Creating an electronic instrument that faithfully reproduces all the subtle nuances of a fine acoustic piano has been the ultimate challange to the musical instruments industry since the very beginning. Numerous technologies have been employed in this effort, but even with vast amounts of memory and the digital sampling of notes, specific harmonic tones and hammers strikes etc., nothing has yet been produced wich really captures the spirit and personality of a real piano. The GEM PRO 2 and PRO 1, aptly subtitled 'Realpiano', are the culmination of years of research and development between Generalmusic's own engineers and the CSC music technology department at the acclaimed University of Padua (Italy). Generalmusic product specialists in the U.S. also used the advisory services of such musicians as Tom Canning, George Duke, Keith Emerson, Don Grusin, Herbie Hancock, Steve Lindsay, Otmaro Ruiz and many others in the creation and perfection of these milestone instruments.

Piano Sound. The PRO 1 and PRO 2 use a combination of sophisticated sample analisys and physical modeling to accurately reproduce the complex tonal environment of a grand piano. Using our unique FFT Merge technology, developed specifically for the Real Piano series, the tonal characteristics of the finest grand pianos in the world are carefully analyzed with the best results from each being implemented in the final composite sound. The result is a unique and pure sound created using only the best characteristics from the finest pianos in the world.

MPN: PRO1

Simulation of damper pedal effects. In collaboration with the CSC department at the acclaimed University of Padova, Italy, Generalmusic has perfected a physical model that can accurately reproduce the real performance characteristics of an acoustic grand piano. The 'Damper Physical Model' (Generalmusic patent) allows the optional damper pedal to recognize 16 different positions during its travel, making it possible to play partially damped and 'half pedal' effects. This model also generates the authentic sound of the 'free strings' which resonate in sympathy with the actual notes being played while the pedal is pressed down. Simulation of resonance between unplayed strings. The 'Natural String Resonance' physical model developed by Generalmusic simulates the sympathetic vibration of any undamped strings whenever a note that stimulates their harmonics is played.

Simulation of fading string vibration. Generalmusic's 'Advanced Release Technology' provides a faithful reproduction of the string's harmonic reaction to being damped while already in motion, which occurs whenever a key is released.

Simulation of hammer sound. The realistic sound of hammers striking the strings has been reproduced by independently processing the natural hammer sound and the resonance of the strings.

Tuning. The PRO 2 can be tuned note by note just like a normal acoustic piano. Two special piano tunings are available as presets (Concert Grand and Baby Grand), plus you can create and memorize your own personal tuning. In addition to the regular 'Equal Temperament' tuning, a selection of different preset tuning temperaments is offered (Meantone C, Kirnberger, Tartini-Vallotti), allowing you to correctly interpret pieces of music from different historical periods.

Polyphony. The PRO 2 is the first ever digital piano to offer 128 note polyphony giving you total freedom of expression and allowing even the most complex pieces of music to be performed without compromise.

Sounds. The 48 exceptional sounds available on the PRO 2 (32 sounds on the PRO 1), have been created with the utmost attention to detail and with guidance from some world renowned musicians (including Keith Emerson, Herbie Hancock, Tom Canning, Don Grusin, Steve Lindsay, Tommy Mars and Otmaro Ruiz). The sound palette covers the most frequently used sounds in all musical styles including the finest ever collection of acoustic and electric pianos, vibraphones, clavinets, tuned percussion, harpsichords, jazz and pipe organs, as well as choirs, strings, pads and basses.

Effects. The PRO 1 and PRO 2 incorporate two editable effects processors, giving you reverbs (Room, Stage, Hall, plus - on the PRO2, Church, Plate, Concert and many others) and effects (Chorus, Phaser, Tremolo - plus, on the PRO2, Flanger, Delay, Pitch Shift, and many others). Up to two effects can be assigned to each sound, and your favourite configurations can be recalled instantly. In addition to the two effects processors, a classic 'Auto-Wah' effect is also available.

Graphic equalizer. The PRO 2 features a versatile 8-band graphic EQ to adapt any sound to your personal taste or to the performance environment. The EQ settings can be memorized in any of the 64 on-board performances, for instant recall of your personalized sounds.

Sequencer. The PRO 2 also contains a two track 'Scratchpad' sequencer with 45,000 events of storage. The high resolution of the sequencer (192 ppq) ensures that even the most complex performances will be faithfully recorded. Playback and recording may be paused at any point and song locations can be pinpointed using the forward and rewind controls. Sequences can be transferred from the PRO 2 into another instrument via MIDI or directly to a computer using the built-in serial interface.

MIDI. A complete set of MIDI sockets (In, Out and Thru) allow the PRO 1 and PRO 2 to be used as a controller for other MIDI equipment. The exclusive 'MIDI Quick Access' function enables you to quickly and accurately select any sound from an external instrument using patch and bank commands from a single control. Splits and layers can also be set up using combinations of internal and external sounds and these combinations can then be stored for instant recall.

Connections. The PRO 1 and PRO 2 offer stereo Audio out and stereo Audio In jacks plus a separate powered 'Speaker' jack. This separate stereo mini-jack can be used to connect a small pair of multimedia monitor speakers for close monitoring or low-level practice. The computer serial port can be used to directly connect the piano to your home computer (IBM or Macintosh).

PRO1 Technical Specification
Keyboard
88 keys (Hammer Action)

Play Modes
Single, Split (programmable), Layer

Polyphony
64 notes

Sounds
32

Real-time Performances
64

Effects Processors
2 editable (Reverbs + Effects); Auto Wah

Sequencer
Demo

Controls
Power On/Off, Volume, Transpose, Key Split, Touch (Soft, Normal, Hard)

Display
16 x 2 digits

Connections
Stereo Out, Stereo In, MIDI In/Out/Thru, Serial Port, Speakers Out, Damper pedal + 2 programmable

Dimensions (LxHxD)
1335 x 125 x 370 mm
52 1/2" x 14 5/16 x 5 1/4"

Weight
26 Kg

Accessories
External power supply (12 Volt), Piano type sustain pedal




PRO2 Technical Specification
Keyboard
88 keys (Hammer Action)

Play Modes
Single, Split (programmable), Layer

Polyphony
128 notes

Sounds
48

Real-time Performances
64

Effects Processors
2 editable (Reverbs + Effects); Auto Wah

Sequencer
2 tracks, 45,000 events

Controls
Power On/Off, Volume, Transpose, Key Split, Touch (Soft, Normal, Hard, User), Digital 8-band graphic equalizer

Display
16 x 2 digits

Connections
Stereo Out, Stereo In, MIDI In/Out/Thru, Serial Port, Speakers Out, Damper pedal + 2 programmable

Dimensions (LxHxD)
1335 x 125 x 370 mm

Weight
26.2 Kg

Accessories
External power supply (12 Volt), Piano type sustain pedal