Great video, and I love how you play, I’m already inspired to get better. I think this is just what I need for what my budget is so I can learn, produce, etc., and I can upgrade a few years down the line if I feel like I want a more realistic feel. Much appreciated! Your review seems to be the most straightforward and honest.
Thanks for this Yaahn. My main issue has become getting in and out of venues in central London where there’s no parking and trying to lug a 22kg Kronos around. Just hoping this can get me through those gigs. Obviously I know I’m going to have to sacrificw playability somewhat.
I purchased the Launchkey 88 MK3 and am very happy with the keybed for playing virtual piano's and many other virtual instruments/synths. I got a ton of midi keyboards and the 88 MK3 is by far the best for expressing virtual piano's (For me anyway) It's quite a premium feel in comparison to midi keyboards I own. Most midi keyboards/keybeds are very stiff towards the pivot point especially on the black keys which makes it difficult to express softly played compositions. Very difficult to humanize what I want to play when expression is crucial at given points in compositions. Another factor that affects expressive playing (midi keyboards) is how many points of velocity a sample based virtual piano has. And sampled virtual piano's have very few. Modelled virtual piano's are usually preferred as they have 127 points of velocity. But I digress.... If I was a full time heavy handed player or just love fooling around smashing away then I guess it wouldn't matter. In my opinion most hammer action keybeds are far too heavy and mechanical to the touch and don't come close to the feel of an acoustic piano. Not to mention getting fatigued in the forearms after a while. I've only ever experienced forearm pump/soreness when playing electronic hammer action keyboards. Some people don't experience it though many others experience forearm fatigue from electronic hammer action keybeds but that may be also due to incorrect playing technique and seat height. Acoustic piano's I have played and own are much lighter to the touch than emulated/modelled hammer action keys found on electronic keyboards. And I digress again..... For studio use the Launchkey 88 MK3 (in my opinion) is the best allrounder. It doesn't feel like a piano but it's a great compromise I think between piano keys and synth action.
A question friend, I have a ni s61 mkii and I would like to get an 88 semi-weighted keys that have the same quality or better than my ni s61 mkii, would this be a novation 88 mkii? in terms of key quality, noise, sensitivity... better than my ni s61mkii?
@@electedmusic7685 I'm not sure if Novation made an 88 mk2 though I have the Novation 88 mk3 and also the NI S61 mk2. The NI S61 mk2 is definitely premium when it comes to the keybed and in comparison to the Novation 88 mk3 the NI S61 keys are much stiffer. That's not to say the NI S61 is bad in any way. In my opinion it's too stiff for expressing virtual piano instruments that's why I opted for the Novation 88 mk3 as my go to for expressing virtual instruments such as piano and keys. The Novation 88 mk3 keys are lighter but they have a nice feel and spring to it and has that premium feel about it. Noise is minimal but any midi keyboard becomes noisy when played hard but the 88mk3 is rather good. Sensitivity is lovely and you can also adjust it's velocity within onboard controls. As to whether it's better than the S61? They are both great in their own right so I guess it will depend what how you want to use it. The novation really shines when it comes to virtual pianos and keys for expression. But also great for anything else with virtual synths. Best all rounder for studio use if you're serious about expression when playing virtual piano's/keys. Hope that helps in influencing your decision.
@@frankymino8773 oh, thank you very much my friend, one last question, please, my ni s61 mkii has firm black keys, if I move them with two fingers to the sides, they don't move, my question is, do the novation 88 ones move? Do they have slack to the sides and sway from right to left? or are they firm?
@@electedmusic7685 Yes the black keys on the novation do have a little slack left and right. Though they spring back to the middle. I haven't noticed this until you asked and haven't noticed the slack when playing since purchase. I've checked all my other keyboards and they all have a little slack. Even the Arturia Keylab 61 mk2. Got some roland synths, yamaha etc.... they all have some slack. Even the piano. It's never been an issue though when playing them. Maybe they are designed to be that way so when inserting your fingers between black keys (playing white keys) during playing that they expand a little so it's a little easier and to not accidently press a black key.... but I'm only speculating. Never been an issue for me. Hope that helps.
@@frankymino8773 It's that the ni s61 mkii has very little play, it feels subtracted and stable on the black keys, I've looked at Yamaha keyboards and they're also stable just like the ni, I don't know if you mean a little play, but they don't move a lot and they remain firm, or they act as if they were bending, feeling as if you were going to twist them, does the novation feel like that? It's that I have a hammer 88 pro, and they do that, they have a lot of play and it seems that they are going to twist, it doesn't bother playing, but it doesn't feel premium like the ni.
