For the dust issue, I keep a 2” paint brush in my studio and every time I turn on my Mac while it’s booting up and my gear is booting up I give everything a brush. Keeps on top of it every day! Sorted! ✌🏻
Good video! If there’s dust on your keyboard, there’s dust on everything else. The matte black finish just makes it more visible. I keep a feather duster handy for just that reason - dust drives me nuts. A couple swipes with the duster and it’s gone.
Great review. I got my s61 about two months ago and I'm loving it. Keybed is great, I'm glad I have a big NI keyboard at last. Earlier I used m32 to play and control my plugins and although I liked this device it wasn't always comfortable. Like you mentioned, standard midi in / out can be usefull as well, it makes for great midi keyboard for my sound modules. Software integration on s61 is decent, I especially love this soft buttons above knobs which they added in s series. Moving around komplete kontrol slots became much easier, as well as controlling DAW mixer. Browsing libraries using knobs instead of this one encoder also is easier and faster. I don't care about RGB lights that much because I'm blind and I can't use them but, for the same reason, I must appreciate Native's accessibility mode which allowes visually impaired producers to use NI plugins and other NKS products more easily using screen reader software. My music production will never be so efficient without this device. :) That's why I'm all for NKS compatibility of different products, even if it's made by 3rd party person instead of NI and it is available not from NI website. WIthout these hacks I wouldn't be able to use some software. So I understand what you talked about when you mentioned NKS pros and cons.
To help with the dust get a good air purifier and place it close to the piano. This will clean up your air and reduce dust. You can also get a cover to put over the piano when you are not using it.
Legit review! Thanks. I've been torn between this and the launch key. I don't have any of the NI vst's but i do like the sound of them and can see myself going all in
Embrace the dust. We're all stardust. Love the videos. This video has swayed me from purchasing the Arturia Keylab and opt for the Komplete S-49 instead.
@@kvkcoils8011 After all these years, it's still the centre of my workflow alongside the MK3 and Jam. Would never want to be without it. It is an excellent workflow.
6:35 with the shift button pressed you can also filter by vendors. And with the #2 knob you can go to alicia’s keys or scarbee bass. And when there are sound packs inside instruments like massive, monark etc. You can filter those on the #3 knob. I personally never search for bass sounds from all vst’s at the same time cos’ i get 2417 sounds. I always go to whatever vst i want to search sounds from with the #2 knob.
HI Mike! I just got the S88 MK2. I love the feel of this keyboard and integrates well with Cubase and Logic. The lights are helpful for using CC controls in the bass with the plugins. Thanks for your reviews and teaching!
@@patrykfitzner8697 I use it everyday. I love the bell and response of the action. You can change the response. I tend to use it more as a midi controller and not so much with the Komplete Kontrol integration. Some users complain of a noisy keyboard. I haven’t experienced anything problematic.
@@patrykfitzner8697 Glad I can help! Just to add, I am a piano player and used to a weighted keyboard. From what I understand, the Studiologic and Arturia keyboards(the $900-1,100 models) use a similar Fatar keyboard, which are about the best you can get. The consideration of which one to get may come down to the ecosphere of NI, Arturia, etc. My previous response should say "feel" and not "bell."
I use dark grey top quality bath towels to keep the dust off my keyboards in my studio.Makes them look great when covered and takes only seconds to remove or put back on.
John Mike Broooo... I received the MK2 the next day after I dropped my comment. I gotta say you were definitely on point with this review, ON POINT!!!! This is a amazing keyboard made me even happier I took your advice it’s so many perks with it. Ran it with MPC 2.2 software, Maschine, K. Kontrol standalone, an FL by far the best kontroller I’ve use an I’ve ran through a few of them.
I've owned the KK S61 Mk2 for two years and have made many great projects with it. Recently, I've been looking into buying Maschine Mikro Mk3 but after seeing your video I feel confident the keyboard will handle it just fine. Great review! Btw. Mine gets dusty, too, so it's not a personal issue!
I would get the Mikro anyway. If the s61 is the batmobile, the Mikro is the bat cycle, for when you just want to get out of the saddle for a while, chill on the sofa with your laptop. I would think they would compliment each other, it's not zero sum.
i just bought the KKa29 and it came with sticker residue and dust and it took me all of ten minutes to get it looking brand new AND you know an OG like myself has a dust cover for all sorts of keyboard sizes i used to own. im the type to sell a coat and keep the garment bag to said coat for other coats lol
Blackout drapes from Walmart are pretty cheap. Get the heavy ones that are lined and allow no light to pass through them. Iron the wrinkles out of them, fold to suit your length. They make perfect keyboard covers for a fraction of what commercial covers cost. I call it the death shroud. Always keep your boards covered when not in use. Dust is relentless.
try anti-static cleaner like window cleaner for your dust problem..Just Got this keyboard and i am amazed but yet so much to learn..Thank you for your interest in educating us witrh your knowledge on the subject..You have my like and Sub..1 love
I have the Arturia black edition and it's a dust magnet too! You should vacuum the studio like twice a week but I don't know anyone that does it that often ;)
Great review man! I had a good laugh when you were talking about dust, as I have the same problems. I wear black shirts all the time, so I had a laugh when you were saying things like "I don't know if it's just me" and "maybe because it's black you can just see it real good" ... because I could see little flecks of dust all over your black shirt xD.
Note a fan of the touch strip placement. In fact, I ended up creating a template that disables the touch strip. I found myself inadvertently messing up the volume when using the wheels due to my palm just barely touching the strip.
