This MIDI Keyboard is a Game Changer
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- Опубліковано 17 тра 2024
- Native Instruments have launched their new Mk3 range of keyboards and they are great. I've been looking at the S61 Mk3 and it comes with features which make a massive difference to my workflow. Direct integration with NKS compatible plugins is amazing, polyphonic aftertouch, great build quality - just some of the features that make this keyboard really stand out for me. If you are after a new controller keyboard then this should definitely be on your shortlist.
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0:00 Intro
0:30 S61 mk3
1:23 Direct NKS plugin integration
3:40 NI Mk3 Keyboard DAW compatibility
4:20 Polyphonic Aftertouch
5:55 NI Mk3 Light guide
7:30 Build quality
10:25 NI NKS Browser
11:10 NI S61 mk3 Size Matters
13:40 Missing faders and pads
I love your sense of Humour! , Don't Change Anything , Thank You Guy !!
Hi Guy! Just want to let you know that I love you!. I love the way you present, I think you are one of the few youtubers who gets me hooked from start to finish. Thanks for the video!
Love the excitement from this gentleman. Great Vid Sir.
I can't wait to get my hands on this piece of kit
Great video and review with some great points. And thanks for mentioning the idea of using the wrapper. I wonder how well this works with stuff OUTSIDE of Kontakt like VSL's Synchron Player as that's what I mainly use for orchestration.
I made a bad deal and bought into AKAI's version of this (VIP AKAI Advance) and that totally failed. I'm a bit salty because NO DAW supports that controller. I'll have to get a new one soon though so I may spring for this... MAYBE...
I bought an S88 Mk2 after watching your video extolling its virtues, and I''m still very pleased with it. I like the way it can act as a Maschine controller; I think dropping that integration in the Mk3 is a mistake. The bigger screen is nice, but I think I'll be keeping my Mk 2. Incidentally, that Kontakt library is called "Hypha"
Not a mistake:
They did this on purpose so customers will need to buy an additional maschine controller.
Nobody uses Maschine
@@surferbois then why is NI regularly putting out packs and updates for it
@@Vanity0666 it's for the one person, who is still using it. Is it you? :P
love your energy and videos! entertaining and educational.. .wish i could afford the new keyboard it looks amazing. thank you
First of all. Love your studio. Second of all, thanks for making this video. I use both VST and physical synths(along with guitars) all in a small corner of the garage. My midi controler is a tiny Akai MPK mini. It has a tiny screen with nobs that are supposed to control the various bits in the VST. That Mk3 is just what I need to actually control without accessing the computer key board.
Glad you discussed the s88 vs s61.
Agreed that direct communication with kontakt is a win, but fwiw all of the features you mention in the first few minutes (including old Spitfire libraries showing mapped mics) works in both mk1 and mk2 keyboards as well! I’ll still be updating though probably. But you’re right that most people weren’t willing to build their template around the Komplete Kontrol wrapper!
Instant like as soon as the video starts, because we remember how excited he got when he opened his last one, haha. That Mk2 video is one of the all-time classic review videos, no doubt!
I have the Mk1 61 key which I got refurbished directly from NI on their reverb store for $170. If you can’t afford this Mkiii, it’s not a bad way to go and they are a pleasure to deal with. Andddd Great job, Guy!
best review of MK3, Thanks!!!
My biggest frustration with my S88 M2 is the location of the volume light slide below the wheels where it so easily gets adjusted when using the wheels.
In all your wittering, Mr M, you forgot to mention the've moved it to above the wheels to a much better place! 🙂
I disabled mine the day i first plugged the keyboard in.
One solution to the absence of sliders on the S88 Mk3 is to add a bottom-end midi keyboard controller. Many sampled instruments have their keyswitches in the highest octave of an 88-key midi keyboard controller which means quite a stretch of the arm to reach them. By adding a Nektar Impact LX25+ I can move all the keyswitches down so they start at C-2 (the beginning of the 128 key midi range). They are now much easier to reach with my left hand. Similarly CC control is provided by the range of programmable knobs on the Nektar. No doubt other 25 or 32 key controller brands that can offer the same flexibility.
