AndertonsKeyboardDept throws down a synth battle royale

In the buzzing world of digital pianos, where the cash rules everything around us, the Studiologic Numa X Piano and the Roland FP-60X are two noteworthy contenders duking it out below the thousand-dollar mark. These pianos roll onto the scene with Jack Duxbury taking the helm over at AndertonsKeyboardDept. In a whirlwind that would make even Axl Rose dizzy, Jack starts with a simple yet iconic statement: “This is a Numa-X piano. This is a FP-60X from Roland.” It’s the kind of stripped-back intro that sets the stage for an epic showdown.

Jack shares the odd twists of fate that got them this setup, seemingly dropped into their laps by none other than their savior Stuart West. These pianos promise to deliver in terms of price and specs, but Jack isn’t shy about keeping it real, making sure we understand these are budget-friendly options for those piano souls looking for sound over frills. Considering the frame he’s working within, what follows is a no-nonsense, ear-bending challenge between the two keyboards.

Right off the bat, Jack dives into the specs of these two keys with the Studiologic Numa X Piano leading the charge. Studio Logic’s creation might sound like an algebra test with a ‘Premium TP-110 hammer action’, but Jack unfolds its magic. The Numa X Piano sports 88 keys, a triple switch detection system, and a pile of sounds hotter than a Chicago salsa verde. It’s like flipping through a mixtape collection with over 200 factory sounds and the new ability to install more with a manager app.

The color screen and an audio input mixer stand out as sugar on top, all while boasting a max polyphony of 300 voices. Basically, Jack paints a picture of a keyboard armed to handle almost anything you want to throw at it. He then pivots to the Roland FP-60X, showing love to its ‘SuperNATURAL piano engine’—the granddaddy of all sound engines that’s been tweaked to perfection over years. Sure, the FP-60X might not have the key detection of a ninja, but it locks in at 256 notes of polyphony and brings a bunch of classic tones to the party.

Like slipping into a comfy pair of trainers, the Roland’s PH-A4 action is familiar to many and delivers a reliable and crisp response. Jack’s breakdown plants the specs in the real world, making it clear these keys pack a punch that’s more than skin deep. The action feels like a compelling argument for those wanting to walk between modern versatility and classic feel.

When we’re talking sound, it’s down to the nitty-gritty. Jack puts both pianos through their paces with side-by-side sound tests that showcase each product’s unique flair. It’s akin to a soundclash of epic proportions, where each note is a jab or uppercut in this audio sparring match. Initially, the Numa X struts its stuff with some suave preset changes, delivering tones from Cashmere to Ballad Piano that ooze charisma.

Roland, on the other hand, offers a mellow affair with fewer presets but more crisp defined notes—even without the bling of tons of effects. AndertonsKeyboardDept starts digging into electric pianos, bringing in a mark 1 piano comparison that tips the hat to R’n’B classics. Observations from Jack and his trusty cohort, Oz, reveal that while Roland keeps it real with its authentic acoustic imitation, Numa X isn’t shy about flaunting its electronic prowess.

Ultimately, this head-to-head comes down to personal preference and utility. Whether you’re vibing with funky electric keys or keeping it classic with tight acoustics, Jack illustrates the vast soundscape these units cover. This section closes out, leaving you wondering, “What’s your flavor?” as your ears stay ringing with possibilities.

As we hit the final stretch, Jack opens up on what truly sets these pianos apart in the real world. He highlights the versatility of the Numa X with its ability to handle synthetic sounds through an intuitive layering system that’s removed from the Roland’s straightforward approach. If you’re scene as a budding composer looking to experiment with orchestral touches, Numa X offers an environment bubbling with possibilities like a well-planned street food feast.

For those who desire simple elegance, Roland stands tall—with a focus on acoustic realism and an aesthetic that’s as sleek as a Cadillac cruising the Chicago streets. The FP-60X doesn’t major on gimmicks; it’s about giving solid performance in a classic wrapper and, for some, that’s the exact vibe needed. It’s a pointed reminder from Jack that these two machines belong to distinctly different tribes.

In Jack’s honest yet humorous style, the big takeaway seems to be about aligning your needs with the right tool for the job. This comparison unleashes a double feature worthy of classic cinema, offering both playful exploration and faithful reproduction. With his parting remarks, Jack encourages viewers to experience these keys firsthand at their showroom, ensuring the right pick resonates both sonically and spiritually.