My little experience (S49 MK2). --------- LIKE: 1 - Fatar mechanics, 2 - Pleasant to the touch keys, 3 - The keys quiet (do not creak and not knock, unlike cheap midi clas, that it was important to me), 4 - Aftertouch --------- DISLIKE: 1 - Square design with sharp corners, like stump .. It looks very primitive. It is not comfortable to put a hand in the Pitch area - corners put on hand .. put physically and psychologically. Before that, I had a budget Midi keyboard of another manufacturer - the design was cool, streamlined, futuristic. 2 - Unreasonably cumbersome - it takes a lot of space on the table, and half of the space walks nothing busy .. Uzhos. And these two displays, I almost do not use. It would be better if the panel above the keys was two or three times less. 3 - Despite the fact that the keyboard is cumbersome, for some reason they have not placed at least a few faders for control ... It is not clear to me when these controls are even in cheap midi keyboards of other manufacturers. 4 - Pitch and modulation wheels are too cumbersome. Under them unsuccessfully placed the belt controller. When you turn the Pitch - in any case, you touch the ribbon controller and change its parameters. 5 - The backlight of the keys does not turn off, and also does not regulate its brightness, which is not very convenient .. Sometimes it interferes and puts on the eyes ... especially with dim light in the room. 6 - I did not find how to switch the presets in the usual midi mode through the Program Chang parameter. It is possible to assign only to the knob, which is not very convenient. Usually presets are switched by buttons by one value, and not spin. And it is spinning so fast that they slip through three. 7 - Even their native sampler Kontakt in DAW without a Komplete Kontrol does not support all this powerful backlight with zones .. native Kontakt !!! Very much damp and not convenient. (It works only with the running of Kontakt through the plug-in Komplete Kontrol, but it is not convenient, and there are no obvious problems there, as well as with such a use of a higher load on the processor.) 8 - Komplete Kontrol not convenient and not practical. Everything is loaded for a very long time, it sounds not as normal professional synthesizers ... the idea is good, the implementation is a complete garbage. It does not work as it should, and does not sound as it should. (I have many real synthesizers from 80-90, there is something to compare with ... everything works fast, clearly and beautiful ... I have a good idea of ??how professional instrument should work correctly 9 - I did not understand why the TS MODE function is needed, which should be activated via Shift on the Fixed Vel button. In the manual did not bother to describe her appointment. ---- Despite the many shortcomings, first of all, I was important to have a pleasant and quiet Fatar mechanics - I received it .... It remains to hope for the durability of German quality. A normal arpeggiator would not hurt, which would simply work with the keyboard in any DAW and in the midi mode with external equipment - without of Komplete Kontrol. Also did not hinder several controllers in the form of faders. If keyboard was more compact and licked without sharp corners - it would be generally wonderful. Well, it would be possible to add control of the brightness of the backlight of the keys, as well as the normal switching of presets of external synthesizer through Program Change.
NAILED the pros and cons list, and completely agree about the inclusion of an audio interface; for the price it should already be there. Subscribed. Keep it up my man.
Ryan M afraid I disagree with you on that. To me they are separate things. There's too many variables to an audio interface, no of inputs, quality of pre-amp, conversion software/latency etc, dsp plugin support etc. Whilst it would appeal to some people for those who already have an audio interface its potentially wasted money. Even disregarding all the variables I think it would be hard for NI to add an audio interface of equivalent quality to Apollo, audient, focusrite or even their own komplete audio interface without putting a significant bump on the price. Audio interfaces typically don't take up a huge amount of space and if I've bought a premium product such as this not sure I want guitar and mic cables trailing from the back of my keyboard. Then again just MHO.
MrClarkio yup, that’s one opinion and you’re entitled to it. There’s a precedent for including an interface in playable hardware. My MPC and FA-08 both have built-in interfaces, and each have come in handy at times, despite the fact I own a dedicated interface. Those may be standalone units, but anything meant to be the centerpiece of a home studio setup can benefit from an added interface. The opinion that a midi controller asking $779 ought to have something more to offer is not an unusual one. You’re saying it doesn’t make sense for your workflow, and you’re not alone. No piece of hardware is meant for everyone. But I guarantee you a legion of fans would find the addition of a built-in interface on this unit to be another splendid bullet-point on the back of the box. mho of course
Ryan M In fairness it does already offer quite a lot, dual oled screens, fatar keybed, full size keys, rgb led on each key for the light guide, proprietary plug in control standard etc. If you compare it to something like the arturia keysteps or novation mkiii3`s it's already offering quite a bit. Would be interesting to know what the profit on them is for NI, if it were small and used as almost a loss leader for committing people into NI products then realistically a built in interface is going to bump another £100 on the price. It's not something I can see them doing on the mkii as it would require a re-design of the case. As the ancient philophoser Jagger once said "you can't always get what you want".
MrClarkio Dude, I own one and I’m quite happy with it. Ancient rock and roll philosophy aside, I never said I wanted an on-board interface, I simply agree with John Mike that it would be a nice addition at the price point, and I thought he did a great job breaking down the pros and cons. I’m sure you’re an expert on profit margins, but I wouldn’t waste a moment considering whether NI is taking a loss on one of the most expensive midi controllers on market, which happens to be custom built for their own suite of software. Try comparing feature-for-feature with the Akai Advance 61 at $599 if you’re interested. Or don’t, it’s fine. You can’t always get what you want, but you usually get what you pay for. Opinions are like assholes, friend - we each have one. But I’m not trying to convince you I’m right. I’m just a dude who prefers the Beatles.
Enjoyed and appreciated the review. You're really funny, man. Was going to get the s88, but decided for multi purpose, the semi-weighted keys would be quicker and better for percussion and synth. Well-done 👍🏻
Could you use this as a performance keyboard in a live setting, without having to plug it into a laptop? Could you just hook it up to speakers and play it like a synth?