Mine's on the way! I had the Mk II and I will probably keep that in my other studio set up...But yes, I have similar levels of excitement welling up at the arrival of the MkIII...
S88 Mk1 + Maschine Mikro (I needed the pads) but all in mint condition cost me £330 about 2 months ago when I upgraded my old set up. Just want to point out that, although it took a little while to set up, all the key-switches do light up for all Kontakt libraries (through Komplete) including the none NI ones (e.g. 8Dio) within the new Tile view, plus the correct preset knob controllers. For Ableton Live, there’s an official NI Komplete instrument rack that you drop on each track and it all works just fine. Unsure what the new 61 keybeds feel like but all 88 versions should be hammer action (why I got mine). In saying that, Arturia key actions are supposedly better but nothing beats my dinosaur Yamaha KX88 for that. You’d only buy NI for the instrument compatibility Guy talks about but if you’re on a budget you can still get great functionality after tweaking a Mk1 let alone a Mk2. I’ve not noticed any latency and I’ve also tried with Studio One. No issues there either.
No faders, no deal. My Arturia KEYLAB mkII is a beast, faders, knobs, instant integration with Reaper DAW, transport controls, drum pads and more. Also, it's built from metal and heavy and solid.
I have the Arturia keyboard mkIII (which I really like) and use Reaper…how do you integrate them?
What I really wish they would make is a seperate unit with just the screen, dials, etc, but not on a keyboard. would fit better to have piano on slide out tray on your desk, and then sit the 'control' unit on top of desk
I have been dreaming about what you wrote since Mk1. Imagine you could also control your other vst's like EQ, Compressor, delay with a unit having this screen and those 8 knobs...
👀
Maschine?
@@retron2738 Nah, I don't want it to have drum pads either.
I dream about an mpe/midi 2.0 controller like an Osmose but with 88 Keys.
A „Total Kontrol“.
Man I absolutely love this keyboard!!! They sent me one a few weeks backs and it’s been the staple of my workflow!!! Especially with Cubase. Love your channel and videos!! You are awesome💯🙏🏾🙏🏾😎
You got one for free - great. Would you actually pay for it though, with your hard earned money? I think it’s overpriced compared to the MkII.
@@somewaresim I payed for the MKII and every Native instruments Hardware I ever got. I would pay for this out of pocket because it just works perfectly for my Workflow. I think it maybe a little over priced if your not invested in the Native instruments Eco System. There are better hardware controllers if you don’t have a lot of the NKS2 software. Thats what makes this so powerful in my opinion
@@creativedwill someone get this guy a job at Sweetwater! Oh.. wait 😅
But you nailed it, which has always been true of the Kontrol keyboards. If someone is looking for a general MIDI controller, there have always been better options. If you want a MIDI controller that integrates deeply with Kontakt instruments, you will get a lot of workflow and creativity enhancement out of the Kontrol keyboards. The difference with the MK3 is that they will be adding new features steadily for a while, which I can say will make a huge difference in my process.
@@mkirbymusic lol 😂 Yeah bro, facts! I’m excited for what they are going to do with this! Especially with more and more companies jumping on board with the NKS Standard
Fantastic review!
“and apparently I don’t have to give it back” 😅
I love your channel, Guy! 👍🏻
Hello Guy!! I have been so inspired by all of your videos over the years and have decided to take the leap of faith and get training by the LEGENDARY GUY!!! I just joined a you're student. I can't wait to see what we can create together!!!
Welcome!!!!!
You were the person to convince me to get the MK2 S88. It'll be a while until I am able to upgrade to this but thanks for the video again!
Same... I found Guy when looking for reviews for the MKII
its not a upgrade - nobody wants Mk3s rn
I do love a bit of serendipity. (And a clever UA-cam algorithm). Yesterday I purchased the Spitfire Symphony Orchestra and I’ve been scouring UA-cam for opinions on which midi controller keyboard to get. And here I am watching your review of the S61 and discovering your wonderful channel. I’ve been meaning to get into composing after years of procrastination and finally bit the bullet. Super excited to begin the journey and very glad I found your channel. Cheers.
