The Roland FP-90X is a flagship digital piano that promises to deliver a superior playing experience for professional pianists and music enthusiasts. It features a range of advanced features, including Roland’s cutting-edge SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling technology, a PHA-50 keyboard, and a powerful onboard speaker system. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive Roland FP-90X review, covering everything from its design and features to its pros and cons.
Roland FP-90X Specifications
| Keyboard | PHA-50 |
| Sound Source | Pure Acoustics Piano |
| Tone | 362 |
| My Stage | Yes |
| Auto Tempo | Yes |
| Sliders | Vol / EQ / Part Bal / Mic |
| Speakers | 2 x 8x12cm (BOX) plus tweeters |
| Connectors | Mic input:1/4″ jack, Input stereo jack: stereo mini type, Midi (in/out) connectors, 2 x 1/4″ jack outputs, USB Type B, USB type A, Phones jack x 2: stereo miniature type, 1/4″ phone type |
| Wireless Connection | Bluetooth MIDI & Audio |
| Dimensions | 1340 x 390 x 136 mm |
| Weight | 23.6kg |
| Included Apps | Piano Every Day / Piano Designer |
The Roland FP-90X is the latest addition to Roland’s digital piano line, and it is designed to provide professional pianists with a high-quality playing experience that rivals that of an acoustic grand piano. It features an impressive set of features and technologies that work together to create a realistic and expressive sound and feel.
Design and Features
The Roland FP-90X boasts a sleek and modern design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. It features a full 88-key keyboard with a PHA-50 wood and plastic hybrid construction, which provides a natural and comfortable playing experience. The keyboard is also equipped with Roland’s advanced sensing technology, which accurately captures the nuances of your playing.
The FP-90X’s sound engine is based on Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling technology, which provides a rich and nuanced sound that simulates the complex tonal variations of an acoustic grand piano. The piano also features a powerful onboard speaker system, which delivers a clear and full-bodied sound that fills any room.
Performance and Sound Quality
When it comes to performance and sound quality, the Roland FP-90X is nothing short of impressive. The piano provides a responsive and natural playing experience, thanks to its advanced keyboard and sensing technology. The SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling technology delivers a rich and expressive sound that captures the subtle tonal variations and nuances of a grand piano.
The FP-90X also features a variety of onboard effects and sounds, including electric pianos, strings, and organs, which can be customized and adjusted to your liking. The onboard speaker system provides a clear and powerful sound that is suitable for both practice and performance.
Customization and Connectivity
The Roland FP-90X is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust and fine-tune every aspect of your playing experience. The piano features a variety of adjustable settings, including the key touch, hammer response, and damper resonance, which can be customized to match your playing style.
The piano also features a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB, and MIDI, making it easy to connect to your computer, tablet, or other devices. This allows you to record your performances, play along with your favorite songs, or use the piano as a MIDI controller for other music software.
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Roland FP-90X digital piano:
Pros
- High-quality sound engine and speaker system
- Advanced keyboard and sensing technology
- Sleek and modern design
- Highly customizable and adjustable
- Wide range of connectivity options
Cons
- Expensive compared to other digital pianos
- Heavy and bulky, making it difficult to transport
- Some users may find the menu system confusing
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As a professional pianist, I have had the pleasure of playing on various digital pianos throughout my career. However, my personal experience with the Roland FP-90X has been exceptional. This flagship portable digital piano is a true masterpiece, featuring premium features throughout that enhance the overall playing experience.
One of the standout features of the FP-90X is its PureAcoustic Piano Modeling sound engine. It accurately reproduces the rich, resonant sound of an acoustic grand piano, providing an authentic playing experience. With the onboard Piano Designer, I can easily personalize the sound by adjusting various parameters to suit my playing style. Additionally, the My Stage and PureAcoustic Ambience features allow me to immerse myself in realistic environments, making my performances more dynamic and engaging.
The PHA-50 hybrid keyboard is also worth mentioning. It combines acoustic-style wood keys with durable molded material, providing a comfortable and natural playing experience. The composite center frame extends from the front of the keys to the back, ensuring stability and accuracy. I appreciate the craftsmanship of the hammer action mechanism, which ensures an authentic response.
The four-speaker audio system is another standout feature of the FP-90X. It projects my music from every angle, providing a wide dynamic range and a deep sound field that fully envelops me. The Headphones Acoustic Projection feature allows me to practice in private, while still enjoying the immersive sound experience.
Another feature that I find incredibly useful is the Bluetooth and USB connectivity. I can stream music from my phone or tablet and jam along, or connect with music composition apps like Roland’s Zenbeats or Apple’s GarageBand. I can even amplify my vocals through the speakers and capture them along with my piano playing using the onboard recorder.
In terms of portability, the FP-90X is surprisingly lightweight for a hammer-action instrument. It’s easy to transport around my living space or store in a closet or vehicle. The addition of the KSC-90 stand and KPD-90 three-pedal unit provides a traditional upright experience, while the portable KS-20X stand and RPU-3 pedal unit are perfect for gigging.
While the FP-90X is an expensive investment, I believe it’s worth every penny. It delivers an unparalleled playing experience that rivals that of an acoustic grand piano, without the regular maintenance. If you’re a professional pianist or a music enthusiast looking for a high-end portable piano, the Roland FP-90X is the ultimate choice.
Conclusion
Overall, the Roland FP-90X is an excellent digital piano that delivers a superior playing experience for professional pianists and music enthusiasts. Its advanced features and technologies work together to create a realistic and expressive sound and feel, making it an excellent choice for both practice and performance.
FAQ
Can I connect headphones to the Roland FP-90X?
Yes, the piano features a headphone jack, which allows you to practice in private without disturbing others.
What is the weight of the Roland FP-90X?
The piano weighs around 52.5 kg (115.7 lbs), which makes it relatively heavy and difficult to transport.
Does the Roland FP-90X come with a stand and pedal unit?
No, the stand and pedal unit are sold separately. However, Roland offers a variety of compatible stands and pedal units that can be purchased separately.
How many sounds and effects does the Roland FP-90X have?
The piano features over 300 sounds and 90 onboard effects, including electric pianos, organs, strings, and more.
What is the warranty period for the Roland FP-90X?
The piano comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, which covers any defects or malfunctions caused by manufacturing errors.