It doesn’t have any built in sounds at all...but it does have standard midi ports on it..so you could hook it up to an external sound module and play sounds that way...the only other way would be to hook to a computer
Thank you for taking the time to give us a great review. I play the guitar and only mess around on the piano (not very good at it). I want to start recording and I'm currently trying to decide between the Akai Advanced 61, the NIKK61, and the Nektar Panorama P6. They all seem to have + and - , probably couldn't go wrong with any of the three but I think you just talked me into getting the NI. Thanks again.
@John Mike ~ thank you, good insight; But for some reason, I'm more confused now! (Whether to get one or not) 😁😆 Also , my Maschine mk3 also collects mad dust, I keep a small, thinner type new paint brush from hardware store, and use it to quickly go over my unit, and it helps ... You don't have to totally commit to a wet wipes down every other day, just a quick brush ...I'd imagine those smaller brushes for pencil erasers would work as well .....
It feels like absolutely no one talks about Keybeds, its a deep freaking rabbit hole, super glad that you made a mention of it! Even the A61 has a really great keybed, i think it even tops out the Akai boards which have more of a moog-ish slower clunky vibe? KK is a bit faster, and it definitely is a huge deal for me. Dont even touch another controller, like the Arturia is really cool, but youre paying money for a mild amount of functionality with a standalone proprietary software. I think the fancier arturias are probably fine, the Essentiall models are absolutely grotesque, i hate their weird gummybear keys, ive played casio keyboards with better action.
Nice review John! I've been wanting to get back into Music Production, and the NI stuff is pretty compelling. With regard to MASCHINE, I think I read somewhere that BATTERY will load the same patches/expansions MASCHINE does, so if you're using KOMPLETE as your DAW, I would imagine that it the BATTERY module would take care of the sequencing and arrangement duties that MASCHINE normally would... Anyway, it's been two years since you've made this video, and maybe you've probably found that out by now (or maybe you're not even using any NI software anymore, haha), but just passing along that bit of info in case you want to follow up on that.
Thanks for much for this video, it sealed the deal for me. Was always leaning towards it but this was exactly what I was looking for... someone who spend some real time on it and got to know it.
Regarding the dust, get a good quality paint brush with nice bristles. About 2-3". They're great for dusting off something like this. I use one for my dj turntables and mixer. It works really good as you can 'paint' between the knobs and keys etc.
When I don't use my keyboard I just put a nice blanket over it so it doesn't get dusty But if the biggest con is that it attracts dust, I'm getting it tomorrow :D
MixWorkRecordings that would be a good idea I think. It wouldn’t be a 100 percent fix but covering it with a towel or something when not in use would greatly reduce the dust on it
There is a good website that does custom sized keyboard covers I used for mine. It has no dust on it. You can also get hard covers for the NI stuff which is handy for transportation protection if you perform.
Dr. Dust... 1: Cover when not in use. 2: HEPA Air Cleaner filter (expensive and effective) 3: Compressed can air instead of wet wiping. 4: microfiber cloth. Options 1 and 3 are cheap and probably solve it.
I have the S88 MKII that has even a larger area to gather dust but i have no problems with dust in my house. I just swipe my hand over it once a month and it’s dust free again.
John, thanks for the information about the MK2 keyboard. I would like to know about the MK2 88 weighted keys before I make my purchase. I just love playing weighted keys and the full range key board. Keep up the good work John.
Akai makes a VST plugin called "VIP" which is like Kontrol which allows you to pull all your 3rd party plugins into one interface. Maybe that works with NKI?
That is a shame. I want to get a keyboard that I can also learn to play piano on. Would you recommend this one? It would be a no brainer if it had onboard audio
Just ordered the S61 used for $269.99 on Guitar Center website! The price point for a new one is a little to steep for me! Great video keep up the excellent work!
2011soloproductions get a box fan then put a air filter on the back of it. Run it once a day for a hour in your studio. It will cut down on dust at least by 30percent a week
Great review John. I'm assuming the S49 is exactly the same keyboard but with less keys. This all begs the question, why don't Apple make their own hardware controller for seamless integration with Logic? Or maybe endorse NI to make a Logic friendly version? They did something similar with Beats didn't they?
Great video, looking into the s88, love the look and feel, has great functionality while not being to cluttered, maybe once they upgrade it to the 2nd generation 88 I can get it.I like to keep my setup looking as simple as possible and this would be a great addition! Thanks for the video! P.s maybe you can put your chair down a bit so your head doesn’t get cut off 😂
I'm looking to get this as my main keyboard to use in my home studio. But I wanted to know if it suitable to carry with me to church and other events on a regular basis (mainly once a week, but sometimes multiple time for the week). Also what is the best way to protect the keyboard when travelling with it?
Please Bro, a quick question, would you change the keys of the ni s61 mkii for those of the novation 88 mkiii? in terms of quality, noise, sensitivity. please john, if you can give me your advice. thank you so much.
There is something I never hear about re: this keyboard. That is the accessibility feature, (speech/voice over) for helping blind and partially sighted musicians to find sounds, use the controllers to edit their sounds, and use this keyboard within garage band, logic and other DAWs. What do you think?
I don't expect your average person to even think about this, but yes great feature. It was the main reason I decided to get into the komplete world. There are some things that I wish native would work on with accessibility, but can't complain to much.
Hi! Im just going to buy one S6 used (almost new) for $500, is it a good deal for this price? Or do you think I can do better for the money. Also, do you know what things I should really check once I see the keyboard? Ill be able to try it just before buying it. Thanks, your videos are helping me a lot.
