C. Bechstein VARIO User manual

C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL 2
Version of this document: 011EN
Last updated 11 May 2021
Further information, as well as audio files and videos
are available on our website:
https://www.bechstein-digital.com/
The latest versions of this document in German
and other languages are also available as PDF files.
© 2019-2021, C.Bechstein Digital GmbH
VARIO Digital System
User Manual

3C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL
INDEX
1. Welcome 4
2. Getting Started 6
2.1 Power on: The first contact with your new VARIO 6
3. Installation of the VARIO app 9
3.1 Introduction 9
3.2 Installation on iOS/iPadOS 10
3.3 Installation on Android 11
3.4 Updates 12
4. Operating the VARIO Digital System without app 14
5. VARIO Headphones 15
6. Display stand 18
7. Connectivity of the VARIO duet 19
8. Important notes 20
9. Technical data 21

C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL 4
1. WELCOME
First, we would like to thank you warmly for purchasing
the C. Bechstein VARIO digital system.
We have developed a comprehensive concept: we
designed and built a product aimed not only at boosting
your musical creativity, but also opening up the digital
world to you and your C. Bechstein piano.
You may already be familiar with the basic technologies
used by the VARIO system: sensors translate the
movements of the keys and pedals into electric signals
that are transferred to a sound generator (either the
VARIO’s sound module or an app) and from there to
headphones.
VARIO duet version of the VARIO digital system
The VARIO digital system for Zimmermann pianos
Moreover, a mute bar customized for your piano model
silences the instrument so you can play without disturbing
anyone.
Thanks to its modular architecture and its connectivity
to a variety of mobile devices, the VARIO digital system
delivers far more opportunities than many other silent
solutions.
BASIC CONCEPT AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES
For a good understanding of the many possibilities offered
by your VARIO device, it is helpful to take a look at the
basic concept and our design principles:

5C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL
ENHANCING YOUR PIANO EXPERIENCE
We think that modern, high-quality music soware can
boost your creativity and that premium apps can enhance
your acoustic piano experience. The VARIO app delivers
functions that are easy to use and truly relevant to your
personal playing style. Moreover, the VARIO digital system
is compatible with third-party applications and can
interact with them in many different ways.
FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY
“Enhanced experience” includes the option of connecting
the VARIO digital system to the most commonly used
mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets and
laptops. The VARIO duet digital system is equipped with
a USB-C standard socket to connect it, today and in the
future, to a variety of devices. Moreover, wireless MIDI
connection over Bluetooth is possible with all system
versions.
For details on “Connectivity”, see page 19.
EASY TO USE
Even for technology aficionados, using basic functions of
a device must be as simple and convenient as possible.
That’s why we designed the VARIO system so that it
is operational right aer power-up. You can activate
and adjust the most important functions using just two
buttons, even without the app or any connected devices.
A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT
The VARIO digital system is designed to last a long
time. While the lifetime of an acoustic piano spans
several decades, that of modern electronic devices is
much shorter, for a number of reasons. To ensure that
your VARIO system will remain compatible with future
generations of digital devices, we have developed a low-
maintenance, modular structure with soware that can be
updated as needed.
For details on soware “Updates”, see page 12.
With future generations in mind, we use recyclable
materials wherever possible for the components of the
VARIO system and favor regional suppliers, even for the
circuit boards and the housing parts.
We invite you to explore your C. Bechstein VARIO system
in detail using this manual as a guide. Don’t hesitate to
contact us at www.bechstein-digital.com if you have any
questions or suggestions. We appreciate feedback of any
kind and will do all we can to respond to your questions
or concerns as quickly as possible.
The entire C. Bechstein team wishes you lots of fun and
creative hours with your instrument and the VARIO digital
system.
Berlin, April 2021

C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL 6
2. GETTING STARTED
2.1 Power on: The first contact with your new VARIO
This section assumes that the VARIO system has already
been installed on your upright or grand piano. Generally,
your dealer will have ensured that your instrument is in
perfect condition. You already appreciate its outstanding
acoustic quality – Now let’s discover your piano’s digital
potential!
POWER SUPPLY & START UP
The VARIO digital system must be connected to the mains
using only the power supply unit delivered with the device.
On grand pianos, the socket is located on the underside of
the instrument, at approximately an arm’s length behind
the VARIO control module.
Connection of the power supply unit on an upright piano
Connection of the power supply unit on a grand piano
Switch on the VARIO digital system by pressing the
button. The system is ready when the button lights gold
aer a few seconds.
Switching on by pressing the button
Turning on the VARIO system on a Zimmermann piano

