@@SanjayC I came into the comments to say something similar. I've been watching your reviews all day, I watch alot of reviews and you are BY FAR the GREATEST. Faith in the RU-vid platform restored.
nice video, I want them all! lol. actually have the s49 black keys edition & its by far the best midi keyboard I've ever owned...also it looks really cool.
First time buyer here, as far as midi keyboards go. Just an amateur recording space at home but I already have all the native software so I figured I would go this route. I was thinking about the 32 but is there any reason (besides the amount of keys) why the 49 might be better?
Good review thank you, just purchased the S49 MK2 of the back of this!. Had the S25 but needed more keys. I imagine they didn't add pads because they have the Machine Mikro MK3 and would lose sales maybe?
I’ve got an S61 and IMHO it has the best 61 note semi-weighted keybed currently on the market. It reminds me of my DX7’s keyboard which pretty much set the standard back in the ‘80s,
Great video! I have the s61 mk2 and love it. My only complaint is that I cannot use program changes to change MIDI templates. For live playing, it would be super helpful to be able to automatically switch to the right template per song. Anyways, keep up the great work!
@@SanjayC I perform live right now with my Korg Kronos and Ableton Live...Setting up light zones to help me remember splits, sample trigger keys, etc., would be awesome, though, with the mk2. Plus it would be a lighter keyboard to carry!
OK, I see. I've never tried setting up my own zones on NI keyboards. I know Arturia keyboards and Novation keyboards can do it. Arturia's Analog Lab software just added some performance modes which you can setup zones for songs. Its pretty cool for performers.
Komparison I see what you did there. S-erius MK2 as always. Stuck in the Komplete Kontrol ecosystem. Their integration made so many things a lot simpler and faster.
This is all overwhelming for me. Creating music has been my life passion and I'm finally going for it. My issue is where to start. So many Daws to choose from. So many awesome keyboard midis to choose from. My head is spinning after all this research. Is there a recommended set up that's not too cheap, not over the top but just right for someone who is taking this serious and doesnt want to quickly be in need of something more advanced than the minis and ableton lite? Will trade a big HUG for any advice.
If you're a keyboardist, then go for a larger keyboard like the A-series by NI or the Arturia Essential keyboard. I think you'd be happy with those for a long time. Start with Ableton Lite and if you like it you can upgrade it later. Or if you're on Mac, try Garageband.
I've been needing a keyboard for travel, and I think I'm leaning toward the M32 over the A25. For some reason, it just seems more practical with the 32 keys, even though the 25 keys are closest to the style of keys I commonly play. It would help to have some keyboard where I could automate effects on the spot, and Komplete Kontrol's integration with Waves effects plug-ins makes the controller good for even mixing too! If only they launched an A32....
Sometimes with these manufacturers you have to use a magnifying glass to find out some details. For instance, in the S series of Native Instruments: the S49 and S61 DO have Fatar keybeds, (I once owned an 88 key Fatar keyboard years ago) BUT they are NOT the same piano action Fatar keybed of the S88. The S88 therefore weighs more than twice as much as an S61, weighing around 29 pounds. So looks like NI produces keyboards in 3 steps (qualities): that of the A series, that of the non-S88 S series, and the S88. I love the sound of the octave two octaves below the middle C, and to enjoy that sound without using the octave knob/button, I'd have to get an S61. The S49 would deprive me of that whole octave. But anyhow, I need to get back to piano classes on my 30 year old upright 42" piano and maybe next year I'd be justified spending the $800 on an S61....we BOYS AND OUR TOYS...😜😆😁
My little experience (S49 MK2). --------- LIKE: 1 - Fatar mechanics, 2 - Pleasant to the touch keys, 3 - The keys quiet (do not creak and not knock, unlike cheap midi clas, that it was important to me), 4 - Aftertouch --------- DISLIKE: 1 - Square design with sharp corners, like stump .. It looks very primitive. It is not comfortable to put a hand in the Pitch area - corners put on hand .. put physically and psychologically. Before that, I had a budget Midi keyboard of another manufacturer - the design was cool, streamlined, futuristic. 2 - Unreasonably cumbersome - it takes a lot of space on the table, and half of the space walks nothing busy .. Uzhos. And these two displays, I almost do not use. It would be better if the panel above the keys was two or three times less. 3 - Despite the fact that the keyboard is cumbersome, for some reason they have not placed at least a few faders for control ... It is not clear to me when these controls are even in cheap midi keyboards of other manufacturers. 4 - Pitch and modulation wheels are too cumbersome. Under them unsuccessfully placed the belt controller. When you turn the Pitch - in any case, you touch the ribbon controller and change its parameters. 