Gear4music SDP-2 Digital Piano User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the SDP-2 Digital Piano by Gear4music. This portable 88-note piano features a naturally balanced, weighted keyboard action and advanced tone generation sound technology, providing a rich performing and playing experience.

The SDP-2 offers many features and connection possibilities. To get the most out of your instrument, please read this manual carefully. Whether it is on stage, in the studio or at home, your new portable piano is designed to give you a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

SDP-2 Digital Piano
PSU (Power Supply Unit)
Sustain Pedal
Music Rest

Features

88 Key Naturally Balanced, Weighted Keybed
8 Instrument Voices
DSP Effects Functions for Additional Realism
USB to Host Connection
USB MIDI, Stereo and Mono Line Outs
Mains Power (PSU Included) or Battery Operated (6 x D Batteries Not Included)

WARNING!

Do not open cover. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

Do not place the product in a location near a heat source such as a radiator, or in an area subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock.

The product must not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the product.

No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the product.

Allow adequate air circulation and avoid obstructing vents (if present) to prevent internal heat build-up. The ventilation must not be impeded by covering the appliance with items such as newspapers, table-cloths, curtains etc.

The mains plug is used to disconnect the appliance from the mains supply. Ensure that the mains outlet is easily-accessible and remove the plug from the mains outlet if you notice any abnormality with the appliance.

If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak and cause damage or injury. In the interest of safety:

Make sure you observe the correct polarity when replacing batteries.
Avoid using new batteries together with used ones.
Avoid mixing different types of batteries.
Remove batteries if the appliance is to remain unused for an extended period of time.
Never keep batteries together with metallic objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces, hairpins, etc.
Used batteries must be disposed of in compliance with whatever regulations for their safe disposal that may be observed in the region in which you live.
Batteries must not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

Panel & Display Description

Front Panel

The front panel features the keyboard and various control buttons and an LED display. Key controls include:

POWER SWITCH: Turns the piano on or off.
MASTER VOLUME: Adjusts the overall output volume.
METRONOME BUTTON: Activates and controls the metronome.
TEMPO BUTTON: Adjusts the metronome tempo.
REVERB BUTTON: Activates and controls the reverb effect.
CHORUS BUTTON: Activates and controls the chorus effect.
LED DISPLAY: Shows current settings and values.
VOICE SELECT BUTTON: Selects instrument voices (Grand Piano, Bright Piano, E.Piano 1, E.Piano 2, Church Organ, Rock Organ, Vibraphone, Harpsichord).

Rear Panel

The rear panel provides various connection ports:

USB TO HOST PORT: Connects the piano to a computer for MIDI transfer.
SUSTAIN PEDAL INPUT: Connects a sustain pedal.
LINE OUT (R): Right channel audio output.
LINE OUT (L)/(MONO): Left channel audio output, also used for mono output.
HEADPHONES OUTPUT: 1/4" jack for stereo headphones.
DC POWER INPUT: Connects the supplied 12V 1A power supply unit.

Getting Started

Power

After safely connecting the supplied PSU to the piano and then to the mains, turn on the power by pressing the POWER switch. The display will light up.

Auto Power On/Off

If the default setting is on, the unit will Auto Power Off after 30 minutes of no operation, except when playing demo songs. To adjust this setting, press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons together to enter the function mode. Pressing the C#2 piano key allows the user to switch auto power ON or OFF. The display will show the selected power saving mode. To exit the function mode, press the [METRONOME] and the [TEMPO] buttons together again.

Set The Volume

It is advised to set the [MASTER VOLUME] to "MIN" when powering on the piano, and then adjust the volume to your desired level when playing.

Connections

Using Headphones

The SDP-2 has a 1/4" output jack (PHONES) for connecting standard stereo headphones. Control the output volume level using the main master volume wheel. The internal speaker system is automatically muted when a pair of headphones is plugged into the PHONES jack.

Using External Sound System

The LINE OUT (R) and (L)(MONO) phono sockets can be used to connect the piano to an external sound system, such as a keyboard amplifier, interface, or mixer. When using one cable (for mono output), insert your cable into the (L)(MONO) output. Connecting two cables sends separate left and right audio signals down each cable, giving you stereo output.

Using USB-MIDI

The SDP-2 allows the transfer of MIDI via USB from the piano to an audio interface or "host." Use the audio interface to control the MIDI signal.

Sustain Pedal

The foot pedal included with your digital piano will cause piano key sounds to decay slowly, as if they were being held down or the notes "sustained." A piano-style foot pedal may also be used. The sustain input will auto-detect the polarity of the sustain pedal used. Ensure the piano is turned off before connecting the pedal, otherwise it will affect the piano sound. To change the polarity of the pedal, hold the foot pedal down during power up.

