James NugentStudiologic launched its Numa series of keyboards well over a decade ago. Ever since then, whether organ or piano-based, these keyboards have prioritized realism above all else.
The latest addition to the range is the Numa X Piano GT. In our review, we will find out if it lives up to the Numa name.
Our verdict on the Numa X Piano GT
The Numa X Piano GT is, without a doubt, one of the most realistic keyboard pianos we have ever heard. The Grand Touch keyboard is outstanding, and the grand piano tones are impeccable.
A lot is expected of a stage piano, and if there is one shortfall here, it’s that it’s not as flexible as a Roland RD-2000. But, we have to be quite harsh to find fault with the Numa X Piano GT.
Sound quality
Sound generation in the Numa X Piano GT comes from physical modeling, multi-sampling, and waveshaping.
Studiologic’s True Sound (TRS) multi-sampling and high-resolution modeling technology is at the heart of it all.
There are over 200 sounds in total, divided into eight categories. The categories are acoustic piano, electric piano, keys, bass/guitar, organ, synth, orchestra, and other.
The grand piano voices have a realism rarely heard in a keyboard. You have multiple grand pianos, including German, Japanese, American, and Vintage.
Between the 15 acoustic pianos, you have everything from rich, powerful bass tones, articulate, crisp highs, and bright Pop tones to authentic Honky-Tonk saloon sounds.
It’s not just the sound alone; it’s how well Studiologic has captured the behavior of real acoustic pianos through dedicated DSP effects. Everything from string resonance to note release is perfect.
Outside of the acoustic piano sounds, the electric pianos (especially the Rhodes Mark I), organs, synths, and strings stand out.
Studiologic showcased its ability to create keyboards with a wide range of convincing sounds in the cheaper Numa Compact range. The Numa X Piano GT takes it several steps further.
Max polyphony – 300 voices.
Keyboard feel
GT stands for Grand Touch, which is an ultra-premium Fatar keyboard. The Grand Touch keyboard has real wooden hammer-action keys, escapement, and monophonic aftertouch.
The feel of the wooden keys isn’t something you can get from plastic keys. It’s fair to say that some users may prefer plastic keys, which may be better for certain voices. If that’s the case, there is a cheaper version of the Numa X Piano without wooden keys.
However, the Grand Touch keyboard is tough to match if it’s about realism. Having wooden keys under your fingers makes it easier to approach playing like it’s a real piano.
You naturally play with more expression, and you trust the weight more, which is beautifully graded from low to high.
When you are playing with other sounds, particularly synths or strings, the monophonic aftertouch is excellent for adding articulation.
Features
Considering the Numa X Piano GT is primarily focused on acoustic piano sounds, it has some surprising features.
Assignable zones
There are four assignable keyboard zones that you can use in a few ways. You can use them as split zones to play different sounds; bass, piano, strings, synth, etc. You can also control external devices with the four zones using MIDI output.
FX section
The built-in effects include reverb, delay, modulation, distortion, overdrive, auto-wah, pedal wah, EQ, and compression.
What’s more impressive is that you can have up to eight insert effects per key zone. As well as insert effects, you get control over master delay and reverb effects.
UXlogic interface
Most iconic keyboard pianos have a distinctive interface, and for Studiologic, it’s the UXlogic interface.
The simple design includes four color-coded encoders, one for each key zone. On selecting a zone, adjustable parameters are displayed clearly on the color screen.
The combination of the screen and color-coded encoders makes it easy to make adjustments on the fly.
Monophonic aftertouch
Aftertouch isn’t always included on high-end stage pianos, so it’s a nice addition.
Polyphonic aftertouch would have been excellent for organs and polysynths, but that’s a minor complaint.
Built-in mixer
The Numa X Piano GT has a built-in four-channel mixer. The mixer is the foundation for a fantastic live setup, whether you add a guitar/bass, microphone, or any other external hardware.
Two joysticks
Rather than wheels, you get two joysticks that cater to pitch bend, modulation, and various assignable parameters.
In use
The Numa X Piano GT is the ideal keyboard piano for the stage or studio unless you need something even more flexible like the Roland RD-2000. But, if you need a realistic piano that has surprisingly good features, this is it.
On stage, you have a streamlined setup using the built-in mixer. Thanks to the intuitive interface, you also have quick and easy control over important parameters.
Getting around the rest of the keyboard is easy, too, with a large main navigation encoder.
Along with the 200+ preset sounds, you get space for 250 user voices.
Those same features make it a fantastic master keyboard in the studio.
The lack of built-in speakers means it’s not ideal for anyone who just wants a keyboard piano for home practice, but that wouldn’t be the target market anyway.
Build quality
One of the things that we like about Studiologic keyboards is that they never have unnecessary clutter. In this case, the sleek top panel shows off the solid metal construction.
To give the keyboard a more premium feel, Studiologic has added wooden side panels, which look fantastic. It’s hard to fault when considering the whole package, Grand Touch keys, metal construction, robust controls, and wooden panels.
We might be tempted to score it five out of five if there weren’t a mere one or two keyboards that slightly outdo it.
Connectivity
Connectivity is extensive, starting with four 1/4″ audio inputs for the built-in mixer.
You’ve also got two 1/4″ audio outputs and a 1/4″ headphone jack.
For connecting to external hardware, you’ve got MIDI in/out/USB.
The Numa X Piano GT has a sustain pedal input, footswitch input, and triple pedal input, all 1/4″.
SLP3-D triple pedal included.
Compared to other keyboard pianos
When you start paying serious money for a keyboard piano, you should always consider all options. Here are a few that we like.
Numa X Piano GT vs. Roland RD-2000
Despite being a few years older than the Numa X Piano GT, the RD-2000 is most likely still the top dog. If you have the budget for it, it’s an incredibly flexible keyboard.
Check out our Roland RD-2000 review
Numa X Piano GT vs. Yamaha P-515
If you want something with real wooden keys, but not the Studiologic price tag, the P-515 is a solid option.
Numa X Piano GT vs. Kurzweil SP6
Kurzweil is another brand that is well-known for realistic piano sounds. The SP6 is a reasonably priced keyboard with a high-end sound.
Check out our Kurzweil SP6 stage piano review
For more great options, check out our recommendations for the best keyboard pianos (our best of the best) and the best 88-key models with fully-weighted keys.
Who is the Studiologic Numa X Piano GT best suited for?
It suits intermediate to professional pianists. Particularly those who perform live often and want an excellent master keyboard in the studio.
- Incredible acoustic pianos.
- Wide range of voices.
- Intuitive interface.
- Built-in mixer.
- Extensive connectivity.
- Grand Touch keyboard.
- Screen could be bigger.