I was so close to buy this keyboard until I found out , it only works with Maschine if you bought/buy the controller. So in reality to get the most out of the Native Instruments, you have to buy $620/$750 + $250/$600 worth of hardware. I’ve used NI komplete for years ; but since the advent of Maschine, Native Instruments is basically a micro transaction business
Sapiens Strength actually it now comes with Maschine Essentials and a few maschine expansions... www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-s49-s61/included-software/
I might buy this today, in fact. For the FATAR keybed, and nothing more. Wasted real estate! Why no SLIDERS? You play organ - can one at least use the knobs for "dreawbars"? Good video!
I am stuck for about a week not able to use the software at all (as I have endless problems either with plugins or content libraries). Every time I open Native Access it goes out of the screen. Many interfaces opened in Kontakt on my 4K screen are completely unreadable (to small to blurry). Support ticket wizard is the worst thing I have seen in my entire life. No way to track tickets directly through the site. Now way to register/unregister single products from KOMPLETE and Native Access interface (which BTW endlessly keeps asking for an update). Major features which users ask for years are not added. Upgrade policy sucks - meaning - if you purchased a single product from NI and not it is part of the KOMPLETE suite they want you to pay for it twice and you end up with 2 licenses and SN). You will not get a refund or discount. NI support replies about every 3rd day so after a week they asked few dozens of questions and no help, no resolution, no nothing. I paid in last 5 years $5k+ for their hardware and software and it was the worst musical decision of my life. While the 3rd party libraries and sounds are mostly OK or even excellent, everything else about this company simply sucks. I would never buy any NI products again nor recommend it to a friend. I really wish that one day Kontakt is replaced with some "real software" by some other competitive company. Perhaps the reason that this company is so bad is that they have grown so big and they believe there is no competition for NKS and alike. The bottom line is: when it works it is OK (jut ok but not god) but when even small problems arise you are on your own and you waste tons of time and energy. Not worth the price.
can i assign knobs on any parameters on ableton ? Like control operator in ableton stuff like this and not just generic parameters ? Ty for the video John.
GREAT VIDEO @John Mike! Thank you! I am struggling with making a MIDI Controller because of MOST of these factors. Have you found a MIDI Controller (Of ANY brand) which you have found since you made this video, which will allow more granular control for DAWs, different libraries (especially Native to the DAWs), and other VST libraries, which you found supercedes Kontrol? I need something which I can use to centralize things as much as possible. I have issues with left screen not dialing down to sound libraries too. PLEASE share you advice.
Do you still need a laptop or computer hooked up for this or can you load your libraries in to run directly from the keyboard itself? Looking for a keyboard that is programmable for live gigs.
Check It Out Here: amzn.to/2D64LDR
For the dust issue, I keep a 2” paint brush in my studio and every time I turn on my Mac while it’s booting up and my gear is booting up I give everything a brush. Keeps on top of it every day! Sorted! ✌🏻
always keep a feather duster in the studio :)
@@n0nspaz try the paintbrush, trust me. keep the feather duster for the furniture.
Part of the paintbrush crew 👌🏾
use a brush vacuum. a brush will push the dust into the inside of your buttons fouling up your sensors.
How long does it take for your Mac to boot?
Your thoughts on NKS non-availability to other plugins makes perfect sense!
Good video! If there’s dust on your keyboard, there’s dust on everything else. The matte black finish just makes it more visible. I keep a feather duster handy for just that reason - dust drives me nuts. A couple swipes with the duster and it’s gone.
The dust problem will be addressed at the next update.
Lol
Wouldn’t it be nice
LMAO
Firmware update?
Get can of dust air spray...for computer electronics...
Great review. I got my s61 about two months ago and I'm loving it. Keybed is great, I'm glad I have a big NI keyboard at last. Earlier I used m32 to play and control my plugins and although I liked this device it wasn't always comfortable. Like you mentioned, standard midi in / out can be usefull as well, it makes for great midi keyboard for my sound modules. Software integration on s61 is decent, I especially love this soft buttons above knobs which they added in s series. Moving around komplete kontrol slots became much easier, as well as controlling DAW mixer. Browsing libraries using knobs instead of this one encoder also is easier and faster. I don't care about RGB lights that much because I'm blind and I can't use them but, for the same reason, I must appreciate Native's accessibility mode which allowes visually impaired producers to use NI plugins and other NKS products more easily using screen reader software. My music production will never be so efficient without this device. :) That's why I'm all for NKS compatibility of different products, even if it's made by 3rd party person instead of NI and it is available not from NI website. WIthout these hacks I wouldn't be able to use some software. So I understand what you talked about when you mentioned NKS pros and cons.
6 in and out audio interface integration sounds amazing
To help with the dust get a good air purifier and place it close to the piano. This will clean up your air and reduce dust. You can also get a cover to put over the piano when you are not using it.
Legit review! Thanks. I've been torn between this and the launch key. I don't have any of the NI vst's but i do like the sound of them and can see myself going all in
Embrace the dust. We're all stardust. Love the videos. This video has swayed me from purchasing the Arturia Keylab and opt for the Komplete S-49 instead.
Yo for that dust, you gotta order one of those molded desksaver covers. They make them for everything.
Just bought an S61 MK2 based on your video!
how do you like it?
How you liking it?
I have a Maschine mk3 and I'm on the fence as to whether or not I need one of these babies ..... Any input appreciated!
@@kvkcoils8011 After all these years, it's still the centre of my workflow alongside the MK3 and Jam. Would never want to be without it. It is an excellent workflow.
6:35 with the shift button pressed you can also filter by vendors. And with the #2 knob you can go to alicia’s keys or scarbee bass. And when there are sound packs inside instruments like massive, monark etc. You can filter those on the #3 knob.
I personally never search for bass sounds from all vst’s at the same time cos’ i get 2417 sounds. I always go to whatever vst i want to search sounds from with the #2 knob.
Great stuff man! I'm a drummer but enjoyed the flow and production quality of the vid! Keep it up!
