Essential Information about the Kawai CA501 Digital Piano
- Grand Feel Compact Action with solid wood keys, triple sensor, let-off simulation, and "Ivory Touch" finish
- Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Competition Grand and EX sounds, 88-note HI-XL sampling, 192-note polyphony
- 100 W 4-Speaker System with 360-degree projection speakers for natural immersion, SHS for headphone play
- Modern Connectivity Bluetooth Audio/MIDI, USB audio MP3/WAV/SMF with overdub, educational apps, and built-in lessons
An Heir to the "Concert Artist" Lineage
Part of the prestigious "Concert Artist" series, the CA501 translates the Shigeru Kawai signature into a contemporary cabinet designed for both the living room and the studio. It embodies the "Feel Inspired" philosophy by combining grand piano touch, highly expressive sound reproduction, and connected tools that stimulate progress from beginner to advanced player.
Keyboard Design
The CA501 features the Grand Feel Compact action with 88 solid wood keys, long pivot, triple sensor, and escapement simulation for fine control from pianissimo to fortissimo.
Counterweights in the bass register optimize low dynamic response, while
the Ivory Touch finish provides a pleasant matte grip that absorbs moisture. The
adjustable velocity curves (Light, Normal, Heavy, Off) and sliding keyboard cover complete an authentic and quiet playing experience at rest.
Sound Quality
The HI-XL engine with 88-note stereo sampling reproduces the majestic palette of the SK-EX Competition Grand and Kawai EX, with a clear tone, dense attack, and wide dynamic range.
192-note polyphony secures chord textures and generous pedal usage. For sound projection,
four speakers totaling 100 W paired with
360-degree projection speakers deliver a wide and coherent sound field for both the pianist and the audience, with a
Low Volume Balance function that preserves natural sound at low levels.
Built-in Effects
- Reverb: Room, Lounge, Small Hall, Concert Hall, Live Hall, Cathedral
- Tone Control (brightness/EQ)
- Built-in preset effects
- Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS) with presets and headphone type selection
Educational Features
Metronome with 7 signatures and adjustable tempo and volume,
recorder for 3 songs (approx. 10,000 notes), and
279 built-in lessons (Burgmüller, Czerny, Beyer, Alfred 1A/1B) to structure practice. The
Dual, Split, and Four Hands modes with volume/balance settings encourage accompaniment, while
PianoRemote and Virtual Technician refine voicing, resonances, and pedals for a comprehensive musical and sound learning experience.
Advanced Functions
The CA501 offers
Bluetooth Audio 5.1 and MIDI 5.0 for streaming and wireless control,
USB audio for recording/playback of MP3, WAV, and SMF with overdub, and
USB-MIDI for DAW compatibility. The
Virtual Technician provides "Smart Mode" presets and advanced settings (touch, voicing, resonance, tuning, temperaments, half-pedal). Additional features include Multi-timbral Mode, Transpose, Tuning, Low Volume Balance, and startup memories for seamless daily integration.
Technical Specifications
Keyboard
- Action: Grand Feel Compact
- Keys: Solid wood, 88 notes
- Finish: Ivory Touch
- Sensors: Triple sensor
- Escapement Simulation: Yes
- Velocity Curves: Light, Normal, Heavy, Off
- Keyboard Cover: Yes, sliding
Sounds
- Sound Source: 88-note sampling - Progressive Harmonic Imaging
- Algorithm: Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL)
- Voices: 19 (including Shigeru Kawai "SK-EX Competition Grand", Kawai EX, SK-5, K60)
- Polyphony: 192 notes max
- Virtual Technician: Smart Mode 10 presets; Advanced Mode via PianoRemote (Touch Curve, Voicing, Damper Resonance/Noise, String Resonance, Key-off Effect, Fall-back Noise, Hammer Delay, Topboard Simulation, Decay Time, Minimum Touch, Stretch Tuning, Temperament, Temperament Key, Key Volume, Half-Pedal Adjust, Soft Pedal Depth)
- Keyboard Modes: Dual, Split, 4Hands (adjustable volume and balance)
Effects
- Reverb: Room, Lounge, Small Hall, Concert Hall, Live Hall, Cathedral
- Effects: Preset
- Tone Control, Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS)
Music / Recordings
- Metronome: 7 signatures, adjustable tempo and volume
- Recording/Playback: 3 songs, approx. 10,000 notes max
- Lessons: 279 pieces (Burgmüller 25, Czerny 30, Beyer, Alfred Level 1A/1B)
- Piano Music Songs: 40
- Demo Pieces: 19
Sound System
- Speakers: 13 cm x 2 (mid-bass), 5 cm x 2 (tweeters) with 360-degree projection speakers
- Output Power: 2 x 50 W (100 W)
Construction
- Pedals: Grand Feel Pedal System (Sustain and Soft with half-pedal, Sostenuto)
- Music Rest: Adjustable with sheet music holding pins
Connectivity
- USB: USB to Host (MIDI), audio recording/playback USB MP3/WAV/SMF with overdub
- Headphone: 2 outputs (mini-jack stereo and 6.3 mm stereo jack)
Bluetooth
- Audio: Ver. 5.1, A2DP compatible
- MIDI: Ver. 5.0, GATT compatible, Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI
Display
- OLED screen 128 x 128 pixels
Dimensions
- Width: 136 cm
- Depth: 48.5 cm
- Height: 91.5 cm
Weight
Finishes
Power Supply
- Consumption: 12 W
- Power Adapter: PS-154
Others
- Tone Control, Low Volume Balance, Tuning, Transpose, Touch
- Spatial Headphone Sound, Phones Type
- Transmit Program Change Number, MIDI Channel, Local Control, Multi-timbral Mode
- Startup Settings, Auto Display Off, Auto Power Off, Bluetooth
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