ROLAND A88 Mk2 MIDI controller vs digital piano plus MYSTERY VST 

“To charge up his telephone!” Haven’t heard it called that for a long long time lol. This guy is an absolute superstar! Whenever I am down I will definitely watch woody!

For all that asked (sorry for keeping you in the dark) the mystery VST was the newly released official KORG TRITON! A few updates from your comments and further research! 1) Action is PHA-4 Standard (with Escapement and Ivory Feel) 2) Keyboard can be powered by USB, but only when it is connected to computer 3) PSU is not included 4) USB connection is new USB Type C 5) Stand is the KS-12, still in production! 6) No pedal or music rest included

Ayyy it's a Korg Triton at the end 👀 One of my favorites too, such a powerful VST. Thanks for the long video, woody. Great content as always!

I love your unboxing videos due to they are REAL and that is worthy of GOLD. That keybed is after all indeed very appealing. I have got more or less the same Yamaha as you and I like that one but the lenght of the keys of the Roland midiboard gets my attention because that is something I have reflected on!

I have been recently using a MIDI controller (with Pianoteq) after returning (with some penalties) my FP-10. The idea was that since I had been mostly using Pianoteq sound, FP-10 served me as a MIDI controller anyway. There are unfortunately certain benefits of having a digital piano (Bluetooth connection, abilities to adjust keyboard parameters and, as you said, immediate access to sound if needed). I am therefore getting new Roland FP-30X when it comes out

My StudioLogic SL88 Studio controller doesn't need power suply. Just plug on the computer or smartphone's (hours of super-portable usage) USB. Power and DAW control on the same cable. And it even has a color LCD display lit all the time.

That is the new USB type C. Some high speed transfer modes are only available over it, and USB4 is going to be USB-C only. It also plugs in both ways around. It is the future, so you might just as well get used to it :)

I own this controller and the only issue I have with it is the build quality. The left side cannot support any weight because it was basically tacked on and is not part of the rest of the keyboard. My cat jumped on it and the back panel snapped right off and the keyboard no longer powered on. I got it replaced, but now I have to take it off the stand and lean it on a wall which is a pain because I like to just sit down and play.

Thanks Woody for the review! I am considering an RD-88 myself because of the flexibility of having built-in sounds, effects knobs and pedal inputs, built-in speakers and a USB audio interface. I am yet to try one out myself but I am very excited about it because it is so portable compared to most stage pianos! I am also new to VSTs and I really appreciate your videos on those as well!

This was really helpful, thank you so much for your in-depth review!

MARK LEVINE, HE'S THE MAN, I'VE LOVED THAT BOOK FOR 30+ YEARS

People with a classical piano technique prefer 88 note keybeds even for synthesis because their technique can take advantage of their technique for expression. Casual keyboardists do not have the same skill set and would prefer semi weighted or synth action keys because they do not have years of muscle development. The supplementary dials, pads, inputs are useful for sound design which is a separate thing than performance.

That VST sounds brilliant, great video Woody. Makes me wish I stuck with learning to play the keyboard when I was a kid.

I use an Arturia Keylab 61 mk 2 with a Korg SP250 digital piano midied into my PC. Gives me the best of both when using Arturia Analog lab software or my Reaper DAW. I’ve got some organ pedals connected via midi to the keylab. The Arturia Hammond B3 is awesome through this set up as I get upper and lower manual and pedals with direct drawbar control of the upper and inverse key presets on the lower. Loving the Keylab 61😎

I'm also on dual layout, digital weighted piano (Yamaha Clavinova) and MIDI controller with plastic light Keys on top (Roland A-300, with transport buttons..). After 20+ years, I was considering replacing my digital piano and I had seen this A88 Mk2 coming out this year, so I'm very glad of this review. Thanks! My old Yamaha keys sound like a typewriter (I mean, not connected), I understand from your video we can get a more silent action nowadays. Good news! I also noted your comment on a solid hardware: my digital piano has always been there, while I have changed my MIDI controllers 4 times in these years because they got broken somehow somewhere. I guess you miss a piano sound and speakers just because your piano is not in the studio. When it is in the studio, you can do without. I like my piano vst sound more than the original Yamaha piano sound, and I really like to hear the piano sound on my nearfield monitors rather than the Yamaha on board speakers!

