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THE MOST ARTICULATE CONTROL

Ultra-realistic sounds, played by an incredibly authentic keyboard action. These core qualities define the MP7SE, but a great stage piano is required to do more. Much more. Whether it’s composing in the bedroom, laying down tracks in the studio, or performing live on stage, there are often times when 88-keys alone are simply not enough.

Thankfully, articulate control has been a trademark of Kawai MPs for many years, and this latest model is no exception. Multiple pedal inputs, knobs, buttons, wheels, and faders support primary keyboard input, with custom key ranges, assignable parameters, and independent 4-zone MIDI control transforming the MP7SE into a fully-fledged master keyboard.

FLEXIBLE CONTROLLERS

The MP7SE provides a number of additional controllers to complement the instrument’s authentic Responsive Hammer III keyboard action and enhance the playing experience.

These controllers are pre-configured for standard use, however most can be customised to adjust a range of parameters that influence the sound, or send MIDI CC# messages to external devices.

The flexibility of the MP7SE allows multiple functions to be assigned to the same controller, then changed on-the-fly, depending on the selected internal or external zone.

“We added many more
parameters and settings
for the controllers.”
Kira-san, OS ProgrammerFULL INTERVIEW

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REALISTIC DAMPER PEDAL

REALISTIC DAMPER PEDAL

Unlike most other stage pianos, the MP7SE includes a high-quality damper pedal as standard. This Kawai F-10H unit features a solid construction and realistically weighted metal pedal, with support for half-damping and the ability to adjust damper ranges for external MIDI zones.

By default the pedal is pre-configured to emulate the damper pedal of a grand piano, but can be freely assigned to various other internal functions and external MIDI CC#s.

FULL-RANGE EXPRESSION PEDAL

FULL-RANGE EXPRESSION PEDAL

Connecting an expression pedal to the MP7SE allows the volume of defined sounds (e.g. layered strings) to be adjusted without hands leaving the keyboard, to control applied effects such as pedal wah, or to send MIDI CC# messages.

The MP7SE’s expression pedal calibration feature, polarity setting, and RING/TIP selector switch ensure that the full range of values are always reliably sent – regardless of the brand or model of pedal connected.

REAL-TIME CONTROL KNOBS

REAL-TIME CONTROL KNOBS

Conveniently located in the centre of the panel, and positioned in each corner of the LCD display, the MP7SE’s four control knobs are used to smoothly adjust parameter values in real-time.

Two pages of knob parameters can be assigned for each zone, allowing considerable control over internal sounds or external MIDI devices.

RECORDER TRANSPORT BUTTONS

RECORDER TRANSPORT BUTTONS

Located on the right of the panel, the MP7SE’s recorder transport buttons are used to playback songs stored in memory, or MP3/WAV audio files from USB.

MIDI Machine Control (MMC) commands are also pre-assigned to these buttons, allowing them to control external MIDI devices, or to conveniently integrate with an existing DAW setup as an alternative to the mouse or keyboard.

PITCH BEND & MODULATION WHEELS

PITCH BEND & MODULATION WHEELS

Located on the far left of the panel, the MP7SE’s pitch bend and modulation wheels are conveniently sized and move with a smooth, reassuring quality.

As with other controllers, the wheels can be enabled or disabled for each zone. Moreover, the modulation wheel behaviour can also be reassigned to control effect parameters and various other functions, with an indicator light illuminating whenever the wheel is active and in use.

ASSIGN BUTTONS

ASSIGN BUTTONS

Conveniently located beside the pitch bend and modulation wheels, the two ASSIGN buttons provide a convenient way to turn user-assigned functions on or off.

By default, the SW1 button will toggle the speed of the rotary speaker effect between slow and fast modes, while the SW2 button provides an immediate shortcut to the tonewheel organ simulator’s drawbar registration screen.

HARDWARE LEVEL FADERS

HARDWARE LEVEL FADERS

The MP7SE’s level faders provide solid, tactile control over the instrument’s global master volume, and the level of each individual zone. The hardware nature of the zone faders allow the volume of layers and splits/key ranges to be quickly and easily adjusted, and presents an at-a-glance overview of the instrument setup.

When using the MP7SE’s tonewheel organ simulator, the zone faders can also be used to adjust drawbar registrations in real-time, with the position of each drawbar also shown graphically in the instrument’s LCD display.

GRAND PIANO PEDALS

GRAND PIANO PEDALS

Take full advantage of the MP7SE’s stunning acoustic piano sounds with the optional Kawai GFP-3 triple pedal controller. This sturdily-built unit features realistically weighted metal pedals and optical sensors that support progressive pedalling.

By default, the three pedals are pre-configured to emulate the damper, soft, and sostenuto pedals of a grand piano, but can be freely assigned to a number of other internal functions or external MIDI CC#s.

ASSIGNABLE PARAMETERS

As mentioned above, the MP7SE allows a wide range of adjustable parameters to be assigned to the instrument’s various different controllers.

Over 90 assignable parameters are available, providing real-time control over reverb and effects, the virtual technician and amp simulator, and numerous other settings – almost any parameter from the instrument’s extensive EDIT menus can be assigned to a control knob.

