The digital piano market has seen rapid growth over the last few years, with an ever-increasing variety of models available to suit the needs of musicians at all levels.
Among these, the AODSK UPB-85 has gained significant attention, touted as an affordable yet high-quality digital piano aimed at both beginners and intermediate players.
In this review, I will dive deep into the features, performance, build quality, sound, and overall value of the AODSK UPB-85, providing you with a comprehensive analysis of what this instrument has to offer.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The unboxing experience of the AODSK UPB-85 sets the tone for what to expect from this digital piano. Upon receiving the package, I was pleased to find that it was well-packaged, with sufficient padding to protect the piano during transit. The box was slightly bulky, but that’s to be expected with an 88-key digital piano.
Assembly
The assembly process was straightforward, taking about 20 minutes from start to finish. The piano comes with a stand, a sustain pedal, and a music rest, all of which are easy to assemble using the provided instructions. The stand is sturdy, made of wood composite, and provides good stability, even on a carpeted floor. The piano itself feels solid, with a matte black finish that gives it a professional look.
Design and Build Quality
The AODSK UPB-85 is designed with a minimalist aesthetic that is both modern and functional. The piano is relatively lightweight for an 88-key model, making it easy to move around if needed. The keybed has a realistic feel, with semi-weighted keys that closely mimic the touch of an acoustic piano. The buttons and controls are well-placed, easy to access, and have a tactile response that feels satisfying to use. Overall, the build quality is impressive for a digital piano in this price range, offering a good balance between durability and portability.
Key Features and Specifications
The AODSK UPB-85 is packed with features that cater to the needs of both beginner and intermediate players. Here’s an in-depth look at its key specifications:
88-Key Full-Size Keyboard
The UPB-85 boasts a full-sized, 88-key keyboard with semi-weighted keys. This is a significant feature for a digital piano in its price range, as it allows players to experience a more authentic piano feel. The keys are touch-sensitive, meaning the volume and tone change depending on how hard or softly you play, which adds expressiveness to your playing.
Sound Engine and Voices
The piano features a highly capable sound engine, with 128-note polyphony, allowing for complex pieces with overlapping notes and sustained chords without note drop-outs. The UPB-85 includes a range of 12 different voices, including acoustic grand piano, electric piano, organ, strings, and more. While the selection might seem limited compared to higher-end models, the quality of these voices is quite good, with the acoustic piano sound standing out as particularly rich and realistic.
Built-in Effects
The UPB-85 offers a selection of built-in effects, including reverb, chorus, and delay. These effects are a great addition, allowing you to tailor the sound to your preference or the specific style of music you’re playing. The reverb effect, in particular, adds depth to the sound, making it feel more like you’re playing in a large concert hall.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | 88 full-sized, semi-weighted keys |
| Key Sensitivity | Touch-sensitive with adjustable levels |
| Polyphony | 128-note polyphony |
| Sound Engine | Digital Sound Engine |
| Voices | 12 voices (including Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Strings, etc.) |
| Effects | Reverb, Chorus, Delay |
| Modes | Dual Mode, Split Functionality |
| Metronome | Built-in, adjustable tempo and time signature |
| Recording | Built-in recording and playback function |
| Connectivity | – MIDI In/Out |
| – USB to Host | |
| – Aux In/Out | |
| – Headphone Jack | |
| – Sustain Pedal Input (Sustain Pedal included) | |
| Speakers | Built-in stereo speakers |
| Power Supply | DC 12V power adapter |
| Dimensions | Approx. 52.4″ (W) x 11.6″ (D) x 5.5″ (H) |
| Weight | Approx. 23 lbs (10.5 kg) |
| Finish | Matte black |
| Included Accessories | – Stand |
| – Sustain Pedal | |
| – Music Rest | |
| – Power Adapter |
Connectivity Options
One of the strong points of the AODSK UPB-85 is its range of connectivity options. It includes:
- MIDI In/Out: Allowing you to connect the piano to your computer or other MIDI-compatible devices for recording or using virtual instruments.
- USB to Host: This is perfect for connecting to a computer for music production or learning software.
- Aux In/Out: Lets you connect the piano to external speakers or amplifiers for enhanced sound.
- Headphone Jack: Essential for practicing without disturbing others.
- Sustain Pedal Input: A sustain pedal is included, which enhances the playing experience, particularly for classical and expressive pieces.
Dual Mode and Split Functionality
The Dual Mode allows you to layer two different voices together, such as piano and strings, creating a rich, layered sound. The Split Functionality, on the other hand, allows you to split the keyboard into two sections, each with a different voice. This is particularly useful for duets or for teaching purposes, as it allows the instructor to play alongside the student using a different voice.
