It was during the Roman emperor Nero's time that the Great Fire of Rome happened, blazing forth across the citadel for six days and leaving on its path black and ashen debris, a visible manifestation of what was left of Rome's former glory. Not all things black remind us of the horrors of a city in flames; conversely, it can also be a reminder of elegance as manifested in the grandest of pianos. Whether or not it sets your fingers of fire (figuratively) or reminds you of regalia, the Studiologic Numa Nero's instantly recognizable black exterior and wooden keys will drive that inspiration to play with burning passion.

Interestingly, "Nero" is actually an Italian word for black as the Numa Nero actually has a white counterpart, the Numa (hence "Numa Nero" is actually "Numa Black" in English). It features the TP400 key mechanism to provide a keyboard action that mimics that of a grand piano. All of the keys themselves are wooden, and the entire keyboard has a graded hammer action to bring about a realistic piano experience in a MIDI controller. Numa Nero also has customizable velocity profiles and touch-sensitive control panel for added expression courtesy of the YOU-PLAY system where users can design and save over 20 personalized dynamic curve settings (in addition to factory presets). The organ option trigger allows for earlier triggering of the keys to allow for rapid organ playing without the need for fully engaging the hammer action. A total of four keyboard zones can be created with independent velocity curves, MIDI program, pedal, and control settings.

Additional control options include two pedal inputs and an assignable illuminated side wheel. The casing is a one-piece semi-translucent ABS molded plastic with polished aluminum top. The Numa Zero also has a sliding aluminum back piece that can support either another keyboard or a laptop without the need for an additional stand. Given that the keyboard action is the final project of Fatar founder, the late Lino Ragni, plus innovative features such as custom velocity curves, organ option, assignable controls, wooden keys, and a retractable frame for an additional keyboard, module, or laptop, the Numa Zero would be a great touring partner for the keyboardist with piano purist tendencies (such as myself). Studiologic Numa Nero retails for 1,699.95 USD.