If it is built as well as my KeyStation Pro 88, which was $700 20 years ago, so this is not that expensive given inflation and this is a nicer keyboard by far, it will last forever and be well worth the $$$$.
As usual, you did a fabulous review. It's worth noting that those rotary encoder knobs DO NOT WORK outside of the KK app. If your plugin of choice does not load up in KK, then you are SoL trying to use those knobs to tweak parameters. This restriction is completely unneccessary and mean-spirited by native instruments. I am pretty disgusted with this sort of crippleware. I regret buying the A25. I am 99% sure that the other offerings from the likes of AKAI or Arturia would allow their knobs and sliders to be used outside of their proprietary ecosystems. Not so with NI. In any case, the KK app is just terrible. You cannot even see which instrument a given preset belongs to while you are browsing. The window is not resizeable (because it's only VST2 and NI stubbournly refuses to support VST3). Yeah the app falls shockingly short of it's potential. NI has such a wonderful array of apps in their Komplete bundle and then they bungle thier main app - which you are forced to use if you want to get the usage of those dials. Really really dumb on their part. They don't do what's best for the customer.
Just press the "midi" button on the keyboard to use the knobs and buttons. with the midi controll center software you can configure them as well, even with program change for hw synth.
I was a little disappointed in the key bed. Everyone says it is has awesome feel, but it is not like a piano. It still has that squishy MIDI keyboard feel. Top of the food chain, not like an M-Audio or other budget controller, but still has that plastic controller feel. I ended up getting a Kawai MP11SE for the real piano feel, and I rarely use the NI keyboard anymore. As John noted, if you are into the Komplete software suite then it is nice to have the integration with the keyboard. If real piano key bed action and feel is what you want look to something like the Kawai VPC1 or MP11SE.
I am undecided between these 2 models. I think Arturia would be best for me too. I use cubase with east west cloud, if anyone has any advice for me it would be great. I use cubase with east west cloud
I just got my S88 MKII on a good deal from Sweetwater last month. Komplete Kontrol never really got my attention either but, since I got this keyboard, I started using it more to take advantage of the light guides especially when using libraries that have key switches and it helps when learning orchestral instruments where I can see the ranges of the instruments. At first I found myself putting my back into playing it but then learned about the velocity settings and all is good. Love this keyboard!
The komplete select 13 software this comes with does not include the full version of kontakt. You would still have to drop another 200 to 300 bucks to upgrade to Komplete 13. Welcome to Native Instruments Rip
I sold my Motif XF88 and replaced it with this board. The feel is great and is not nearly as heavy. I use it with a korg nano control because of the limited hardware controls. I also produce, so I appreciate the ability to navigate and sample the sounds in my NI collection.
Thank you that finally someone with competence as you are for sure, mention that keybad is the same as Studio Logic SL88 STUDIO. It is very helpful for people who don't have that amount of money but like feel and action of S88 mkII.
The NI no pads thing is just not working for me. Just get the keybed on the SL88 for $500 and a separate controller. Unless all you do is native instruments.
Hey John Mike, OK, now I know you're well connected, if you got one of these now😉! I put it on pre-order at Sweetwater on 3/12 and haven't seen it anywhere. You got me on the "wannabe", as I see this as a good keybed to learn piano with, at the same time, I think it will be a big benefit to be able to use the nice keyboard to play the many virtual instruments in Komplete 13, especially the orchestral ones. One advantage of the lights on the keyboard is it shows you where the control keys are when you have a virtual Instrument (they light up red), and you have enough keys where you get this highlighting without using the octave keys in most cases (from what I've seen). I got the Maschine Mk3 (drum pad with benefits) and saw a video that showed you could use all 4 of the screens (on both the S88 and Maschine) for quick access to even more DAW parameters on those screens. I'm setting up my studio now (just got in my desk), and I plan to have two stations (this is in a small bedroom) - one with an Ableton Push 1 and an MPK249 with one screen, and the S88, Maschine, and a Novation Bass Station 2 at the other. So, I'll do all my beat making and virtual instruments playing on the S88 station, then mix and add tracks using the Push/MPK station. I got the desk set up, so now I'll spend tomorrow getting it all hooked up and learning all this stuff. So, like I said, I went with the KK S88 for both the keybed and the workflow I envision. I appreciate you, once again, and I'm still wondering who you know 😉.
