Knowledge Base
Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Latest service articles
VARIO digital system (FAQ)
How to update the VARIO firmware?
Install the latest version of the VARIO app (for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/de/app/c-bechstein-vario/id1397337218).
This service article guides you through the details: Updating the VARIO firmware
No Bluetooth connection to the VARIO via app
There can be different causes for this problem.
- Bluetooth must be active for all mobile devices.
- In addition, access by apps must be allowed / must not be restricted.
- Read here how to enable the Bluetooth function for apps on iOS devices: https://support.apple.com/en-en/HT210578
- Read here how to set the app permissions on Android devices afterwards: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/9431959?hl=en .
- Note the item Location here, see also https://support.google.com/android/answer/3467281
- The system load is very high, which may also disrupt the Bluetooth or USB connection. Further information can be found in the service article Notes play by themselves.
Note: After updating Android OS version 13, users report problems with Bluetooth connections with their devices to the VARIO digital system.
There are no problems with USB connections.
Background: a Bluetooth connection can be established, but the follow-up communication via MIDI is not working properly. Since data exchange with the VARIO digital system takes place via MIDI protocol, the use of the VARIO app under Android 13 is currently limited. We are trying to find a solution together with Google.
Please use a USB connection until the problem is solved. For switching of sounds or use of the metronome, the operation without app is also available to you.
The VARIO seems too quiet to me - how can I adjust the volume?
The volume of the VARIO sound can be controlled in several places. Details can be found in the article The volumes in the VARIO
How can I perform a factory reset?
You can specifically reset individual ranges with the VARIO app:
Reset dynamics curve:
Block / SETTINGS menu item, Reset dynamics curves menu item.
Reset favorites:
Block / menu item SETTINGS, menu item Reset favorites.
You can reset most individual parameters (volume, reverb, and more) by double-tapping the respective slider (iOS only).
Tip: Save favorite settings to return to them at any time:
In the FAVORITES block, you can save four combinations of the following settings:
- Volume
- Reverb algorithm and volume
- Echo
- Equalizer
- Sound settings of the piano sounds
You save made settings simply by pressing one of the four buttons for a longer time: wait until the color of the outer ring swells and disappears again. By resetting the favorites as described above, their settings are irrevocably deleted.
The app shows that the VARIO duet was not found
This problem can have different causes. Our interactive service guide often helps: Interactive service request
After switching on, notes are played by themselves
There can be different causes for this error pattern, for which you can find details in this service article:
With a previous software version, the error sometimes occurred that the sensitivity of the key sensor was too strong or possibly stored incorrectly in the system. (This problem was fixed in Firmware Sense Boards 1.3.0 and Mainboard 2.2.0 / 1.4.0, from July 2022; see service article iOS / Android).
If a connection (via Bluetooth or USB) to the VARIO system is possible, first reset the hammer release value to 60-65% (see service article: Keys adjustment).
The Bluetooth connection is disconnected by itself
The sensor system of the VARIO system is overloaded. Please read this article: Notes play by themselves
Rare: there are sources of Bluetooth interference in the vicinity. These can be, among others, microwave devices (in use) or radar installations (e.g. a few kilometers away from an airport).
Rare: there are WLAN-enabled devices, SmartHome devices or other radio devices very close to the instrument.
The firmware update fails
The mobile device goes into standby during the update.
- Turn off automatic lock
- iOS: Settings -> Display & brightness
- Android: Settings -> Security -> Display lock.
Prevent accidental interruption of the update, for example by calls:
- Switch smartphone / tablet to flight mode
The instrument is no longer within Bluetooth range of your mobile device.
- Please stay close to the VARIO during the update or place your mobile device within Bluetooth range.
The sensor system of the VARIO system is overloaded.
With which iPhone / iPad is the VARIO app compatible?
The VARIO app requires iPhones built in 2015 or later (iPhone 6S), and iPads built in 2017 or later (iPad 5th gen.). You can view the complete compatibility list here: With which devices is the VARIO app compatible?
What does the USB port on the VARIO do?
It is a USB-C standard socket, including Power Delivery (PD). In summary, the following is possible via the port:
– USB MIDI In and USB MIDI Out to devices with USB-C ports.
– Power supply of USB-C devices
– Powering devices with Lightning connector (e.g. iPhone).
– USB MIDI In and USB MIDI Out to devices with Lightning connector requires an adapter from Apple
– USB audio (in and out) is not possible
On our website we go into more detail (at the bottom of the page, graphic on the left) about the connection options: https://www.bechstein-digital.com/en/connectivity/.
More suggestions on what to do with the VARIO and its connectivity options can be found here:
– https://service.bechstein-digital.com/en/tips/making-music-with-apps/
Is the VARIO app for Android also available for older VARIO models?
On the predecessor model of the VARIO duet – VARIO classic – the control functions (and more) are accessible via the integrated touchscreen. Therefore, we do not plan to connect to the VARIO classic (2011) or its predecessor, since the Android variant of the VARIO app also essentially provides control of the digital system.
