whiskers
Perpetual student
Hello all,
Recently my MPK88 (which I wasn't a huge fan of, but it did have a lot of options) bit dust, with the USB housing coming loose. So i'm looking to get another 88 key hammer action keyboard. I'm looking for something that feels good playing, and have tentatively arrived at potentially the Studiologic SL88 grand (which I think is TP40 Wood Fatar Keybed, so supposed to feel good) and NI's S88 MK2.
I have not been able to try either in a local shop near me, so that's unfortunate; from what I have read and inferred, here's what I've gathered on each:
STUDIOLOGIC SL88 GRAND:
Pros
Pros
Anyone tried both and/or have either and can give good input? My biggest two questions, I'm not sure can easily be answered:
Other thoughts? Anything I haven't considered, or other controllers I should look at?
Cheers!
Recently my MPK88 (which I wasn't a huge fan of, but it did have a lot of options) bit dust, with the USB housing coming loose. So i'm looking to get another 88 key hammer action keyboard. I'm looking for something that feels good playing, and have tentatively arrived at potentially the Studiologic SL88 grand (which I think is TP40 Wood Fatar Keybed, so supposed to feel good) and NI's S88 MK2.
I have not been able to try either in a local shop near me, so that's unfortunate; from what I have read and inferred, here's what I've gathered on each:
STUDIOLOGIC SL88 GRAND:
Pros
- it sounds like the SL88 Grand might be more of a realistic feel than the S88 MK2, and the SL88 Studio.
- I also like the idea of the 'joystick' modulation and expression controllers, but have not tried anything other than mod wheel in practice
- Simple - not a lot of extra features (not necessarily a bad thing) - no built in Kontakt/DAW integration from what I understand?
Pros
- a lot of great integration. I use Cubase and NI Komplete Ultimate, so it seems like a great choice
- lighting zones that would help realize range and keyswitches, and screen and controls that would help spend less time 'clicking' on the computer.
- reviews on the keybed seems....mixed? Kind of a question mark here without being able to try it in-person
- lot of potential parts to break down the road?
Anyone tried both and/or have either and can give good input? My biggest two questions, I'm not sure can easily be answered:
- Would the S88 MK2 'fit' my workflow? Anyone that got the S88 find they got used to using the keyboard to enhance their workflow and found it a positive? Since i'm pretty new to this, I think it would be a pro, as I'm not so 'used' to a certain workflow yet
- Not really sure on either action. Anyone disappointed on the MK2's action?
Other thoughts? Anything I haven't considered, or other controllers I should look at?
Cheers!