I just started your music theory course (very good so far) and planing to buy a 88 key midi keyboard, I was planning to get the keylab as I also have hardware synths, would you say that this would be better? Would like to see what you think.
Thanks
I just discovered your channel now. Love it! You are doing a great job 👍❤
Hi Guy! Do you know if NI give an option to substitute the old S88 MK2 with the new one? I might contact them! Love your channel 😊😊
Really interesting updates...
I'm still rocking a MK1 keyboard, and I do love it. Would i like to have it respond it to my DAW? Of course... I never really got the komplete kontrol software sadly... I use Kontakt in my DAW, and I was a bit bummed when i saw that it didn't follow kontakt (the light guide that is, so no showing the range of the instrument etc etc...) But is it really that big of a deal? naah... I still get the work done. Let me tell you tho, if things finally start to change and end up making decent money, the s88 mk3 looks delicious!!
For pianist, and 88 key weighted controller is a must. I have the S88 Mk2. It’s staying.
Are you taking bets on how long you can hold out before you shell out for the 88key mk3? I too am already conflicted and find myself pining for that long awaited upgrade. Mind you, I know you have not had your mk2 for that long whereas I had mine from the beginning! lol...
Love your videos and you definitely make me laugh and that makes it all the more interesting!
Are the black keys as loud as on MK2 and MK1? Or did they improve the noise level of the keys. And arn't you missing hammer action?
This makes me so intrigued on what the future of the maschine is going to be. Fingers crossed it’s not another standalone, we’d all prefer something with this level of integration with our overbuilt high-powered computers 😭
You’re awesome Guy! ❤
Loved the tribute you paid to the old s88 keyboard with that violin! :D
Thanks for all your wonderful videos Guy. I am just about to buy the 88 key version of this and i wondered if you or any of your subscribers know of the workaround for getting a traditional triple pedal situation setup with this - i have Komplete and Kontakt and really enjoy the Noire library, and it would be amazing to play the new keyboard with the traditional pedals for Una Corda, Sostenudo, and Sustain how do we do that?
I love your Video's! Wish I would have done those, when I was composing for Belgian series...
The light guide is basically the main reason why two years ago I opted to buy a NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MKII. I thought it should be a very interesting thing precisely because of what you show in the video: knowing at a glance at the keys which of them are assigned to keyswitches, which have sound or not, and the extension of each orchestral instrument (sometimes they are a little different, depending on the library or brand).And I regretted buying it as soon as I discovered that the Komplete Kontrol software was necessary for use this light guide, and this KK software made my orchestral template unusable with performance problems, failures in articulation changes with Logic Pro, etc.
Many users (and me) were hoping that the guys of Native Instruments would implement this feature directly into Kontakt with some software and firmware update for our MKII keyboards. And now that they have added this as a new feature to the new MK3, we fear that they are not going to update the old models to have the same functionality, probably they will leave it as something exclusive to their latest model MK3, so I am frankly disgusted.
I don't know if with the new model it will be possible to do the same with libraries from other brands that are already compatible with NKS (Spitfire Audio, SINE player, Vienna Synchron Player, EW Opus, etc.), maybe updating their software to be able to also send this information directly from their player to the LED light guide of the keyboard or, as until now, it will still be necessary to go through the exasperating Komplete Kontrol software to obtain this.
If this continues to be the case, I will not be upgrading to the new model and I hope others don't make the same mistake I made if lights are the main feature they would like to have.
Yes, one reason I moved from Logic to Studio One was Logic’s failed implementation with the KK software. It just gave me grief.
Guy discusses why the 1st and 2nd gen KK keyboards don’t have enough CPU power. So no need to be disgusted at NI. That would be like being disgusted at Apple that my 2016 Intel MBP doesn’t perform like my M1 Pro. There are different generations in tech. Let’s celebrate that NI has figured out out to move from good to great.