Ha ha...I actually bought this from a local guy...I couldn’t find it anywhere either...even asked native instruments as well...twice lol...I’ve been searching for one for over a year and finally this one popped up
Spot on !!! If you are not invested in the NI ecosystem go with the Arturia or Sound Logic. If you are totally bought in to NI then this board is awesome. I’m surprised that you don’t like the Komplete Kontrol software. You can open up Kontakt in it and the Kontrol software catalogs all you instruments including VST's.
Thanks for this review, however, the draws back are the lack of faders, knobs, and pads. So, I end up getting the Arturia keylab49 mkii because of the interested DAW control and the Akai mpk49 for beats.
i am a fingerdrummer and synthplayer, so the S88 is not for me, I have tried it. So I got the S61 now....This keyboard has like the S49 a faster action then the S88, The S88 imo is only good for Piano players. But if you like it, go for it and enjoy!
Its great in the studio, espescially if You are big on NI komplete. Its in my opinion unsuited for use on stage or in a setup with lots of other hardware, mostly because the midi mode is just that, a separate mode.
Hello John. I appreciate your video. I’m looking on learning to play piano in a near future (I just need to save some money to buy a piano). I use Komplete a lot and would like to know if you recommend this instrument for a piano student, starting on this, looking to improve the use of Komplete. Thanks
Im using an old sl888, that has a wonderful keybed! I bought it for cheap on like a craigs list here in sweden, and had to do som kind of heavy maintenance on the key mechanism, due to wear & tear. But wow was it worth it! I am missing some controls, but use iPads for that at the moment, and looking into the Studiologic SL Mixface, but it is expensive! Thanks for great vid! :) /Dave / Sweden.
Hey @Johnmike Nowadays they're selling this board for $900 with Komplete 14 Standard included. With that in mind, would you be more into this board over the StudioLogic? Also, I've heard the keyboard is not very durable. Was that your experience with your SL88? Thanks!
A midi controller is certainly not worth that cost. IMO Better to get better VSTs and upgrade of RAM instead of expensive Midi controllers. Cause these are not synthesisers.
There is a big price drop of that instrument. and i am exited to touch my hands on, because i had to replace my old and no more proper working masterkeyboard from Doepfer.
The studio logic has no proper mod wheel or pitch bend like this, to me that's a deal breaker, and it's why Studio Logic is going to fail as a company. They must not actually produce music. Having to grab pitch bend and mod wheel cc1 from a separate controller is inconvenient (especially pitch bend) I would love to see some faders on this keyboard from Native instruments as well. Also I'd love a version where it's just the controller, and remove Kontakt integration (that actually isn't any faster) and bring the price down to the 5 to 600 range...ok my 2 cents!
Hi John! Could you describe please the keybed of this instrument weighting by scale please,since i saw one of the NI S88MK8 and it's keys was heavier to high direction.Thanks.
how's this compare to the roland ds88 juno? I got a jupiterxm synth but want to add a weighted 88 midi controller to it. the native S88 seems have good reviews too
Komplete Select...not the full Komplete...it's a lot in Komplete Select tho...but if you want the full Komplete I think you have to pay like $3-$400 more
Hey John mike love ur videos, I’m wondering if u can do a comparison between Komplete kontrol s series, Arturia essential and m-audio pro 88 hammer, I’m a complete beginner to keyboards (and no prior experience with piano too I feel that it would help me with music technology ) and not sure what to get in the future hopefully get one of these 88 keys. I’m getting on my birthday the a61 and I’ve seen videos online for each of these products but from someone who doesn’t know much it will help a ton, if u read my comment thanks and keep up the good work
Hi there, How does this feel to play compared to an SL-88 Grand? I saw you did a comparison with the SL-88 but wondered how it feels compared to the SL88 Grand? thanks! Great channel :)
@@crispin. I think there’s some confusion here. I believe you are asking about the SL88 Grand (not the Studio). Studio does have the same keybed, but Grand has the TP/40 wooden keys, totally different keybed and costs twice as much as the Studio. Feel is very different as well, much more like playing a real concert piano.
