Studiologic Numa x piano GT vs Yamaha CP88 extended review!!!

This is an extended review about these 2 beautiful keyboards. I can see Studiologic is working hard to bring new improved sounds. It is not far behind from Yamaha, for some the studiologic might sound better !!!

[@cgram20]

Sounds amazing..like the fresh and unique sound of the Studio logic Numa x

[@HaraldSchuberth]

Thanks a lot for this review! Your tweaked piano on the Numa sounds so much better than the German grand. Could you describe which piano you used and what tweaks you have done to it with value numbers, etc. ? Even better would be if you could offer it as a download. Thanks a lot in advance 🙂

[@michaelhglnd]

Thanks, for a great review! It's very helpful when someone knowledgeable shares opinions about the good AND maybe bad things about gear. I'm subscribed. I've got the Numa X Piano 73 key version with the TP110 keybed and I mostly like it. To me, it feels a lot better than keyboards I've had with the TP100. I've just sold my Nord Electro 5D73 and kept the Numa. A couple of the reasons for that are 1) that the Nord's SW, synth-weighted action was uncomfortable for me when playing piano parts, and 2) many of Nord's piano samples, while they sound great in certain circumstances, don't sound particularly impressive compared to other keyboards when everything is in MONO. Before I sold my Nord, I compared the two as far as pianos (Numa and Nord), in stereo and in mono. Nord won by a fair amount in stereo, but in mono situations, where many of us, myself included, do gigs, an expensive Nord keyboard didn't sound better. That's just my opinion.

[@theaudioeng]

I bought the Numa-X GT pretty well on release due to sound of course, the triple strike sensor, keybed and novel audio onboard mixer which is useful as stage 'board. Interesting the Numa holds sustain in back if switching tones but the Yam doesn’t! Great stage 'board the GT model. Reasonable kgs too if gigging, as the intention for owners of this type of 'board. 😎👍🎹🎶🍻

[@chrisc8891]

I also have a Number X piano and am very happy with it. It's true that you have to adjust the pianos, but then they sound very good and for me, better than the Yamaha CP88. For live and band I recommend the Numa X VintageGrand, Yamaha C, Steinway B (extra download) and sometimes the Italian Grand. Thanks for your tips for the Vintage Grand, I'll try out your settings👍.

[@nethfellearnspiano9655]

Did you tweak the sounds of the extra downloads to get it to feel more natural?

[@chrisc8891]

Yes, I use less String Res/less duplex/less Reverb. I also listened to Nord Stage organs and tried to adjust the Numa ones, but sometimes for organs I use VB3m instead.

[@Zoco101]

Yes, it's true that Yamaha pianos aways sound great straight out of the box. Sometime Rolands need a lot of tweaking too. I gave up on the FP-50 and sent it back, largely for that reason.

[@cgram20]

You deserve way more subs.

[@pianomikeoct]

Like the softer sound of the studio logic.

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

Thoguht the NUMA has deep editing, I think you can dial in a RHodes that will suit you better then the CP88 ones

[@taureanedwards2198]

Great review! Thanks for the info!

[@aselma10]

The studio logic piano is pretty in the soft range than jumps right to the hard range , the mid part is kind of missing

[@MDZac2024]

Great video! I have had the Numa X Piano GT for a little over a year, and I agree, the Vintage Grand is my favorite. The action is also the best I’ve ever owned. I am very tempted to get a Nord Grand 2 for the better action has Nord Piano 5, but mostly for the Nord Piano Library which sounds so good. I’m not sure if I will replace my Numa since the action is just so good.

[@JaredHumphers]

This is quite literally the exact video I needed! Thanks 🙏

[@fabiopires8996]

Hello. Iam from Portugal. What is your opinion in therms of live situation, punch sound that appears with quality, there is much diference between them? I have a yamaha yc 73, and iam a little diasapointed with the dynamic range of the keybed. The studiologic has punch quality sound on live PA situation? Thanks

[@awakenwithoutcoffee]

great review. I have decided to go with the Numa X Piano GT to record all my digital improv. My current keys (yamaha-p15) have served me well but with every keystroke they make a thumping mechanical sound which is probably due to the plastic keys. Looking forward using the Numa as a midi interface for Pianoteq 8!

[@amitev]

Did you buy it?

[@awakenwithoutcoffee]

@@amitev actually I ended up buying the Studiologic SL88iGrand because I focus more on classical playing for which the keys are better. Having said that I might as well have gone with the Numa since I enjoy producing again ;) I don't think you can go wrong with either although the extra midi capabilities of the Numa do outshine the SL88i (for which youd need to buy additional faders/knobs ).

[@jG-jd8wg]

Have you tried the SL88 Grand? What do you think of it?