Thanks for the fair and thorough review!

What do you suggest to buy between M-Audio Hammer 88 and Roland A-88? Considering that there are other 88 key Midi-Controllers in the market as well. I am confused between M-Audio Hammer 88, Komplete Kontrol S88, Arturia Keylab 88 MKII, Novation SL88 and Roland A-88. Please help me out.

Sir, watching you playing was great! You really enjoyed the keyboard!!! And, as Zappa said: "music is the best!"

I'm tempted to get this over a keylab 88 or the NI S88... seems more futureproof with 2.0 and better longterm investment, plus the fact it has the old midi too, much more backwards compatible.

The A88 Mk2 is intended to be powered over USB-C using USB-C bus power. Using a type A to type C cable and plugging it into a battery pack like you attempted will not supply USB-C bus power. Try plugging it into a laptop (i.e. your Macbook) that has a USB-C with bus power, and it should power up no problem.

Finalmente una review del A88 mk2 thks Woody!!!!

Excellent review. Thank you.

I'm about to buy a keyboard... not sure to get this, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2, or Arturia Keylab MK2.... any advice?

Hey Woody. Just wanted to say your the only one whose actually demoed the mkii that I’ve seen so far so cheers for that

Midi keyboards are in theory the ultimate setup. It follows the keep it simple principle. You buy the keyboard for it's feel and performance... not the sounds. You buy the sounds separately. You can use an old laptop or invest in proprietary computers to access heavily DRM'd instruments. It also allow you to buy simpler devices in theory; letting each concentrate on what they do well. Where it falls apart somewhat is in auto configuration. These Midi keyboard to meant to be more travel friendly. The Yamaha you have is meant to be a semi permanent install in the home; it's meant primarily to be an imitation piano. While the Yamaha may support Midi you have to compare the bit resolution of the velocity as well as well it performs in reality as far as it's response curve. It's possible the Yamaha could support velocity locally but not through Midi. And with large midi keyboards like this you can theoretically split the keyboard up into a few instruments.

I think they have the midi knobs to control the virtual Pianos like the Arturia Piano V2 so you can adjust Mic settings,Room Reverb mic placement velocity etc on Virtual Piano s programs. So you set up your virtual Piano sound to your liking.which pretty amazing if you think of what you can do 🙂😎

Thank you for the video. It's very useful

Cheers Woody. I love my FP-30 and wouldn't change it for anything 😊 And it's white. I thought that the lack of midi sockets would be a setback but it does usb midi fine. I sometimes use it to play pianos on my modx and jupiter xm. I only bought it to learn piano and it's perfect. And about half the price of an A88 Mk2.

MIDI 2.0 is bidirectional, that would explain why the controller has both MIDI in and out. I did read in the new MIDI spec that transport over 5 pin DIN plugs isn't supposed to be an option. It is designed around higher bandwidth transports such as USB but I guess it would work.

Awesome review! This is $999 in U.S.A. I decided to buy the FP-30 ($699) instead, which has exactly the same PHA-4 keyboard). With the $300 left I can buy some other smaller controller for the pitch-bent/mod wheel and sliders. The USB connector in the FP-30 is squared and sturdier than the tiny (probably very fragile) usb-c connector in the A88 mk2. Also, I like having good piano sound for when I want to practice without the computer.

Those USB micro connectors are a PAIN! As an engineer, I was taught that a connector, was there to mechanically been inserted and removed frequently and therefor had to be robust. In the amateur world of ICT, that engineering practice went out of the For cost, I guess. On my black magic camera I have them too and I worry to death to bump it and break it. The FPs are brilliant. I own two, an FP60 here in my bedroom (and yeah they are big! I am struggled with space too). And an FP30 in my (vfx) studio, to have a fiddle around. The action is great. Not too heavy but not too light either. I have an FA08 as well, and I control it with either the MX88 or the FP because that action is useless! So incredibly heavy, I wonder who thought that was a great idea.