Using DC Power Jack

The power jack is used to connect the piano to mains power. Only use the included PSU.

Using Battery Power

Ensure all batteries are inserted correctly, as indicated by the +/- polarity markings. Replace all the batteries at the same time. Do not combine old and new batteries and do not mix battery types, as this can cause overheating, fire, or battery fluid leakage. Remove the batteries from the instrument if it is not to be used for a long period of time.

Selecting a Voice

The piano has 8 built-in voices, which include acoustic and electric pianos as well as other instruments. These digitally sampled musical instrument sounds may be selected one at a time or layered to produce two voices at once. To select a main voice, press the appropriate voice select button on the right side of the front panel.

Demo Songs

The SDP-2 features 8 demo songs, each demonstrating a different voice. To select a demo song, press the [REVERB] and [CHORUS] buttons simultaneously. The first demo song will feature the piano voice. The reverb, chorus and voice buttons will all flash. During playback, another demo song may be chosen by pressing a different voice select button. To stop the demo song, press the [REVERB] button and the [CHORUS] button together again. To replay the current song from the beginning, press the flashing voice select button.

Reverb & Chorus

The in-built reverb and chorus effects can be added to selected voices and the settings will be retained even when the power is turned off/on.

Press the [REVERB] or [CHORUS] buttons as desired to add the effect to the current voice. The selected button will light up and the effect will be heard when the piano is played. To turn off the effect, press the button of the desired effect again and the light will go out.

Select the Depth of the Effects

Press and hold the relevant effect button until the button light flashes. You can then release the button and press a key on the keyboard corresponding to the setting you want for the reverb/chorus depth (see the Parameter Adjusting Instructions appendix for value ranges.) Multiple keys can be pressed after each other until the right setting is found. To exit the effect depth settings function, press the relevant [REVERB] or [CHORUS] buttons again. Play the piano to hear the new voice effects settings.

Layer Mode

In layer mode, two voices may be played simultaneously, each at individually selected volumes. To enter layer mode, press and hold a voice select button to select the MAIN sound, then press the button for the desired LAYER sound, and release. Both the selected voice button lights will be on when the sounds are layered. To exit layer mode, select a single voice button and the other voice will be turned off.

To Adjust Volume of the Main Voice

Press the [METRONOME] and the [TEMPO] buttons together to enter edit mode. Both button lights will turn on. Press the C#0 key to activate the main voice volume menu. The volume can be then changed in 88 note steps from 0-127 where the lowest piano key A1 = 0 and the highest piano key C7 = 127. Pressing a key will play key C3 of the currently selected voice sound at the volume corresponding to the key value. See the Parameter Adjusting Instructions appendix for the value ranges. To exit the voice volume function, press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons at the same time again.

To Adjust the Volume of the Layer Voice

Press the [METRONOME] button and the [TEMPO] button to enter edit mode. Both button lights will turn on. Press the D#0 key to activate the layer voice volume menu. The volume can be then changed in 88 note steps from 0-127 where the lowest piano key A1 = 0 and the highest piano key C7 = 127. Pressing a key will play key C3 of the currently selected voice sound at the volume corresponding to the key value. See the Parameter Adjusting Instructions appendix for the value ranges. To exit the voice volume function, press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons at the same time again.

Metronome

Press the [METRONOME] button to turn the metronome on. The button light will turn on and the click will be heard in the headphones or through the speakers.

Metronome Volume

Press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons together to enter edit mode. Both button lights will turn on. Press the F#0 key to activate the metronome volume menu. The volume can be then changed in 88 note steps from 0-127 where the lowest piano key A1 = 0 and the highest piano key C7 = 127. Pressing a key will play the metronome sound at the volume corresponding to the key value. See the Parameter Adjusting Instructions appendix for the value ranges.

Changing the Time Signature

Press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons together to enter edit mode. Both button lights will turn on. Pressing the G#0 key activates the metronome time signature menu and allows you to toggle through the different time signature options, starting with the current setting at the current tempo. The default setting is 4/4 and the following options are available to toggle through: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8. Press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons at the same time again to exit edit mode.

Master Tuning

The piano is tuned to A = 440Hz when the power is turned on. However, if desired, the tuning may be adjusted in small increments from -64 to +63 cents (one semitone).

To Change Master Tuning

Press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons together to enter edit mode. Press the A#-1 key to select the master tuning function. Please note: the keyboard will now play middle C, piano 1 voice (key C3) on every note across the keyboard. Pressing any key from C3 down to A#1 will play note C3 but change the tuning setting proportionately to tune down by a whole semitone, as desired. Pressing any key from C3 and up will play the C3 note but change the tuning setting proportionately to tune up by a whole semitone, as desired. The piano display will show the selected values. See the Parameter Adjusting Instructions appendix for the value ranges. Press the [METRONOME] and the [TEMPO] buttons again to exit edit mode.

