The biggest difference is that it sits on top of the keys where a piano is typically played. Setting the travel to match the keys is critical to performance and must be done right at the time of install or its very hard to fix, but easy on the PNOmation OT. When the keys and solenoids match up, the action performance is as it is designed – no action drop noise potential, timing and dynamics are superb. Your piano remains as is so there is no need to cut into its keybed, plus you can move the unit to a new piano, or to any other piano for short-term use (such as a party).
| Mechanical Aspects |
|---|
| Portable: Move it from piano to piano, great for all kind of events where piano music is appropriate but there is no player. |
| Does not require the piano to be modified: An installed system requires modifications to the action, keybed and in many cases the trapwork. This may be unacceptable for a pure pianist or a family heirloom. But PNOmation OT allows you to hear it. |
| Plays from the top like a pianist: Playing from the top gives you the true representation of how a piano action responds as if a pianist is playing. You get better timing and dynamic control. |
| No field tech required: Field setup in the home is DIY. The OT comes preset to perform well with access to the software setups to tweak it in. |
| Works with PNOscan record: An installed system is the best way to go for a record and playback system. The PNOmation OT sits on top of the keys, hence preventing the ability to play it manually unless you remove it. Although possible its not so convenient. |
| Plunger finger travel adjustments require no tools: One of the most critical settings for any player is that the travel of the plunger finger has to match the travel of the key. This can be adjusted as you look at it from above. If this setting is not correct in a field installation. your performance will not be optimal. |
| Quiet: No mechanical noise, with PNOmation OT there is a natural piano action key return with no plunger drop noise, no key drop separation noise. Unless you have a factory certified installation, mechanical noise may be an issue. |
| Pedal works like a real pedal should: Many non factory certified installed systems modify the pedal trap work to make room for a pedal solenoid and its mechanical interface that can modify feel and introduce noise. |
| Aesthetics of sitting on top of the keys: Although its design melds nicely into the natural lines of a piano and has a kind of cool “whats this” factor, it is easily the biggest objection to a portable player. Even though when not in use it can be easily removed. |
| Wheeled Shipping and travel cases: UPS shippable cases with wheels and handles make it easy to move around. |
| Software Aspects |
|---|
| PNOmation 3 playback OS: With no reliance on streaming or specific user device or app. It sets the standard all others follow. |
| Playlists and Schedules: Wedding reception starting at 5 and party at 9 no problem set any playlist to start when you need it to with the music you need and the volume you want. |
| Music: The worlds largest and best player piano music library, with its patented SyncAlong is included. |