Yamaha P45 vs P85: Which Digital Piano Strikes the Right Note?

Yamaha P45 vs P85: Overview and Release Dates

The Yamaha P45 and P85 are both digital pianos with a lot in common, but there are a few key differences that might sway you one way or the other when deciding which model to invest in.

As music producers and engineers, we're always on the lookout for fresh gear to up our creative game.

So, let's dive into this comparison of Yamaha's two popular digital piano models.

By the way, if you were wondering about their release dates, the older sibling of the two is the Yamaha P85. This model hit the market back in 2007 as a solid choice for musicians seeking realism in touch and sound.

Fast forward to today, and we have its younger counterpart – the Yamaha P45. Launched more recently, it builds upon its predecessor's foundation while adding fresh features tailored towards beginners.

Key Features and Specifications Comparison

At first glance, these two musical instruments may appear almost identical. Both digital pianos boast 88 keys with weighted action, but there are subtle yet crucial differences worth noting:

• The Yamaha P45 has an upgraded sound engine featuring Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) sampling technology (we'll explore this further below).
• The voices selection is broader on the P45 compared to the limited options available on its older sibling.
• User-friendliness is significantly more pronounced in the newer model – perfect for novices picking up their first keyboard.

Now that I think about it, let's delve deeper into these distinctions one by one.

Weighted Action and Key Sensitivity

Both keyboards offer graded hammer standard (GHS) weighted action for realistic touch sensitivity. In other words, they mimic an acoustic piano feel by having heavier keys on lower notes that gradually lighten as you move up towards higher notes.

However, keep in mind that the P85 is an older model, so the key action might not be as refined and smooth as its younger counterpart.

On the other hand, the P45 benefits from Yamaha's further advancements in key action technology, resulting in a more enjoyable playing experience for beginners.

Sound Quality: Advanced Wave Memory Sampling in P45

The Yamaha P45 has an edge when it comes to sound quality. This digital piano employs AWM sampling technology.

It captures multiple recordings of each note on a grand piano to reproduce subtle tonal variations and dynamic expression accurately.

In contrast, the older Yamaha P85 lacks this advanced sound engine, meaning it may not deliver as authentic and nuanced a musical performance.

For those who prioritize high-quality audio reproduction, the P45 is undoubtedly the better option.

Voices Selection: P45's 10 Voices vs P85's Limited Options

Another area where the Yamaha P45 shines is its versatility with ten built-in voices. These include grand pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, and even a harpsichord.

The ability to switch between instrument sounds can be useful in keeping your compositions fresh and interesting—perfect for producers looking for inspiration.

You see, when we put it head-to-head against its older sibling–the Yamaha P85–the latter falls short with only a handful of voices to choose from.

So if you're after more variety in your soundscape arsenal or enjoy experimenting with different instruments while composing songs or practicing techniques at home – go for the Yamaha P45.

User-Friendliness for Beginners

As a music producer or engineer just starting out on their journey (or maybe introducing someone else into this fantastic world), you'll want an instrument that offers ease-of-use to facilitate learning without unnecessary frustration.

The good news is that novice players will find the user interface on both digital pianos relatively straightforward.

However, the Yamaha P45 goes the extra mile in user-friendliness with its improved layout and streamlined features.

Its minimalist design eliminates any intimidating knobs or buttons that might confuse a beginner. All in all, the P45 is designed to keep you focused on learning without any distractions!

Portability and Design Differences

The Yamaha P45 is slightly lighter (25 lbs) compared to its older sibling, which weighs in at around 26.5 lbs.

Although this weight difference may not seem significant, it could be a deciding factor if portability is high on your priority list for moving between gigs or practice spaces.

Design-wise, both keyboards are sleek and modern-looking, but remember that the P45 offers a more minimalist interface with fewer buttons and knobs—ideal for beginners who prefer simplicity over complexity.

Connectivity Options: MIDI, USB, and Audio Outputs

In terms of connectivity options, both digital pianos feature MIDI support via their USB ports.

This allows you to connect your keyboard directly to a computer or other MIDI-compatible devices for music production purposes.

For those who enjoy playing along to backing tracks or require external amplification during performances or practice sessions–you're in luck!

Both models also come equipped with stereo headphone jacks and AUX OUT ports for connecting external speakers or audio equipment.

All things considered; there's no clear winner when comparing connectivity options between these two digital pianos.

Built-in Speakers and Sound Projection

Both the Yamaha P45 and P85 come fitted with built-in speakers offering 6W + 6W amplifiers–perfect for practicing at home without requiring additional audio equipment.

However, bear in mind that neither model will provide enough sound projection for larger venues or performances where higher volume levels are needed—external amplification is recommended in such cases.

Accessories Included with Each Model

When purchasing either the Yamaha P45 or P85, you can expect to receive the following accessories:

• Music rest
• Sustain pedal
• Power adapter

However, it's worth noting that while the P45 includes a basic footswitch-style sustain pedal, the P85 comes with a more advanced and responsive damper pedal. If you're particular about your sustain pedal action, the older model may have a slight advantage in this department.

Price Comparison: P45 as a Budget-Friendly Option

In terms of price, the Yamaha P45 is generally more budget-friendly than its older counterpart – which isn't surprising given that it's tailored towards beginners.

However, if you're lucky enough to find a great deal on a secondhand or discounted Yamaha P85, it could be worth considering if you're not too concerned with having AWM sampling technology or additional instrument voices.

Choosing the Right Digital Piano for Your Needs

At the end of the day (or should I say at the end of your next jam session), choosing between these two digital pianos boils down to personal preference and what matters most to you as a musician.

The Yamaha P45 stands out as an excellent option for beginners thanks to its user-friendly interface and more extensive voice selection.

But don't write off the Yamaha P85 entirely – despite being an older model; it still offers reliable performance and impressive sound quality for those not overly concerned with cutting-edge features.

In any case, whichever keyboard you decide on will undoubtedly serve as a great tool in upping your music production game. So go ahead and let those creative juices flow!

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