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Probably the best two keyboard controllers out there

Well if you pre order the new NI Komplete Kontrol 88 you will see out of stock, that show that it is a well sort after keyboard controller and I don't think the user will be using another keyboard for their music once they get hold of the K K 88 and it has lite keys but many have said very nice to play and keys have a nice feel.

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-s49-s61/pricing/

I think you might be confused, there isn't a new Kontrol 88 keyboard. Only the 49 and 61 key versions have been upgraded to Mk2. The 88 Mk2 is probably coming next year
 
I think you might be confused, there isn't a new Kontrol 88 keyboard. Only the 49 and 61 key versions have been upgraded to Mk2. The 88 Mk2 is probably coming next year
Thanks for the heads up , I just assumed all would have a face lift, none the less still it's out of stock, means it's a favourite to say the least.
 
Thanks for the heads up , I just assumed all would have a face lift, none the less still it's out of stock, means it's a favourite to say the least.

The only Kontrol keyboard not in stock right now from the NI store is the S25.... I don't see an out of stock message on any others (and the S49 and S61 are marked for preorder). The S88 is also in stock at most online retailers too like Sweetwater.

NI has said that the 49 and 61 key models got the update to Mk2 first because they're the most popular models. Sounds like they'll be doing the 88 next year (the 25 key version sounds like it needs more of a rethink given available space)
 
Or that the stock wasn't that big in the first place ;)

@EvilDragon hahaha well can't say becuase I'm. Not in the sales Control at NI, you may have a point, but can only say if your sold out get more in but that was a day or so looks like they have more back in stock now:cool:

Still I would have thought the 49 would have been the the one to be sold out.
 
I'm trying to decide on my keyboard upgrade (have been using a 61 key Axiom for the past several years - on my second one due to failure). I was going to go 88 key, but the comments about the action of the S88 concern me and while I expect the Roland A-88 action is OK, I hate the spring-loaded mod stick.

Since much of the stuff I use on a regular basis is going (or already is) NKS compatible, I'm now thinking a S61 mkII may be the overall best answer. I am not a good enough piano player to really need a 88 keyboard for performance.

Question for the group - I think I read that the S49/61 have a weighted synth action keybed that is fairly well regarded, correct? Only the S88 has the hammer action Fatar that is controversial?

My local stores do not generally stock any of the higher end 88 key units to try (S88, A-88 or certainly the RD2000). They have plenty of cheap M-Audio junk though.
 
I have some Kurzweil keyboards which work. I'm forcing myself to not buy anymore major equipment until I release two albums of music first.

But with that in mind, I think I will wait for the S88 MK2. Hopefully they will improve the keybed, keep the bigger lights, and incorporate the screens.
 
keep the bigger lights

Won't happen if they do an mkII of it. The reduced LED size will happen in that case (which, actually, isn't a problem in practice at all - it's less distracting and still serves its purpose very well - yes I have a beta unit :))
 
Won't happen if they do an mkII of it. The reduced LED size will happen in that case (which, actually, isn't a problem in practice at all - it's less distracting and still serves its purpose very well - yes I have a beta unit :))
If you have a beta S88 MkII are you allowed to tell us if it has an upgraded keybed?

Hywel
 
I do most of my work on a Nord Stage 2EX - which I love. I had a Roland RD 700GX with the supernatural upgrade - and it has a better key action than the Nord. For Piano that is. But when it comes to playing other instruments the fantastic piano action can also prove be a hindrance.

When playing other patches I think the keyboard on the Nord is a better all rounder - but i also have an S61 for other stuff and portability

(Yes the Nord was bought for carrying about, but the S61 is even smaller and lighter and is great for when I am working away and don't need an 88 keyed).

But as much as I like the S61 - it still feels a little on the cheap side when compared to my old Roland XP-80. (At least I remember it that way).

If NI brought out the MKII S88 with a set of 100mm faders for controlling CC's - well they won't - but if they did !!!

(BTW I recently bought a pair of iLoud Micro Monitors for hotel room duty. For £ 190 they are insane !!!)
 
What's the situation with NKS integration on current VIs? E.g. if I use an NKS-compatible VI, say Spitfire I need to instantiate Komplete Kontrol, from there instantiate Kontakt (Full, not Player right?) and from there I get directly mapped parameters? If anyone's got experience with Spitfire in particular, how's articulation switching and CC control with the keyboards? With the current Back to School discounts, hands are really itchy for Tundra and SSO... Might have enough left over for the S61
 
I need a new weighted controller. I'm a piano player so I want something that plays really well. I have an old Kurzweil that I finally have the money to replace.

Will try the Roland RD-2000, but not sure I want to spend $2500 on a controller. I don't need the sounds or the knobs/faders etc. I was interested in the VAX (?) you-assemble controller, but they seem on hold. I'll even consider the Casio PX5S - if it worked well (was accurate midi-wise) and lasted ~5 years, I'd possibly be OK with that.

I've found Roland keyboards to be on the heavy side in the past, but they were at least consistent and you could get used to the feel - and I have to admit that I'm talking about ~15 year old ones. Probably better now. I've also found Casio digital pianos to be kind of stiff and sluggish, but willing to be pleasantly surprised by something a little more professional, i.e. the PX5S.

I've always liked Yamaha keyboards, and had a few...any model weighted controller from them people like? I really just need a keyboard w/ pitch+mod wheel (not joysticks! :blush:).

EDIT: I realize that it's not unheard of to spend $2500 on a good controller. I just wish there was a nice weighted controller - just a controller - for less than that.
 
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Even Casio PX5S has better action than S88 as far as I'm concerned, and it's in a similar price range. And it has triple sensor action, stuff that's important for a piano player.

I am upgrading my MIDI keyboard and I am considering 2 options (second hand):
- Komplete Kontrol S88
- Casio Privia PX-5S

Which one do you recommend?
 
I would suggest checking both out and seeing which action feels better to you. S88 has a bit lame MIDI implementation IMHO (and no sliders apart from two touchstrips, which aren't everyone's cup of tea).
 
I know Casio keyboards.
I use a CDP230 and my daughter plays in a Privia PX-770
I mainly lack in my CDP230, a ModWheel.
This is the reason I am thinking in a PX-5S (second hand). I prefer to use a wheel for modulation than a fader (I use as well a Korg nanoKontrol)
But I am wondering if Komplete Kontrol is better for DAW integration.
 
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