7C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL
Below the keyboard is a handle to activate the hammer
stop bar and thus mute the acoustic instrument.
Activating the Silent mode
Once your piano is silenced, you can put the headphones
on, connect them to one of the two audio jacks and
adjust the volume with the knob next to the jacks. Please
note: as with your acoustic piano, the sound volume in the
headphones can be very loud if you play forte.
Front panel with sockets and volume knob
VARIO system sockets and volume knob for Zimmermann pianos
Once you’ve enjoyed the first notes, you’ll certainly be
looking forward to more sounds from the VARIO system.
Press the button once and play notes to hear sound 2.
Press it again to hear sound 3. And again for sound 4.
Press the knob briefly one to four times to switch between the different
sounds – even without an app.
On a Zimmermann piano, you can select the four different sounds without
the app by pressing the knob briefly.

C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL 8
Press the button one more time and you hear again the
first sound mode. Using the VARIO app, you can store up
to four sound modes as “favorites” in VARIO system.
For details on storing favorites, see the user manual at
https://service.bechstein-digital.com/
Now it’s time to connect your VARIO system to a
smartphone or, even better, a tablet with a larger screen.
We recommend placing the mobile device on the music
rack. If you’re playing an upright, you can use the two-
piece stand supplied with the digital system. The stand is
made to fit mobile devices of various sizes.
You can choose between vertical (portrait) and horizontal
(landscape) placement. Please note that the horizontal
position is more ergonomic, while the vertical position
is more convenient if you use the tablet/smartphone for
displaying sheet music.
Download the VARIO App (see the following sections for
details) and launch it on your device.
For details on Bluetooth and the different cable types, see
“Connectivity” on page 19.
STANDBY MODE
Press and hold the button to switch the VARIO digital
system in a special standby mode: the system is almost
completely shut down and only the built-in Bluetooth LE
module remains accessible for MIDI apps.
In this mode, the VARIO digital system consumes as little
as 0.3 W. Thus its annual energy consumption is lower
than that of a smartphone charged every day or every
other day.
A tablet resting on the music rack and the two-part stand supplied with the
VARIO system (see page 18) provides optimal viewing and operation.

9C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL
3. INSTALLATION OF THE VARIO APP
3.1 Introduction
The use of apps is central to the overall concept of the
VARIO digital system.
An app provides a user interface that lets you control
the system from the screen of your mobile device. The
numerous apps available on the market not only enable
communication with the hardware, but also allow you
to get the most out of your piano as they assist you in
practicing, learning, sharing your music, and more.
The C. Bechstein VARIO app is designed to work in perfect
synergy with our acoustic pianos. It is compatible with
both Android and Apple operating systems for mobile
devices and its user interface blends in with your piano’s
design, especially when the tablet/smartphone is placed
on the music rack.
Countless music apps have been developed in recent
years. Professional musicians appreciate the soware
tools available for notation, training, recording and sound
processing, while beginners particularly enjoy apps for
learning and playfully exploring the world of music in
general, and the piano in particular. Everyday apps are
relevant here as well, for everything from emailing and
messaging to streaming tutorials and inspiring musical
videos on platforms such as YouTube.
We designed both the VARIO app and the digital system to
interact with all kinds of third-party apps for sharing and
processing music files.
This section of the user manual presents the VARIO app
and explains how to set it up. Basic knowledge on the use
of your mobile device is assumed.
Please note that the VARIO app communicates with
the VARIO hardware over the MIDI interface (Musical
Instrument Digital Interface), a standard used for decades
for communication between music instruments, electronic
components and soware.

