ES8

Superior playing control

In addition to grade-weighted hammers, the Responsive Hammer III keyboard action also features counterweights embedded within each black and white key.

As with an acoustic piano, these finely balanced weights help to lighten the touch of the keyboard during pianissimo passages, while adding a feel of greater substance when playing with force.

More realistic & responsive

The Responsive Hammer III keyboard action utilises an accurate triple-sensor key detection system for enhanced playing realism.

The added third sensor improves responsiveness when playing the same key repeatedly, and unlike conventional two sensor keyboard actions found in most portable pianos, allows the sound of a single note to be gradually ‘layered’ without the previous tone being lost.

In addition, Kawai’s action technology also monitors the speed at which each key is lifted, influencing the release character of piano sounds, and providing a greater range of expression between staccato and legato playing.

Premium key surfaces

The impressive ES8 features Kawai’s highly regarded Ivory Touch key surfaces as standard.  This finely textured material gently absorbs fingertip perspiration and oils to assist playing control, and possesses a natural, matte finish that is smooth but not slippery.

Furthermore, this moisture is absorbed without dirt or grease permeating the surface, allowing the keytops to be wiped clean easily using just a damp cloth.

Grand piano action authenticity

As the most authentic digital piano keyboard action in its class, Responsive Hammer III even reproduces the ‘let-off’ characteristic of acoustic piano actions.

This subtle ‘notch’ sensation can be felt when playing the keys of a grand piano very gently, and may be used by experienced pianists to aid control when playing pianissimo passages.

True character in every note

The rich sound of the SK-EX, SK-5, and EX grand pianos is at the heart of the ES8, with all eighty-eight keys of these world- class instruments painstakingly recorded, meticulously analysed, and accurately reproduced as high-fidelity digital waveforms.

Recording each key individually in this way – as opposed to stretching the same tone over several different notes – preserves the grand pianos’ unique harmonic character, and guarantees that the sound heard when playing any one of the ES8’s weighted keys is a faithful representation of the original acoustic source.

Rich, dynamic, expressive

When playing a fine piano, the amount of pressure applied to the keyboard affects not only the volume of the sound produced, but also the unique tonal character of each note.  Therefore, in order to construct a realistic acoustic portrait of each grand piano, not only is each key recorded individually, but also at a wide variety of different volumes, ranging from gentle pianissimo to thunderous fortissimo.

The ES8 offers a highly detailed acoustic portrait, with Harmonic Imaging XL technology ensuring smooth tonal transitions across the keyboard and throughout the entire dynamic range.

Extra Long sampling (HI-XL)

Taking full advantage of its expanded sample memory, the ES8’s Harmonic Imaging XL standard extends the important attack portion of the piano sound by up to 120%, articulating the natural detail and resonance characteristics of each note more clearly, and improving the instrument’s organic tonal quality.

Personalised piano enhancements

The knowledge and skill of an experienced piano technician is essential to bring out the best of a fine acoustic piano. In addition to tuning each note, the technician also performs numerous regulation and voicing adjustments that allow the instrument to truly sing.

The ES8’s powerful Virtual Technician function simulates these refinements digitally, allowing discerning musicians to shape aspects of the selected piano’s character to suit their personal preferences.

Perform touch weight and voicing adjustments, regulate hammer and key release noises, and fine-tune string and damper resonances.  It is even possible to adjust the precise tuning, volume, and character of individual notes – all in real-time.

Studio quality effects & reverb

The ES8’s powerful digital effects engine enhances the instrument’s superior core sounds, applying additional layers of detail and realism that bring performances to life.

Tailor an instrument’s character and feeling with a range of studio quality chorus, tremolo, delay, and auto-pan effects.  Add vintage warmth to electric pianos and trademark growl to drawbar organs using the dedicated Amp Sim speaker models.