@@chaddonal4331I’ve read in other replies, even from NI, that the old MK1 and MK2 just can’t handle the direct link
I’d like to challenge NI to explain why the older models are able to do the exact same thing with Komplete Kontrol with the same CPU power.
This is either a result of bad design decisions or a marketing move to get people to upgrade to the MK 3.
I wonder which it is…
@@scottcollins4456 , exactly. The MK 2 is already doing something closely resembling "direct link" with the KK software. What is it about direct linking to other instrument plug-ins that makes it impossible with the MK 2?
@davidpratsjuan - Like you, a major reason I got the S88 MK 2 was for the lights, especially for seeing what keys are mapped in instruments that don't use the entire continuous key range. And, like you, I was very disappointed to discover I could only use this feature via the Komplete Kontrol plug-in. KK is an awful piece of software to interact with. Even something as basic as resizing the window has been withheld for years despite many complaints about it.
I feel the same - MKIII is what MKII should have already been, and if MKII can do it via KK, I can't figure out why it shouldn't do it directly with the DAW, after a DAW and firmware updates. Seem like a planned crippling of MKII, so you buy also MKIII.
Nice board, however the MKII lives on for me and it’s because of Maschine 2 integration. Either way, have fun!
True
Could this be done with a firmware update on the controller?
@@zombierabbit3593maybe in a limited way, but the Maschine buttons have disappeared in the Mk3, so you wouldn’t be able to do much apart from transport controls and mixing…
What is the action like on this keyboard? What kind of keybed does it have? (Fatar?)
Is there any controller keyboard you'd recommend for those who prefer to use Logic Pro on macOS by itself (without Control)?
For such a huge controller, there was enough space to add at least 8 faders, some pads and even knock off Panorama and add a motorized fader. I get that for the Kontakt users this can be good, but the controller goes against the ecosystem mk1 was built for - Maschine. Also, I expected more physical controls. 10 years later, Nektar Panorama is still the king of the controllers, as you can have super deep integration into Cubase/Nuendo (and not basic transport functions only, but control of ALL plugins, both native and 3rd party. You can map pages of controls to your favourite instruments, like East West and trigger all kinds of articulations, control soft synths, and then just change mode and get a MIDI controller for hardware synths).QUERTY macro controls with a button, string of 8 complex commands? Why is it NI can't get arsed to do something like this, instead, they killed that little control they had with their native DAW. Also, except for bigger screen (no touch?) and polyphonic aftertouch, I don't see a single upgrade to MK2. Lights? Were there on MK1. Communication with KC? Was there in MK1. Transport is the same as in MK1. For such a bump in price, I expected better. What is it that you as heavy Kontakt users can do with this that you couldn't before? I feel as NI lost the thread - just so we are clear, NI is probably my favourite software developer, and I have spent a lot of money on their products since Generator, so I feel that I am entitled to critique.
That is what bothers me. No pads.
There is also Novation Launchkey mk3. It is very good position.
I prefere it empty. I put my touché in a side and my Stream deck on the other. If you want faders or pads you can buy devices made for. This way each one can customise his own set.
Arturia KeyLab mkII is really all of this you just named. And it's cheaper, and built better. NI imo is a ripoff.
They won't add pads because then that puts their Maschine lineup at risk.
Akai went about it a little differently, though.
What about the touch? How does it feel playing it?
Literally just got back into music production 2 months back and ordered the s88 mk2 saying to myself maybe I'll wait just in case they release a new product.
Upgrade next year maybe.
What camera 🎥 you using ??
I love your entertaining style of presenting your videos.
Wow I’m glad that I watched the video till the end. At first I thought what a promotional show here. I really wondered what features did I miss that would justify ditching the s88 mk2 for a mark 3 :D. But then the video ended with a honest opinion. I really appreciate that. For a s88 mk2 user I’m afraid there is no real selling points to upgrade to the mk3 at the moment.
I'm not even a keyboard player but you convinced me I should go and buy this thing.
