Studiologic SL88 Grand VS. Roland A-88 MkII

[ratherbirds]

https://www.roland.com/fr/products/rd-88/

for 200 euro more than the a88, there is the Roland RD 88 which has better ergonomics, but without the midi 2.

 

[etudes]

https://www.roland.com/fr/products/rd-88/

for 200 euro more than the a88, there is the Roland RD 88 which has better ergonomics, but without the midi 2.

That looks pretty cool, but it looks like that one has the same exact keybed as the A-88 MkII, plus it's a good amount thicker/taller. I need something as short as possible, to reduce the leg space it takes up and desk height required for this desk build I'm planning.

 

[Gil]

Hello!

I have the same choice to do between these 2 keyboards and gonna test them both in the next days, so I was wondering if there are any other comments about them?

From what I've read in this thread there are not much feedbacks about the Roland A-88 MKII: anyone has more feedbacks?

A note about problems I've read about StudioLogic SL88 Grand (falling keys and screen dimming): from what I've asked in this wonderful forum, it seems that the problems don't seem to be as widespread as I thought (or even non-existent on a few years old and newly bought ones). Please don't hesitate to comment here if you have other feelings about it.

If you have any comment about StudioLogic MixFace, you're also welcome

Thanks and take care!

 

[Joshua Day]

Hi Gil,

I have been using my SL88 Studio for about six months, and I have to say I like it for the most part. It's just a nice keyboard and does what it's supposed to without all of the sliders and frills. A cool feature is that you can set up different programs and switch between them using the jog wheel. For instance, I have P001 set to normal, and P002 set to a different transposition. I needed to quickly switch between the two for a particular project, and I'm not very good at playing in some keys.

There is a clunky piece of software you can put on your computer to control all of the keyboard's parameters, but getting it to connect to the keyboard can sometimes be confusing. You can make fine adjustments to the keyboard's zones and sensitivity using it, though. (I find that the default sensitivity of the keys is very difficult to reach max velocity. Some classical pianists may appreciate this though!) I turn off all of the zones except for the main one, because I think the zones are likely more helpful in live situations. I'm just connecting to a PC in my studio.

I primarily use the keyboard for inputting orchestral parts and other MIDI. Even in fast passages the keys respond pretty well, but they are definitely a little more sluggish because they are weighted. For playing piano parts though, can't beat it. Great price for a full 88 key controller that feels almost like a real piano. I highly recommend the Ravenscroft 275 from VI Labs as your go-to piano library, by the way!

The joysticks are awesome. My only gripe is that the sticks and travel distance are so tiny, I often find myself inputting max levels.

Josh

 

[willie45]

Timely thread to read for me. I have recently bought a S61 and am fairly happy with it. heT only thing is I don't like they synth-type feel particularly and I detect a difference in playing between the white and black keys. It might be my imagination but it feels pronounced to me.

I am considering exchanging for an S88 to get closer to a piano feel but I'm not sure. I've read both that the S88 feels unlike a piano and is considered 'sluggish" but on the other hand I've read it feels great like a grand piano. I'm not sure what slugging really means an I wonder if it might be just the type of feel I'd want compared with the usual "synth" feel people seem to like.

The shops aren't demoing yet and the options need to eb ordered in anyway so I'm buying without testing.

I have a Roland Digtal Piano with PHA - 4 Concert action which I like. When I bought it I assumed I'd be buying a Clavinova but preferred the Roland action by miles. I'm wondering if the S88 would get close to this or not. If it did I'd snap it up in an instant.

 

[Joshua Day]

I'm not sure what slugging really means an I wonder if it might be just the type of feel I'd want compared with the usual "synth" feel people seem to like.

By "sluggish" I meant the feel of the weighted key when I really need some fast synth action to play in fast ostinatos and brass double tonguing for composing orchestral music. However, the SL88 feels great as a piano for piano sake, which is what you're looking for. There are 2 variants of the SL88 - the Grand and the Studio. The Studio is what I have, and I've heard it feels less like a piano than the Grand, but is still weighted almost correctly. The Studio does not have graded hammer action like some stage pianos do (higher keys respond faster than lower keys), which is super realistic. I don't know off the top of my head if the Grand does though. The SL88 Studio or Grand are a good buy if you are looking for piano feel. The Grand is more expensive.