Then adjust the instrument’s reverb controls to position yourself within one of six acoustic environments, ranging from a small practise room to an inspirational grand cathedral

Additional instrument sounds

Supplementing the beautiful acoustic piano voices, the ES8 also features a strong selection of additional sounds.  Vintage electric pianos, drawbar organs, and warm synth pads allow this portable piano to serve as a convenient gigging board, while church organs, strings, and graceful choir voices ensure that the versatile ES8 is equally at home in places of worship.

Furthermore, the Dual playing mode also allows two different sounds, such as grand piano and strings, to be layered together, while the Split and Four Hands modes divide the keyboard into two independent sections, with volume balances adjustable in real-time from the front panel.

Professional backing styles

In addition to the standard Dual and Split playing modes, the ES8’s Rhythm Section feature offers solo performers a selection of professionally arranged backing accompaniments at the touch of a button, complete with musically intelligent full-keyboard chord recognition.

Whether you need a practice partner, some quick ideas for a new song, or a backup band at a live performance, you’re sure to find the perfect accompaniment among the 100 pop, rock, jazz, funk, and Latin styles.

Flexible USB connectivity

The ES8 is equipped with modern USB connectors that not only allow the instrument to be connected to a computer for MIDI use, but also to load and save data to USB memory devices directly.

This latter USB to Device functionality allows favourite instrument settings, registrations, and memorable recorder songs stored within internal memory to be safely preserved on USB flash drives, or for standard MIDI files (SMF) downloaded from the internet to be played back and enjoyed using the instrument’s exquisite Harmonic Imaging XL sounds without additional hardware or cables.

Convenient MP3 record & playback

USB memory devices can also be used to play back MP3 or WAV audio files, allowing musicians to learn the chords or melody for a new piece, or to simply play along with their favourite songs.

It is even possible to record entire performances directly as MP3 or WAV audio files for emailing to family and friends, or casual listening away from the piano.

iPad connectivity & apps

Connecting the ES8 to an iPad using a USB cable or wirelessly allows players to extend the instrument’s functionality with a wide range of education, performance, and scoring apps.

A dedicated Virtual Technician app is also freely available, providing an enjoyable way to learn about and adjust the ES8’s various characteristics from an attractive touch interface.

 * Quicco Sound mi.1 Bluetooth MIDI device required for wireless connectivity.

HM-4 designer stand

The HM-4 designer stand transforms the portable ES8 into ultra-compact, stylish piano replacement.

Crafted from wood and metal, this sturdy platform is the ideal solution for ES8 owners seeking a modern, attractive alternative to uninviting keyboard stands.  The ES8 secures to the HM-4 stand using four manageable thumb screws, allowing the instrument to be easily decoupled and taken on the road.

The HM-4 also includes a colour matching transparent music rest, giving the complete piano a stylish, professional look.

* Available in matching Gloss Black or Snow White finishes.

F-301 Grand Feel pedal unit

The F-301 Grand Feel pedal unit attaches to the HM-4 stand to deliver a fully-fledged grand piano playing experience in an ultra-compact package.

As with Kawai’s large console instruments, the Grand Feel Pedal System replicates the individual weighting of the damper, soft, and sostenuto pedals of a Kawai EX Concert grand piano, further enhancing the ES8’s unrivalled acoustic piano-like authenticity.

* Available in matching Gloss Black or Snow White finishes.

 * HM-4 designer stand also required.

F-20 dual pedal unit

For higher level performers, the F-20 dual pedal offers both a damper pedal and an assignable soft/sostenuto pedal within a sturdily built portable unit.

The F-20 can function as a standalone replacement to the included F-10H single pedal unit, or both units can be combined to provide a psuedo triple pedal solution for players that require damper, soft, and sostenuto pedals.

* Availability dependent on market location.

ES padded gigbag

For active musicians that perform regularly, the ES padded gigbad provides a strong yet stylish solution for transporting the ES8 between the home, studio, and stage.

Manufactured from rugged, composite materials, with thick internal padding, a large front pocket for cables and pedals, and heavy-duty rollers for smooth transportation, the ES gigbag is an essential accessory for travelling ES8 players of all levels.

* Availability dependent on market location.

* Exact appearance may vary depending on market location.