Great intro to the Mk3; are you going to do a video about your live rig? I'm interested in what kit you take out (MacBook?) and how you do on the fly patch changes - e.g. a from Spitfire Cello to a non-NI synth plugin patch. Do you go out with a band or produce backing tracks; if the latter how do you integrate them live?
I wish they made it in white. My desk is in a monochromatic/all-white setup, so Arturia keyboard controllers are pretty much my only option. They're fine, but I had an S88 (the first version) that I quite liked. I know aesthetics is probably a stupid reason to exclude a good product, but I can't help it.
what truly sold this to me was the Call of Duty on the screen... but once you said you were joking, you lost me... :( LOL!
Hi, what kind of notebook do u use for smooth navigation with your new keyboard? Another question: what about your feeling with keybed? Thanks
Unreal!
I’m very upset that NI haven’t supported Maschine in this new keyboard like the previous version. I’m hoping they sort this as using Komplete keyboard with Maschine is how I work.
What about the keybed of the new s61? In mk2 s88 had a superior keybed nominally to the s61 mk2.
The beard REALLY suits you sir!!!! 😊
How do you feel about the light guide in terms of the way it looks now vs on the MK2? No UA-cam seems to be able to "pick up" the light on camera as well as the MK2 used to. I also think it's probably a different angled light, so sitting in front probably looks OK?
To be honest I didnt really use it much on the Mk2 and now Im not sure how Id live without it - particularly on pesky programmes like percussion which are all over the shop. Its easy to see which keys are which and I think you can customise the colour if you want
I worked on both and so am completely neutral in this regard. The MK3 is much clearer and cleaner in my opinion. You can also vary the Light Guide (and screen) brightness on MK3 from 0-100%.
@@timothyadnitt235 great, thank you for those details!
I am using the S61 MK2. I miss heavily real faders and outside of complete control and Kontakt it is quite useless. But the keys are nice playing on.
If the mk3 would have faders. That would be appreciated. So i will keep my mk2
Sadly, no faders here. Fortunately there are other separate fader controllers of high quality
Hello! After having tried a S88 and an S61, which one do you think is more suitable for someone that plays with "light pressing" because of an injury in a pinkie.
I have the S61 Mk2 but I find the keybed too hard to reach the botton, with which one do you arrive easier to the botton of the key with less force? with the S61 semiweighted or with the S88 hammered? Thank you :)
That looks really nice, I have the Mk2 and I got so frustrated that I just abandoned working with Logic Pro, Komplete Kontrol, and my keyboard. Wasted a lot of money for something I never ended up using.
Yeah it never worked properly with Logic.
Such a beautiful studio. But with all the glass all around, how does the acoustic treatment work?
It doesnt! But hey - I give up acoustic treatment for the view every day
Could you show us how it act with Arturia, Omnisphere and etc. plugins? I'm curious if it's pretty practical with third party programs.
I mean, I know you show us the CS-80 V but I think I would like to see more of possibilites.
Yes ~ though they face competition from Novation SL MkIII as well as the beautiful Arturia Analog Labs 88 and with the latter two being Daw~friendly, and also having pads. I’ll stick with my NI S25 and Maschine Mk 2 for now. Also, the led’s seem so muted that one would have to rest one’s chins on the keyboard to see it. SL MKIII and even the NI S61 has Musca brighter and visible LED’s. Bit underwhelming, I’m afraid
Does the light guide work automatically with the kontakt instruments? Obviously the light guide only worked through komplete kontrol before and that was the only reason i tried to battle with that software! 😅
The Light Guide does indeed work automatically with Kontakt instruments 🙂
@@timothyadnitt235even the older ones/third-party ones, pre-NKS2?
@@ToddlerTN Yes. Every NI and third-party NKS Instrument ever released will show Light Guide information on Kontrol Mk3 when it is connected directly to Kontakt.