Daniel Bernard wow! Thanks!
Great review. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. I bought one today and I am looking forward to digging into it.
For dust I use a zerostat gun that I use of my vinyl records. Other than that a grounding wire!
HEY JOHN MIKE WHICH MIDI KEYBOARD I SHOULD GO FOR ARTURIA KEYLAB 61 MK2 OR NATIVE INSTRUMENTS S61 MK3.
I prefer the S61
HI Mike! I just got the S88 MK2. I love the feel of this keyboard and integrates well with Cubase and Logic. The lights are helpful for using CC controls in the bass with the plugins. Thanks for your reviews and teaching!
How do you like it after 3 years? Do you still use it?
@@patrykfitzner8697 I use it everyday. I love the bell and response of the action. You can change the response. I tend to use it more as a midi controller and not so much with the Komplete Kontrol integration. Some users complain of a noisy keyboard. I haven’t experienced anything problematic.
@@brentwitten3237 thank you very much for your quick response! I'm currently considering purchase of this keyboard, that's why i asked :)
@@patrykfitzner8697 Glad I can help! Just to add, I am a piano player and used to a weighted keyboard. From what I understand, the Studiologic and Arturia keyboards(the $900-1,100 models) use a similar Fatar keyboard, which are about the best you can get. The consideration of which one to get may come down to the ecosphere of NI, Arturia, etc. My previous response should say "feel" and not "bell."
I use dark grey top quality bath towels to keep the dust off my keyboards in my studio.Makes them look great when covered and takes only seconds to remove or put back on.
John Mike Broooo... I received the MK2 the next day after I dropped my comment. I gotta say you were definitely on point with this review, ON POINT!!!! This is a amazing keyboard made me even happier I took your advice it’s so many perks with it. Ran it with MPC 2.2 software, Maschine, K. Kontrol standalone, an FL by far the best kontroller I’ve use an I’ve ran through a few of them.
Dust is a thing for all keyboards, I put a nice fabric cover over mine to keep it fresh and take it off each time I use the keyboard.
I use a big paint brush to dust my keyboard. You can reach in between keys with it.
I've owned the KK S61 Mk2 for two years and have made many great projects with it. Recently, I've been looking into buying Maschine Mikro Mk3 but after seeing your video I feel confident the keyboard will handle it just fine. Great review! Btw. Mine gets dusty, too, so it's not a personal issue!
I would get the Mikro anyway. If the s61 is the batmobile, the Mikro is the bat cycle, for when you just want to get out of the saddle for a while, chill on the sofa with your laptop. I would think they would compliment each other, it's not zero sum.
i just bought the KKa29 and it came with sticker residue and dust and it took me all of ten minutes to get it looking brand new AND you know an OG like myself has a dust cover for all sorts of keyboard sizes i used to own. im the type to sell a coat and keep the garment bag to said coat for other coats lol
I keep a can of spray duster handy and spray all my gear down before a session. Thanks for your insight on the mk61
Blackout drapes from Walmart are pretty cheap. Get the heavy ones that are lined and allow no light to pass through them. Iron the wrinkles out of them, fold to suit your length. They make perfect keyboard covers for a fraction of what commercial covers cost.
I call it the death shroud. Always keep your boards covered when not in use. Dust is relentless.
try anti-static cleaner like window cleaner for your dust problem..Just Got this keyboard and i am amazed but yet so much to learn..Thank you for your interest in educating us witrh your knowledge on the subject..You have my like and Sub..1 love
I have the Arturia black edition and it's a dust magnet too! You should vacuum the studio like twice a week but I don't know anyone that does it that often ;)
Thnx for this, picking one upp this week!
Great review man! I had a good laugh when you were talking about dust, as I have the same problems. I wear black shirts all the time, so I had a laugh when you were saying things like "I don't know if it's just me" and "maybe because it's black you can just see it real good" ... because I could see little flecks of dust all over your black shirt xD.
Lol right! Lol
Note a fan of the touch strip placement. In fact, I ended up creating a template that disables the touch strip. I found myself inadvertently messing up the volume when using the wheels due to my palm just barely touching the strip.
try using a small unused paint brush to dust it off
cover it when not in use? Might it help the dust problem some?
Great video, as always, John. I just ordered this today. Thank you for your information. I will buy a duster tomorrow ;-)
My little experience (S49 MK2).
---------
LIKE:
1 - Fatar mechanics,
2 - Pleasant to the touch keys,
3 - The keys quiet (do not creak and not knock, unlike cheap midi clas, that it was important to me),
4 - Aftertouch
---------
DISLIKE:
1 - Square design with sharp corners, like stump .. It looks very primitive. It is not comfortable to put a hand in the Pitch area - corners put on hand .. put physically and psychologically. Before that, I had a budget Midi keyboard of another manufacturer - the design was cool, streamlined, futuristic.
2 - Unreasonably cumbersome - it takes a lot of space on the table, and half of the space walks nothing busy .. Uzhos. And these two displays, I almost do not use. It would be better if the panel above the keys was two or three times less.
3 - Despite the fact that the keyboard is cumbersome, for some reason they have not placed at least a few faders for control ... It is not clear to me when these controls are even in cheap midi keyboards of other manufacturers.
4 - Pitch and modulation wheels are too cumbersome. Under them unsuccessfully placed the belt controller. When you turn the Pitch - in any case, you touch the ribbon controller and change its parameters.
5 - The backlight of the keys does not turn off, and also does not regulate its brightness, which is not very convenient .. Sometimes it interferes and puts on the eyes ... especially with dim light in the room.
6 - I did not find how to switch the presets in the usual midi mode through the Program Chang parameter. It is possible to assign only to the knob, which is not very convenient. Usually presets are switched by buttons by one value, and not spin. And it is spinning so fast that they slip through three.