I just got the 61 key. Im wondering if the 88 keys are the same as the 61 but with waterfall type. Those rubber stops on the keyboard should be pushed in on both sides front and back to keep the keyboard from sliding. It was years before I realized this. 😀 So far I actually like the low profile on the 61 key. I also see that the key feel takes some getting used to and it also depends on what vst instrument you use with the feel of playing the keys. Seems like the soft velocity setting may be the one I use the most after I do some more testing. Glad I got insurance on it as it does seem like if you bump the keys the wrong way you may break one. Overall I’ve got somewhat good impressions of it as I do plan to gig with it but will be careful.
Would you recommend it for hammer action style playing or just for soft music? .. especially for the piano sounds that needs hammering?...would the keys break??
LOL!!! Funny part is, I do have a midi pack out!!! Check it out here: yhuntermusic.com/collections/yhuntermusic-sound-libraries/products/vibes-midi-pack-vol-1
Hello friend, please, I would like to ask you, are the keys very noisy when played? or are they silent? Is the noise noticeable when you play? Please, I would like to know, I have a ni s61mkii and I make orchestral music, I would like to get good semi-weighted 88 keys, (I am not a pianist) but I am worried about changing my ni61 mkii for that 88 novation, and that the keys are noisy or worse quality. Please, if you can give me your opinion. Thank you very much and a big hug.
Great video, I'm glad it doesn't have a hammer keybed since ill be using it for synth hits and synth solos. I know just about everyone uses these to control DAWs but I'm needing 88 keys to split to use with Mainstage. Love the price for what I need it for, lots of keys, sliders, and hardly weights anything for gigging. It replaces my third keyboard on my rig, we are a Toto tribute band so I have allot to cover....Thx again was on the fence on what to buy...
Oh thats perfect then!! Thanks for watching! Here's my affiliate link for the board if you decide to pull the trigger: www.lessonsquad.com/items/797981186
Hello! Do how do you feel with this keyboard with mainstage? Is it good? Do you create all your patches in mainstage, right? So you only turn on the keyboard and everything is mapped and controlled by mainstage... Right?
@@giacomocagnetti2529 it’s the best one so far for me, with Mainstage and this keyboard i trigger sometimes 4 stems ( playbacks) at different points of the song. I use Logic Pro to trim my stems exactly what I want triggered, then load it into Mainstage and use drum pads or start button, make sure you add a volume control to it. I have the 88 on top and a regular p-125 for just piano below, sometimes when needed I’ll split both keyboards into 3 parts, then stack my sounds through Mainstage on each part. It’s limitless. Just make sure you tag which slider goes to which zone on your board if your using multi zones….
@@rocketmanstudio fantastic.. I have been a live player with hardware keyboards for years and I now I am trying to enter (and understand) what I could do with software and midi keyboards... Have you got any good videos to see that explain how to program everything? I would like to use ableton live or mainstage to control everything (soneone says ableton and someone mainstage...)
Thanks for the review! Honestly disappointed to hear about the key bed, but at the same time not surprised. Semi weighted keys are always suspect especially on acoustic piano patches. It still seems like a good board overall 🤛
Hey, I’m about to buy a new keyboard for fl studio. I’m looking at the Flkey 61 and the native Komplete control s61 mk2. Do you know if the buildquality and the feel of the key bed on the flkey 61 are on the same Niveau as of the Native S61 mk2?
Cant whine much about keybed as we all know its not hammer action fully weighted kind of keyboard..its semi weighted so not much high expectation from a semi weighted controller since semi weighted doesnt compliment a real piano...its not lightweight synth feel nor is it heavy hammer action...just in between...still a good board for non hardcore pianist. keyboard players......still a very good portable controller keyboard for both studio & to gig with, especially for the price.
@@Yhuntermusic 32GB? Maaan, whatever man! I guess I will have to get my life together!😂! Right now I am working with a late 2012 Mac Mini Server running MacOS 14 Beta, 16 GB, 1TB HDD. But when I posted the comment I was working with a Macbook Pro 2017, 8gb. Latency is minimal this time for some reason.
