Music

Stunning keyboard controller wouldn't look too out of place on the back of a Carrera

View 12 Images
The resistance for each of the 88 keys can be adjusted, allowing for the playing character to be altered to taste
The electronics beneath each key allow the playing character of the MPiano to be adjusted
The MPiano is not a digital piano, but a keyboard controller that influences music creation software running on connected hardware
The MPiano recently picked up a Red Dot Award for product design
The resistance for each of the 88 keys can be adjusted, allowing for the playing character to be altered to taste
The "M" in the product name is for mechatronic, a system of adjustable electronic actuators beneath each of the keys that allow the playing character of the keyboard to be altered
The 88-key digital controller was developed in partnership with the Porsche Design Studio
The MPiano prototype on display at Frankfurt's Musikmesse in March
All controls and parameters for the controller are adjusted using an iOS mobile app interface
Rendering of the MPiano showing integrated iPad stand and matching stool
The MPiano is not a digital piano, but a keyboard controller
All controls and parameters for the controller are adjusted using an iOS mobile app interface
Polyphonic aftertouch, pedal commands, keyboard splits, pitch adjustment, MIDI channels and more can be set using the app
View gallery - 12 images

The MPiano from Austria's Alpha Pianos is an elegant, futuristic concept study that's actually heading for production. The 88-key digital controller was developed in partnership with the Porsche Design Studio and features adjustable keyboard action so that musicians can choose precisely how the device feels to play, from the solid, weighty keys of a concert grand to a light and springy tabletop synth.

The "M" in the product name is for mechatronic, which refers to a system of adjustable electronic actuators beneath each of the keys that allow the playing character of the keyboard to be altered. By setting key resistance, the feel of instruments like a grand piano, a church organ or a modern synth can be reproduced.

The keys are also touch-sensitive to allow for MIDI expression or control, meaning that musicians don't need to take a playing hand away from the keyboard to activate or tweak modulation and parameter settings, such things can be achieved by sliding a finger up or down the key.

All controls and parameters for the controller are adjusted using an iOS mobile app interface

Despite its name, the MPiano is not a digital piano, but a keyboard controller that influences music creation software running on connected hardware. The dedicated iPad stand on the instrument reinforces this idea, and all controls and parameters for the controller are adjusted using an iOS mobile app interface over Wi-Fi. Polyphonic aftertouch, pedal commands, keyboard splits, pitch adjustment, MIDI channels and more can be set using the app.

Recently receiving a Red Dot Award for product design, Alpha Pianos demonstrated the first prototype at Frankfurt's Musikmesse in March and told us that series production is due to start in late summer (Northern Hemisphere). Though no pricing information has been revealed, we're betting this is not going to be a wallet-friendly instrument.

Source: Alpha Piano

View gallery - 12 images
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
1 comment
Bob Flint
The matching stool could use more work, maybe some storage would be nice, and does the top surface self clean, as black shows dust soooooooo well...maybe a slick continual aero-cover & anti-static halo (like a silent air curtain in horizontal format)