Built-in Metronome and Recording Capabilities
The built-in metronome is a valuable tool for students and beginners, helping to improve timing and rhythm. Additionally, the UPB-85 comes with recording capabilities, enabling you to record and playback your performances, which is great for self-evaluation and progress tracking.
Performance and Sound Quality
When it comes to performance, the AODSK UPB-85 holds up remarkably well, especially considering its price point.
Keyboard Action
The semi-weighted keys of the UPB-85 are a joy to play. While they don’t offer the full weight and resistance of a traditional acoustic piano, they strike a good balance between sensitivity and response. The touch sensitivity can be adjusted, which is a great feature for players who want to customize the feel of the keys to their personal preference.
For beginners, the keys are responsive enough to help develop finger strength and technique, while intermediate players will appreciate the realism and dynamic control that these keys offer.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the UPB-85 is one of its most impressive aspects. The acoustic piano voice, which is the most commonly used, is rich and resonant, with a warmth that closely resembles a real grand piano. The sustain is natural, and the decay of notes is smooth, providing a realistic playing experience.
The other voices, such as electric piano, organ, and strings, are also well-crafted, though they might not be as nuanced as those found in more expensive models. However, they are more than sufficient for most playing situations, from classical to contemporary music.
Speakers and Volume
The built-in speakers are powerful enough to fill a small to medium-sized room, making the UPB-85 suitable for home practice or small performances. The sound is clear and well-balanced across the frequency range, with a surprising amount of bass response for a digital piano in this category.
When using headphones, the sound quality remains consistent, with no noticeable loss of detail or clarity. This is particularly important for late-night practice sessions or when you need to avoid disturbing others.
Polyphony and Voice Overlap
With 128-note polyphony, the UPB-85 handles complex pieces with ease, ensuring that no notes are cut off during performance. This is particularly important for advanced players who often play pieces with overlapping notes and sustained chords. Even when using the sustain pedal, the piano performs admirably, maintaining clarity and richness without any dropouts.
Learning and Practice Features
One of the major selling points of the AODSK UPB-85 is its array of features designed to assist with learning and practice.
Lesson Mode
The Lesson Mode is a standout feature for beginners. It allows the keyboard to be split into two equal ranges, enabling a teacher and student to play the same notes simultaneously. This is an excellent tool for one-on-one lessons, as it facilitates easy demonstration and imitation.
Built-in Songs and Learning Aids
The piano comes preloaded with a variety of songs that you can play along with. This is a great feature for beginners who are still learning the ropes, as it allows them to practice with accompaniment. Additionally, the UPB-85 includes a learning mode that can help beginners learn how to play by breaking down songs into smaller, more manageable sections.
Recording and Playback
The ability to record your performances and play them back is an invaluable tool for self-assessment and improvement. The UPB-85 makes this easy with its straightforward recording function. Whether you want to track your progress over time or simply capture a moment of inspiration, this feature adds considerable value to the piano.
Metronome
The built-in metronome is another useful tool for beginners and intermediate players alike. It helps you keep time while practicing, which is essential for developing a good sense of rhythm. The metronome settings are easy to adjust, allowing you to change the tempo and time signature to suit your practice needs.
User Experience and Interface
The user interface of the AODSK UPB-85 is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. This makes it accessible to beginners while still offering enough depth for more experienced players.
Control Panel
The control panel is intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons for selecting voices, adjusting volume, and accessing features like the metronome and recording functions. The LED display, though small, is bright and easy to read, providing useful feedback on the current settings.
Voice and Function Selection
Selecting different voices and functions is straightforward, thanks to the dedicated buttons on the control panel. The voice selection is quick, with minimal lag, allowing you to switch between sounds seamlessly during a performance.
User Manual and Instructions
The included user manual is comprehensive and easy to follow, with clear instructions and illustrations. This is particularly helpful for beginners who may not be familiar with the various functions and features of a digital piano.
Portability
Despite its full-sized keyboard, the AODSK UPB-85 is relatively lightweight, making it easy to move around if needed. This portability is a big plus for those who may need to transport the piano to lessons, gigs, or simply move it between rooms at home.
Comparison with Competitors
To provide a more rounded perspective, it’s important to compare the
AODSK UPB-85 with other digital pianos in its category. Here’s how it stacks up against some of its key competitors:
AODSK UPB-85 vs. Yamaha P-45
The Yamaha P-45 is a popular entry-level digital piano, known for its reliable build quality and sound. While the P-45 is a strong competitor, the AODSK UPB-85 offers a few advantages:
- More Voices: The P-45 has 10 voices compared to the UPB-85’s 12, giving the AODSK model a slight edge in versatility.
- Connectivity: The UPB-85 offers more connectivity options, including MIDI In/Out and Aux In/Out, which the P-45 lacks.
