's sound.

The recorded samples are then digitally processed to create a high-quality sound engine that can accurately reproduce the sound of the SK-EX concert grand piano in a digital format. The resulting sound profile is then used in digital pianos that feature the SK-EX Competition Grand Piano sound.

The SK-EX Competition Grand Piano sound is known for its rich, warm tone and expressive dynamics, which are designed to closely mimic the sound of an acoustic piano.

However, this digital piano has not only a gorgeous piano sound, but it also makes use of an upgraded AC power adaptor. This power adaptor, in comparison to earlier generation models, helps to ensure a smoother, clearer sound through both speakers and headphones.

3. Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth MIDI and Audio Functionality

Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio components adopting the latest v5 standard to ensure ultra-low latency, improved reliability, and superior sound quality when paired with the latest mobile devices. MIDI and audio Bluetooth are two different technologies that allow for wireless connectivity between devices.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol that allows digital pianos to communicate with computers. MIDI Bluetooth technology allows for wireless MIDI connections between devices. This means that musicians can play and control MIDI instruments without needing to physically connect them with cables.

Audio Bluetooth, on the other hand, allows for wireless audio streaming between devices. This technology can be used to transmit audio signals from a digital piano to a computer or other audio device.

4. Demo Songs: Explore the Piano’s Capabilities

If you just want to see what the CA-501 is capable of then you need to discover the demo songs. Kawai has included 33 demo songs that demonstrate how the instrument sounds, and how the songs are played by professionals. If you don't have a piano teacher, then this is a perfect function.

5. Recording Functionality: Simple and Effective Song Recording

The ES520 can record up to 3 different songs in its internal memory. A dedicated button on the front makes it easy to record songs. The recorder is very simple. There is no overdubbing function, so you must set it right in one try. Also, you can't change the sound of songs that have already been recorded. And if you decide that the sound you choose isn't what you want, you'll have to create it from scratch. 

6. Additional Instrument Sounds & Playing Modes

The CA-401 offers a big selection of additional instrument sounds such as electric piano, organ, harpsichord, vibraphone, and strings. In overall you have 19 sounds to choose from.

Connectivity

The CA-501 includes a full suite of connections for integration into any production or performance environment. The CA-501 has two headphone jacks and it also has a USB to Host port and a USB to Device connector. If you want to use the CA-501 gorgeous SK-EX samples in a digital audio workstation, you’ll need to work with an external audio interface.

A USB to Host port is used to connect the digital piano d to a computer or other compatible device, such as a tablet or smartphone. This allows the musician to use the digital piano or keyboard as a MIDI controller, which means that the computer can receive MIDI signals from the keyboard and use them to trigger virtual instruments and other software. This type of connection is often used for recording music or for music production.

A USB to Device port, on the other hand, is used to connect a USB storage device, such as a flash drive, to the digital piano or keyboard. This allows the musician to transfer audio recordings or other data directly to the storage device, without needing to connect the keyboard to a computer. This type of connection is useful for saving and sharing recordings, as well as for loading new sounds and settings onto the digital piano or keyboard.

7. Size and weight of the CA-501

The digital piano has a weight of 66 kilograms and the dimensions are 1425 (W) x 485 (D) x 930 (H) mm.  At just over 40 centimetres in depth, the CA-501 is also (compared to other pianos) a relatively compact instrument, making it well suited to apartments and other narrow spaces.

8. Grand Feel Pedal System: Realistic Pedal Response

The CA 501 has a Grand Feel Pedal System includes three pedals: damper, soft, and sostenuto. The damper pedal allows for sustain, while the soft pedal creates a more muted tone. The sostenuto pedal enables the player to sustain only certain notes, while allowing others to remain unaffected.

The pedals are designed with a weighted construction and a graduated resistance, which means that they feel and respond like the pedals on an acoustic piano. They also use optical sensors to accurately detect the position and movement of the pedals, allowing for precise control and nuanced performance.

One unique feature of the Grand Feel Pedal System is its half-pedaling capability. This allows the player to control the amount of sustain by partially depressing the damper pedal, just as they would on an acoustic piano. This adds to the realism and expressiveness of the playing experience and allows for greater control over the sound and dynamics of the performance.

Overall, the Grand Feel Pedal System is a high-quality pedal system that provides a realistic and expressive playing experience for pianists of all levels. Its advanced features and attention to detail make it a popular choice among musicians who require a digital piano that closely replicates the feel and touch of an acoustic piano.

9. Headphones for Quiet Practice: Enhancing Your Sound Experience

Headphones are great if you want to practice quietly without disturbing others. Plus, good headphones offer clearer, more detailed sound compared to built-in speakers.

Read this guide to learn how to choose the best-sounding headphones for your digital piano.

10. High-Quality Speaker System: 360° Sound Projection

The CA-501 is provided with excellent speakers with a great sound quality and help showcasing beautiful piano samples at their best. The output power is 50w + 50w and it has 2x woofers and 2x top speaker with diffusers to create the ultimate piano sound experience. The new speaker diffusors create a natural sound everywhere in the room, and it creates a 360-sound field. The 50W speakers are also very powerful and can put out a lot of volume without distortion. The CA501 now incorporates diffuser panels mounted to the top facing speakers that help to expand tonal projection in all directions.

11. Polyphony Power: 256-Note Limit for Seamless Play

A digital piano's polyphony count measures how many samples can be played simultaneously before the previous note is abruptly cut off. The Ca-501 has a maximum polyphony of 256 notes. This is sufficient for most songs.

12. The Design of the CA-501

Design of the control panel

The control panel is placed at the left side of the piano. The buttons are round and large, and it’s easy to use Bluetooth audio, because of the quick Bluetooth function. The control panel is modern and intuitive and very similar to a touchscreen. The power button had an LED-light and volume knob is rounded. This makes it easier to see if the digital piano is turned on or not. The control panel is completed with an OLED screen.

Cabinet design

The CA501’s attractive cabinet has a tall body, practical pedal positioning and music rest score support pins, which can be raised to hold the pages of thicker notated scores securely in place. The score support pins are made from translucent acrylic material. They have an attractive rounded edge design.

New Features & Improvements

• NEW: SK-EX Competition Grand piano sound, specially recorded from the player’s perspective

• NEW: Redesigned top facing speaker configuration with added 360° diffuser panels

• IMPROVED: Bluetooth MIDI v5, Bluetooth Audio v5 for reduced latency and enhanced audio quality

• IMPROVED: Redesigned control panels with direct button printing for intuitive operation

• IMPROVED: Refined cabinet design with improved pedal position, new music reset score support pins

Conclusion

We always recommend testing digital piano models before making a decision, as it’s important to find one that fits your personal preferences and playing style. We invite you to experience the Kawai CA-401 firsthand at one of our showrooms.

We also invite you to visit our Showrooms in Aarhus, Copenhagen, Helsinki or Stockholm so you can play any of our piano models and choose the one that fits your needs the most.

You could find the locations here:

Showrooms