5 - The backlight of the keys does not turn off, and also does not regulate its brightness, which is not very convenient .. Sometimes it interferes and puts on the eyes ... especially with dim light in the room. 6 - I did not find how to switch the presets in the usual midi mode through the Program Chang parameter. It is possible to assign only to the knob, which is not very convenient. Usually presets are switched by buttons by one value, and not spin. And it is spinning so fast that they slip through three. 7 - Even their native sampler Kontakt in DAW without a Komplete Kontrol does not support all this powerful backlight with zones .. native Kontakt !!! Very much damp and not convenient. (It works only with the running of Kontakt through the plug-in Komplete Kontrol, but it is not convenient, and there are no obvious problems there, as well as with such a use of a higher load on the processor.) 8 - Komplete Kontrol not convenient and not practical. Everything is loaded for a very long time, it sounds not as normal professional synthesizers ... the idea is good, the implementation is a complete garbage. It does not work as it should, and does not sound as it should. (I have many real synthesizers from 80-90, there is something to compare with ... everything works fast, clearly and beautiful ... I have a good idea of ??how professional instrument should work correctly 9 - I did not understand why the TS MODE function is needed, which should be activated via Shift on the Fixed Vel button. In the manual did not bother to describe her appointment. ---- Despite the many shortcomings, first of all, I was important to have a pleasant and quiet Fatar mechanics - I received it .... It remains to hope for the durability of German quality. A normal arpeggiator would not hurt, which would simply work with the keyboard in any DAW and in the midi mode with external equipment - without of Komplete Kontrol. Also did not hinder several controllers in the form of faders. If keyboard was more compact and licked without sharp corners - it would be generally wonderful. Well, it would be possible to add control of the brightness of the backlight of the keys, as well as the normal switching of presets of external synthesizer through Program Change.
I was thinking ‘this thing needs pads’ and then right after that...you mentioned the thing would have been perfect if it had pads. ‘I KNOW!’ I screamed :/ feel you on that one
Thank you posting! I ended up with the M32 after watching our video on it. It’s a great first keyboard. Actually I have had others over the years, and at this price range most annoyed me more than made me smile. Twice a year I think NI has sales for upgrades for their software so I moved up to Komplete Select I think and next year I’ll move up to the full Komplete Control that can use all 3rd party plug ins. The NI plug ins work Garage Band and if I move to Logic Pro just as well. Maybe if I keep with this I’ll go for the NI S series 66 or even 88... but I do want to try their Maschine Jam and other Maschine instruments this winter. The control without the screens is still a huge improvement of control over other keyboards that control litttle or no daw functions. I hear good things about Arturia however. But I can see how the S series can enable you to have the keyboard farther away from your laptop or table and be less cramped on a desk and not need to actually mouse or look at your laptop much or at all. Thank you again for these videos. I’ll pass this one on to some friends who are into keyboards. :)
And...love my KK S49 MK2. It’s my first NI keyboard and it’s really good for an efficient workflow. DAW integration of Logic and Ableton is good, and Studio One looks promising. Sound preview with NKS was definitely a game changer. I’m also pleased with the seamless integration with the Mikro MK3 (takes good care of the drum pads issue and then some) and the Maschine Jam. Good times.
Yes, I have Ultimate. I think its a pretty good collection of sounds - especially with the instruments they added this year - Hybrid keys, etc. But when you add Omnisphere and Nexus 2...I think you're done. That gives me everything I need. Arturia's synths are a nice to have as well. What are your favs?
@@SanjayC That's great! I bought K12 after upgrading from K9, but had too much to justify Ultimate. Plus, up until last week, I was hurting for space on my 1TB internal drive. Got a Samsung T5 1TB about a week ago and gone from 60GB of free space to over 400GB...huge improvement. One of sound libraries I moved was Omnisphere 2, so glad you have that one. I don't have Nexus, but I have so much already including the Arturia V collection & KORG Legacy Collection. As far as favs, the Mini V3 is definitely one of my faves, as well as Omnisphere. Even stock plugins in Logic Pro X like Alchemy and Retro Synth are really good. If there's an instrument that is on my wish list, it would be the upcoming BBC Symphony Orchestra by Spitfire Audio coming out soon. I plan to get it next year, but definitely after I get a UAD "Apollo interface. Meanwhile, I expect to do a lot of creating between now and then, and hope to have my own RU-vid channel up and running by then. What are your go-to sounds, asides from Omnisphere and Nexus 2?