7 - Even their native sampler Kontakt in DAW without a Komplete Kontrol does not support all this powerful backlight with zones .. native Kontakt !!! Very much damp and not convenient. (It works only with the running of Kontakt through the plug-in Komplete Kontrol, but it is not convenient, and there are no obvious problems there, as well as with such a use of a higher load on the processor.)
8 - Komplete Kontrol not convenient and not practical. Everything is loaded for a very long time, it sounds not as normal professional synthesizers ... the idea is good, the implementation is a complete garbage. It does not work as it should, and does not sound as it should. (I have many real synthesizers from 80-90, there is something to compare with ... everything works fast, clearly and beautiful ... I have a good idea of ??how professional instrument should work correctly
9 - I did not understand why the TS MODE function is needed, which should be activated via Shift on the Fixed Vel button. In the manual did not bother to describe her appointment.
----
Despite the many shortcomings, first of all, I was important to have a pleasant and quiet Fatar mechanics - I received it .... It remains to hope for the durability of German quality. A normal arpeggiator would not hurt, which would simply work with the keyboard in any DAW and in the midi mode with external equipment - without of Komplete Kontrol. Also did not hinder several controllers in the form of faders. If keyboard was more compact and licked without sharp corners - it would be generally wonderful. Well, it would be possible to add control of the brightness of the backlight of the keys, as well as the normal switching of presets of external synthesizer through Program Change.
I concur with the dust issue
Definitely ordering this on Monday! Thank you man!! Subscribing now
Bought the s49 thinking it would have been enough, now i want the s61... FML
I brought the 61. I can't believe it's an extra £100 for just 12 extra keys
Got the s61 and I really wish they had a 76. Because I really don't wanna go 88 weighted keys. I have also always felt like 76 keys was perfect.
NAILED the pros and cons list, and completely agree about the inclusion of an audio interface; for the price it should already be there. Subscribed. Keep it up my man.
Ryan M afraid I disagree with you on that. To me they are separate things. There's too many variables to an audio interface, no of inputs, quality of pre-amp, conversion software/latency etc, dsp plugin support etc. Whilst it would appeal to some people for those who already have an audio interface its potentially wasted money. Even disregarding all the variables I think it would be hard for NI to add an audio interface of equivalent quality to Apollo, audient, focusrite or even their own komplete audio interface without putting a significant bump on the price. Audio interfaces typically don't take up a huge amount of space and if I've bought a premium product such as this not sure I want guitar and mic cables trailing from the back of my keyboard. Then again just MHO.
MrClarkio yup, that’s one opinion and you’re entitled to it. There’s a precedent for including an interface in playable hardware. My MPC and FA-08 both have built-in interfaces, and each have come in handy at times, despite the fact I own a dedicated interface. Those may be standalone units, but anything meant to be the centerpiece of a home studio setup can benefit from an added interface. The opinion that a midi controller asking $779 ought to have something more to offer is not an unusual one. You’re saying it doesn’t make sense for your workflow, and you’re not alone. No piece of hardware is meant for everyone. But I guarantee you a legion of fans would find the addition of a built-in interface on this unit to be another splendid bullet-point on the back of the box. mho of course
Ryan M In fairness it does already offer quite a lot, dual oled screens, fatar keybed, full size keys, rgb led on each key for the light guide, proprietary plug in control standard etc. If you compare it to something like the arturia keysteps or novation mkiii3`s it's already offering quite a bit. Would be interesting to know what the profit on them is for NI, if it were small and used as almost a loss leader for committing people into NI products then realistically a built in interface is going to bump another £100 on the price. It's not something I can see them doing on the mkii as it would require a re-design of the case. As the ancient philophoser Jagger once said "you can't always get what you want".
MrClarkio Dude, I own one and I’m quite happy with it. Ancient rock and roll philosophy aside, I never said I wanted an on-board interface, I simply agree with John Mike that it would be a nice addition at the price point, and I thought he did a great job breaking down the pros and cons. I’m sure you’re an expert on profit margins, but I wouldn’t waste a moment considering whether NI is taking a loss on one of the most expensive midi controllers on market, which happens to be custom built for their own suite of software. Try comparing feature-for-feature with the Akai Advance 61 at $599 if you’re interested. Or don’t, it’s fine. You can’t always get what you want, but you usually get what you pay for. Opinions are like assholes, friend - we each have one. But I’m not trying to convince you I’m right. I’m just a dude who prefers the Beatles.
Enjoyed and appreciated the review. You're really funny, man.
Was going to get the s88, but decided for multi purpose, the semi-weighted keys would be quicker and better for percussion and synth.
Well-done 👍🏻
Could you use this as a performance keyboard in a live setting, without having to plug it into a laptop? Could you just hook it up to speakers and play it like a synth?
It doesn’t have any built in sounds at all...but it does have standard midi ports on it..so you could hook it up to an external sound module and play sounds that way...the only other way would be to hook to a computer
@@Johnmike Thanks for the info dude :)
@@Johnmike does it have the normal piano sound? Or nothing at all??
Mark Kuruvilla no sounds at all
@@Johnmike thanks
Love my S49, gen 1. I got my eye on an S 61mk2. Great video.
Thank you for taking the time to give us a great review. I play the guitar and only mess around on the piano (not very good at it). I want to start recording and I'm currently trying to decide between the Akai Advanced 61, the NIKK61, and the Nektar Panorama P6. They all seem to have + and - , probably couldn't go wrong with any of the three but I think you just talked me into getting the NI. Thanks again.
@John Mike ~ thank you, good insight;
But for some reason, I'm more confused now!
