Privia
Privia | |
---|---|
![]() Privia PX-310 | |
Manufacturer | Casio |
Dates | 2003 – present |
Technical specifications | |
Polyphony | |
Timbrality | Multitimbral |
Synthesis type | |
Aftertouch | no |
Velocity sensitive | yes |
Memory |
SD card (2005-2009) USB flash drive (2009-present) |
Input/output | |
Keyboard | 88 keys with weighted hammer action and simulated key weight |
External control | MIDI |
The Privia is a line of budget digital pianos manufactured by Casio. They have 4-layer stereo piano samples which provides articulated dynamics using Casio's Linear Morphing sound technology and up to 256 notes of polyphony, depending on model. As with other digital pianos, all Privia models feature weighted keyboard action which simulates the action on an acoustic piano.
First introduced in 2003, the Privia was originally designed to be a new competitor to other brands like Yamaha, Roland, and Kawai in budget digital piano products.
Overview
The original Privia was introduced by Casio in 2003, as a new concept within budget digital pianos, and is widely known for offering more advanced features and high-quality sound at an affordable prices, being able to keep up with more expensive instruments. The first Privia was the PX-100. Like any other compact digital pianos, it was able to be played on a table or optional stand, and was equipped with a digital sound source created by independent sampling of various piano timbres..[3]
The first generation Privia was produced from 2003 to 2006, and utilizes the Zygotech Polynomial Interpolation (ZPI) synthesis sound engine, as used in Casio's numerous former flagship keyboards. Second generation follows from 2006 to 2009, using similar sound engine
The third generation was introduced in 2009, featuring an all new Linear Morphing AiF (Acoustic and Intelligent Filtering) sound engine with 4-level dynamic stereo piano sampling and 128-note polyphony.
The fourth generation is the current version of the Privia, first introduced in 2012 . It uses the improved rendition of Linear Morphing AiF engine, called Multi-Dimensional Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator (AiR) sound engine, featuring a revamped 4-layer sampling and new features such as simulated sympathetic resonance, adjustable key sensor response (referred to as "Hammer Response"), half-damper effect, pedal noises and key-off simulation
Minor update of fourth generation is introduced in 2015, with some models included color touchscreen and improved built-in speaker system, as well as updated various features with few models has up to 256-note polyphony.
Keyboard action
As with other digital pianos, the Privia features a fully-weighted keyboard action to simulate the action on an acoustic piano.
This key action consist of a mechanical system of small "hammers" attached to each keys that will lift up when the key is pressed, which in turn triggers the digital sensors to generate sound. Unlike other brands, the "hammers" does not trigger the sensors. Instead, the base of the key itself does, as the sensors are located in the bottom, similar to that of a synthesizer keyboard action
Throughout various incarnations, the key action has undergo several changes over time:
Scaled Hammer Action
The original keyboard action, featuring a single or double sensors installed below the keybed. The weights are attached far back to the keys, giving it a slight resistance after the keys are released. It is also have a simulated weight in which lower notes are heavier than higher ones.
All models from 2003 to 2007 use this action, and is still used today on Casio's CDP range of weighted digital keyboards.
Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action
Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer utilizes three individual sensors for each keys, two installed below the key's base, and one installed slightly further back near the hammers. The hammers are also modified to have less resistance and swings back faster upon release. The three sensors ensures precision response and improved touch sensitivity compared to its predecessor.
All models from 2009 to 2012 use this action.
Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II
A revamped incarnation of the previous action. The triple sensors are now installed right below the key's base, while the hammers remain unchanged. Furthermore, this action even features unique keys with simulated synthetic ebony and ivory texture and the sensor's response can be digitally adjusted to match the playing style realistically.
The present generation of Privia from 2012 onwards use this action.
Models
Cabinet models
- PX-860 (2015) – Cabinet variant of PX-350
- PX-850 (2012)
- PX-830 (2010)
- PX-A800 (2013)
- PX-800 (2008)
- PX-780 (2012)
- PX-760 (2015) – Cabinet variant of the PX-160
- PX-750 (2012)
- PX-730 (2009)
- PX-720 (2007)
- PX-700 (2006)
Standard models
- PX-575 (2008) - The last Privia model with ZPI sound engine
- PX-500L (2005)
- PX-410R (2007) - Minor upgrade to the PX-500L
- PX-400R (2004) - First Privia with LCD display and auto-accompaniment capabilities
- PX-360/CGP-700 (2015) — Successor to the PX-350; features a color touch screen and improved sounds from its predecessors, with a new proprietary Multi-Expressive Intelligence (MXi) sound engine in collaboration with the default AiR engine.
- The CGP-700 includes an unique stand equipped with built-in amplification and speakers.
- The MXi sound engine was later used for Casio's latest MZ-X series of keyboard/synthesizer hybrid instrument, introduced in early 2016
- PX-350 (2012) – Successor to the PX-330, Features the same dot matrix display, new improved 4 layer stereo piano tones with AiR sound engine, a 16 track recorder and new accompaniment capabilities.
- PX-330 (2009) - First Privia model with Linear Morphing; introducing dot-matrix LCD display, replacing the digital alphanumeric display as seen on PX-410R and PX-575
- PX-320 (2007) - First Privia model with AiF sound engine
- PX-310 (2005)
- PX-300 (2006)
- PX-200 (2007)
- PX-160 (2015) – Successor to the PX-150; minor improvements with enhanced sounds.
- PX-150 (2012) – Successor to the PX-130/135 with enhanced sampling system and the first model with the present AiR sound engine; currently the best-selling Privia model
- PX-130/PX-135 (2009/10) - First entry-level model with Linear Morphing
- PX-120 (2007-08)
- PX-110 (2005)
- PX-A100 (2013) - Privia 10th Anniversary model, based on the PX-150 and available in red or blue color.
- PX-100 (2003) - The original Privia, with Dual-Element HL sound engine.
Note: the CGP-700 (2015 model) and Privia Anniversary (2013 model) was not available in certain regions, including Southeast Asia, India, South Korea, Middle East, and some parts of China.
Flagship models (Privia PRO Series)
- PX-7WE (2010)
- PX-5S (2013) – A stage ready variation of the PX-350, the PX-5S adds tone editing and controller capabilities and a new Ivory Touch keybed. The internal speakers and accompaniment were removed to a facilitate the new features. The PX-5S weighs under 25 lbs., holding the distinction of being the lightest stage piano ever manufactured.
- PX-3BK (2011) — Casio's first-ever stage piano model
- PX-560 (2015) - A stage ready variation of the PX-360 and CGP-700, featuring the same color touch screen, but added synthesizer control and sound editing capabilities, similar to that of PX-5S. Unlike the PX-5S, this model is equipped with built-in speakers
Gallery
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Privia PX-310 (2005)
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Privia PX-130 (2009)
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Privia PX-330 (2009)
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Privia PX-850 (2012)
Footnotes
- "PRIVIA – Product archive". Casio. (see Technical Specifications tab on each product)
- 1 2 Early models utilized "ZPI synthesis" were maximum 32-note polyphony.
(Models: PX-100, PX-110, PX-300, PX-310, PX-400, PX-410, PX-500, PX-575, PX-700, etc) - 1 2 Latest models utilizing Linear Morphing AiF sound source are maximum 256-note polyphony, or 4-layers 32-note polyphony.
(Models: PX-120, PX-130, PX-135, PX-200, PX-3, PX-320, PX-330, PX-7, PX-720, PX-730, PX-735, PX-800, PX-830, etc) - ↑ "Casio Privia 10th Year Anniversary Concept, History". Casio Computer Co., Ltd. 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
External links
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