I’ve noticed a lot of controllers have trash key beds. I got the Kontrol S61 and just use it for synth and as a control surface. Yamaha MODX8 for all my actual piano needs. Good review my guy. 1
That MODX8+ looks solid. If I had the extra 2k I’d probably have went with the Montage though. It’s a bit beefier (pause) with more voices. The MODX starts dropping out when you stack too many sounds. But for what we do in the studio, the MODX is a workhorse.
Here's the link for the Launchkey 88 MK3 www.lessonsquad.com/items/797981186
I always appreciate your content and the time you take to share. 👑👊🏽💜✝️🙌🏼
My pleasure! Blessings!
Great video, and I love how you play, I’m already inspired to get better. I think this is just what I need for what my budget is so I can learn, produce, etc., and I can upgrade a few years down the line if I feel like I want a more realistic feel. Much appreciated! Your review seems to be the most straightforward and honest.
Thanks for this Yaahn. My main issue has become getting in and out of venues in central London where there’s no parking and trying to lug a 22kg Kronos around. Just hoping this can get me through those gigs. Obviously I know I’m going to have to sacrificw playability somewhat.
Thank you! Legit was I was thinking abuot purchasing this one!
My pleasure man! Here's the link if you're interested: www.lessonsquad.com/items/797981186
I purchased the Launchkey 88 MK3 and am very happy with the keybed for playing virtual piano's and many other virtual instruments/synths. I got a ton of midi keyboards and the 88 MK3 is by far the best for expressing virtual piano's (For me anyway) It's quite a premium feel in comparison to midi keyboards I own. Most midi keyboards/keybeds are very stiff towards the pivot point especially on the black keys which makes it difficult to express softly played compositions. Very difficult to humanize what I want to play when expression is crucial at given points in compositions. Another factor that affects expressive playing (midi keyboards) is how many points of velocity a sample based virtual piano has. And sampled virtual piano's have very few. Modelled virtual piano's are usually preferred as they have 127 points of velocity. But I digress.... If I was a full time heavy handed player or just love fooling around smashing away then I guess it wouldn't matter.
In my opinion most hammer action keybeds are far too heavy and mechanical to the touch and don't come close to the feel of an acoustic piano. Not to mention getting fatigued in the forearms after a while. I've only ever experienced forearm pump/soreness when playing electronic hammer action keyboards. Some people don't experience it though many others experience forearm fatigue from electronic hammer action keybeds but that may be also due to incorrect playing technique and seat height. Acoustic piano's I have played and own are much lighter to the touch than emulated/modelled hammer action keys found on electronic keyboards. And I digress again.....
For studio use the Launchkey 88 MK3 (in my opinion) is the best allrounder. It doesn't feel like a piano but it's a great compromise I think between piano keys and synth action.
A question friend, I have a ni s61 mkii and I would like to get an 88 semi-weighted keys that have the same quality or better than my ni s61 mkii, would this be a novation 88 mkii? in terms of key quality, noise, sensitivity... better than my ni s61mkii?
@@electedmusic7685 I'm not sure if Novation made an 88 mk2 though I have the Novation 88 mk3 and also the NI S61 mk2. The NI S61 mk2 is definitely premium when it comes to the keybed and in comparison to the Novation 88 mk3 the NI S61 keys are much stiffer. That's not to say the NI S61 is bad in any way. In my opinion it's too stiff for expressing virtual piano instruments that's why I opted for the Novation 88 mk3 as my go to for expressing virtual instruments such as piano and keys. The Novation 88 mk3 keys are lighter but they have a nice feel and spring to it and has that premium feel about it. Noise is minimal but any midi keyboard becomes noisy when played hard but the 88mk3 is rather good. Sensitivity is lovely and you can also adjust it's velocity within onboard controls. As to whether it's better than the S61? They are both great in their own right so I guess it will depend what how you want to use it. The novation really shines when it comes to virtual pianos and keys for expression. But also great for anything else with virtual synths. Best all rounder for studio use if you're serious about expression when playing virtual piano's/keys. Hope that helps in influencing your decision.
@@frankymino8773 oh, thank you very much my friend, one last question, please, my ni s61 mkii has firm black keys, if I move them with two fingers to the sides, they don't move, my question is, do the novation 88 ones move? Do they have slack to the sides and sway from right to left? or are they firm?
@@electedmusic7685 Yes the black keys on the novation do have a little slack left and right. Though they spring back to the middle. I haven't noticed this until you asked and haven't noticed the slack when playing since purchase. I've checked all my other keyboards and they all have a little slack. Even the Arturia Keylab 61 mk2. Got some roland synths, yamaha etc.... they all have some slack. Even the piano. It's never been an issue though when playing them. Maybe they are designed to be that way so when inserting your fingers between black keys (playing white keys) during playing that they expand a little so it's a little easier and to not accidently press a black key.... but I'm only speculating. Never been an issue for me. Hope that helps.