EQ Adjustment

The overall EQ of the piano's sound can be shaped by adjusting the bass and treble settings.

To Change the Bass Response

Press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons together to enter edit mode.
Press the A#5 piano key to activate the bass EQ function.
The bass EQ can now be changed by pressing the white keys from A1 (-12dB) up to D3 (+12dB.) The bass level will be shown on the display. Pressing key F1 sets the bass EQ to its centre point setting. See the Parameter Adjusting Instructions appendix for the value ranges.
Press the [METRONOME] and the [TEMPO] buttons again to exit edit mode.

To Change the Treble Response

Press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons together to enter edit mode.
Press the C#6 piano key to activate the treble EQ function.
The treble EQ can now be changed by pressing the white keys from A1 (-12dB) up to D3 (+12dB.) The bass level will be shown on the display. Pressing key F1 sets the bass EQ to its centre point setting. See the Parameter Adjusting Instructions appendix for the value ranges.
Press the [METRONOME] and the [TEMPO] buttons again to exit edit mode.
Press piano key C#1 to send the reset message. Once this has been completed, the piano will automatically exit edit mode.

MIDI Functions

MIDI Channels

The SDP-2 MIDI OUT channel values range from 1 to 16. The default channel is 1. To change the MIDI OUT channel, press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons together to enter edit mode. Press the A#0 piano key the amount of times that correspond to the desired MIDI OUT channel. For example, pressing the A#0 key 7 times will set the MIDI OUT channel to 7.

Local On/Off

To use the SDP-2 piano purely as a MIDI controller, turn the local on/off function to "off." Other MIDI devices (or virtual instrument software running on a computer) can now be controlled by the SDP-2, without it playing the piano's internal sounds. Press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons together to enter edit mode. Press piano key D#1 to switch between local on or off. The selected setting will be shown on the display. To exit the edit mode, press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons together again.

MIDI Panic Key

Pressing the MIDI panic key will send out a "reset all controllers" and "all notes off" MIDI message on all 16 MIDI channels. This can be especially useful for clearing "stuck notes" when controlling external MIDI devices or software. Press the [METRONOME] and [TEMPO] buttons together to enter edit mode. Press piano key C#1 to send the reset message. Once this has been completed, the piano will automatically exit edit mode.

Appendix

MIDI Implementation Chart

FUNCTION	TRANSMITTED	RECOGNISED	REMARKS
Basic Channel	Default Changed	1-16 1-16	1-16 1-16	*Up to 3 channels simultaneously
Mode	Default Messages Altered	Mode 3 Yes ********	Mode 3 No No
Note Number	True Voice	0~127 ********	0~127
Velocity Note	Note On Note Off	Yes Yes	Yes Yes
After Touch	Key's Channels	No No	No No
Pitch Bend		No	No
Control Change		0-127	0, 1, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 32, 64, 65, 66, 67, 80, 81, 91, 93, 100, 101, 121
Program Change	True #	0-127 ********	0-7
System Exclusive		Yes*	Yes*	* The controller will recognise and respond to GM Device inquiries. Master Tune supported. Master Volume supported
System Common	Song Position Pointer Song Select True Request	No No No	No No No
System Real Time	Clock Commands	No No	No No
Aux Messages	All Sounds Off* Reset All Controllers Local ON/OFF* ALL Notes OFF Active Sensing System Reset	Yes Yes Yes Yes No No	Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes	* The controller will respond to GM, but not piano voices

MIDI Channel Modes

	POLY OFF	MONO ON
OMNI ON	MODE1	MODE3
OMNI OFF	MODE2	MODE4

Parameter Adjusting Instructions

According to the chart below, choose the corresponding key to set the desired values.