I could watch you review everything that I'd ever want to buy and I'd enjoy it. You're hilarious, know your shit and damaging to my wallet (ie. Bought s88 mk2 because of you). Keep up the amazing work! 😅
Here's the thing, Guy. You remind me of my "yoof" when I was heavily into photography, and you were still appearing on my TV screen (remember them?). Amateur Photographer published a letter who's contents still ring in my ear (or in my head, at least). He asked why photographers were so obsessed with their equipment. He quipped: You never hear a bunch of writers talking about their typerwriters!! I know, I know - I am ALSO guilty of frothing at the mouth over hardware, but this thought puts it in perspective (I hope)...
Nice features, but it looks kind of wide, can it fit a standard desk tray? That will make it or break it for me..
watching this convinced me.
I'm waiting for the Mc3 88 key. That looks amazing.
So what you were trying to say was… "If ever there was a time to upgrade, the Mk3 is that time” 😁Looks like a fabulous keyboard. Nice video, well presented and produced. I like your natural light hearted style of presentation. If UA-cam had a five star rating feature you’d have a five star rating. Liked & subscribed⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think there is nothing preventing NI to implement that for the MK2 despite what they are claiming. Because basically, on the MK2, the images are generated on your computer and then send to the keyboard. So basically, you could send anything to the keyboard coming or not from Komplete… They could have updated Kontakt to provide the features of Komplete without the need of a new keyboard… Because, you still need to use Kontakt. It does not work with Ableton devices for instance. So you still have to use one of their plug-in… I don’t see the difference.
Yeah im sure aswell. They just wanna sell their lackluster MK3 with that. Kinda ridiculous marketing move imo.
How will they sell their new controller if they do that? Sadly, it's all about money. Let's hope they update it in the future
I use the S88 mk2 and have done so since your unpacking video ( I shared your excitement ).
I use Cubase 12 pro as my main goto and note that this ( at the moment ) is incompatible .. I can't believe NI would release a flagship keyboard without compatibility with this top of the line DAW used in so many studios ...
On reading the comments here and without noting each view, for me there is little this offers me that my Mk2 88 can't do. One thing is the light bar being moved from a stupid position on the Mk2 to above the 2 rotary controllers, but I'm used to it .. I think the build, design and sheer qaulity of the Mk2 is a keeper ... at least for a few years yet ....
I know - I love the S88 mk2 but that direct connection to NKS makes a huge difference every day
Totally agree. The direct integration with Kontakt is reason enough for me to eBay my Mk2 and take the plunge for the Mk3. I've pretty much NEVER used the features on my Mk2 because of the KK wrapper making my workflow slower. The new model should only enhance workflow and not hinder it.
Did I notice an Arturia keyboard in your main office, Guy? Was wondering why you'd changed as I thought you had the two NI controllers. I'm not really a fan of the plastic casing and it should have faders and pads....... but it does look cool. I do use Kontakt but jury is out as to whether I'll get one...
I use both - the feel is very different on both so you need to try them out for yourself
This is what I'd hoped my mkii was going to be.
Now we need NI to put a powerful enough computer to be able to run a standalone version of Kontakt on the the Keyboard and ultimately be able to gig with this board without any PC or Laptop
So glad Native has improved their design. A lot of mapping of the controls is the same as the Arturia, but the quality of the Native instruments controls over Arturia is obvious. It will be my next keyboard defintely. Mapping my faders snd pots on my Arturia are not working the same as when I first bought the keyboard. Thank you for the review Guy.
I'll may be returning my Arturia 88 now that the NI S series has Aftertouch. I hope the can release Aftertouch, as a firmware update, for the Maschine.
Speaking of mobile setup - any recommendations of flight cases for 61 midi keyboard?
No but that’s exactly what I’m looking for
Will the light guide work with all Kontakt Instruments or does it have to have the NKS files with it?
Im sure it doesnt work with NKI files, which is half of what we use. Yes, no faders, pads. Im hoping in the future with MIDI 2.0 and bidirectional communication this will work with EVERY library and not just Native Instruments. This is still a little gimmicky but maybe a step in the right direction
Is there enough space on the left to put a Monogram Creative Console?