@@frankymino8773 It's that the ni s61 mkii has very little play, it feels subtracted and stable on the black keys, I've looked at Yamaha keyboards and they're also stable just like the ni, I don't know if you mean a little play, but they don't move a lot and they remain firm, or they act as if they were bending, feeling as if you were going to twist them, does the novation feel like that? It's that I have a hammer 88 pro, and they do that, they have a lot of play and it seems that they are going to twist, it doesn't bother playing, but it doesn't feel premium like the ni.
I could listen to you play any keyboard. You are an excellent pianist/keyboardist.
Thanks for review !!!
Got it.. keys are pretty responsive although not a fan of the flat top black keys
Great video. You're an amazing keyboard player. I wish I had your chops.
Thank you so much!!
Hi Yahn, did you tried the Korg Liano L1, how do you compare to this controller? Both are very minimalistic
MK2 Has by far the best keybed out of all the midi keyboards I've tried! Thank you for your video!
That's a big claim!! I ain't even mad!! Blessings!!
I just got the 61 key. Im wondering if the 88 keys are the same as the 61 but with waterfall type. Those rubber stops on the keyboard should be pushed in on both sides front and back to keep the keyboard from sliding. It was years before I realized this. 😀 So far I actually like the low profile on the 61 key. I also see that the key feel takes some getting used to and it also depends on what vst instrument you use with the feel of playing the keys. Seems like the soft velocity setting may be the one I use the most after I do some more testing. Glad I got insurance on it as it does seem like if you bump the keys the wrong way you may break one. Overall I’ve got somewhat good impressions of it as I do plan to gig with it but will be careful.
Getting crazy with them 🎹
Thanks a lot!
Hello! I have to ask owners - is this keyboard support zone splitting?
Would you recommend it for hammer action style playing or just for soft music? .. especially for the piano sounds that needs hammering?...would the keys break??
Can you use the faders for expression?
I've never tried that. I'm sure you can assign them though
So, i need a controller for road and needs to be 88 keys or 61, do u recommended some video that you show's one good?
Great review bro, thanks for sharing your insight.
Thanks for watching!
What is the name of that track at the beggining, Fire!!
Yo thanks a lot! Check it out here: ruclips.net/video/zLFuUgf8Cbg/видео.html
Will that work using the faders for MKSensation XTREME??
Haven't tried that... Hit up Gospel Musicians
Would you say the key-bed is more synth action? Cause…that’s what I’m looking for 😁
Yes more synthu
4:22 - 4:36 Crazy! I need the midi to that lol
LOL!!! Funny part is, I do have a midi pack out!!! Check it out here: yhuntermusic.com/collections/yhuntermusic-sound-libraries/products/vibes-midi-pack-vol-1
Wonderful review. Thanks!! 🎵 👏
Are semi weighted keyboards more quieter than weighted keys? I'm thinking about buying this to use so that i don't wake up family members lol
LOL They still make a decent amount of noise unfortunately
Great review 💪🏾
Hello friend, please, I would like to ask you, are the keys very noisy when played? or are they silent? Is the noise noticeable when you play? Please, I would like to know, I have a ni s61mkii and I make orchestral music, I would like to get good semi-weighted 88 keys, (I am not a pianist) but I am worried about changing my ni61 mkii for that 88 novation, and that the keys are noisy or worse quality. Please, if you can give me your opinion. Thank you very much and a big hug.
Very good question and I wish I had mentioned this! It is more in the clicky clacky side for sure!
@4:20 D20 vibes= Devin Morrison
Keyzie!!!🙌🏽
Have you considered joining tribl music/maverick city? As an instrumentalist
Not really to be honest.. Really enjoying the path God has me on as a creator.
how to join the private channel?
Great video, I'm glad it doesn't have a hammer keybed since ill be using it for synth hits and synth solos. I know just about everyone uses these to control DAWs but I'm needing 88 keys to split to use with Mainstage. Love the price for what I need it for, lots of keys, sliders, and hardly weights anything for gigging. It replaces my third keyboard on my rig, we are a Toto tribute band so I have allot to cover....Thx again was on the fence on what to buy...