PIANO	TUNING	VOICE VOL	LAYER VOL	METRO VOL	REVERB VOL	CHORUS VOL	TEMPO	TREBLE EQ	BASS EQ
A-1	0	0	0	0	0	0	20	-12	-12
A#-1	3	2	2	2	2	2	24	X	X
B-1	5	4	4	4	4	4	38	-11	-11
C0	8	6	6	6	6	6	32	-10	-10
C#0	10	8	8	8	8	8	36	X	X
D0	13	10	10	10	10	10	40	-9	-9
D#0	15	12	12	12	12	12	44	X	X
E0	18	14	14	14	14	14	48	-8	-8
F0	20	16	16	16	16	16	52	-7	-7
F#0	23	18	18	18	18	18	56	X	X
G0	26	20	20	20	20	20	60	-6	-6
G#0	28	22	22	22	22	22	62	X	X
A0	29	24	24	24	24	24	64	-5	-5
A#0	31	26	26	26	26	26	66	X	X
B0	32	28	28	28	28	28	68	-4	-4
C1	33	30	30	30	30	30	70	-3	-3
C#1	35	32	32	32	32	32	72	X	X
D1	36	34	34	34	34	34	74	-2	-2
D#1	37	36	36	36	36	36	76	X	X
E1	38	38	38	38	38	38	80	-1	-1
F1	40	40	40	40	40	40	82	0	0
F#1	41	42	42	42	42	42	84	X	X
G1	42	44	44	44	44	44	86	1	1
G#1	44	46	46	46	46	46	88	X	X
A1	45	48	48	48	48	48	90	2	2
A#1	46	50	50	50	50	50	92	X	X
B1	47	52	52	52	52	52	94	3	3
C2	49	54	54	54	54	54	96	4	4
C#2	50	56	56	56	56	56	98	X	X
D2	51	58	58	58	58	58	100	5	5
D#2	52	60	60	60	60	60	102	X	X
E2	54	62	62	62	62	62	104	6	6
F2	55	64	64	64	64	64	106	7	7
F#2	56	66	66	66	66	66	108	X	X
G2	58	68	68	68	68	68	110	8	8
G#2	59	70	70	70	70	70	112	X	X
A2	60	72	72	72	72	72	114	9	9
A#2	61	74	74	74	74	74	116	X	X
B2	63	76	76	76	76	76	118	10	10
C3	64	78	78	78	78	78	120	11	11
C#3	65	80	80	80	80	80	122	X	X
D3	67	81	81	81	81	81	124	12	12
D#3	68	82	82	82	82	82	126	X	X
E3	69	83	83	83	83	83	128	X	X
F3	70	84	84	84	84	84	130	X	X
F#3	72	85	85	85	85	85	132	X	X
G3	73	86	86	86	86	86	134	X	X
G#3	74	87	87	87	87	87	136	X	X
A3	76	88	88	88	88	88	138	X	X
A#3	77	89	89	89	89	89	140	X	X
B3	78	90	90	90	90	90	142	X	X
C4	79	91	91	91	91	91	144	X	X
C#4	81	92	92	92	92	92	146	X	X
D4	82	93	93	93	93	93	148	X	X
D#4	83	94	94	94	94	94	150	X	X
E4	84	95	95	95	95	95	152	X	X
F4	86	96	96	96	96	96	154	X	X
F#4	87	97	97	97	97	97	156	X	X
G4	88	98	98	98	98	98	158	X	X
G#4	90	99	99	99	99	99	160	X	X
A4	91	100	100	100	100	100	162	X	X
A#4	92	101	101	101	101	101	164	X	X
B4	93	102	102	102	102	102	166	X	X
C5	95	103	103	103	103	103	168	X	X
C#5	96	104	104	104	104	104	170	X	X
D5	97	105	105	105	105	105	172	X	X
D#5	99	106	106	106	106	106	174	X	X
E5	100	107	107	107	107	107	176	X	X
F5	101	108	108	108	108	108	178	X	X
F#5	102	109	109	109	109	109	180	X	X
G5	104	110	110	110	110	110	185	X	X
G#5	105	111	111	111	111	111	190	X	X
A5	106	112	112	112	112	112	195	X	X
A#5	108	113	113	113	113	113	200	X	X
B5	109	114	114	114	114	114	205	X	X
C6	110	115	115	115	115	115	210	X	X
C#6	111	116	116	116	116	116	215	X	X
D6	113	117	117	117	117	117	220	X	X
D#6	114	118	118	118	118	118	225	X	X
E6	115	119	119	119	119	119	230	X	X
F6	116	120	120	120	120	120	235	X	X
F#6	118	121	121	121	121	121	240	X	X
G6	119	122	122	122	122	122	245	X	X
G#6	120	123	123	123	123	123	250	X	X
A6	122	124	124	124	124	124	255	X	X
A#6	123	125	125	125	125	125	260	X	X
B6	125	126	126	126	126	126	270	X	X
C7	127	127	127	127	127	127	280	X	X

NOTE: X = No value available for this particular edit function on this key.

Reset Values:

	TUNING	VOICE VOL	LAYER VOL	METRO VOL	REVERB VOL	CHORUS VOL	TEMPO	TREBLE EQ	BASS EQ
FACTORY DEFAULT	0	127	100	100	ON	1	120	1 (GRAND PIANO)	OFF
FACTORY DEFAULT	METRONOME	TOUCH	TREBLE EQ	BASS EQ
	4/4	NORMAL	05	08

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Gear4music SDP-2 / SDP-2-WH Digital Piano User Manual