Thank you for you g through these keyboards Sanjay. I'm considering the S series 49 for my next one. Right now though, I'm getting the hang of my akai mini
@@SanjayC I love it. The only thing I'd change on it is 1. The software and 2 I'd put full size keys. Other than that, I love it. I'd add the S49 and use the AKAI's drum pads and the S49s keys. Great combo.
I just saw some comments on other channel complaining no Velocity curve setting in M and A series and their NI forum is filled with same complaints. They say it may come in the updated firmware release. Maybe many units have defective velocity curve. The complainers say despite hitting the keys with full force it doesn't give full velocity.
One thing I want to point out is that on the S Series 49 key MK II I've had two keyboards I had to return because they that had inconsistent feel to the knobs as far as when you turn them also the keys on the lower octave tend to be less springy and on the higher octave. I'm on my third keyboard that I received and it's the same exact problem. So there is definitely a quality control issue with Native Instruments as far as the S series. I can't speak for the other line of their keyboards since I've never owned them.
I got the A25, maybe should have waited for the M32 but I also have the Arturia Minilab for the go. I didn't have the space for the A49. Wonderful video as usual Sanjay!
Hi Sanjay, I'm trying to find a 61 key size but with the best possible piano semi-weighted feel, do you think the AS61 takes me there? Thanks so much for your helpful videos & Happy New Year. :)
S88 with Maschine and the Komplete UCE with the Audio 6 is one great bundle for all productions. I love it and it is not too expensive. With KRK Monitors and a RAVEN System it is an absolute dream.
Really great video ! I have the S49 myself and I have to say, I love the way the keys feel and I love my S49! I agree with you too, Pads would’ve been so nice !
Sanjay C Yes I do have the Maschine too, having both of these together really makes it easy to create and I love the software integration. You got everything you need right in front of you.
Man...you can do so much with just a couple devices and a decent computer these days. I remember 15 years ago, I struggled to make a song sound professional. Now, you can do it with one Maschine kit! The new generation has got it good!
Sanjay C Yeah technology is great ! I started out on an MPC200XL I loved it ! But ended up selling it for the Maschine..The flood gates of creativity & possibilities opened up after that and I never looked back :)
4:55 Ok, I went to buy it when you said that! XD is same control in all the A-series but they just have more keys and wheels and I already have a M-Audio Keystation 61es so I just need the control. The possibility to put inside the (extra large) backpack is a plus. Now I can save to get a S-series ( QuO) That S88 is beautiful
I just bought an S49 and only now am I watching this....thank goodness I've made the right choice for me still even after watching. can you buy just the strummed guitar pack to add on? as I didn't get it and would find it useful
Thank you for another informative and fantastic review. I'm wanting to buy the S series but I'm not sure if I should go for the 49 or 61 key? I have a 88 key Yamaha DGX640 (I'm not a great piano player, I dabble). Is 49 keys plenty for most things or would I be better off going with the larger one? Is there any difference between the S49 and S61? Also, looking for a drum pad and not sure if I should get the MK3 or Mikro? Are having the nice display screens an advantage to have on both keyboard and drum pad? Lastly, do you have a video or would you do one on the different Software Packages with advantages and disadvantages of them and what is good all around software package to buy? Thank you for all your great info and videos! Brian
Hi Brian. I think for most people the 49 key version will be enough. I really like the Maschine MK3 - it just has more features and its easier to use with those screens. If you can afford it, screens on everything is best. I have a video featuring the full Komplete 12 Ultimate - just an overview of the new instruments. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-r4VSiqGgfzU.html
Hi Sanjay, wonderful review! At 12:08 approx, you mentioned explaining how to set up control knobs for other things in another video. Could you point me to that video? Thanks!
Sanjay C no, this is my first go around with midi playing live n recording for production on a serious level, another question , can you use the Korg nano controller 2 to play 4 or more instruments live on demand in ableton lite in a church setting
I bought the S61 to accompany my Maschine Mikro Mk3. Didn't quite work out that way because now the Mikro is accompanying the S61, which is a beast. I'm not one to splurge, normally I'd have gone for the A-series to save money but I'm so glad I spent the extra. I find myself barely looking up at the monitor. The only things I don't like are that I can't control Pro-Tools (fuck Avid, so hard - I seriously hope they go out of business) and that sometimes I'm not in the mood to make music.
@@msshellock7025 I just got the complete control S 49 as well as the machine MK3 everything is so easy to use. The only time I really look at the screen is to pick my own drums. I still don’t know how to do it from the controller yet.
