StudioLogic Numa Compact 2 - Intro / Overview / Review Narrative If you're considering purchasing this keyboard, please consider purchasing through my Amazon affiliate link (I make a small commission on the sale) at: amzn.to/3cxYP6c
If you're considering purchasing this keyboard, please consider purchasing through my Amazon affiliate link (I make a small commission on the sale) at: amzn.to/3cxYP6c
The review was going fine and then you played a bit of Fixing a Hole on the harpsichord... even better! Thanks for the video, best review of this instrument, very calm and detailed explanation.
I'm taking a chance on this keyboard. I've got one pre-ordered. On the one hand, it's perfect for most of the types of band gigs I do. It's almost like the keyboard was designed with me in mind. On the other hand, I've owned many keyboards over the years - mostly Rolands - and the ONLY keyboard I've ever owned that has blown out on me on a gig was a StudioLogic 76 key midi controller; embarrassing, to say the least, as it was the only keyboard I brought with me. I wound up finishing the gig on the house piano; an old Baldwin Acrosonic that sounded like a banjo and looked like someone had beaten it with a chain. That was back in the early 2000's. Since then, I've deliberately avoided StudioLogic products. I hope StudioLogic has gotten really serious about it's quality control since then.
The *height* of this board looks quite appealing. Other boards like the Casio Privia and the Kawai ES are high-risers. Lightweight and aftertouch. That's mighty fine.
Hi, Studiologic Numa Compact 2, it has a midi / audio in-out connection, so that you can hear the sound with an iPad through the loudspeakers and headphones.Thanks Paul
Hey Chuck, just checked on the Studiologic website. There is a new firmware out for this board, version. 1.1. There is a sound mapper app apparently available and this update address' it. Apparently one can upload samples into an available sample ram space on the board?? Thanks for the demo video, looks like an awesome live use board?
Dang the short keys. I like most semi weighted keys, but I have trouble playing well on short keys. And that goes not just for the exposed white and black portion of the keys, but even how long the unexposed part is before the hinge. I love lightweight compact gear, but if the key hinge is not moved back a little bit, the black keys have a much greater resistance than the whites, resulting in and uncomfortable feel and usually un-even sound. I will say this vid made it sound way more expressive than I'd expect.
you're describing a problem I've had with things like this. Do you have a recommendation for a midi controller that has really great action for professional-level piano playing, and in particular has super super duper light action? I've tried all kinds of proclaimed great-weighted-keys of all prices, and they all are way too heavy and gummy and not at all as light and facile as a good real piano.
two keyboards can be semi-weighted but no two keyboards' actions are the same, i.e., yamaha vs roland. The Juno-DS88 or 61 action is excellent, but roland creates its own action for their keyboards, Studiologic's action is done by fatar. Roland's action is much better than any fatar action, however this keyboard's sound is awesome. Yamaha, Kawai, Korg, Roland and Casio have their own action.
This is great for synth players who need a lightweight and portable 88 key keyboard. However it is NOT a piano. That being said I want one. I have a great Kawai piano, it's not leaving the house.
I remain ever grateful to PianoManChuck for all these awesome reviews and videos! However, I sure wish that last bit about non-weighted action and smaller-than-normal keys had been stated at the beginning instead of at the end. Could've saved me some time. And what's the name of the song he plays at the very beginning of these videos? It sure has grown on me, and I need to learn to play it.
Thanks for your comment! The song at the beginning is one of my originals named "Forgotten". Here's a link where you can get the MIDI file.: sellfy.com/p/OxNF/ You can load that into Synthesia software where it becomes the tutorial (www.synthesiagame.com).
I was sold on this until you said "Fatar action". Never again. Fatar actions are nice, but they have been proven to fail and break when played excessively or gigged on the road. They don't wear well, either. They start to get chunky and annoying once they age. Regardless, nice review Chuck. Keep up the good work. Perhaps reviewing the new Yamaha MX88. ;-)
I have been warned numerous times by a very knowledgeable keyboard tech to stay away from keyboards that use Fatar key beds as they are not durable in the long run. That's unfortunate as their weighted key actions are my favourite but from Ensoniq, Nord, and Kurzweil's, many of the keyboards that I have had with Fatar key beds, required servicing for broken or clunky keys. Still, I am intrigued with this board as it seems like a great choice for a super portable, multi-keyboard rig for playing overseas and whatnot. Very well explained and demonstrated here. Well done.
You are right, however, having speakers that are not really visible is an advantage in many ways. 1. your headphone outs are not engaged and less prone to damage overtime. Your main outs are also safe from overuse of pins. You play more and can play without having to set up, because the piano has speakers.
It's pretty darn light to start, and I bet the speakers don't weigh much. But you could always open it up and remove them. (That might void your warranty.)