C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL 10
The VARIO app for iOS and iPadOS is available free of
charge in the Apple App Store, provided you have a
customer account (Apple ID), also free of charge. Please
proceed as follows to download and install the VARIO app:
• Open the App Store app on your iPad/iPhone/iPod
touch.
• Enter “bechstein vario” in the Search field.
Alternatively, you can scan the QR code to the right
with your device’s camera.
• Open the VARIO app product page and tap “Load”.
The system may prompt you to enter your Apple ID and
password or your Touch ID/Face ID, depending on your
settings.
Information on using the App Store
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204266
For more information on the use of the VARIO app,
see the user manual at
https://service.bechstein-digital.com/
3.2 Installation on iOS/iPadOS

11 C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL
3.3 Installation on Android
The VARIO app for Android OS is available free of charge
on Google Play, provided you have a Google account (also
free of charge). Please proceed as follows to download
and install the VARIO app:
• Open the Google Play app on your smartphone/
tablet.
• Enter “bechstein vario” in the search field.
• Alternatively, you can scan the QR code to the
right
with your smartphone/tablet.
• Tap “Install” on the VARIO app page.
Information on Google Play:
https://support.google.com/googleplay
For more information on the use of the VARIO app,
see the user manual at
https://service.bechstein-digital.com/

C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL 12
3.4 Updates
􀄍Website article
Update the soware of your VARIO digital system using
the VARIO app to get the latest functions.
If the app update includes a new version of the system’s
firmware, you can update that as well. To do this, check
the version of the firmware installed on your system.
The VARIO app will recommend an update if a new version
is available.
1. Connection
You can connect your instrument to your smartphone/
tablet over USB or Bluetooth.
• On iOS/iPadOS: Select the Connection menu (upper
right corner of the screen)
• On Android: Select the MIDI Connection menu
(upper le corner of the screen)
Although you can update over USB or Bluetooth, we
recommend using a USB connection for two reasons:
data transfer is faster using a cable, and radio waves
generated by other devices may interfere with the
Bluetooth connection.
Direct cable connection is possible if your smartphone/
tablet has a USB-C port, but you will need a camera
connection kit if you’re using an Apple device with a
Lightning port.
If you’re updating the app on a smartphone, put the
phone in Flight mode and deactivate the Do Not Disturb
function prior to start the process to make sure it won’t
be interrupted by any type of incoming calls.
• On iOS/iPadOS: Settings -> Display & Brightness ->
Do not disturb -> Never
• On Android: Settings -> Security -> Display lock
(option varies according to device manufacturer)
Don’t forget to reactivate your preferred settings aer the
update.
2. Firmware update
• On iOS/PadOS open the Settings menu (lower right
corner of the screen) and click “Firmware” (bottom)
• On Android open the Settings menu (upper le
corner of the screen) and click “Firmware” (bottom).
The screen displays the installed firmware version as well
as the new version available for the VARIO’s mainboard
and sensors.
Press the Start button to launch the update; it usually
takes three or four minutes.
Keep your device near your instrument during the update,
even if you’re using a Bluetooth connection. Don’t
interrupt the process, even if it lasts a bit longer than
expected.
A message appears briefly on the screen to confirm that
the update was successful.
Verify the firmware version now displayed on the screen.
Please note that it might be necessary to repeat the
update process for various components of the system
(mainboard, sensor bar).

13 C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL
3. New connection to the VARIO system
The Bluetooth MIDI connection is automatically dropped
when the update process ends.
Press and hold the hardware button on the front of the
VARIO device to put the system in standby mode.
The system’s two control modules start as soon as you
establish a new Bluetooth connection between the VARIO
app and the system.
If you connect over USB, you have to press the button on
the VARIO control module to start the system.
4. Calibration and setting check
We recommend recalibrating the keyboard aer every
update.
It may also be necessary to set the key and pedal
parameters aer recalibration.
Please note that the dynamism curve may need a reset
aer an update.
For more information on the use of the VARIO app,
see the user manual at
https://service.bechstein-digital.com/