- Price: The UPB-85 is generally more affordable, offering similar features at a lower price point.
However, the P-45 does have a fully weighted key action (GHS) that some players might prefer over the semi-weighted keys of the UPB-85.
AODSK UPB-85 vs. Casio CDP-S150
The Casio CDP-S150 is another strong contender in the budget digital piano market. It offers a slim design and a full-sized keyboard with scaled hammer action.
- Key Action: The CDP-S150 has a fully weighted hammer action, which feels closer to an acoustic piano compared to the semi-weighted keys of the UPB-85.
- Portability: The CDP-S150 is more portable due to its slim design, making it easier to carry around.
- Sound Quality: Both pianos offer good sound quality, but the UPB-85’s acoustic piano voice is slightly richer.
In terms of price, both models are quite competitive, with the AODSK UPB-85 often being the more affordable option.
AODSK UPB-85 vs. Alesis Recital Pro
The Alesis Recital Pro is another budget-friendly digital piano that offers fully weighted keys and a decent range of features.
- Voices: The Recital Pro offers 12 voices, similar to the UPB-85, making them comparable in this regard.
- Connectivity: The UPB-85 has more comprehensive connectivity options, which may be a deciding factor for those who need MIDI In/Out.
- Price: The AODSK UPB-85 tends to be priced slightly lower, making it a more budget-friendly option.
The key action on the Alesis Recital Pro is fully weighted, which might appeal more to players looking for a true piano feel.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable: Offers great value for the price, with a solid set of features.
- Sound Quality: High-quality sound, especially for the acoustic piano voice.
- Connectivity: Comprehensive connectivity options, including MIDI In/Out, USB, and Aux.
- Learning Features: Useful tools like Lesson Mode, recording, and metronome make it ideal for beginners.
- Portability: Lightweight and easy to move.
Cons:
- Semi-Weighted Keys: While the keys are responsive, they don’t fully replicate the feel of an acoustic piano.
- Limited Voices: Although the sound quality is good, the range of voices is somewhat limited compared to higher-end models.
- Speaker Power: While adequate for home use, the built-in speakers may not be powerful enough for larger venues without external amplification.
While the AODSK UPB-85 digital piano offers several impressive features, it does come with some weaknesses that potential buyers should consider.
One of the main drawbacks is the semi-weighted key action. While the keys provide a decent level of touch sensitivity and feel, they do not fully replicate the weight and resistance of an acoustic piano. For players who are used to, or seeking, a more authentic piano experience, this might be a significant downside. The semi-weighted keys might feel too light for advanced players, making it less suitable for those who require the full dynamic range and control offered by fully weighted or graded hammer action keyboards.
Another limitation is the limited range of voices. The AODSK UPB-85 offers 12 voices, which, while sufficient for beginners, may feel restrictive to more experienced musicians who desire a broader palette of sounds. Competing models in the same price range often offer a greater variety of voices, which can be a critical factor for players looking to explore different genres or experiment with sound layering.
The built-in speakers, while adequate for home practice, lack the power and depth needed for larger spaces or performances without external amplification. The speakers can sometimes struggle to deliver the lower frequencies effectively, leading to a somewhat thin sound in the bass range. This limitation may be a concern for players who frequently perform in front of small audiences or in larger rooms.
Lastly, the overall build quality, while solid for its price, does not match the sturdiness of higher-end models. The lightweight design, while beneficial for portability, may feel less durable over time, particularly if the piano is frequently moved or subjected to heavy use.
In summary, while the AODSK UPB-85 is a capable digital piano with good value for money, its semi-weighted keys, limited voices, modest speaker performance, and average build quality may not satisfy the needs of more demanding or advanced players.
Who Should Buy the AODSK UPB-85?
The AODSK UPB-85 is an excellent choice for a wide range of users:
- Beginners: The learning features, such as Lesson Mode and built-in metronome, make it a great tool for those just starting out.
- Intermediate Players: The realistic key feel and sound quality are suitable for those who have some experience and are looking to upgrade from a smaller keyboard.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: If you’re looking for a full-sized digital piano with good features at an affordable price, the UPB-85 is a strong contender.
- Home Practice: Its compact size and built-in speakers make it ideal for home practice without needing additional equipment.
Conclusion
The AODSK UPB-85 digital piano offers a compelling package for both beginners and intermediate players. Its combination of solid build quality, realistic sound, and useful features make it a strong contender in the budget digital piano market. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it excels in providing a quality playing experience at an affordable price.
If you’re in the market for a digital piano that delivers good performance, versatility, and value, the AODSK UPB-85 is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re just starting your musical journey or looking to upgrade from a smaller keyboard, this piano offers a great balance of features and affordability, making it a worthy addition to any home or practice space.