(Whether to get one or not) 😁😆
Also , my Maschine mk3 also collects mad dust,
I keep a small, thinner type new paint brush from hardware store, and use it to quickly go over my unit, and it helps ... You don't have to totally commit to a wet wipes down every other day, just a quick brush ...I'd imagine those smaller brushes for pencil erasers would work as well .....
It feels like absolutely no one talks about Keybeds, its a deep freaking rabbit hole, super glad that you made a mention of it! Even the A61 has a really great keybed, i think it even tops out the Akai boards which have more of a moog-ish slower clunky vibe? KK is a bit faster, and it definitely is a huge deal for me.
Dont even touch another controller, like the Arturia is really cool, but youre paying money for a mild amount of functionality with a standalone proprietary software. I think the fancier arturias are probably fine, the Essentiall models are absolutely grotesque, i hate their weird gummybear keys, ive played casio keyboards with better action.
Comprehensive video bruh!!! lovin it!!
You have sent me over the edge with this vid i'm getting it bro thanks for the info
Hay John.👏
Love the video, love the channels.
I Just had one question about this keyboard.?
How well does it work with an iPad?
Nice review John! I've been wanting to get back into Music Production, and the NI stuff is pretty compelling. With regard to MASCHINE, I think I read somewhere that BATTERY will load the same patches/expansions MASCHINE does, so if you're using KOMPLETE as your DAW, I would imagine that it the BATTERY module would take care of the sequencing and arrangement duties that MASCHINE normally would... Anyway, it's been two years since you've made this video, and maybe you've probably found that out by now (or maybe you're not even using any NI software anymore, haha), but just passing along that bit of info in case you want to follow up on that.
I have a big dust problem with my Korg Kross 2, but I live in Arizona lol!!!!
I am looking at your shirt... there is dust on your shirt, too. How did you manage that? :)
Thanks for much for this video, it sealed the deal for me. Was always leaning towards it but this was exactly what I was looking for... someone who spend some real time on it and got to know it.
Just got one myself, can't wait till it arrives!
3 minutes into the video and I’m convinced this is the one for me🙌
Thanks man!! Yeah the dust😫😫😩😖😖 and I live in India.. A dust factory!! I just ordered my S61.
Great demo!! I’m a huge fan 🙏🙏🙏
Wow thank you! 🙏🏽
Now a few years later, are you still enjoying it? I hear that it has some build quality issues that could creep in after a lot of use.
I am thinking I need to buy this tonight!
Regarding the dust, get a good quality paint brush with nice bristles. About 2-3". They're great for dusting off something like this. I use one for my dj turntables and mixer. It works really good as you can 'paint' between the knobs and keys etc.
agree with you in every point!!!! good vid dude
Hi 👋 Can you name and save projects from the keyboard?
Concerning the dust: Have you ever considered to apply an anti-static spray? Greetings
When I don't use my keyboard I just put a nice blanket over it so it doesn't get dusty
But if the biggest con is that it attracts dust, I'm getting it tomorrow :D
The dust solution is to pressure your room but it's an over proportion solution.
I’m about to buy one tomorrow my akai 225 broke 😢
As per dust issues...easy answer: Is any other piece of equipment close to your keyboard that's not dusty? Preferably, anything black?
Have you tried a keyboard cover???
MixWorkRecordings that would be a good idea I think. It wouldn’t be a 100 percent fix but covering it with a towel or something when not in use would greatly reduce the dust on it
There is a good website that does custom sized keyboard covers I used for mine. It has no dust on it. You can also get hard covers for the NI stuff which is handy for transportation protection if you perform.
@@ags911 www.decksaver.com/covers/producer/controller/kontrol-s61-mk2-cover
Dr. Dust... 1: Cover when not in use. 2: HEPA Air Cleaner filter (expensive and effective) 3: Compressed can air instead of wet wiping. 4: microfiber cloth. Options 1 and 3 are cheap and probably solve it.
I have the S88 MKII that has even a larger area to gather dust but i have no problems with dust in my house. I just swipe my hand over it once a month and it’s dust free again.
John, thanks for the information about the MK2 keyboard. I would like to know about the MK2 88 weighted keys before I make my purchase. I just love playing weighted keys and the full range key
board. Keep up the good work John.
robert easter thanks! I haven’t had the opportunity to own the 88key version...but I have played on it at guitar center and it does feel great!
that nice I am getting one as soon as possible, thanks
Akai makes a VST plugin called "VIP" which is like Kontrol which allows you to pull all your 3rd party plugins into one interface. Maybe that works with NKI?
Great review bro. Does it have bluetooth or audiojack for headphones?
No it doesn’t
That is a shame. I want to get a keyboard that I can also learn to play piano on. Would you recommend this one? It would be a no brainer if it had onboard audio
Great point on audio interface it I don’t know why not many companies do it. All midi keyboards should come with audio interface now a days!
You can buy Machine 2 now standalone. IMO if you want Maschine 2 buy the 88 Key version of this and it comes with it.
DJ hello I just want to be clear before I purchase this can I use this as a keyboard only? Without connecting to a computer
2021 - Maschine 2 + Maschine Essentials came with my M32. You getting your cut??
Just ordered the S61 used for $269.99 on Guitar Center website! The price point for a new one is a little to steep for me! Great video keep up the excellent work!
900$ in Canada...snif
Buy an air purifier with HEPA filter. That will reduce the dust in your room a lot.
So this works well with the Maschine MK2 software? I want to buy one but don't want to move to Maschine MK3 yet.
It does
Man i feel you on the dust situation i went on a cleaning spree thinking the room was just dusty but still some how accumulates dust the next day lol
2011soloproductions get a box fan then put a air filter on the back of it. Run it once a day for a hour in your studio. It will cut down on dust at least by 30percent a week
Great review John. I'm assuming the S49 is exactly the same keyboard but with less keys. This all begs the question, why don't Apple make their own hardware controller for seamless integration with Logic? Or maybe endorse NI to make a Logic friendly version? They did something similar with Beats didn't they?