I love the honesty of your reviews, Woody. I think it's great you don't research the product in advance too much. It takes out a lot of prejudices. The viewer now gets to discover it with you. I particularly liked the part where you discovered it comes without an adapter. Other reviewers may just quickly mention it with a replacement adapter in hand and the viewer would't remember. Imagine the disappointment of unboxing your brand new, almost €1000-controller and discovering you can't power it up right away. Many reviewers also emphasize on the functions of products, while you can just look those up on the internet. You more focus on the build quality, handling and feeling of the product which I really like. Because those are not on the manufacturer's website. Thank you for doing this! Best wishes to you and your family!

Actually I want to run an A-88 as piano keyboard on channel 1, and an external organ keyboard on channel 2. Do I have reason to believe that transpose on the A-88 also will transpose incoming Midi from the organ keyboard? This is very important to make my setup work, and to make the decision to buy one. Thanks in advance.

The mark 2 looks different from the original A88. I think the mk2 looks more professional and discreet compared to the first version with rubber light up buttons and plastic glossy build, but it fits nicely with the rest of Roland aesthetic instruments at the time, particularly the Roland XPS or Juno-DS workstation.

You found a uni adjustable psu. What about the mega amps? I think that's important too. I think they have to be equal or greater than the original adapter as well as the voltage being correct.

Loved that you used a Jeff Wayne, War of the Worlds, tune as a demo! Thanks again for a great video Woody.

What Keyboard stand is that and how is it setup?

Will the left side bend like the MkI?

Assign keyswitches to the bottom reg keys, and split in instruments across key ranges; but would need to change key action slope to play a sampled violin on a weighted keyboard' I do it, takes getting used to. Qould b e nice to have had a D Beam controller.

Your voice reminds me of the main guy from the old UK Gadget Show. Very professional video!

If you can pick up a Roland A90.... or check one out... they are super solid construction, but weight 35kg! Can get one very cheap now. I have 2 of them. So nice to see your happy face with this A88 !!

Because of you, my Korg Triton is on the way. :-D Anyway interesting, that this A88 can't be powered via USB, like in case of my AKAI MPK88, but perhaps it needs to be connected directly to computer, to get some "wake up" signal.

Good review, interesting to hear how nice the Roland action is. If you are going to try and get a Roland piano in sometime, I'd also be interested to see a review of the new RD-88 stage piano, if that was at all possible.

Please consider trying the Kawai MP11SE. It’s amazing. So close to a grand piano, and great sounds, and can still use it as a midi controller. Way better than any Roland; and I’m usually a Roland fangitl. It has real wooden keys, real hammers and you can even hear the damper working on the accompanying 3 pedals.

thanks for the video. but i would have expected some piano sounds and the A88's keyboard feel and articulation capabilities instead of a Triton preset demo.

If my budget was under $800 US, I would go with a midi controller because the piano sounds on low end digital pianos are SO dire that they hurt my poor ears. A $150 vst sounds better than a 600 dollar digital piano. With a good weighted action, and a laptop, and some "learn piano software" there's no real limits to what you could do.

I think you can connect a Ipad with Korg module app and you have a quite powerful sound palette of digital pianos, rhodes, wurly, synth, organs and so on.

Very very cool! Great video!

Best title... I'm just searching for this comparison

I've had the A-88, and it's good to know that the MKII of this model gave some upgrades like the 8 knobs and 8 pads. By the time I commented on your video, I was using Nektar Impact LX 88+ and was getting really well as the centerpiece for my production tasks. Unfortunately, its life proved to be very, very short. Today I'm seriously thinking on investing on this controller. Not just for its functions, but also for its durability. I'm starting to dive more into its particularities, but I feel in the need of switching keyboards this time... Well, in fact I'll get back to Roland and probably configure the A-88 MK II to be very well integrated with REAPER, my DAW. And this plug-in is really amazing. What plug-in is that? Thanks again for such an incredible in-depth video about this machine.

ooh I like that type-c connector. Looks like it supports screw-lock USB-C connectors, too!

