They say that talents are either inherited or acquired through time, but we all know that a combination of both brings out the best results. However, if you are not a musical child prodigy
like Mozart, chances are you’re striving to learn the ropes through self-learning. Taking formal piano lessons from the experts are still the best option, but if your budget doesn’t permit it then you could search for a portable digital piano that can effectively teach you all the basics in a musical keyboard. That’s exactly what The ONE Light Smart Portable Keyboard does.
Design – 4/5
Sporting an elegant, matte body in black, the smart piano has a total of 61 keys on board that is equipped with red LED lights. It is made mostly of plastic and comes in a portable profile. At just 11 lbs, the piano is light enough to be carried around, but it’s best when placed on a single spot in your home. To complete its sophisticated and sleek look, the musical instrument has a collapsible stand made for music sheets and mobile devices. This reveals the main panel which includes the volume dial, tone sustain, and the power buttons. A thin bezel on its bottom part presents the piano’s embossed brand name in silver. The package comes together with a power cord and two smart cables for iOS and Android devices.
Hardware – 4/5
The USB, DC, microphone, aux input, and output, as well as pedal ports, are all ergonomically placed at the back of the piano. Just above the keys and the main controls are the built-in speakers that let you hear music through Spotify, YouTube, or Pandora. It also provides more than 128 instrument sounds from festive percussion to classical violin and harpsichord. Backed up with The One’s mobile app, it makes playing piano more fun with the various modes provided in the software. This includes video tutorials, crash course, and the game mode that provides Guitar Hero-style lessons for the most stubborn music learner. There’s also the sheet music mode for those who have a more advanced skill set. Should you want to monitor your progress closely as you tickle one key to another, you can plug your headset through the audio jack at the front left part of the keyboard’s body.
User Experience – 3.5/5
When it comes to functionality, The ONE Light has a lot to offer. Thanks to its useful ports, musically inclined people can use the instrument in recording songs and compositions through a MIDI-capable app, as well as for live shows onstage. Its complementary app boasts an extensive music library, offering more than 2,000 music sheets online for both beginners and experienced pianists. All of the modes in the app are crafted specifically for each skill set, and it effectively teaches me with the guide of the piano’s LED light. Redefining the way you play, The ONE Light is a plug and play piano that gives iOS and Android connectivity with the use of its smart cables. To make it work, the devices should be powered by at least iOS 9.0 or Android 4.4, and should support USB HOST or OTG feature. In terms of volume, the smart piano delivers soft yet clear audio from its 50W speakers.
However, it requires an in-app purchase ranging from $0.99 to $3.99 to unlock new songs on the online library which I find a bit expensive. It shows the usual step-by-step guide to newbies, letting them be familiarized with the right notes to hit, but it does get difficult once you proceed to the game mode which leverages the tempo as you progress.
Value – 3/5
Great technology comes with a good price, and that’s what The ONE Light is bound to show. With just a mobile app and a connected mobile device through the keyboard, it can make a huge difference with the way you learn and play. As a modern alternative to expensive piano lessons, the smart piano gives the same efficiency and motivation to those who want to unleash their inner Chopin.
Specifications:
- Keyboards: 61 keys, with red LED back-lit
- Polyphony: 128
- Dimensions: 91.44 cm x 33.02 cm x 10.16 cm
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Sound Effects: 417 timbres, 16 folk instruments, 9 percussion sets, 603 drum sounds, and 256 GM2 tones (with 20 preset instruments)
- Pedals: Note sustain function
- Compatible devices: iOS 9.0 +, iPad 2/4, New Pad, iPad mini1/2/3/4, iPad Air1/2, iPad Pro, iPhone 5s/6/6 plus/6s/6s plus/7/7 plus/8/X, Android 4.4+ with USB Host/OTG function
- Ports: 1 USB, 1 DC power supply, 1 audio jack, 1 microphone input, 1 ¼-inch aux input, 1 ¼-inch aux output, 1 pedal socket
- Batteries: 6 AA batteries (optional, can be plugged through a DC 12V power cord)
What’s Hot?
- Ideal for beginners
- Portable and space-saving
- Its companion app offers a wide music library
What’s Not?
- Needs to make in-app purchases to unlock other songs
- It’s a bit pricey for novice pianists
Bottomline
This keyboard is God’s answer to every woe of newbie players.
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE June 2019 Issue