Moreover, each zone section and MIDI zone features its own set of assignable knob parameters. So, when playing acoustic piano sounds, for example, it may be desirable to have direct control over the regularly used Virtual Technician parameters such as voicing and string resonance. Then, when switching over to the electric pianos, performers will undoubtedly appreciate having immediate access to the amp simulator’s tone controls – momentarily boosting mid-range frequencies in order to cut through the mix for a solo.

ASSIGNABLE PARAMETERS

SPLITS & KEY RANGES

The MP7SE’s improved Split function allows the keyboard to be divided into upper and lower sections at the touch of a button, and for zones to be freely assigned.

However, it’s now also possible to define custom key ranges for each zone anywhere along the keyboard – not just at fixed points. Simply hold the relevant zone button, press the desired top and bottom keys, and the new range is created.

Once defined, splits and custom key ranges behave like individual keyboards that can be transposed, octave shifted, or even assigned with different touch curves and dynamics – supreme control and flexibility that’s rarely found on modern-day stage pianos.

SPLITS & KEY RANGES

4-ZONE INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Flexible controllers and an intuitive panel interface provide unrivalled control over the MP7SE’s impressive sounds. In INT (internal) mode, the MAIN zone and three additional SUB zones allow up to 4 voices to be layered simultaneously, with independent parameters and settings available for each.

However, setting a zone to EXT (external) mode allows the MP7SE to also shine as a master keyboard capable of driving multiple MIDI devices. Its thorough MIDI implementation and accessible EDIT menus provide fine-grained control for power-users, with a broad range of parameters and definable CC#s adjustable via knobs, pedals, and wheels.

Zones can even be set to control sounds and MIDI devices simultaneously, with the MP7SE’s intuitive control panel indicating the selected mode using red and green LEDs that take the guess-work out of internal and external zone management.

4-ZONE INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

“The way MIDI is handled has also
been completely overhauled.”
Kira-san, OS ProgrammerFULL INTERVIEW

ADJUSTABLE TOUCH CURVES

The MP7SE’s Responsive Hammer III keyboard action is designed to accurately recreate the touch of a concert grand piano. However there may be occasions where it is desirable to adjust the perceived weight of the keyboard to accommodate a particular sound, piece of music, or performer.

This flexibility is provided by the instrument’s Touch Curve function, with six preset touch weights that change the perceived feeling and responsiveness of the keyboard from ultra light to substantial and heavy.

In addition to these standard presets, it is also possible to generate up to five User Touch Curves, whereby the MP7SE analyses a player’s technique and prepares a uniquely weighted keyboard setup that is personalised to the individual.

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LIGHT+ TOUCH

LIGHT+ TOUCH

The Light+ touch curve requires the least striking force in order to achieve a forte note. This setting is suitable for pianists with a very delicate touch, or those who are used to playing non-weighted/semi-weighted keyboard instruments.

LIGHT TOUCH

LIGHT TOUCH

The Light touch curve is a little heavier than the Light+ curve, but still requires less force to produce a forte note than normal. This setting is suitable for pianists who are still developing finger strength, but find the Normal touch weight a little too heavy.

NORMAL TOUCH

NORMAL TOUCH

The Normal touch curve attempts to reproduce the touch sensitivity of a Kawai concert grand piano. This setting is recommended for pianists wishing to refine finger control capable of performing a wide range of dynamics.

HEAVY TOUCH

HEAVY TOUCH

The Heavy touch curve is a little heavier than the Normal curve, and therefore requires additional force in order to achieve a forte note. This setting is suitable for pianists who are used to a heavier piano action, or those who simply find the Normal curve to be a little light and difficult to control.

HEAVY+ TOUCH

HEAVY+ TOUCH

The Heavy+ touch curve requires considerably more force to produce a forte note than normal. This setting is suitable for pianists with very strong fingers.

FIXED TOUCH

FIXED TOUCH

The Fixed touch curve produces forte notes at a constant volume, regardless of the amount of force used to strike the keys. This setting is intended for playing the sounds of instruments that have a fixed dynamic range (e.g. harpsichord).

USER TOUCH (USER1～USER5)

USER TOUCH (USER1～USER5)

The User touch curves are generated automatically, based on the pianist’s unique individual playing style.

FAST KEYBOARD MODE

For acoustic piano playing, the MP7SE’s triple-sensor keyboard action provides an incredibly natural and expressive touch, accurately measuring the speed at which keys are played and released. However when performing styles that utilise organ, synth, or other fixed velocity sounds, the instrument’s authentically weighted keys may feel a little sluggish or awkward to play.

The MP7SE therefore provides an additional ‘Fast’ touch mode that improves the responsiveness of the keyboard by triggering notes using the higher/earlier key sensors. This unique flexibility allows authentic organ and synth-style playing on a weighted action that would be almost impossible to achieve normally.

FAST KEYBOARD MODE

TUNING & TEMPERAMENTS

Rounding off the MP7SE’s impressive flexibility and depth of control, the instrument also supports a range of tuning functions, with finetune and stretch tune settings for individual internal zones and global master tuning.

Historical tuning temperaments are also provided, with seven preset tuning methods including Pythagorean, Meantone, Werkmeister, and Kirnberger standards. It is even possible to create User temperaments by selecting individual notes and adjusting their pitch in precise cent values.

Such fine-grain control over instrument tuning highlights Kawai’s commitment to acoustic accuracy, and underscores the MP7SE’s designation as one of the most piano-oriented stage pianos ever developed.

TUNING & TEMPERAMENTS

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