 

[willie45]

Hi Joshua. Thank you. I appreciate what you mean but it's hard to quantify how I'd react to it. Sluggish might be just what I'm after. I guess I'm worried about "sponginess" rather than sluggishness which I'm good with. I might just have muddied the waters further though

The keyboard I'm looking at is the NI KK S88 which is expensive but has a software package useful to me which offsets the cost a fair bit.

I'm I a bit of a quandary I keep hearing negative things about it and I'm not able to try it out right now. My return window is closing on the S61 though.

 

[spacepluk]

I also noticed when I bought the S61 that the black keys felt different. But after a while I got used to it and now it doesn’t bother me at all.

 

[PaulieDC]

I'm I a bit of a quandary I keep hearing negative things about it and I'm not able to try it out right now. My return window is closing on the S61 though.

Here's Guy Michelmore's take on the KK S88, FYI. I was surprised how much integration there is with DAW and Libraries. Man, if it just came with the Fatar TP/40 Wood keybed instead of the TP/100...

S88 Unboxing and Review

 

[Gil]

Hello,
I just went back from a music shop where I've been testing the Roland A-88 MK2 and the StudioLogic SL88 Grand and I bought the SL88 Grand.
What makes me choose the StudioLogic is the keyboard touch (a really personal feeling but I found it really better than the A-88 MK2 one) and the 3 joysticks that I find more useful than the Roland ones (even if I also get a MixFace).
Thanks to all the people that sent feedbacks!

 

[rrichard63]

The joysticks are awesome. My only gripe is that the sticks and travel distance are so tiny, I often find myself inputting max levels.

That's my main issue with the Studiologic keyboards. Has anybody who uses one been able to train their fingers to reliably produce pitch bends of (close to) a half step and a whole step using these joysticks?

 

[Joshua Day]

That's my main issue with the Studiologic keyboards. Has anybody who uses one been able to train their fingers to reliably produce pitch bends of (close to) a half step and a whole step using these joysticks?

A lot of VSTi's let you specify the interval of the pitch bend. You might be able to do this with the SL88's software and settings too.

 

[Tronam]

It's comforting to know I'm not the only one struggling to find the perfect 88 key weighted controller. For me the keyboard action is the most important thing of all, but it's the most difficult to review since everyone's hands and muscle memory (including strength) is so different. Without stores nearby with large showrooms for trying them out in person it's been this vague journey of reading countless people's descriptions online of how they feel. What I want to avoid most is a "heavy" action. I've never had the space for a grand piano, so for years I've been playing on an upright and grown so accustomed to its lighter touch. One of our stores did have some of the Yamaha GHS digital pianos which felt a bit lighter than most, but the Nord Stage 3 on display felt unpleasantly stiff and sluggish with more resistance than I'd like. StudioLogic SL88 is very tempting, but if its action is like the Nord Stage I'm a bit hesitant. I'm assuming SL88 and SL88 Grand are both Fatar keybeds? Anyone know which versions are in each?

 

[etudes]

It's comforting to know I'm not the only one struggling to find the perfect 88 key weighted controller. For me the keyboard action is the most important thing of all, but it's the most difficult to review since everyone's hands and muscle memory (including strength) is so different. Without stores nearby with large showrooms for trying them out in person it's been this vague journey of reading countless people's descriptions online of how they feel. What I want to avoid most is a "heavy" action. I've never had the space for a grand piano, so for years I've been playing on an upright and grown so accustomed to its lighter touch. One of our stores did have some of the Yamaha GHS digital pianos which felt a bit lighter than most, but the Nord Stage 3 on display felt unpleasantly stiff and sluggish with more resistance than I'd like. StudioLogic SL88 is very tempting, but if its action is like the Nord Stage I'm a bit hesitant. I'm assuming SL88 and SL88 Grand are both Fatar keybeds? Anyone know which versions are in each?

SL88 Studio: TP/100LR
SL88 Grand: TP/40WOOD

I'm finally in possession of both the SL88 Grand and the Roland A88 MkII to test run. After playing with both for awhile, I will almost definitely be returning the A88 MkII. I'm actually pretty torn, but I think in the end, it's pretty clear that the SL88 has the better action. However, the A88 has a better default velocity curve in my opinion, it felt a good amount better to play on in how the notes end up sounding and feeling in my performance. I spent awhile trying to match the velocity curve making my own custom one on the SL88, and I think I got it pretty close.