C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL 14
4. OPERATING THE VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM
WITHOUT APP
Key Notation Name Helmholtz pitch notation Function / Sound
16 􀂓C1 C Line-In and Out switching on and off
…
40 􀂓C3 c‘ Grand Piano 1 (Concert)
41 􀂓C#3 Grand Piano 2 (Warm)
42 􀂓D3 Grand Piano 3 (Practice)
43 􀂓D#3 E-Piano 1 (Main)
44 􀂓E3 E-Piano 2 (Bell)
45 􀂓F3 E-Piano 3 (FM)
46 􀂓F#3 Cembalo
47 􀂓G3 Church Organ 1 (Flute)
48 􀂓G#3 Church Organ 2 (Tutti)
49 􀂓A3 Jazz Organ
50 􀂓A# Choir
51 􀂓B3 Strings 1
52 􀂓C4 c“ Strings 2 (Slow)
53 􀂓C#4 Warm Pad 1
54 􀂓D4 Warm Pad 2 (Slow)
55 􀂓D#4 Grand Piano 1 + Strings (Layer)
56 􀂓E4 Grand Piano 1 + E-Piano Main (Layer)
57 􀂓F4 Grand Piano 1 + E-Piano FM (Layer)
58 􀂓F#4 Grand Piano 1 + Choir (Layer)
With firmware version 1.1.0 or later, the VARIO duet can
also be operated without using an app. The keyboard
sensors of the VARIO must be calibrated for this purpose.
This is how app-free operation works:
To operate the system without an app, first press and hold
the button to the le of the operating module, then play
individual notes on the keyboard.

15 C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL
DESIGNED FOR THE VARIO
We have designed the VARIO headphones as an integral
part of the digital system, focusing on both high fidelity
sound and optimal wearing comfort for both adults and
children.
The semi-open design perfectly meets these
requirements: while the headphones allow some of the
ambient noise to reach your ears, they provide enough
isolation and you can play without being disturbed.
Note: Please exercise caution to avoid causing
damage to your hearing.
Each sound mode has its own dynamic characteristics. Be
sure to adjust the volume as needed aer changing the
sound mode.
Using headphones, the sound volume is perceived
differently than from the acoustic piano directly.
Even if you enjoy listening to loud music, you should set
the volume so that it doesn’t damage your hearing. Also
keep in mind that children tend to turn the volume up
quite loud when they wear headphones.
We suggest the following procedure for setting the
headphone volume, taking the volume of your acoustic
piano as a reference:
• Turn the volume knob anticlockwise
• Position the headphones so that only one ear is
completely covered.
• Release the piano’s mute bar
• Play some notes with moderate touch (mezzopiano/
mezzoforte).
• Turn the knob clockwise until the volume in your ear
covered by the headphones roughly matches that of
the acoustic piano.
• Turn the knob anticlockwise a little (see note above).
5. VARIO HEADPHONES
Ø 3.5 mm
Ø 6.3 mm

C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL 16
Specifications
Transducer design Dynamic, open, ear-enclosing
Driver 50 mm ø, neodymium driver
Audio transmission range 20 Hz-20 kHz
Dynamics 95 dB (1 mW)
Input impedance 32 Ω
Pressure force ~3.5 N
Connections 3.5 mm socket on the headset
3.5 mm stereo gold-plated jack on the cable
Colors (headphones/cables) Black/black or white/grey
Frequency Response Curve, Headphone 1S/1W

17 C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL
CABLES AND JACK ADAPTERS
The headphones are equipped with a cable long enough
to let you plug them into either the VARIO system or your
mobile device positioned on the piano.
The adapter from 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm is provided for this
purpose.
For some smartphones/tablets, you may need another
adapter for a USB or Apple Lightning socket, which is
oen supplied with the mobile device and available from
electronics retailers. (Depending on the mobile device,
an from mini jack to USB-C or to Apple-Lightning).
If you’re using an Apple device, we recommend that you
use only an original adapter or one provided with the MFi
label, as generic adapters may contain electronic parts
that are not compatible with your iOS/iPadOS version.
See https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204566
HEADPHONE HOLDER
To avoid damaging the headphones or the sound
module by overstretching the cable, always hang up the
headphones on the holder provided before you walk away
from the piano.
Two headphone sockets on the VARIO system for Zimmermann pianos
USING A SECOND PAIR OF HEADPHONES
You can use two pairs of headphones with the duet
module, which is helpful in music lessons, for example.
We recommend that you choose the same model as your
first pair, to ensure that both players have the same
sound and dynamic experience.
Note: VARIO headphones are available in black and white.
Using two pairs of headphones of different colors will
make it easier to keep the cables separate.