Hi I have heard that NATIVE A SERIES keyboards ARP function only works with KONTROL SOFTWARE and not other third party Plugins. Is it true? As I am am planning to purchase A 49 in these 2..3 days or should I purchase some other. Please suggest
I wanna go for the S61, but I'm thinking maybe the S88 is worth saving up for because of the key Quality. I've never had a piano or a premium keyboard, so maybe the S61 will be more than enough already. Is the key Quality between the M and S keyboards a big difference? I don't really care too much about fancy screens and such. I'm more interested in playability and accurate velocity. Thank you for the video!
I started playing the piano on a keyboard with 61 keys. But if you really want to get into playing the piano no matter when, you definitely want to reach for an 88 key one, I promise. ;) It is a blessing experience and truly essential for many pieces. Hammer action is also something you want to look out for. Now this one is quite expensive, if you dont need all those fancy features for a DAW, you can get very great stage pianos or even big digital pianos for like half the money.
I have the S61 mk2 and the key action is light. For the price i'd have hoped for more similarity to piano hammer action keys. It doesn't come close. The S88 would be the better choice for full key range and better quality key action. How close to piano emulation i don't know.
Hey guys, i'm New to all this, i saw a video showing the m32 and i loved it, but i'm concerned about the lack of pads. Will i regret buying a controller without pads2? Or ar they not necessary?
Wow, you are in the same both as I am... Was browsing these days for Arturia MiniLab, Akai MPC mini, Novation Launchkey and M-Audio Oxgen Pro mini and then I stumbled upon Native. Though decision. I also want pads, although I am not a big "pad-drummer", but would be cool to have them. But, my priority is SCALE / CHORD functions, which only M-Audio, Native and a bit Novation has. (Sure, there is the Korg Studio mini controller, but I still want to have some KEYS on the KEYboard, then simple buttons.) How have you come so far, in your line of thoughts? Maybe your thoughts can help me too - and I hope that mine have helped or can help you? :) In the end, you have to think about your PRIOrities: - want the scale / chord and KEYS more than anything else? (Native, M-Audio? But, M-Audio kind of gives me that "cheap" feel, in the sense that they have put some good functions, but cut back on the implementations, design and testing cost) - want pads more than keys? (than the answer is pretty easy: nobody beats Akai to that, next one would be Novation or M-Audio). I still struggle between Native m32 and Novation's controller. Arturia is the next best competitor, but as seen in some reviews, the knobs don't feel to have been implemented really well. Gotta love the "touch" knobs and mini-screen on the Native. Props for that! On the other hand, Arturia has RGB pads and... that white / wood finish... Man, I hate it that we never get the perfect camera, controller, daw, system!
Maybe this exists, but it would Be nice to see a new keyboard like m32 with even 10 sounds onboard for those situations when you just need to use it without a computer. Otherwise the bundle is just awesome :)
Very good and helpful Video! Thank you for that, Sanjay! Do you think i can buy a cheap M32 just to browse presets and use the nobs und my other 88 midi-keyboard for playing? Do you think it is possible by just having both on USB in my computer? Or will they interfere each other? Thank you for your time! 👍🏼😅
Hi sanjay, great video I'm looking for my first keyboard not a pianist and I can't decide between arturia keylab 49 mk2 and komplete kontrol a49 considering only the keybed feel which do you recommend nothing else matters not even aftertouch but the keybed feel
Hello, I use Cubase 10 and looking for a Keyboard/Controller with I can change parameter at non Komplete VST-Plugins like Serum etc. Is this possible with the M32? Thx for the video & cheers from Hamburg
Awesome video. Does the M32 allow for loading plugins on to instruments, eg eq, reverb, delay, directly from the controler? Most importantly, can you confirm if the M32 has accessibility support for narrator and voice over please? Thank you for your channel.
Dada..today I went to buy MIDI CONTROLLER but returned without it, I just purchased KRK CLASSIC. I am confused Native A 49, keylab 49, or M Audio Carbon pro....I am still not that much serious but yes I would be starting it in next 3 years?? Which controller should I buy?? I think I should also purchase MACHINE MICRO or PRESONUS ATOM ...now What should I prefer? Please Suggest
Hi, I love your reviews. I’m contemplating the s49 or s61. Can the s49 use all of the lighted keyboard functions for the NI acoustic session plug-in without changing octaves? Thanks
Yep, so just grabbed an S49, niiiiiice. Used tho so I think settings been changed since I hit record and NOTHING happens in Maschine 2.xx will have to run thru settings and see where it’s going astray. Got the original not the newer one with the BIG Screens. Essentially traded 2 Volca’s for it.
When will native instruments going to incorporate synthesia or have their own version into the amazing LED keyboards as I do believe this would boost sales on the LED keyboards as I am currently trying to learn keyboard and so will many others after seeing this update
Thanks for the video. It really helped clear up the differences. Out of curiosity, do you know how the keys on the S 88 compare to the Korg Rh three key bed?