The Jazz Piano Book is simply the best! I'm glad you have this. What keyboard?

As a korg fanatic, this vst sounds great.

Excellent review!!

I was tempted by the A88 Mk2, but decided to spend extra money and got myself a Yahama MODX8

One other reason some may choose an 88-key Midi controller over a digital piano is that few if any of the latter has aftertouch, which is important to some of us two-hand players, when adding expressive gestures to sounds layered with more static sounds like pianos. Interestingly, because the A-88 borrows the action from their piano line, it does not offer AT. That would be a deal-breaker for someone like me, no matter how good the action feels. Might as well get a digital piano instead. I use the Yamaha P255 piano, and find the action of that piano much more to my liking than that of my previous 88, which was their S90ES, which offered far more sounds, plus a lot of great control options. To add control to the 255 I use an old Yamaha MCS2 midi control station from the 80s, which adds pitch and mod wheels, as well as continuous controllers inputs and even a breath controller input to any midi chain. I'll never part with that Swiss army knife device!

any views of this vs the arturia keylab 88 mk ii?

Merhaba, Adım Avni A-88MKII aldım. VST sesleri bilgisayardan değiştirdiğinizi görüyorum. Nereden çaldırıyorsunuz yardımcı olabilir misiniz? Rolandın seslerini arıyorum ve bulamadım... Bu videonun devamını bekliyorum.

Hi have few queries? Is it really solid build? What is the option for after touch? Whats your experience after 2 years of use? Actually I am little bit confused for purchasing between Roland A 88 mk2 and Arturia keylab mk2, plz give your suggestions.

Barrel connectors (I believe that's the name of the PSU plug) usually have negative on the outside and positive on the inside. Always check, though.

A88 Mk2 + Noire. With knobs assigns to all features! Could you do this review, Woody ?!

I have the RD 64. it makes a good controller with the option of having sounds on board and team that up with a native instruments kompleet controller for synth works well for me I guessed the triton vst as well

I was thinking that you will be connecting the A88 to the XM. Can the A-88 and the MC-101 work as a minimal set?

A bit lengthy review. But still quality work, as always. Loved that you played the Korg Triton VST, I'm still fighting with myself on paying for it, it's a phenomenal instrument. Still got the Nord Electro 4? should try playing the Nord's piano with the A88 controller.

Very good review! I love the sounds! Would it be possible to do a video using the Arpeggiator and Arpeggiator settings?

Great products, Woody, and fun video. When you hit the "Oriental scale fail" patch my first thought was "Wavestation!" so I felt like it really had to be a Korg. Triton, of course. It feels just a little bit pricy at USD $199 ... but damn the torpedos, full speed ahead. I'm trapped in my house for at least another month or so, so it'll be nice to have a new VST to play with; and a Triton at that. Stay well, friend. Cheers, Cliff

13:35 (I was premature writing this, for largely later in the video Woody told most of it) The idea of a 'universal' power supply is in a way dangerous, because there's center-positive and center-negative. That's how I blew up my Arturia Keystep (with a 'universal' Roland power supply). I can't understand why they use the same plugs and only a tiny icon, often only embossed, so hard to see under most lighting conditions. I immediately noticed this keyboard even doesn't have the icon, nor the voltage indicated. The indicated PSU-1B is 'universal', but also center-negative, and in Europe is sold with a different type number, and some sellers call the polarity 'unspecified', which in combination with 'universal' might suggest it doesn't matter, it will handle polarity without problems . When you also have guitar pedals with equally called 'universal' power supply, you might blow up your gear. Color-coding with colored tape would be my advice. It's all rather confusing, and after some googling it seems this Roland is an exception, compared to my Arturia Keystep and Korg MS20 mini (both center-positive). Anyway, check very well before you connect, and again, color code your gear and supplies (or apply tape with the voltage and polarity). Some gear will be protected, but don't take that for granted.