Is there enough space on the right to sit a laptop?
I got the S61 as well, and the space measurements are as follows:
Left: 22 cm wide X 17.5 cm tall (to the edge of buttons) or 15 cm tall (top of logo)
Right: 27 cm wide X 17.5 cm tall
Novation was doing this sort of thing with their automap almost 20 years ago. Of course it wasn't as polished as this is. But it shows how controllers are becoming more advanced and the screens are getting better.
Except it was a wrapper. And was buggy. And ended up not being feasible. And users simply stopped using it. So Novation stopped developing it.
KK was a wrapper. Now NI has integrated it. So this is finally the game changer.
@@chaddonal4331Arturia did it for their own stuff years ago.
What is that thing you change the canera with? I mean you change the layout of the cameras
What is that? I neeed that
I wondered why you went with the S61 MK3 and not the S88? Perhaps that was a decision with it being easier to go mobile with?
I wonder if Guy will get like Rick Wakeman does with smaller keyboards and fly off the end.
It was sent to him as he says at tie start. Lucky bugger
Are the keys weighted?
Thanks for working in Logic Pro X.
Hi guy. I have signed up for your free trial for the music theory course. It is SO HELPFUL. It covers everything that I need to know. I am taking a exam soon. Do you have any advice? Thank you for your amazing content.
You are welcome - good luck!
Looks brilliant and the screen is glorious but no drum patterns built in, no pads and sliders and on top of all that, it's not a stand alone product that you can take with you and enjoy !!! The NI Control S88 Mk3 cost a whopping AU$2,249.00 Australian dollars ... Gosh I say! Brilliant review as always this gentlemen :)
I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of an S88 MK3. My MK2 will be donated to a fellow composer.
me too
Nice video, it looks like the hardware has potential.
What always concerns me is buying one of the devices and the lack of software platform consistency. I should just be able to hookup my DAW to it and not lose features. But most of the time, it seems that it requires eg Windows, Mac, and won't work with Linux.
That's the part that bothers me about the hardware space. We've got all of these crappy little software that works for 1 product, won't work with everything else, as opposed to me just buying a keyboard and forgetting the computer
It's ironic as a programmer, but sometimes i envy the plug and play nature of synths. Always work anywhere, without license managers being a pain and suspicious of your paying customer self, platform updates that don't work well, etc
I had to look to see if it has MIDI 2.0 and it does. This is very good news for future use.
It's true that Komplete Kontrol feels like a wrapper and not a very reliable one at that. I certainly hope NI will allow direct control at least in Kontakt on MkII hardware.
I'm so happy to have bought an MK2 and saved 30% (450 euros!) I will buy an MK3 when they will release the mk4!
This is certainly a nice entry, for sure. The plugin integration and NKS browser are very compelling. That it's going to take a while to get it fully enabled on Cubase is a bummer. An even bigger bummer is the MSRP! At $1300 USD, I think I may keep my existing controller for a while longer....
I am happy to share that Cubase support is very close - already in beta.
It is likely that it will be included when we ship in October. If not it will be very soon afterwards.
I'm quite interested in this board but wondering what its like controlling non-NI based instruments like Pianoteq, VB3, etc I'm guessing there are templates to take care of this. Very good insightful video Guy :)
How does it work with hardware polyAt? Of course, I'm biased, but Deckard's Dream? :)
Does it also work when you are loading all your NI Kontakt samples through Vienna Ensemble Pro from another server?
Does that thing actually play nice with non-NI stuff (like your DAW)? I‘ve come do mistrust NI on that, because mein Maschine can‘t even use the transport control buttons to control my Logic DAW. And if I want to use Maschine within Logic, I can only do this by loading the Maschine Plugin into Logic and then essentially work in that DAW within a DAW - all non-NI-enabled instruments are left out and couldn‘t be controlled. Is this finally solved with the Mk3?
Have you tried the Osmose by Expressivee E? That I think is a synth game changer.
I love Osmose too. A totally different thing to Kontrol Mk3. I find that they make a great pair!