I haven’t reviewed a cabinet-styled keyboard in quite some time and this is the first in awhile. I tried the YDP-V240 recently; It’s a solid keyboard made of high quality which I would expect nothing less from Yamaha. In this Yamaha Arius YDP-V240 review, I will take a look at different features and working of this digital piano.
- Graded hammer action
- The dynamic stereo sampling (AWM)
- 131 voices and 361 XGLight voices and 12 drum kits
- A six track sequencer
- USB connectivity for storing your MIDI files and connecting to a computer
Quick NavigationVideo Overview of Yamaha Arius YDP-V240Graded Hammer Action for Authentic Piano FeelComprehensive Library of Wave Sampled Dynamic SoundsAn Advanced Effects Signal ProcessorDesigned for Beginners Learning to PlayBasic MIDI Sequencer Good Enough for the BeginnerYamaha YDP-V240 Piano SoundWhat’s Not So Good…Mantovas Two Street Music’s Yamaha Arius YDP-V240 ReviewConclusion
Video Overview of Yamaha Arius YDP-V240
Graded Hammer Action for Authentic Piano Feel
The first thing I would like to talk about is the graded hammer action. The hammer action replicates the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. But not only that the graded hammer action works in the same manner as the acoustic piano.
The keys in the lower register require a heavier touch in contrast to the keys in the upper register that require a lighter touch. And the reason for that is because of the sound dynamics that need to be balanced from from lower to high register.
Comprehensive Library of Wave Sampled Dynamic Sounds
This Yamaha digital piano features advanced wave memory which is an advanced sampling system which accurately captures the sounds and textures of acoustic instruments.
For instance, an acoustic piano reproduces sound in the lower register differently than the sounds in the higher registry. Yamaha’s advanced wave memory is designed to capture every little nuance in sound reproduction and produces sounds accurately.
This digital piano also features a comprehensive library of dynamic sounds and voices — everything from brass, strings, or organs and reed instruments and more. The sound bank is comprised of 131 voices including 361 XGLight voices and 12 percussion kits or drums.
All these can be combined into a six track sequencer that can play up to 64 notes simultaneously or as is commonly referred to in the music industry 64 note polyphony.
An Advanced Effects Signal Processor
This piano also comes with an effects signal processor that can be added to the main and dual voices. The effects processor includes a range of effects from reverb to distortion and many others to give your instruments a deep rich sound.
Arius YDP V240 comes with a six track MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) sequencer which is adequate for recording your playing and reviewing your performance. While this is a adequate for reviewing your playing I would not recommend this as a multitrack sequencer for complete multi-instrument arrangements.
For that I would recommend using a computer connected to the USB port and MIDI software software which is what most musicians use in any event. One of the nice features I like about this digital piano is the fact that you can change the song style on-the-fly.
For instance you can play one song using a certain style and automatically change it to a swing jazz song or hip-hop depending on whatever is of interest to you.
Designed for Beginners Learning to Play
Another feature that has been added to this digital piano is great for newer musicians learning to play. There are a number of preset songs that you can play along with to help you learn a particular song and related style.
You can store some of your songs on board the digital keyboard or you can save it to any USB device which makes it easy to transport or transfer your MIDI files to other devices or other keyboards. You can also use the USB port to connect a computer to manage all of your song recordings using third-party MIDI software.
Interestingly Arius YDP V240 also features dual headphone outputs which is great for a student and teacher, making the lesson session a quiet for other household members.
The great thing about digital piano for the price, it has a good number of voices and instruments on board, featured in a richly designed wood style cabinet piano which wouldn’t look out of place in your living room or family room.
Basic MIDI Sequencer Good Enough for the Beginner
The only caveat that I would have about YDP V240 is that it’s MIDI sequencer is good for rudimentary recording, however if you want a full-fledged sequencer then I recommend connecting digital piano to a computer using the USB port.
Yamaha YDP-V240 Piano Sound
What’s Not So Good…
Though the Yamaha Arius YDP V240 is a stunning keyboard, it comes with a few minor drawbacks. Like many other digital pianos, this keyboard is bulky and can be challenging to move. The YDP V240 weighs 108lbs, so it will likely take at least two people to move it. People often associate heavy keyboards with high performance and quality, and many times this is an accurate assumption. However, keyboards weighing over 40lbs aren’t great for gigging musicians. In most cases, the YDP V240 will become a new piece of furniture in a household. This piano is also a bit on the pricier side.Another slight drawback is the split voice feature. When using this mode, you aren’t able to use the sustain pedal at the same time. With some digital pianos, you can’t utilize the pedals with the split function activated because manufacturers overlook this aspect. The YDP V240 has relatively noisy keys, which may be slightly bothersome for some people. If you live with others, the sound of keys clunking might irritate others in the same room. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about this noise if you wear headphones. Those who wish to play alongside someone else might find the piano bench inconvenient. The included bench is on the smaller side and not fitting for two people. If you are going to play with others, you might have to invest in a separate bench. Though some enjoy the GHS action, others don’t prefer it as much. With the GHS, you may not be able to play quick, repeated notes with the same effectiveness as the GHE or GH.
Mantovas Two Street Music’s Yamaha Arius YDP-V240 Review
Conclusion
To conclude this Yamaha ARIUS YDP-V240 review, it is an excellent instrument that all levels of pianists can appreciate. This digital piano is for people that want a beautiful, high-performance console for their home. With the look and feel of a traditional console piano, the Yamaha Arius YDP V240 includes many standout features that separate it from its competition. You can expand the internal gallery with hundreds of unique sounds, styles, and instrument tracks. Also, the keyboard has a touch screen that provides smooth and easy navigation. People with smartphones can also connect to the YDP V240 with several feature-rich apps. Each of the sounds come from the PureCF Sound Engine, including piano tones sampled directly from the Yamaha’s famous CFIII 9′ Concert Grand Piano. With the inclusion of all three pedals, you have significantly more control over the sound. The middle pedal, or sostenuto pedal, allows users to sustain the bottom half of the keys, while the left pedal, or soft pedal, slightly reduces the overall volume. Including a 6-track recording option, this keyboard is excellent for creating intricate songs with a wide variety of instruments. MIDI connectivity gives you the opportunity to connect to a DAW, or Digital Audio Workstation. Though the YDP V240 is exceptional for beginners, it’s also highly suitable for experienced players. If you want access to a powerful machine with countless features and rich sounds, the Yamaha Arius YDP V240 may be the perfect solution.