Great video, looking into the s88, love the look and feel, has great functionality while not being to cluttered, maybe once they upgrade it to the 2nd generation 88 I can get it.I like to keep my setup looking as simple as possible and this would be a great addition! Thanks for the video! P.s maybe you can put your chair down a bit so your head doesn’t get cut off 😂
NielsBohr107 lol...my wife said the same thing lol...I’ll work on that for the next video!
I'm looking to get this as my main keyboard to use in my home studio. But I wanted to know if it suitable to carry with me to church and other events on a regular basis (mainly once a week, but sometimes multiple time for the week).
Also what is the best way to protect the keyboard when travelling with it?
Yes..and I would just get a good hard shell keyboard case
Dope Video Bro‼️
Thomas Brown thanks!
Please Bro, a quick question, would you change the keys of the ni s61 mkii for those of the novation 88 mkiii? in terms of quality, noise, sensitivity. please john, if you can give me your advice. thank you so much.
DOES IT WORK OR WILL IT EVER WITH FL STUDIO
Keep a small clean paint brush in a pen pot in your studio Bruv great for everything first thing with your coffee. 👍🎹
There is something I never hear about re: this keyboard. That is the accessibility feature, (speech/voice over) for helping blind and partially sighted musicians to find sounds, use the controllers to edit their sounds, and use this keyboard within garage band, logic and other DAWs. What do you think?
I don't expect your average person to even think about this, but yes great feature. It was the main reason I decided to get into the komplete world. There are some things that I wish native would work on with accessibility, but can't complain to much.
Pretty much 99% of the dust is dead skin particles. The problem is probably the material of the controller.
Hi! Im just going to buy one S6 used (almost new) for $500, is it a good deal for this price? Or do you think I can do better for the money. Also, do you know what things I should really check once I see the keyboard? Ill be able to try it just before buying it. Thanks, your videos are helping me a lot.
Yup that’s a decent deal...the S61 is my favorite midi board
I was so close to buy this keyboard until I found out , it only works with Maschine if you bought/buy the controller. So in reality to get the most out of the Native Instruments, you have to buy $620/$750 + $250/$600 worth of hardware. I’ve used NI komplete for years ; but since the advent of Maschine, Native Instruments is basically a micro transaction business
Sapiens Strength actually it now comes with Maschine Essentials and a few maschine expansions... www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-s49-s61/included-software/
Scroll to the bottom
Wow thank you 🙏🏽
This is problem with any black matte that put dust under the spotlight. Feather duster and you're good to go!
Which keyboard is better Arturia Keylab 61 MKii or Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2? Can you do a video about this ?
I will soon!
@@Johnmike Thank you, very much, John! I appreciate it, very much!
@@Johnmike If not, which could be a short response? Thanks! Im going to buy one between those
I might buy this today, in fact. For the FATAR keybed, and nothing more. Wasted real estate! Why no SLIDERS? You play organ - can one at least use the knobs for "dreawbars"? Good video!
Sounds like someone needs to do more dusting and hoovering.🧐 thanks for the review Dusty!
I am stuck for about a week not able to use the software at all (as I have endless problems either with plugins or content libraries).
Every time I open Native Access it goes out of the screen. Many interfaces opened in Kontakt on my 4K screen are completely unreadable (to small to blurry). Support ticket wizard is the worst thing I have seen in my entire life. No way to track tickets directly through the site. Now way to register/unregister single products from KOMPLETE and Native Access interface (which BTW endlessly keeps asking for an update). Major features which users ask for years are not added. Upgrade policy sucks - meaning - if you purchased a single product from NI and not it is part of the KOMPLETE suite they want you to pay for it twice and you end up with 2 licenses and SN). You will not get a refund or discount.
NI support replies about every 3rd day so after a week they asked few dozens of questions and no help, no resolution, no nothing. I paid in last 5 years $5k+ for their hardware and software and it was the worst musical decision of my life. While the 3rd party libraries and sounds are mostly OK or even excellent, everything else about this company simply sucks. I would never buy any NI products again nor recommend it to a friend. I really wish that one day Kontakt is replaced with some "real software" by some other competitive company. Perhaps the reason that this company is so bad is that they have grown so big and they believe there is no competition for NKS and alike.
The bottom line is: when it works it is OK (jut ok but not god) but when even small problems arise you are on your own and you waste tons of time and energy. Not worth the price.
Hey have you tried this with MainStage? It's not officially supported but with logic support, hoped it would integrate well.
I did it just shows as a regular midi controller
Can I use this thru my MPC one?
can i assign knobs on any parameters on ableton ? Like control operator in ableton stuff like this and not just generic parameters ?
Ty for the video John.
GREAT VIDEO @John Mike! Thank you!
I am struggling with making a MIDI Controller because of MOST of these factors. Have you found a MIDI Controller (Of ANY brand) which you have found since you made this video, which will allow more granular control for DAWs, different libraries (especially Native to the DAWs), and other VST libraries, which you found supercedes Kontrol?
I need something which I can use to centralize things as much as possible. I have issues with left screen not dialing down to sound libraries too.
PLEASE share you advice.
Great video!
Mick Benjamins thanks!!!
Can this be used as a standalone instrument with a DAW interface?
Yes, IF you use plug-ins on the DAW as your instruments. It cannot be truly stand-alone because it does not include a sound generating engine.
Do you still need a laptop or computer hooked up for this or can you load your libraries in to run directly from the keyboard itself? Looking for a keyboard that is programmable for live gigs.
Gotta have a computer