Pros and Cons
Piano apps have been all the rage for a while now. After all, they are very handy and allow you to conveniently manage all the functions of your digital piano: Selecting sounds, setting the metronome, transposing, using layers, and effects, or even Virtual Technician.
Kawai’s Virtual Technician app was mainly criticized for running only on the iPad. Unfortunately, this meant that Android users could not take advantage of the ingenious tuning features. But now you don’t have to do without Virtual Technician, because all its functions were integrated into the new Kawai Remote App.
Virtual Technician was also generally limited in that it was only available for the larger digital piano models. The piano remote app, on the other hand, is compatible with all current Kawai digital pianos – from entry-level to high-end models.
The only exceptions are the predecessor CN models, the CN-29 and CN-39. These models are still partially available during the transition to the new CN-201 and CN-301. With this exception, you can control even the smallest entry-level digital piano, or the portable ES-120, by a tablet or smartphone.
Kawai PianoRemote is now available for iOS and Android and runs on all mobile devices, including tablets and smartphones. Please note that Kawai PianoRemote only works with Kawai digital pianos.
Don’t underestimate the extended functionality of the app. While Virtual Technician focuses on the namesake function of Kawai digital pianos, Kawai PianoRemote now allows you to manage all settings – from sound selection to metronome and recorder.
There are two possibilities here: In addition to a USB connection, Kawai digital pianos also support wireless Bluetooth communication between the app and the instrument. The latter is the easiest solution – simply pair the devices within the app, which will search for a powered-on Kawai digital piano when you open it. You don’t even have to go into the Bluetooth settings menu. Once paired, PianoRemote will autonomously find the instrument each time.
The USB connection between the instrument and PianoRemote works instantly – just open the app on your mobile device. However, you’ll need a camera connection kit (iOS) or OTG adapter (Android) for this connection.
PianoRemote offers two screens for doing this. The first, the Piano screen, displays the instruments on the screen. Kawai digital pianos typically offer a selection of concert grand pianos, such as the SK-EX and EX Concert, as well as upright pianos. The number and selection may vary from model to model. However, the app automatically adjusts to display only the sounds available on your digital piano.
To select a different piano, simply swipe across the display. The focus here is on ease of access – nothing should distract you from playing the piano. When you are ready to explore the sound options, open the Sound screen. This lists all the sounds the instrument has to offer. Practical: There are thematic lists, so you can see which sounds you last selected, for example. In addition, the sounds are organized according to a variety of musical genres.
Adjusting sound details such as string resonance, damper resonance, and key-off effect is something that more or less every brand offers. A special feature of Kawai digital pianos is the tuning feature. This allows you to adjust sound without losing the character of the piano. Tune the sound to be mellow, brilliant, resonant, or percussive, depending on your taste.
The range of functions available varies from model to model. On Kawai’s smaller entry-level digital pianos, Virtual Technician is designed for maximum ease of use. This makes it easier for beginners to experiment with different piano sounds. For example, a neoclassical piano piece requires a soft sound, while a piano accompaniment to an Elton John song requires a brilliant, percussive sound. Virtual Technician helps you find the right tone for each piano piece.
These are also essential digital piano features, and the Sound screen lets you adjust these settings quickly and easily. Select a main sound and a sub-sound, and use the balance control on the display to adjust the volume mix.
The piano control app is a very practical tool for this. Many Kawai digital pianos come with pre-installed etudes from classical piano literature. The app lets you select and play these, with the option to separate the playback for the left and right hand. In addition, you can vary the playback speed. Other practice features include a metronome and a recorder – both of which you’ll find in the Kawai PianoRemote app.
It’s a pity that PianoRemote can’t display the corresponding sheet music for the exercises – this would really complete the app. While Kawai at least offers a separate app called PiaBook Player, why not have everything in one app?
Kawai’s free piano control app offers real added value. Virtually all current models, from entry-level to high-end, are compatible with the app, and PianoRemote automatically adapts to the functionality of each digital piano. From sound selection over metronome and recorder control to advanced settings such as Virtual Technician, PianoRemote lets you control everything in a wonderfully simple way.
However, there is still room for improvement: To display the etudes stored in the Kawai digital pianos as sheet music, you have to install another app called PiaBook Player. It would be great if Kawai could offer this functionality within the PianoRemote app.
Pros and Cons
Jörg Sunderkötter
Kawai's free piano control app offers real added value.
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