native instruments komplete kontrol s88 mk1 keyboard review

#NATIVE INSTRUMENTS KOMPLETE KONTROL S88 MK1 KEYBOARD REVIEW UPGRADE#
#NATIVE INSTRUMENTS KOMPLETE KONTROL S88 MK1 KEYBOARD REVIEW SOFTWARE#

The keybed is still very nice, giving up just a few premium features. I've been told that the cheaper FP10 and FP30 models are great options on a budget. I have a love/hate relationship with the Nektar. I have a Roland FP90 that I use for piano playing, and a Nektar panorama T6 that lives on my desk. Some of the Korgs come close, but they're $$$$. I wish I could tell you there's a keyboard that flawlessly does both, but I don't really think there is. General midi programming and playing the piano require completely different features. For which NI is a bit questionable here (specifically referring to hardware).

Otherwise, there are other manufacturers that give you the same features for less money and have a better customer support record. The only reason to pay the premium for NI products is if you're deeply in love with their ecosystem. The biggest thing I see here is that you didn't mention Native Instruments at all in your reasoning. The action of the S88 is very stiff and heavy. Doing it on a sub par action can not only lead to injury, but it's actually just harder to do. It sounds like mumbo jumbo and fancy features, but piano playing is a very acrobatic instrument in terms of hand movement. If you're keen on learning to play the piano, get a digital piano with USB midi out and a properly graded and weighted hammer action. Oh and as others have pointed out, the s88 is the only one with fully weighted keys, resmbling a piano closer than the semi-weighted keys which to me, feeling wise sits in between synthesizer and a piano.

#NATIVE INSTRUMENTS KOMPLETE KONTROL S88 MK1 KEYBOARD REVIEW SOFTWARE#

If you are not interested in the native software suite, there are better value for money midi keyboards/electric pianos in a smaller form factor. The integration works well with ableton in my case.

#NATIVE INSTRUMENTS KOMPLETE KONTROL S88 MK1 KEYBOARD REVIEW UPGRADE#

For most people the included packs will have everything to get serious, plus provides an upgrade path by adding more native products like Komplete down the line. I think the strongest case to make for the Native Kontrol series is the integration with the native software and the wide range of plugins and sounds you get from the start. I'm more comfortable with the interface on my desktop, so I don't use the screens or knobs much on the s61. For house/techno production I usually just play chords or leads with one hand so I realized the s49 would actually be enough for me. Playing classical music you really miss the extra octave because you play both handed and the range can be very broad sometimes. I played classical piano for 10+ years but switched a couple of years ago to house/techno production in the box so can approach it from both angles.

Native instruments komplete kontrol s88 mk1 keyboard review