Discover the next revolution in acoustic piano resonance. The AURES AR2 upright and grand pianos combine specially developed acoustic muting features with cutting-edge digital technologies and an advanced soundboard speaker system. Pianists can enjoy the pleasure of playing on a traditional acoustic piano while taking advantage of selectable instrument sounds, Bluetooth connectivity, and adjustable sound level control.
Specifications of the AURES models
■ Based on professional Kawai upright/grand acoustic pianos
■ Advanced acoustic muting systems for silent play
■ Unique speaker system on the soundboard developed with MPA amplifiers
■ High-level multi-channel digital piano sound with SK-EX Rendering
■ Flexible Virtual Technician function with 21 adjustable parameters
■ Premium audio processing and headphone amplification technology
■ Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio wireless connectivity
■ Dedicated PianoRemote app for control on iOS and Android platforms.
Touch
The GP Touch muting system (exclusively available for the GP type of piano)
The latest AURES AR2 grand pianos feature Kawai's brand-new GP Touch muting system. This technology includes a significantly improved hammer stop rail system, capable of precisely halting the hammer's movement in the action immediately before it strikes the strings, without the need for special adjustments to the escapement position or timing.
This unique design allows pianists to play on the AURES AR2 grand pianos with the same level of effortless fluidity as their standard acoustic counterparts, whether in normal play mode or mute mode, all while enjoying a wide range of practical and inspiring digital features.
Unlike conventional muting systems that stop the hammer shank at a single position, the GP Touch muting system of the AURES AR2 places the stop rail at various points along the keyboard, as close to the hammers as possible, ensuring a firm and precise stop just before the hammers strike the strings. Due to the GP Touch muting system's ability to provide a firm and precise stop, there is no longer a need to regulate a shallow escapement point for the action. As a result, pianists can enjoy exactly the same touch on the grand piano in both normal play mode and mute mode.
Integrated hammer detection system
The precise movements of the hammers on the AURES AR2 pianos are measured using Kawai's Integrated Hammer Sensing System (IHSS), which utilizes high-resolution non-contact optical sensors to provide superior accuracy compared to traditional key-based sensor systems. This technology ensures precise and reliable hammer detection for a more authentic playing experience.
This more advanced approach faithfully reproduces the mechanical movement of upright and grand piano actions, allowing the full range of dynamics to be expressed by the instrument's powerful digital piano sound engine with natural fluidity.
The sound
Grand concert piano Shigeru Kawai SK-EX
The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano has been designed as the next step in the evolution of piano artistry. Earning a reputation as the "foremost piano of Japan," it graces the stages of concert halls and musical institutions worldwide, receiving universal acclaim for its exceptional clarity and dynamic range. The SK-EX is frequently chosen by professional pianists for prestigious events such as the Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Rubinstein international piano competitions. With its magnificent tone and incredibly responsive touch, the SK-EX can be best described in one word – unparalleled.
The flagship digital piano sound engine
The AURES AR2 instruments incorporate the latest digital piano sound technologies from Kawai's highly esteemed Concert Artist and Novus product ranges. When playing with headphones or when the AURES mode is active, pianists can enjoy the magnificent sound of the flagship Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano, beautifully reproduced through the advanced SK-EX Rendering sound engine.
Multi-channel sampling
The SK-EX Rendering engine uses multi-channel sampling to capture the sound from various points of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano. This sophisticated sampling technique helps recreate the full and nuanced acoustic characteristics of the instrument, providing a highly realistic and expressive piano playing experience.
This modern technique not only allows for the recording and reproduction of a wider range of tonal characteristics but also enhances the perceived connection between the keyboard and the piano's sound, resulting in a more vibrant and authentic response to dynamic changes.
Complete resonance modeling
This naturally expressive Shigeru Kawai sound is further enriched by resonance algorithms that model the complex tonal interactions produced by the strings and various other components of an acoustic piano.
The SK-EX Rendering produces resonances for the sustain pedal and all 88 keys progressively, allowing the sound of the AURES AR2 digital piano to behave exactly like an acoustic piano. This progressive resonance modeling adds to the realism and authenticity of the playing experience, making it feel as if you are playing a traditional acoustic piano.
Speaker system on the soundboard
In addition to acoustic muting and digital sound features, the AURES AR2 instruments are also equipped with the latest version of Kawai's advanced soundboard speaker system. This innovative technology utilizes four high-performance transducers strategically placed on the solid spruce soundboard of the upright or grand piano. These transducers channel the digitally generated sound from the AURES AR2 instrument through the large wooden soundboard, resulting in a more expansive, natural acoustic tone than that produced by traditional cone speakers.
Pianists can thus enjoy the flexibility and convenience offered by a digital piano, such as the ability to select from a wide range of different instrument sounds, record and replay their performance, or freely adjust the volume level to avoid disturbing their loved ones—all while continuing to play with the exceptional Millennium III upright or grand piano keyboard actions of the AURES AR2.
The hammers
Mahogany wood core & T-stapled, double felted hammers
Mahogany hammer mouldings are lightweight and extremely responsive. Found on only the finest pianos, mahogany is used for the hammer mouldings on the entire line of K Series Professional Upright Pianos. All K Series hammers are T-Stapled to preserve hammer shape and fitted with an added interior layer of underfelt to support the creation of exceptional tone.
Partial (Upper) Duplex Scale
Partial (Upper) Duplex Scale
The "Full Duplex Scale," which encompasses both the upper and lower sections, is a remarkable feature that enhances harmonics in the high range, adding captivating brightness and richness to the piano's tone. This innovative technology involves meticulous calculations and precise string positioning to optimize their interaction with the primary vibrating portion of the strings, allowing specific harmonics to resonate freely and enhance the instrument's sonic complexity. As a result, the high notes of the piano are imbued with a vibrant and sparkling quality, captivating listeners with their expressive and dynamic character. The "Full Duplex Scale" opens up a world of sonic possibilities, allowing pianists to explore and create music with an instrument that is truly incomparable in its beauty and versatility.
Weight & dimensions
