Roland FP-30X Digital Piano w/ Speakers

Pros

• Latest sound processing technology
• Expanded voice options
• Great sounding voices
• Good acoustic piano like feel

The Roland FP-30X has the advantage of being a more recent release compared to its competition, and as such it benefits from the latest technology related to sound quality.

Giving it its voice is Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine, with expanded polyphony of up to 256. This technology allows for more realistic interaction between notes, resulting in more authentic sounding voices.

The updated tech also allows for more voices on the unit. For a digital piano, the Roland FP-30X has more voices to choose from including 12 pianos, 20 electric pianos and 24 other tones which include strings, pads and more. This versatility is unprecedented, especially when considering that sound quality is not compromised. Instead of just the usual 2 to 4 piano voices, this one has some distinct piano tones that include ragtime and various flavors of upright piano sounds. As expected it does a good job of reproducing the sound of a concert piano. The same high sound quality applies to all the other voices, and this is the main advantage of the FP-30X over the competition.

The downside to these extra voices is that they are more complex to setup and access. Especially when considering the limited physical controls on the unit. Thankfully, the FP-30X has a partner controller app called Piano Designer, which makes accessing all the voices and other features of the unit easier.

Speaking of apps, another benefit of being a recent release is the inclusion of newer connectivity features. So in addition to USB connectivity, the FB-30X can wirelessly connect to your device via Bluetooth. This is an expected convenience in this era where almost everything is now wireless. As expected, cable connection is still the more stable option. Without this app, controlling the FP-30X becomes quite the chore, so this app is definitely a must have.

I’m not too keen on the FP-30X’s downward facing speakers. Roland probably did this to keep the front fascia looking elegant and clean, but the sound loses some of the brightness and detail that would’ve been there if the speakers were better positioned. The unit is made mostly of plastic but it feels solid, as good as what you’d expect in its price range. Unfortunately, it is on the heavy side, not easy to carry around.

The keybed has a textured feel which is quite nice. But more importantly it has Roland’s “Progressive Hammer Action and Escapement” that gives it the weight and response that’s close to an acoustic piano. This works together with its adjustable touch sensitivity, that allows for personalized setup resulting in expressive and dynamic playing.

The FP-30X brings with it Roland’s latest technology, so it will last longer than the older models that their competition is offering. If you’re looking for a digital piano with the most current tech, then this is for you.

Specifications

• Keys: 88 Full-Size Progressive Hammer Action
• Touch Sensitivity: Super Light, Light, Medium, Heavy, Super Heavy, Fixed
• Speaker System: 2 x 4.7″ Woofer, 22W amp
• Pedal: 1/4″ Sustain (Pedal Included)
• Presets: 12 piano, 20 electric piano, 24 other tones, 30 songs
• Effects: 3-Band EQ, Ambience, Rotary Speaker, Modulation
• Polyphony: 256 Notes
• Functions: Split, Dual, Duo, Custom Tuning via Piano Designer App, Metronome
• Audio Output: 2 x 1/4″ (L/Mono, R), 2 x Headphones (1/8″ & 1/4″)
• MIDI I/O: USB Type B and USB Type A
• Power: AC adapter (included)
• Stand: Not included
• Color: Black, White
• Dimensions: 6″ x 51.11″ x 11.1″
• Weight: 32.7 lbs

Gearank High Notes

• 2021.08: Highest Rated Digital Piano from $750 to $1000

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