If choose between NI S88 MKII and Arturia Keylab 88 MKII, will the major consideration is depend on which VST eco-system that favored? or any other pro & cons can compare?
I keep reading bad things about build quality on this board. The fatar actions are not the issue, it's the screens and the stuff above the keybed that keeps failing in people's 1+ year reviews.
How does the weight it takes to press the keys down ( i.e. the keyboard action) compare to the feel of the Studio Logic SL88 Grand? Does the SL88 Grand have a lighter touch?
I think Jan is asking about the SL88 Grand (not the Studio). Studio has the same keybed, but Grand has the TP/40 wooden keys, totally different keybed and costs twice as much as the Studio.
The SL88 Grand, with the TP/40 Wood, has escapement, so you get this phantom "floaty" business on the key return. Hard to describe but at first I thought the thing was broken, then realized it was emulating the escapement of an actual grand piano. Feel is very different but you'll pay for it both in cash and in chiropractor visits. TP/40 Wood is the best keybed available short of spending Clavinova kind of money. I just ordered the S88 but I'm on the fence. Komplete Kontrol holds some attraction for me so I'm willing to give it a spin but I've experienced that TP/40 Wood and it, my friend, is like crack cocaine, so I'm likely to end up with the SL 88 Grand.
Not worth it if you plan on keep using it well plast 15+ years as the drivers and software will be long out of support rending it obsolete. I still own the classic Roland/Edirol PCR-500 that's still in use that came out in 2007 that will built to be future proof. It has the traditional Midi 5 pin ports so even if the USB drivers are no longer supported, I can still use it.
@@Johnmike I love SL88 Studio inspire of being extra heavy! Is grand as heavy as Studio though?Unfortunately we cannot test these keys at local stores like Guitar center Lol!
I love traditional keyboards with left side pitch and mod oppose to put it in upper left side of the board I definitely thought about getting it overall dope board
Hey Boss. FYI. Your videos have dropped out "again" from my feed. Typical RU-vid. Yes, I know about notifications. Hopefully you have a complaint mechanism we don't. Best Regards!
What about the Studiologic SL88 Grand? I would argue that the TP40Wood feels worlds better than the TP100/LR. When are you going to review the SL88 Grand?
@@Johnmike I'm selling both my SL88 Studio & my A-88MK2 and (hopefully) buying the SL88 Grand. The A-88MK2 feels awesome, but it is sooooo wide for the venues I play in.
Davin L.Seamon . "worlds better" hmmm.... It's your personal point of view. There are a lot of other that don't agree with that. It's not always "heavier = better". Many serious Jazz pianistsplays SL88 STUDIO because is better for them. Enjoy with your TP40Wood and don't underestimate the keys that only you don't like .
@@miljantoto I don’t think that’s what he was saying...at least that wasn’t the vibe that I got from what he said...if that’s his opinion then I respect it...just like I respect yours
@@miljantoto Around 1:58 in this video, the reviewer explains that the TP100L/R in the SL88 Studio actually feels heavier than the TP40Wood in the SL88 Grand. He even goes through a downweight test to prove it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-76_kmxDi_RU.html This was definitely my experience when I compared my 3-year-old SL88 Studio with my friend's SL88 Grand. The SL88 Studio action doesn't age well & gets sluggish over time. This is well documented on various forums.
Not worth it with the cheap Fatar TP/100LR keybed which is very heavy and can't stand it. It should have the TP/40WOOD like the Studiologic SL Grand. This one is a complete iCandy - Kontakt fanclub tool not worth it with such cheap, super heavy keybed. Just like the horrible Arturia Keylab 88... I'm going for the Studiologic SL88 Grand. WHich is the Manufacture of all Keybed out there. .. hehehe Ironic eh?.
Don buy expensiv models.caus componants n keys they use are generic n cheap quality..it wil not even last 1 year.all my axioms oxygens impakts novasons Alesis are lying in dustbin aftr 8 mnth of use..even Samson..bad bad keys