Hello Sanjay. can you please tell me how to get the Pitchbend Wheel working on the Native Instruments S61 MK32 Komplete Keyboard? I tried everything! I've only had the keyboard for a few days. On my other Keyboards, the pitch bend wheels work straight out of the box! I really enjoy your youtube videos.!
Has NI meanwhile added Cubase integration to the A series? I did a quick re-check and could not find any update. And in May 2019 this integration had still only been an announcement. With the recent layoff of quite a few developers, I would assume things will not exactly speed up - but that is only a personal guess. And thanks for the video, of course :-)
@@SanjayC This is the one that I had had in mind. I guess my point is that I find the video misleading in that it suggests that all keyboard enjoy the same support from DAWs
I am looking for a keyboard to use with eastwest composer cloud. 61keys is enough but it's really hard to choose a good keyboard with the best features.
Hi Sanjay, thank you for another excellent video! Did you mention Maschine compatibility with these keyboards? Because I'm kind of interested in that software as an alternative to Live which I currently use, but I'm more of a keyboard player than a beat maker and I don't have the place for most of the Maschine hardware.
bought the A49 recently as well after returning the M32. that was definitely the right decision for me. full-sized keys are the way to go and 49 keys seems to be a good sweet spot :)
Thank you SanjayC, there is an S49 sold without software. l assume that l could use as a midi controller as it is, is this correct? Which software would be suitable to get it off the ground? Would it be better to get a new keyboard with the software?
You don’t need the free included software. These keyboards will work as MIDI controllers without any additional software. However, you’ll get a lot more enjoyment using the Komplete software by native instruments which you can buy bundles for. But they also have a free version to start called Komplete Start. Google that and you’ll have all the software you need to get started and you can upgrade later if you wish. You’re not missing out on too much with the freebies. Maybe just a couple instruments, that’s all.
Love this comparison Sanjay. But even after watching thru, I couldn't decide. I know I'm 2 yrs late. :) I own the S88 Mk2 and recent work have had the need for me to travel more often than not thus I'm looking to get a travel-size keyboard to do some editing during my commute. Can't decide between the M32 or the A25. I'm keen on the M32 for the extra keys but the small keys felt dinky (compared to the S88 fatars) and the shop here didn't have the A25. Does that A25 fit a normal sized backpack?? What's your final thought. Any other makes that you'd suggest? I'm on Logic with Komplete and Orchestration samples.
Thanks for all your indepth videos *eye roll emoji* While I was being sarcastic there, I do mean it. I rolled my eyes because, well a few days ago I came on YT looking for videos of the Akai Studio v2 & Maschine Mikro Mk3 so I could decide which to get. I had a budget of $300. Both are under $300, I just needed help for which one to pick. Then I stumbled upon your video for the Studio, and almost ordered it after watching it. But I decided to sit and think for a day, and while I was thinking I foolishly started watching more of your videos because of how well you present them. After watching a few keyboard videos I knew I'd want a 25 or 32 key keyboard. As all I have's a Roland FP-30, which is huge and not well suited for heavy work in a DAW. So I increased my budget a lil', thankfully 25/32 key keyboards aren't that much right? Yeah, I'll be over my budget but whatever. So now I was watching your videos on hardware I wasn't even considering considering. Fast forward to today (2 days after watching the Akai Studio v2 video) I just placed an order for a Maschine Mk3 Vapor Gray edition, which is uhh, well not in my budget *chuckle* And I still want to order a keyboard. Thankfully, it looks like the Vapor Gray s49 is OOS everywhere so I can't order it. And I know you said the S49 "doesn't cost much more" than the A25. I'm seeing it @ $450, where the a25's $150. I wouldn't exactly say that's not much more lol. I have both the a25 & m32 in my cart and I'm going to watch this video one more time to help me figure out which to get. I have fat fingers so maybe the a25 would be best. Thankfully, they're the same price so either way I'm good, well except for the $699 Mk3 which put me $400 over budget on it's own lol. Kudos to Native Instruments for keeping the limited 25th aniversary colors the same price as the OG. Unlike Pioneer who charges like $800 extra for a gold colored model of one of their CDJ's or controllers. But back to your videos, I'm really glad I watched them because 100% if I had ordered a Mikro or Studio, I know I would have regretted it pretty quick. And far more than I'll regrett having to eat Top Ramen & Kraft Mac & Cheese for the next 2 months because I decided to order a Maschine + NI keyboard. You earned a subscription for sure, I gotta watch a few more videos so I can see what to order when I've recooped from what I bought today. I'ma go see if you have a review of Komplete 13 Ultimate.
