Kawai VPC1 - Virtual Piano Controller

Kawai VPC1 Overview

The VPC1 from Kawai simply does one thing; it provides a real grand piano keyboard experience in a USB/MIDI controller form. Features include graded hammer weighting, ivory-like key surfaces, let-off simulation, and bass note counterweights. Additionally, the controller includes a three-pedal unit that delivers damper (with half damper support), soft, and sostenuto pedal control. Aside from these functions, the controller presents a clutter free design, without any knobs, buttons, or faders, just a wide top surface for a laptop, mouse, or favorite semi-weighted keyboard.

Keyboard response curves are important for tailoring the feel of the piano keys across the entire range. Five built-in touch curves from a selection of popular virtual piano packages have been approved by the individual software developers, while further customization is available using the included editor software. Communication with a PC or Mac computer is provided via USB, which can also power the controller. For controlling external synthesizers or piano modules, MIDI in and out ports are also provided.

The keyboard action for serious pianists, with the RM3 Grand II keyboard delivering a realistic playing experience from a MIDI controller

Additional grand piano keyboard characteristics include graded hammer weighting, ivory-like key surfaces, let-off simulation, and bass note counterweights

Connect to a PC or Mac using a single USB cable, to a favorite semi-weighted board using MIDI, or control both simultaneously

Take full advantage of the virtual piano's resonances and un-looped sustain with the included F-30 triple pedal controller

Sturdily-built pedal unit supports half-damping, and is pre-configured to send the correct CC messages for damper, soft, and sostenuto events

Built-in Touch Curves from a selection of popular virtual piano packages, approved by the software developers

Create new touch curves, adjust individual key velocities, and setup preferred MIDI routing using the included VPC Editor software

All changes are stored to one of five onboard memories, allowing configurations to be recalled without software, or if controlling standalone MIDI devices, even without a computer

No knobs, wheels, buttons or displays - just eighty-eight real wooden keys and a wide surface for a laptop, mouse, or synthesizer

Raised fall-board and curved wooden side arms deliver a classic, grand piano-like appearance