Oh thats perfect then!! Thanks for watching! Here's my affiliate link for the board if you decide to pull the trigger: www.lessonsquad.com/items/797981186
Hello! Do how do you feel with this keyboard with mainstage? Is it good? Do you create all your patches in mainstage, right? So you only turn on the keyboard and everything is mapped and controlled by mainstage... Right?
@@giacomocagnetti2529 it’s the best one so far for me, with Mainstage
and this keyboard i trigger sometimes 4 stems ( playbacks) at different points of the song. I use Logic Pro to trim my stems exactly what I want triggered, then load it into Mainstage and use drum pads or start button, make sure you add a volume control to it. I have the 88 on top and a regular p-125 for just piano below, sometimes when needed I’ll split both keyboards into 3 parts, then stack my sounds through Mainstage on each part. It’s limitless.
Just make sure you tag which slider goes to which zone on your board if your using multi zones….
@@rocketmanstudio fantastic.. I have been a live player with hardware keyboards for years and I now I am trying to enter (and understand) what I could do with software and midi keyboards... Have you got any good videos to see that explain how to program everything? I would like to use ableton live or mainstage to control everything (soneone says ableton and someone mainstage...)
The real question is how does it compare to other semi-weighted keybeds, not hammer-action keybeds.
Facts! Checkout my mans channel that specializes in midi controllers: ruclips.net/user/JohnMikeWilliams
keren banget saya sangat menyukai
Awesome vídeo!
Thanks for the review! Honestly disappointed to hear about the key bed, but at the same time not surprised. Semi weighted keys are always suspect especially on acoustic piano patches. It still seems like a good board overall 🤛
Agreed!!
You betta play doc 😂
LOL Thanks bro!!
Hey,
I’m about to buy a new keyboard for fl studio. I’m looking at the Flkey 61 and the native Komplete control s61 mk2. Do you know if the buildquality and the feel of the key bed on the flkey 61 are on the same Niveau as of the Native S61 mk2?
You sound great.
Do you teach?
I wish they would have made it weighted keys
but the price must be weighter
@@JSBach-pd4yg I would pay if it was reasonable
Cant whine much about keybed as we all know its not hammer action fully weighted kind of keyboard..its semi weighted so not much high expectation from a semi weighted controller since semi weighted doesnt compliment a real piano...its not lightweight synth feel nor is it heavy hammer action...just in between...still a good board for non hardcore pianist. keyboard players......still a very good portable controller keyboard for both studio & to gig with, especially for the price.
I may go this route!!!! Instead of get the Komplet Kontrol
You'll be saving a TON of money lol!
How in the world did you get zero latency man? I've been strugling out here!😆
When I'm recording I usually have my buffer size at 128. Also, my laptop has 32GB RAM
Hmm, except for real instruments, like guitar and bass I got 0 latency with virtual instruments out of a cheap 10 year old PC and interface.
@@Yhuntermusic 32GB? Maaan, whatever man! I guess I will have to get my life together!😂! Right now I am working with a late 2012 Mac Mini Server running MacOS 14 Beta, 16 GB, 1TB HDD. But when I posted the comment I was working with a Macbook Pro 2017, 8gb. Latency is minimal this time for some reason.
@@MatuOfficialTVA fast read and write ssd can make a big difference. I have an old 2013 iMac which I upgraded the ssd. Brought new life to it.
I’ve noticed a lot of controllers have trash key beds. I got the Kontrol S61 and just use it for synth and as a control surface. Yamaha MODX8 for all my actual piano needs. Good review my guy. 1
You nailed it on the head bro… My same sentiments… I’m copping a MODX8 SOON! Lol
That MODX8+ looks solid. If I had the extra 2k I’d probably have went with the Montage though. It’s a bit beefier (pause) with more voices. The MODX starts dropping out when you stack too many sounds. But for what we do in the studio, the MODX is a workhorse.
@@oohdatdude I feel you on that man.. I saw the MODX+ a couple weeks ago and thought "for that, I might as well get the Montage lol".
dayymn thats pricey 💀u dont have any recommendation for a good budget controller with decent keybed?
@@framo_officialthe best controller? I would say the Studiologic SL88
I just ordered the Akai Professional MPK 261 but I can return it, would you recommend this midi controller over that one?
I only have Logic X
More bang for your buck with this one (i think). Check it out here: www.lessonsquad.com/items/797981186
This is dhope
-Buys a cheap ass stand and blames the controller.... mmm.. yeah. ( I have the same stand )