Pros and Cons
Compact stage pianos designed for mobile use are becoming increasingly popular, with a strong emphasis on lightweight design and seamless compatibility with laptops and mobile devices. The Studiologic Numa Compact 2 aims to meet all these demands.
In addition to expressive sounds and solid playability, portable and stage piano manufacturers increasingly focus on connectivity to external sound sources. Many musicians already use software instruments on laptops or mobile devices during performances.
For home use, however, built-in sounds and speakers remain highly practical. Yet, the integration of music software on computers and mobile devices has also become essential, enabling a range of uses—from online lessons with learning apps to remote practice setups. So, how well does the Studiologic Numa Compact 2 perform in these different categories? And who would benefit most from this portable piano? Let’s dive in!
True to its name, the Numa Compact 2 is designed with portability in mind. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to carry around: The chassis is made of lightweight plastic that feels reasonably sturdy and is only slightly larger than its 88-key keyboard.
However, the case is somewhat bendable, as it can twist slightly when you apply pressure to either end of the instrument. For extended storage or transport to gigs, it’s best to keep the Numa Compact 2 in a secure case to ensure its longevity.
The Studiologic Numa Compact 2 offers an impressive array of connections for its price range. With dedicated MIDI ports, stereo audio outputs, and two pedal jacks, this portable piano is well-equipped to serve as a MIDI controller for both stage and studio setups.
However, the accessory bundle is minimal, including only power and USB cables. Most notably, it lacks a sustain pedal, which is typically standard for stage pianos—users will need to purchase one separately.
The Numa Compact 2’s semi-weighted keyboard is part of its lightweight design. Despite this, it delivers a surprisingly responsive playing experience, accurately transmitting key movements with impressive quietness. Of course, the feel doesn’t match that of a fully weighted hammer-action keyboard, which would add considerable weight.
The key travel also seems slightly shorter than average, with the keys pressing down only a minimal amount. While this may take some getting used to, it will feel more intuitive over time. Notably, the semi-weighted TP/9PIANO keyboard includes aftertouch, which adds expressive depth to this portable instrument.
The rear speakers deliver impressive sound quality for their size, remaining clear and distortion-free even at higher volumes. With 2×10 watts of power, the output is best suited for home practice, as you would expect from a device this compact.
While the built-in speakers work well for sketching out musical ideas, a more refined sound requires an external solution. For practice, you can connect headphones or connect the Numa Compact 2 to external speakers via the audio output jacks.
When it comes to the sounds of the Studiologic Numa Compact 2, there is absolutely nothing to complain about. The sound quality of the Studiologic Numa Compact 2 is impressive, especially for an entry-level instrument.
Each of the eight acoustic piano sounds is clear and engaging, inviting you to immerse yourself in the music. Staying on trend, Studiologic has even included a lo-fi piano sound with a detune effect for added versatility. The organ, electric piano, and synth sounds are also well executed, although the guitar, strings, and choir sounds come with the typical compromises seen in this price range.
One of the standout features of the Numa Compact 2 is the ability to expand its sound library via the Numa Manager app. This gives you more variety at your fingertips. And with a maximum polyphony of 128 voices, the instrument handles more demanding pieces—like those by Rachmaninoff or Debussy—without compromise.
The effects on the Studiologic Numa Compact 2 are satisfying in sound quality and easy to use, with knobs for quick and intuitive adjustment. This makes it easy to shape your sound without wading through complex menus—a welcome departure from the norm.
The EQ section is equally straightforward, featuring three controls for Bass, Treble, and Mastering. Conveniently located on the top panel, these controls allow you to fine-tune your sound in real-time, even during a performance.
That said, the claim of using up to six effects at once is worth clarifying. This configuration is achievable only when the split function is active, with separate effects assigned to each split voice, and includes features like string resonance as well as global reverb. For a single sound across the entire keyboard, you can layer two effects alongside the master reverb.
The Numa Compact 2 also features USB Audio/MIDI capability, allowing you to send and receive audio directly through its USB port. This means you can easily route the Numa Compact 2’s sound to a laptop with a DAW for direct recording without additional interfaces.
The USB Audio/MIDI feature also allows you to use the piano’s speakers to play audio from a connected laptop or smartphone, making it ideal for playback or accompaniment. Plus, you can integrate piano VSTs and music apps for an expanded range of practice and performance possibilities.
The Studiologic Numa Compact 2 offers a few other standout features. The OLED display, with a 128×64 resolution, ensures smooth navigation and easy readability despite its compact size. It eliminates the need to rely on button combinations to make adjustments, which is often necessary on devices without a display.
Above the bass section, two programmable sticks provide control not only of pitch and modulation but also of effects, adding an extra layer of expressive possibilities.
The Studiologic Numa Compact 2 excels in both design and functionality. Weighing in at only 7.1 kg, this portable piano is easy to transport. And although there are some compromises in keyboard feel and case durability, it still offers a compelling feature set.
The sound quality of the built-in audio is impressive, as is the ability to add additional audio sources. But the compact speakers themselves deliver surprisingly clear audio. The intuitive display and controls streamline operation, adding to the Numa Compact 2’s appeal.
While it isn’t the most affordable option on the market, the Numa Compact 2 offers substantial value with a wealth of features for its price.
Release date: 06.2017
Keyboard: Semi-weighted 88-key TP/9PIANO keyboard, Aftertouch control
Polyphony: 128 voices
Special features: USB audio/MIDI
Manufacturer/Distributor: Studiologic/B4 Distribution
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Pros and Cons
Tobias Homburger
The sound quality of the built-in audio is impressive, as is the ability to add additional audio sources. But the compact speakers themselves deliver surprisingly clear audio.
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