[@tonato17]

Great video, very useful. Thank you! Do you tknow if the Numa X GT has much difference between the NUMA X? I'm struggling to find the X GT in my country but hey, after seeing your video I feel quite inclined on the GT X, specially after reading your comment that you preffered the feel of the action on the GT X A LOT MORE than the yamaha. Thanks again

[@davidvierabarreras]

I think is the exact engine, the only change is the updgraded keys action, with a very realistic response as a piano, but the engine sound is the same

[@brunociclistinha1281]

Could you please chare this Studiologic preset that you have made?

[@benmychree190]

This is very subjective…I have a YC61, same pianos as other YC and I also have a Numa X. I could happily use either, but the recent software update for the Numa has me leaning to Studiologic for now. Really good ep too.

[@jonos138]

I watched another review on the numa and it was pointed out that the numa didn't have good dynamic range. Instead of using more samples for soft playing they just use a filter instead, so playing softly doesn't use a soft piano sample, just a filter, bit like just reducing the volume and turning the tone down. Plus there is not a smooth transition from soft to loud, it jumps at a certain point. So it would not be my choice for solo piano. The Yamaha has a better Piano tone imo, however for the price they should have included dynamic resonance instead of just damper resonance. However, as a stage keyboard in a mix its probably less important compared to solo playing. So between the two, the Yamaha has more usable piano tones, so would be my choice.

[@ispianist]

@@jonos138 Yes definitely the Yamaha has greater dinamic range and I do prefer the pianos over the Numa. Yamaha does have better sampling and feels more connected with the beybed when playing. I did ended selling the Yamaha CP88. I do prefer the mechanical action on the Numa and the midi integration . I just wished they had better piano samples.

[@Justin_collier]

The piano sound on the numa is not my favorite. It definitely dosnt sound authentic the way Yahama does. The quality of the cp88 is definitely better sounding.

[@briannzuwah9455]

Which keybed feels better. You spoke about the sound but, as a classical piano is I would be using a software such as pianotech or keyscape

[@ispianist]

The Studiologic GT feels lot better in my opinion

[@marknagle-vi7og]

I’ve owned several digital pianos over the years and the reason I keep upgrading is they just keep getting better. The CP88 I purchased brand new last May and the touch and feel compared to an acoustic piano is as real as it gets. Light on the top heavy on the bottom with real wooden keys and synthetic ivory tops. I love this thing. It even has the double strike feature just like a real piano. This is great for faster piano pieces of music.

[@andreanarcisi97]

What is the model of the desk called?

[@brunolacerda4611]

Have you ever tried Dexibell S10? Please if you can, tried it and tell me the difference between then anda the Numa X GT!

[@pianobis777]

Could you compare GT with Dexibell vivo S10? With one has the better key action?

[@YeahBan]

I watched the review videos carefully. I'm planning to get a new master keyboard, and I'm considering the CP88, Numa Piano X GT, and FP90X. My priorities are as follows: 1. I'm looking for a keyboard with excellent piano touch, as piano playing is my main focus, and touch sensitivity is crucial for me. 2. I also do MIDI. Considering these factors, do you have any recommendations? In fact, I plan to use VSTi piano sounds, so having good built-in sounds is a plus, but it's not a strict requirement. I think CP88 might have a slight advantage in terms of built-in sounds. I've watched various videos about the GT, but the piano tone doesn't quite resonate with me. For someone who primarily uses VSTi, it might seem excessive to purchase the GT solely for its touch sensitivity, but there is a certain desire for an enhanced touch experience, making the decision challenging. Currently, I am using the SL88 Grand, and I am satisfied with its touch to some extent.🙄

[@ispianist]

The piano presets are very crucial to me as well. After using both for a while I think I'd pick the CP88. The pianos are way better. The key bed is good is not as good as the numa but the sample is very well implemented on the CP88. The CFX is good but too bright. I'd use it for rock or pop music. My favorite pianos are the C7 (mid to high range) and the S700 (mid to low range). I did split the keyboard in half to use those two. It does sound gorgeous and also you have the EQ on both keyboards. It is easier on the CP88 due the knobs on the console. Also dynamics are very important to me. The CP88 just wins it. I think as a stage piano the CP88 wins it. The studiologic is more like a midi master controller with built in sounds. It is getting better. But the acoustic pianos should be lot better.

[@YeahBan]

@@ispianist Yes, indeed, the CP88 is considered to have greater completeness even in terms of sound. It's a pity. If the GT had great built-in sounds as well, there would be no doubt that it would have been the preferred choice. If we set aside everything else and just focus on it being a bit expensive, but consider it as a master keyboard, would you be willing to consider the GT?

[@ispianist]

@@YeahBan I don't know if you live in the US but you can purchase a used GT for very good price. Yes I'd buy the GT. I am keeping my GT for home studio. I am using it mainly for my studio. The CP88 strictly for gigs. Since I don't want to carry my laptop or iPad for the extra sounds. Is just excellent for that.