MIDI functions are available independently of the VARIO app under all mobile and desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Unix/Linux). So already today you can use MIDI functions with virtually any app. If you do not have an iOS device available for the initial setup, your C. Bechstein Centrum will be happy to help you.
Why do the apps for Android and iOS have different functionality?
The set of features and associated capabilities differs due to the different audio & MIDI capabilities of mobile operating systems. In this article, we explain why this is currently the case:
Making music with apps – what you should know
A comparison overview of the available functions on Android and iOS can be found here:
Functional range of the VARIO app for Android and iOS/iPadOS in comparison.
Why does the Android app require location sharing?
To use MIDI via Bluetooth, the VARIO app requires the permission of location information. This is a requirement of the Android operating system, on which we as developers have no influence.
Background: theoretically it would be possible to determine the location by querying certain Bluetooth parameters (similar to triangulation in mobile telephony). The VARIO app does not send any position data (or any other information) to us.
Where can I find more music apps?
Apple’s App Store offers (as of 2020) more than 50,000(!) apps in the category “music” alone. On this page we have compiled some apps that we think are especially enjoyable with the VARIO.
Can the VARIO also be used without an app?
Yes, the basic functions of the VARIO can also be used without a connected app.
Further information: Operating the VARIO duet without app
Are the headphones also available without a cable? Can the VARIO also be used with Bluetooth headphones?
No. Audio via Bluetooth (so-called audio codes such as SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD or LDAC) does not give you the feeling of playing that you expect from your piano due to high latency.
Why does the sound change after some time?
Two things come together here:
- After the delivery of your acoustic instrument it is normal that the piano still adapts to the new environment (humidity, etc.). Also, the felts used under the keys still change their height a little with new instruments.
- The optical sensor technology of the VARIO digital system is so sensitive that movements are already registered in the micrometer range.
These factors can become noticeable in the initial phase by a gradual change in the sound (usually in the direction of softness or darkening)
To “refresh” this, perform a calibration yourself using the VARIO App. Since climatic changes can also influence the path of the pedals, the pedals should also be calibrated at the same time.
Can I use the power supply from an old VARIO?
The power supply units of VARIO duet (current) and VARIO classic (previous model) are not compatible.
Only use the supplied power supply units for the power supply of a VARIO. Spare parts can be obtained from your specialist dealer within the warranty period.
Latest service articles
Digital Grand powered by KONTAKT
What is KONTAKT and where can I get the software?
KONTAKT is a studio software from the Berlin-based manufacturer Native Instruments. The program specializes in sample playback and runs under the Windows and macOS X operating systems. There it can also be used as a so-called plug-in in more extensive studio scenarios (DAW software such as Cubase, Logic or ProTools, etc.).
Here you can find more information about the software: https://www.native-instruments.com/de/products/komplete/samplers/kontakt-6/.
There is a free version of KONTAKT available, KONTAKT Player. You need to provide an email address to download it (as you will need to do later to set up a user account with Native Instruments).
The Digital Grand is a so-called library for KONTAKT, or KONTAKT Player. The Digital Grand is added to the instrument library within the Native Instruments software suite, and the purchased license is then registered and activated. The Digital Grand can then be used in all of the above studio scenarios, also together with other libraries.
Where can I find my serial number / NI Activation Key?
The serial number or your activation key for Native Instruments’ Native Access will be sent to you by
a) sent by e-mail when purchasing via this website.
b) when purchasing via Thomann, the code was given to you by Thomann.
If you have purchased the Digital Grand via our website, please first search for the purchase confirmation and the activation key contained therein. If you do not find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please let us know the email address you used to make the purchase.
When purchasing via Thomann, we have no knowledge of the activation key assigned to you. Please contact the Thomann service team (https://www.thomann.de/de/compinfo_contact.html).
How can I restart the download?
You can initiate a download again at any time via our download page.
How much memory does the Digital Grand allocate?
The memory requirement for the entire library is around 26 GB (gigabyte). The samples were reduced to this space requirement by means of very efficient data compression – lossless. If you want to compare: this size is about 80 GB for uncompressed libraries.
How much storage space does the optional SSD offer?
The optionally available Solid State Drive is currently purchased with about 120 GB and certified by us. So it still offers some space for additional libraries, should you want to store them on this as well.
What does M/S mean?
M/S stands for center / side. The advantage of the center-side microphone is the possibility to control the stereo image very convincingly afterwards.
In M/S recording, two microphone capsules are used – as is usual with stereo recording. These are offset at a 90° angle to each other, so that one capsule records an exact “mono image”, while the other capsule records level changes to the side. Subsequently, both signals are reassembled using a special phase mixing process.
In the Digital Grand, you can use the WIDTH control to control the signal steplessly from a true mono signal to an “oversized” stereo image.
Does the Digital Grand support half pedal positions?
Yes, MIDI sustain foot pedals that output continuous controller information (CC#64) are supported. But you can also use simple hold pedals, too, which will only convert “On” and “Off”.
In the Digital Grand, the bar on the right immediately indicates the control range your pedal is reporting to the software.
