Encased in a Scandinavian Modern style cabinet the DDP-80 looks as good as it sounds
The Donner DDP-80 is a fully digital MIDI keyboard with 88 weighted keys and on-board amplifier and speakers. It has one piano sound built in that was meticulously sampled from a real grand piano. The key action emulates the touch and feel of an acoustic piano rather than the tactile feel of a typical MIDI keyboard or synthesizer.
Unboxing and setup
The Donner DDP-80 arrives securely packaged in one large double-walled cardboard box weighing about 60 pounds. Assembly is simple and straight-forward. Attach 4 metal legs with 5 screws each, plug in the power adapter and foot pedals and you’re ready to start tickling the keys. A piano bench is an optional add-on.
I found the DDP-80 to be soundly constructed from MDF with metal inserts for the leg screws. Sitting on its legs, the unit feels very secure and sturdy while playing. The foot pedals have the same functions as an acoustic piano but have a springy feel which is unlike the mechanical feel of a real piano.
A grand sound
The DDP-80 has one sound – and its a good one. The onboard dual speakers and amplifier put out a decent quality and volume but without the full frequency range of the internal sampled piano sound. Listening through headphones or an outboard sound system allows you to hear and feel the whole picture and richness of the lows and highs. Donner, cleverly and smartly, designed the internal sound system such that when the volume control is on maximum the speakers do not distort. You cannot get an overdriven sound from the DDP-80.
Key action and reaction
The heavy weighted keys felt convincingly like an acoustic piano including the range of dynamics. Out of the box, the keys surfaces felt a bit sticky, but after a clean up with an all purpose cleaner they felt fine. The white keys are slick and smooth and the black keys have a light texture. The only disappointment is the highest 3 notes on the keyboard don’t have a strong fundamental to their tone.
Hookups
Headphone 1/4″: The PHONE output level is adequate and the internal speakers are defeated when phones are plugged in.
Audio out 1/4″: Use this OUT to plug directly into your sound systems line input.
Sustain: Used for an optional sustain pedal.
USB: Connect this MIDI send to your computer for MIDI functions. The sound of the DDP-80 is not transferred to the computer. The DDP-80 is used as a MIDI controller over USB.
On/Off switch: On the back of the unit.
Volume: Rotary knob next to the On/Off switch and hard to access and turn for people with with large hands.
Bundled software
The DDP-80 is bundled with Melodics learning software. As they say, “Melodics is a desktop app that helps you learn to play your instrument with confidence”.
Who is it for
If you need a real piano feel in an attractive and compact package with controllable volume – this could be the instrument for you.
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