C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL 18
A two-part display stand made of non-slip rubber is
supplied with the VARIO digital system for positioning
a smartphone/tablet on the music rack of your
C. Bechstein, W.Hoffmann or Zimmermann piano.
Simply hook the two parts at the back of the rack
(see illustrations).
Please note that your mobile device will not be completely
secured against falling down, for example if you pull on
the USB or the headphone cables.
The display stand is also available as an accessory from
your dealer.
6. DISPLAY STAND

19 C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL
7. CONNECTIVITY OF THE VARIO DUET
❶Lightning + Camera Connection Kit: MIDI
iPad mini (5th gen.), iPad Air (3th gen.), iPad (5th gen. 2017),
iPhone (iPhone 6S, 2015 and later), iPod touch (7th gen.)
❷Lightning: charging & MIDI over Bluetooth
iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch
Lightning
3
USB-C
USB-A
USB-C
Lightning
Apple Camera
Connection Kit
1
2
4
Without cable: via Bluetooth MIDI LE
Compatible with all devices mentioned above
❸USB-C: MIDI and charging (Power Delivery)
Many notebooks (Windows/Linux) and Apple MacBook (2015),
MacBook Air (2018), MacBook Pro (2016), iMac (2017), Mac
mini (2018), iMac Pro, iPad Pro (all models),
smartphones and tablets with Android OS (many models since
2017)
❹USB-A: MIDI (no charging)
Many notebooks (Windows/Linux), MacBooks and Macs with
USB-A (also older models)

C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL 20
INFORMATION FOR SAFE HANDLING
We focused on maximum risk prevention while developing
the C. Bechstein VARIO digital system. Nevertheless, it
is important to observe the following instructions when
you’re using it:
• Only use the power supply unit delivered with the
system.
• Only connect the unit to an outlet that complies with
the unit’s specifications.
• Never damage the power cord or place heavy objects
on it. Also avoid crimping, bending or jamming the
cable.
• Secure the power cord to prevent tripping hazards.
• Never open or modify the individual modules or the
power supply unit.
• Make sure that no items such as paper clips, needles,
coins, liquids, or pet hair get inside the electronics or
on the sensor bar under the keys.
• The VARIO digital system can be connected to
headphones and various other devices. Never use it
with a sound volume that may damage your hearing
or the connected devices.
• Do not turn on the system in the following cases:
- Liquids or objects have got into the
modules or the instrument.
- The power supply unit is damaged.
- Smoke is coming out of the system or it smells of
smoke.
- The system has become cold, damp or wet.
- It doesn’t behave as expected or its performance is
degraded.
• Keep products containing solvents such as nail
varnish, spray cans, alcohol, cosmetics, etc. away
from your C. Bechstein VARIO.
• The device and the power supply unit must be
operated in such a way that sufficient ventilation is
always provided.
• When unplugging internal or external connections,
pull only on the plug, not on the cable.
• Never handle the devices, cables or the power supply
unit with wet hands.
• Ensure that all cables are properly connected aer
transportation and that the system has not been
damaged, damp or cold.
• In the event of a thunderstorm, unplug the power
cord.
• Before leaving the instrument, unplug the
headphones and hang them on the holder provided.
• We also recommend having a specialist clean the
sensor bar whenever you have the piano tuned.
8. IMPORTANT NOTES

21 C. BECHSTEIN VARIO DIGITAL SYSTEM · USER MANUAL
9. TECHNICAL DATA
General information
Operation Multi-function button, volume control, app for smartphones & tablets
User presets/Favorites 4, selected via app and button
Silent function Hammer stop bar, activated via Bowden cable
Keyboard sensor system Optical, contactless, continuous detection
Pedal sensor system Optical, contactless, continuous detection
App functions
(iOS & iPadOS, Android)
Calibration Calibration of the sensors
Dynamic adjustment/Velocity curve Flexible setting options for conversion into MIDI Note On Velocity,
5 zones (keyboard ranges)
Recording (iOS only) 2-track sequencer, virtually unlimited capacity
Sharing music (iOS only) Transfer of MIDI and audio files via email, messenger services, cloud,
etc.
Metronome (iOS only) Flexible setting options, choice of clock sounds, multiple sounds
Soware update VARIO app on iOS via App Store, VARIO app on Android via Google Play.
Firmware update via app.
Sound generation Sampling
Source of the main sound C.Bechstein Concert D 282 grand piano
Number of sound modes 19
Polyphony 256
Pedal sounds Yes, adjustable