SX-PR54 Digital Piano from Technics Features USB Port

(Click for a close-up)

The new SX-PR54 Digital Ensemble from Technics is the latest in a line of digital pianos Equipped with a USB port, this new piano allows users to connect to a personal computer for a variety of special features. And, with the help of the piano's exclusive Progressive Pianist feature, players can improve their ability at their own pace.

With 100 songs and 600 styles, the new piano's Progressive Pianist feature helps coach and guide performers through a four-step learning process, made easy with the PR54's large graphic LCD screen. The four separate sections that comprise the Progressive Pianist approach include Practice Makes Perfect, Musical Discovery, Grand Performer, and Pianist Mode Session.

The first step, Practice Makes Perfect, focuses on scales, arpeggios, and other exercises covering an array of musical styles and backgrounds. Once the basic concepts are learned, the performer is ready to approach the stage of Musical Discovery, where the user experiences musical theory such as harmony and features such as Techni-chord. The final steps take the player through Grand Performer and Pianist Mode Session, opening the door to musical arrangements the performer can play and perfect.

The SX-PR54 features 512 Rhythm Variations (128 x 4), 64-Note Polyphony, concert grand piano sounds, and Natural Response Action, for the feel of a concert grand. The 16-track sequencer with a storage capacity of 40,000 notes comes with full edit functions, Sound Edit and 128 Mbit of Wave Rom. Other features include a full dot LCD screen with a backlight, a music stand, an AC cord, and CD-ROM.

Enhancing the Ensemble's practical design is a built-in USB port for personal computer use. "The USB port allows you to transfer music files from the Internet directly to your keyboard," explains Dan Slick, Group Manager, Technics Musical Instruments Division. "The included Song Manager software makes it fun and easy."

In addition, the Audio Recorder program lets you record performances from the SX-PR54 to your computer as Digital Audio. Once saved to your PC, the files can be burned to a CD or saved as a WMA or MP3 file and emailed to family or friends.

The SX-PR54 is available in either black or cherry simulated wood grain finish and will be available in July 2003.