[@YeahBan]

@@ispianist I appreciate it very much😉. I now have confidence in my decision. I hadn't considered buying used before, which is a good idea. I live in South Korea, and it seems that the availability of used items is still limited here. However, when comparing prices for similar high-end options, it seems relatively reasonable.

[@nethfellearnspiano9655]

Thank you for the informative review. I'm curious what keyboards your looking at to replace the yamaha and nord?

[@ispianist]

I was looking into the kawai mp11se 😅. Might keep the nord for longer but definitely selling my cp88

[@nethfellearnspiano9655]

@@ispianistI've heard the mp11se is a great unit, I'll be curious how it compares for your play style!

[@bobrobertson9547]

Bollocks!

[@jonos138]

​@@bobrobertson9547Elaborate? Bollocks to the previous poster comments or the video in general?

[@jonos138]

I watched another pro player review and he thought the action of they keyboard was off compared to other keyboards. Something about sensitivity to weight of keyboard. How did you find playing softly to harder playing on the studiologic compared to Yamaha?

[@cozycocoones]

I suspect Yamaha should base on analogy acoustic Grand piano. Yamaha has experience. Some German acoustic pianos has a more deeper sound with more resistance in hammer action which require more finger strength endurance.

[@chrisc8891]

Can anyone recommend their settings including EQ for the Wurlitzer, I'm still dissatisfied with the sound

[@oluwanifemiogundeko7132]

Hey Im considering getting a Studiologic. Does it have a drum kit patch?

[@ispianist]

Yes it does.

[@oluwanifemiogundeko7132]

@@ispianist what kind of drum kit patches does it have?

[@alexeyboykov6015]

Hi,can i play backing files(wav,mp3)via usb?

[@amitev]

Connect the piano to your phone using the USB

[@joshtackett]

Just curious if you have tried the Yamaha P-525 or Kawai ES920? I’m trying to decide between those and the Numa X GT for home practice. Thanks!

[@ispianist]

I think this CP88 has greater action than those 2 combined. I still prefer the Studiologic for the key action.

[@JivanDon-e7s]

@@ispianist Unfortunately, I don't agree with you. Yesterday I did an extensive test on Numa x and GT, Yamaha CP88, Nord piano 5, Kawai Mp11 se and ES920 and Yamaha P525 and for me..... the absolute winner (talking about the key action) by a wide margin was the Yamaha P525. Never played an electric piano with such a nice keybed. (GrandTouch S) Felt like I was playing a grand piano. But of course tastes differ

[@ispianist]

@@JivanDon-e7s I haven't tried that particular model yet. I did some research and the Yamaha uses a complete new different keybed. " Grand touch-S" The CP88 got the GH3 in my opinion doesn't have great touch. It does feel like a synthesizer with weighted keys. I will have to try that particular model the P-525

[@JivanDon-e7s]

@@ispianist Yes, this keybed is a game changer for me. In fact, it is the first keybed that I am finally, after many years, really enthusiastic about. Thanks for your videos.

[@Zoco101]

Is this to be a family piano or a home studio piano? For the former, I'd buy a home piano with a furniture asect. For the latter I'd buy a Kawai VPC1 and some software.

[@jimlampshady]

I only got thru 10 mins of this content. Can I offer some constructive criticism as to why? I found what you were saying to be interesting, but you repeated every point you made about 5 times. If something is super important, then perhaps one repetition, but endlessly repeating literally everything you say is both redundant and boring. If in doubt, less talking and more playing will probably serve you well as a guideline.

[@EddieSpaghetti07]

Hola bebe hermoso ❤❤❤

[@sunnyboner676]

Is there a reason why some companies such as Studiologic and Kurzweil are using external power supplies on their flagship stage pianos? I always associate wall warts with entry level cheap gear as likely others do. Maybe there’s another reason other than cost cutting?

[@periodinstruments8651]

One of the issue of internal power supplies is that when the converter fails , you need to service your keyboard with a dealer. I had the issue with my MP11.

[@forton615]

It's cost cutting, but more complicated than you may think, if you put the transformer in the machine you have a 230V machine with different rules on safety, takes longer, costs more. My mpc keys is the only keyboard I have with a 230V plug in the back, I like that, looks more premium. 9 or 12v has the advantage you can share one good power supply for most of the stuff in your rack. Since stage pianos are most often not part of a rack I would prefer 230V for a piano all the time.

[@sunnyboner676]

@@forton615 I’ve owned older Kurzweil keyboards and recently purchased a Nord Stage 4 Compact and didn’t want to entertain the idea of having an external wall wart for a keyboard in that type of price range 😞 At some point, some of the benefits of cost cutting ought to go towards the consumer! For me personally, I like premium gear with premium features - especially in the price range of Nord, Kurzweil and such.