The Roland FP-10 Digital Piano has the same action, has more solid build and is half the price. It doesn't have the pitch/mod stick of course.

Could you name the exact name of the Vst plugin you are using.... Sounds amazing sir.

The SH-4D coupled with the A-88MKII and iPad for DAW are looking to be a versatile solution to synth workstations though more setup is required and easy portability for gigs needs to be a consideration. However, premium creativity would be worth it. A double keyboard stand with shelf and velcro on top and A-88MKII below as MIDI controller is ideal. Stand I have currently is Hercules Easy-Lock and some On-Stage parts for a tablet arm off the stand, but will need to reconfigure for this with keyboard. Having the tablet connected will be great!

3.5 mm TRS jacks are just a different way to connect the same three wires that the 5-pin DIN MIDI connector uses. MIDI 2.0 currently requires a USB connection. For the Power Supply, there should have been a diagram that showed the polarity of the barrel plug. From my research, most of Roland's stuff is center-pin negative.

A professor once showed us a single key from Stenway - it's a piece they use for teaching and demonstrations. It's the full key and hammer mechanism and it had repetition - an amazing ingenious trick. Do you think the Roland has it? Sometimes the hollowness is there so part of the hammer mechanism can fit inside.

Hi Woody! Just watched your A88 review which was both useful and as always entertaining. 4 years ago, I purchased a Korg Kronos 2 61 note synth because I wanted a workstation for sequencing. Eventually, I concluded that a DAW would be better. One year ago, I wanted an 88 note weighted keyboard because I like playing the piano on quality keys rather than plastic keys. Subsequently, I purchased a Roland RD 2000. Considered an 88 note controller such as the A88 but preferred the RD 2000 because I could just switch it on and play plus the keyboard is slightly better. Finally, an idea for your next video.....how to use external instruments on Cubase!! There are a few videos on this but they seem to be overly complicated although it is probably just me being impatient. External instruments such as your Yamaha should be easy to use with DAWs. I have all these excellent onboard keyboard sounds but it just seems so difficult to use them. Cubase sees my RD 2000 as a controller but I cannot record any internal sounds as audio. Any thoughts?

Difference in feel from Mk I?

Hi Woody ... thanks for all of the very helpful videos. Do you know of a software package that brings the features of an Arranger Keyboard to a midi controller? These features would include voices, rhythms, the ability to save presets (registrations), and a recording function. Thanks

Why have octave buttons on an 88? To center the range you are currently playing, with your computer setup. Also, to offset shifted octaves in certain patches made for shorter keyboards.

Hi Woody! Thank you for great video and amazing playing! Inspired! What can you say about PHA-4 Standard keybed after some time of usage? Has it become more noisy or may be there are other drawbacks? What do you think about Roland Escapement? How does it feel while playing?

Thanks, Woody. Some good info in this video. Have both the Yamaha P121 and the Roland FP10 (which as you say uses the same keybed as the A88 Mk2). On a side issue, one thing I really miss on both is a proper display like the Studiologic SL boards have so you can tell what the settings are for metronome, transpose, etc.

7:30 Ah yes, the old fingernail tappity tap for structural assessment Edit : Thank you so much for this review Woody, it has been extremely informative for me.

I usually read about the equipment I get (and open). Reading the manual is also the first step after opening the box, for me 😄

I'm sure the piano-style action on this keyboard must be quite lovely....but holy hell...$1,150?? What could this Roland possible have that is worthwhile, over the M-Audio 88 Hammer Pro?? I actually had the M-Audio keyboard(which was fantastic)...but from top to bottom,the M-Audio was too thick,as it sat too high in relation to the height of my video game chair....so I ended up selling it. This Roland is even thicker and you'd have to have a workstation desk that is adjustable, just to accommodate this beast....no thanks! When I sold my M-Audio, I bought a Nektar Impact GXP88 and oh...what a wonderfully compact keyboard...with an exquisite semi-weighted action...just love it to death!

