Description
Great sound means nothing without control
The keyboard action is the most important part of a controller.
It doesn’t matter how many gigabytes have been sampled, or how advanced the modelled resonances are – if the controller’s action is sub-par, the virtual piano just won’t feel satisfying to play.
Fortunately, the VPC1 is equipped with Kawai’s latest RM3 Grand II action, featuring our trademark wooden keys and smooth, consistent movement. Unlike other controllers, the VPC1 incorporates additional grand piano keyboard characteristics, such as graded hammer weighting, ivory-like key surfaces, let-off simulation, and bass note counterweights.
These premium features combine to recreate the exceptional touch of a fine concert grand, allowing your favourite virtual pianos to finally feel as good as they sound.
Flexible connectivity: USB + MIDI
Connecting the VPC1 to your PC or Mac requires just a single USB cable – that’s all. The VPC1 can draw power from the computer’s USB bus, reducing cable clutter by doing away with the need for an external AC adaptor.
While the VPC1 has been developed primarily for controlling software pianos, standard MIDI jacks are also provided for connecting to hardware sound sources.
Perhaps there’s an old synth or expander module that you just can’t part with, or a semi-weighted board that sounds fantastic, but is let down by a flimsy action – the VPC1 can breathe new life into your existing setup.
It’s even possible to control separate sound sources simultane-ously, adjusting IN/OUT routing for USB and standard MIDI with the VPC Editor software.
Take Control: Grand Piano Pedals
Take full advantage of your virtual piano’s unlooped sustain and stunning modelled resonances with the VPC1’s included grand piano pedal controller.
This sturdily-built unit supports half-damping, and is pre-configured to send the correct CC messages for damper, soft, and sostenuto events.
No more mix-and-match sizes or polarity problems – just one solid unit, three reassuringly-weighted pedals, and a great piano playing experience.
The Perfect Connection: Professional Touch Curves
Experienced virtual piano players appreciate the value of a well balanced touch curve.
This plotted graph defines how key velocity corresponds to the instrument’s volume and tonal character, influencing the player’s connection with their piano.
The VPC1 features the same responsive touch curve from our highly respected MP10 stage piano, ensuring a superb playing experience – regardless of the application. However, for the ultimate piano connection, the VPC1 also includes preset touch curves for a selection of popular virtual piano packages. These curves have been lovingly prepared by Kawai’s renowned keyboard engineering team and approved by the software developers themselves, ensuring your favourite virtual piano responds just like the real thing.
The VPC1 ships with five touch curves stored in memory, with additional presets accessible using the VPC editor software.
Clutter-free, Classic Grand Design.
With its raised fall-board and curved wooden side arms, the VPC1 adopts a classic, grand piano-like appearance that inspires you to sit down and play.
The design is simple, unobtrusive, yet smart and professional. There are no wheels, knobs, or faders bidding for your attention – this is not a multi-purpose ‘do everything’ controller. The VPC1 has been developed for one thing and one thing only: to deliver the finest virtual piano playing experience.
Premium build-quality is widely considered a Kawai hallmark, with our popular MP stage pianos earning a reputation for their sturdy construction. Likewise, the VPC1’s chassis is engineered from aluminium, with a reinforced keyboard base providing extra stability when laying down the big chords.
And because the VPC1’s wide top surface is completely clutter-free, it makes an excellent platform for your laptop, mouse, or favourite semi-weighted board.
VPC Editor: Customise, Adjust, Tweak
The VPC1 is designed to play perfectly right out of the box. However, we appreciate that many virtual piano enthusiasts also love to customise, adjust, and tweak every aspect of their setup.
This is where the VPC Editor software comes in – a dedicated application to create and edit touch curves, adjust individual key velocities, and manage MIDI routing. All changes are stored directly to one of the VPC1’s five onboard memories, allowing configurations to be recalled without software, or – if controlling standalone MIDI devices – even without a computer.
View the screenshots below, or download the VPC Editor to play with the software in demo mode.
