PIANOVA H-302 Digital Piano

How is the H-302 different from the 2-Series (H-201/202/205)?

Five major upgrades: (1) VPAS-IV keyboard adds key-release detection for advanced articulation, (2) Aetherial Acoustic Engine vs 10-layer sampling, (3) WiFi6 connectivity (2-Series has Bluetooth only), (4) Microphone input with AI pitch correction, (5) 5-inch IPS touchscreen vs basic TFT LCD. The H-302 is designed for professionals and content creators, while 2-Series targets students and home learners. Sound quality and keyboard feel are noticeably superior in 3-Series.

What's the difference between H-302 and H-305?

Identical keyboards, sound engines, WiFi, microphone systems, and touchscreens. Two differences: (1) H-305 has 6 speakers vs 4 (same 200W total, but better stereo imaging), (2) H-305 uses monolithic spruce chamber vs split chamber (slightly fuller bass resonance). The H-302 delivers 90% of H-305 performance at lower cost and lighter weight (68kg vs 79kg). Choose H-305 only if you're performing in large venues regularly or are an audiophile prioritizing every 1% of acoustic realism.

Do I need WiFi if I already have Bluetooth?

WiFi6 offers several advantages Bluetooth cannot: (1) Wireless firmware updates without connecting USB cables, (2) Cloud storage of recordings (upload directly to Google Drive/Dropbox from piano), (3) Lower latency for remote lessons and streaming, (4) Use piano as wireless MIDI controller for desktop DAWs at near-zero latency. Bluetooth is fine for connecting to learning apps on tablets; WiFi enables professional workflows and future-proofs the instrument as cloud services expand.

What microphones work with the AI pitch correction?

Any XLR dynamic or condenser microphone. Dynamic mics (Shure SM58, SM57) connect directly—no phantom power needed. Condenser mics (Audio-Technica AT2020, Rode NT1-A) require phantom power, which the H-302 provides via +48V button on touchscreen. The AI pitch correction works with any mic input and is adjustable from 0% (natural voice) to 100% (heavy Auto-Tune effect). Most users set it to 30-50% for subtle pitch smoothing.

Can I use the H-302 for live streaming on Twitch or YouTube?

Yes. Connect via USB Type-C to your computer, and the H-302 appears as a 2-channel audio interface in OBS, Streamlabs, or any streaming software. Channel 1 = piano audio, Channel 2 = microphone audio. Mix levels on the piano's touchscreen, then route both channels to your stream. No external audio interface needed. For split-track control (adjust piano vs mic volume independently in OBS), route each channel separately. Latency is low enough for real-time performance commentary.

Is the VPAS-IV keyboard worth the upgrade from VPAS-III?

For advanced players (Grade 9+ or professional), yes. The key-release sensor enables techniques impossible on VPAS-III: precise staccatissimo note length, dynamic voicing in complex chords, and continuous half-pedal control for sostenuto passages. For intermediate students (Grades 3-8), VPAS-III in the H-202 is sufficient—you won't utilize VPAS-IV's advanced sensitivity until reaching late-Romantic or contemporary classical repertoire (Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Ligeti).

How does the Aetherial Acoustic Engine differ from 2-Series sampling?

2-Series uses 10-layer sampling: pre-recorded audio triggered at different velocities. Aetherial Engine combines sampling with physical modeling—it simulates how acoustic pianos behave (sympathetic string resonance, damper noise, key-off articulation). When you play C, the G and E strings vibrate naturally, just like acoustic grands. When releasing sustain pedal, you hear the mechanical damper thunk. These subtle details separate $50,000 concert grands from $2,000 practice pianos. In blind tests, listeners struggle to distinguish Aetherial Engine from high-end acoustics.

Can I update the H-302's software to add new features?

Yes, via OTA (over-the-air) updates. Connect to WiFi, check for updates in settings menu, and new firmware installs automatically. Hailun regularly releases updates adding new sounds, improving AI pitch correction algorithms, fixing bugs, and occasionally adding entirely new features. This is impossible on 2-Series models, which require manual USB firmware flashing. The H-302 improves over time without hardware upgrades.

Is the H-302 suitable for conservatory students and professional performances?

Yes for conservatory practice and small-venue performances (recitals, teaching studios, church services). For large concert halls, acoustic grands remain standard. However, many professionals use the H-302 as a silent practice instrument to supplement their acoustic piano—practice at midnight without disturbing neighbors, record demos for audition submissions, or rehearse with microphone for vocal accompaniment. The VPAS-IV keyboard and Aetherial Engine meet professional expectations for home practice and most public performances.

How much does the microphone feature add to the price compared to 2-Series?

Exact pricing TBD, but the microphone system (XLR input + phantom power + AI pitch correction + USB audio interface) would cost $300-500 if purchased separately. Combined with WiFi6, touchscreen, and Aetherial Engine, the H-302's premium over H-202 represents significant value for content creators and performers who would otherwise buy external audio equipment.