That's just my initial two cents, going to try to make a full review and comparison of the two as well. Regarding "heavy" action, I think it's kind of interesting, because you could argue the A88 has a lighter action than the SL88, sort of, but the A88 is also mushier, and it doesn't end up giving the feeling of a real piano the same way the SL88 does. Then again, the A88 might actually be closer to an upright... It's really hard to say, and I don't think there is a way to describe all the nuance of the two actions without playing it yourself.

Either way though, I think they're both really great actions at the end of the day, and you'd do great with either one.

 

[spacepluk]

You can probably get used to any high-end action if the rest of the keyboard meets your needs. I'm still pretty happy about my switch from the VPC1 to the SL88 Grand. The Kawai has a slight edge because of the escapement but I prefer the SL88 Grand action overall.

 

[Tronam]

SL88 Studio: TP/100LR
SL88 Grand: TP/40WOOD

I'm finally in possession of both the SL88 Grand and the Roland A88 MkII to test run. After playing with both for awhile, I will almost definitely be returning the A88 MkII. I'm actually pretty torn, but I think in the end, it's pretty clear that the SL88 has the better action. However, the A88 has a better default velocity curve in my opinion, it felt a good amount better to play on in how the notes end up sounding and feeling in my performance. I spent awhile trying to match the velocity curve making my own custom one on the SL88, and I think I got it pretty close.

That's just my initial two cents, going to try to make a full review and comparison of the two as well. Regarding "heavy" action, I think it's kind of interesting, because you could argue the A88 has a lighter action than the SL88, sort of, but the A88 is also mushier, and it doesn't end up giving the feeling of a real piano the same way the SL88 does. Then again, the A88 might actually be closer to an upright... It's really hard to say, and I don't think there is a way to describe all the nuance of the two actions without playing it yourself.

Either way though, I think they're both really great actions at the end of the day, and you'd do great with either one.

Thank you for all the information. I'm leaning toward the SL88 Studio. I like StudioLogic's minimalist design and even though it may have the poorer action, it seems like a good value weighted MIDI controller. I'm just hoping the key resistance isn't too high. I know it gets a lot of flack, but I really liked the Yamaha P-series digital piano action (GHS?) which had a lighter weighted response and didn't make my hands sore. I ended up returning it though due to how ridiculously tall it was. At over 6" there was very little legroom, especially when trying to accommodate a sustain pedal.

 

[PaulieDC]

I spent awhile trying to match the velocity curve making my own custom one on the SL88, and I think I got it pretty close.

Good to hear, velocity curve makes or breaks it.

Question about the TP/40WOOD: how is it for playing in strings and brass, especially legato? Can you get close to what a synth-action keybed might give you?

 

[etudes]

Good to hear, velocity curve makes or breaks it.

Question about the TP/40WOOD: how is it for playing in strings and brass, especially legato? Can you get close to what a synth-action keybed might give you?

Testing it against a fatar synth keybed I have, I'd say the synth action is a bit better for legato strings and such. But it's not enough of a difference that I think I'd be likely to pull out my synth when I'm putting down a legato string melody. I'm used to weighted keys as a pianist though, so it might depend on your muscle memory.

 

[PaulieDC]

Testing it against a fatar synth keybed I have, I'd say the synth action is a bit better for legato strings and such. But it's not enough of a difference that I think I'd be likely to pull out my synth when I'm putting down a legato string melody. I'm used to weighted keys as a pianist though, so it might depend on your muscle memory.

Awesome, thanks for the fast reply. I’m not classically trained but have been playing piano most of my life, so I think I’ll be OK there. And it’s not like I can’t tweak stuff in the MIDI editor, lol. Thanks!

 

[shropshirelad]

I'm about to upgrade my SL73 Studio to the SL88 Grand + Mixface but I've had my head turned by the Arturia Keylab 8, which offers a lot of functionality on the front panel without having to add the Mixface. I like the SLs but do wish that they didn't have the blooming knob right in the middle. I also wish all manufacturers would consider adding the ability to attach a mouse mat tray to the front. More of them seem to offer stands/keyboard extensions, so hopefully this may arrive at some point. Until then, I'll continue to use my trust ex school science lab stool, which is just the right height for this job. Opinions on the Arturia gratefully received, thanks.