Only a child of the 80s could start a groove like 37:20. Wonderful!

YES...I hope this is the trend to have more premium controllers, like another option, exactly like this but their fantom keybed and 61 keys...or the native instruments keyboard like the their A series but with premium keys or that kind of idea by other manufacturers. Actually, my favourite synth keybed has to be the Yamaha montage one...

That's strange, on the Roland website specs it says 'Class compliant USB-C provides bus power and single cable connectivity with macOS, Windows and compatibility with iOS.'

Hi～ my a88 mk2 left side plastic panel is little bit wobble，it‘s not assemble tightly，is your mk2 have this issue？thank you very much

I agree with you.The midi keyboards must have some sounds for exemple --Pianos and the other functions...

Another piano Woody lol, Roland's just sending the Good goods😂 enjoy your new toys💖💖

If u use vsts live you would understand why you need as many knobs faders etc as possible. Because you are not just controllibg the vst you are also controlling your host.

"You don't need son many assignable controls" *Anomalie has entered the chat*

Woody,I'm late to the party on this one,but I have a question for you. I currently use an Italian Studio Logic SL990 Midi controller that I absolutely love the action and feel of. I am buying the Spectrasonics Keyscape program, and they recommended the A-88 for a controller. The Studio Logic DOES NOT have a USB output,only Midi. I want a keyboard that has a USB output to alleviate latency problems when using a USB adapter. Would you get rid of the Studio Logic for the A-88?

Hi Woody... please what is the Name of this piano VSTi plugin you used ?

I just got one of these today and wondered where the power pack was, I tried it on a mains usb: it didn’t work. I then tried to connect it to my Akai Key37 via USB and it worked and all lit up.

War of the Worlds riff sounded epic 😏!

So, this USB connection takes the place of having to connect Midi cables? Why does the A-88 MKll have a Midi in if there is no sounds in this keyboard?

I have an A88mk2 for my production PC, and a Yamaha CP50 for actual piano playing. I massively prefer the Yamaha action of the two. If I need to upgrade, I'll likely investigate the Fatar midi controller. The other annoying thing about the A88mk2 is that you can't power it via USB unless it's attached to a computer that is powered on - if you just want to use it as a standalone midi controller, you have to shell out £20 for the mains power unit (as you discover at 14:00). My PC and DAW is to the right of my A88, so the knobs and pads are completely away from where I'd make use of them. I didn't know about the Midi 2.0, so at some point I'll look into that. On Roland's site it says (coming soon). So probably a firmware update. I wish the knobs were endless rotaries that could be configured as relative (that is, sends CC in the range 1..3F for #steps clockwise, and 0x41..7F for #steps anticlockwise as once you have that information, mapping to whatever can be done in software without needing to sync cc values to the knobs). ( Built in sounds don't matter to me: I mainly use Pianoteq, though it surprises me how nice the CP50's internal piano sounds when I do occasionally use it. If I wanted a digital piano with built-in sounds, I'd probably investigate the CP-88. ) Overall the A88mk2 is great as a full range keyboard for controlling synths. It is only for classical piano playing that I think its action falls a little short. Connector wise, USB is converging on USB C so that we don't have the mess of USB2 type A, USB3 type A, mini USB, micro USB2, micro USB3. There is a bit sticking out next to the usb socket that you wind the usb cable around so that, if you trip over the cable, the strain isn't passed to the socket.

you should use with Waves factory mercury VST

It’s usb C - Same as on the new MacBook Pro and I pad pro , it’s fast 😊

What is that stand/bench you’re putting it on?

Make a synthesizer tier list woody!!!

is the roland A-88 MIDI keyboard controller compatible with FL Studio?