Privia

Privia

Privia PX-310 Compact Digital Piano
Manufacturer Casio
Dates 2003 – present
Price US$ 699 - 1599 (depending on model)
Technical specifications
Polyphony
  • 32   (ZPI models)[1]
  • 128 (AiF and AiR models)[2]
Timbrality Multitimbral
Synthesis type

Sampling

  • ZPI synthesis (2003-2009)[1]
  • Linear Morphing AiF/AiR Sound Engine (2009-present)[2]
Aftertouch expression no
Velocity expression yes
Storage 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" and weights attached to each keys that will lift up when the key is pressed, while the keys trigger the sensors to generate sound. The sensors are located in the bottom of the keyboard, similar to that of a synthesizer keyboard action

Throughout various incarnations, the key action has undergo several changes over time:

Scaled Hammer Action (2003-2008 models)

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.

Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action (2009-2011 models)

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.

Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II (2012-present models)

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 Scaled Hammer Action II has been described as being harder, more substantial and heavier compared to the previous versions. It is also widely criticized for its characteristic knocking noises when played at medium to high velocities, and considered as being heavier than a generic acoustic piano keys.

Models

Console models

Upper-range models

Standard models

Standard models

Note: the CGP-700 (2015 model) and PX-A100/A800 (2013 model) was not available in certain regions, including Southeast Asia, India, South Korea, Middle East, and some parts of China.

Stage pianos (Privia PRO Series)

Footnotes

  1. 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)
  2. 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)
  3. ↑ "Casio Privia 10th Year Anniversary Concept, History". Casio Computer Co., Ltd. 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
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