Some feedback regarding your thoughts that the board sounds warmer or better recording the outputs versus monitoring the headphone output. I indeed find this to be true. I used the MP6 on a recording session last week (Hammond). The engineer was extremely impressed with the warmth of the rotary and the whole tone (as was I). For a bit of fun and learning, I just finished tweaking up the Mellow Grand to match the Alicia's Keys software. To do this I had the MP6 outputs into the sound board and A=>B compared them back and forth while adjusting the EQ. (Monitoring off the board) I got a pretty dead lock... Actually, the MP6 bass response and warmth was better than the software. Other than the pedal and key noise adjustments which is a nice touch on AK, The Mellow Grand beats it... Especially considering the sympathetic resonance and soft pedal modeling. It's just better, IMO. Good enough to substitute for my real grand when the kids head to bed anyway

NOW, to finish this story the MP6 headphone output is slightly more harsh than the stereo output signal chain. It's a little harder, a little more present. Not bad but not as smooth as the other. So, its important to note that all the settings you post may not be judged equally. They are highly dependent upon your system (phones, type of monitors, cables, signal chain, pre amps, etc)Just thought I'd mention this in case folks have only been monitoring via headphones. Also, if your just direct wiring flat response monitors, you may experience some harsh mids.

RBMusik...
Great post with some great lessons. I've had similiar experiences using Pianoteq. Yes, I can dial in some great sounds with 127 midi possibilities, and the dynamic range is certainly expanded, but the truth is I prefer the sound of my MP6! I absolutely love the Mellow Piano patch. Both 1 and 2 are good, but 2 is my favorite!

I'm learning by sharing, and your insight about the sound being highly dependent upon the individual user's system is an excellent point. What I'm hoping for, is that all users will take these basic settings as a starting point. The MP6 offers so many tweaks it sometimes presents a challenge. I'm trying to avoid going there yet, but just as soon as we finish all twelve suggested settings, I want to address the very topic you're highlighting; namely - what phones, monitors, audioface, etc. are user's matching up with the MP6 for what they consider the best sound?

I've believed for a long time that dollar for dollar, this board is a steal. Especially for the gigging musician. Weight wise, sound sample wise, adjustment wise, use as a controller wise; this board has something for everyone with a multitude of adjustments not found elsewhere. Yes there is a learning curve, but settings are easily accessible and intuitive. With the MP6, one must be careful to conclude if they don't like what they are hearing, that they have been stuck with a bad keyboard. There is testimony after testimony (from many professionals musicians) that this board performs on par with boards twice and three times its cost.

Now for some fun, RBMusik. Forum member Nigeth likes the sound of the Grand Bosendorfer. With the experience you have had with your MP6, what sample, and general settings would you suggest for him?

By the way, I would have not realized that the MP6 headphone output is slightly more harsh than the stereo output signal chain, had I not produced and compared sound patches. Another of the board's many nuances. It will be interesting to see where our discussion of system accessories takes us.

Thanks so much for sharing your insights. And I'm noting for future reference that direct wiring flat response monitors may result in some harsh sounds. For all of us who want to learn as much as we can about the MP6 in order to maximize its playability; you insights are appreciated and valued!
Play On!
H.K.

Very interesting thread for MP6 owners, like myself.
HisKidd, are you going to continue with your posting ?

I have one particular question, if anybody knows the answer.
Is it possible to adjust headphone output independently of master line output ?

Kawai don't publish the levels of the signals on the Main and Headphone outputs, but you can bet that the Phones out is low impedance and the Line is high. This could affect the sound when plugged into an amplifier; the Phones out might well overdrive the amp, causing a harsh, or slightly distorted sound.
Has anyone out there tried to measure these levels?