Native Instruments M32 Review: 4 Years Later!
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- Опубликовано: 26 июн 2024
- 🧳 Komplete Kontrol M32 - My favorite MIDI keyboard to travel with - bit.ly/46tRqyT
Whenever I travel or need to get away from my studio, I always take my Komplete Kontrol M32 MIDI keyboard. After using it for four years, I still love it-well, mostly. Here are my insights after using the M32 for 4 years that will hopefully help you determine if this keyboard is right for you.
MY FAVORITE TOOLS & STUDIO GEAR
🎹 Komplete Kontrol S61 MK3 - Please bury me with this MIDI keyboard - bit.ly/s61-mk3
🔊 Frontier Monitors - My favorite studio monitors- bit.ly/frontier-onesto
🔕 Acoustic Treatment - The most beautiful way to sound treat your room - bit.ly/frontier-onesto
🖥️ Compact 88 - I finally found a studio desk that’s compact and not ugly - audiohousing.com/
🎵 MOTU M2 - My favorite audio interface, especially for recording my videos - bit.ly/motum2-gcx
🪩 Logitech MX Ergo - This trackball mouse saved me from Carpal Tunnel- bit.ly/logitech_mxergo
WHO AM I?
Hey, it's Onesto. On this channel, we explore the latest plugins and gear that help keep our lives musical and creative. If that sounds interesting, consider subscribing! Can't wait to see you in the next video!
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Native Instruments M32 Review
00:43 The keybed is compact but performs
01:39 This keyboard is slim, light, and has a small footprint
02:10 The M32 has a good set of hardware features
02:52 My biggest, or should I say smallest, gripe with this keyboard
03:10 2 missing features that you may or may not care about
03:53 DAW integration, let's start with the good news
04:39 How I use the M32 DAW integration to record a MIDI track
05:28 NKS integration, it's complicated
06:57 My final thoughts
PS: Some links are affiliate links that I get a kickback from. And since affiliate sales are a slippery slope to shill-ness, here are some rules I follow to preserve the integrity of each review.
1. Only feature good products. This means that I say no to some offers and that I don’t have to spend too much time on the negatives. But I understand that only saying good things about a product can seem inauthentic. So that brings me to my next thing.
2. Avoid hyped-up language. I may have done this in the past and that sucks, but I now avoid using words like “game-changing” and other forms of hyperbole. I want to talk like a friend, not an influencer. I might get a little flashy in my titles and thumbnails, but even then, I stay far away from language that reeks of exaggeration.
3. Being different is better than better. I used to make a lot of walkthroughs, but everyone else makes those, so I avoid them when possible. Instead, I try to find a unique yet insightful take to help clarify whether something is worth trying. 
Хобби
Thanks for watching!
Check out the Komplete Kontrol M32 here: bit.ly/46tRqyT
Hi, I can't seem to get used to the touch strips, especially the pitch bend. Anyone got tips?
Thanks Onesto. I own an A61 from NI with Komplete 14. I can get all the knobs to work in Komplete Kontrol but when pulling up Kontact, or Kontact 7 I lose all knob control. So the 8 knobs are usless. That's my only complaint. Love your vids. Thanks again.
That's a solid setup, the A61 is very similar in layout and workflow with the M32. I also had the same issue that you did with Kontakt.
The "work around" is to use Kontakt libraries inside Komplete Kontrol. Not sure if you're trying that, but this is how you can get the knob control back. Another thing is that the S-Series MK3 finally has integration with Kontakt. So you won't have that problem with the newest products. I don't think that's a big reason enough to upgrade your keyboard, but a solution exists!
Thanks again for watching, it means a lot!
I've had the Komplete Kontrol M32 for a few years, too. For me, one of the big bonuses was all of the free software that came with it. If someone is really just getting started, they can save a lot by getting Komplete Kontrol keyboards.
You're totally right! This tiny keyboard comes with a big bundle of free software, and even gets you discounts on more NI software/bundles. I guess I failed to mention that it's not only a great "travel" keyboard, but also a great keyboard for someone who's just getting started/
Thanks for watching!
I think the Arturia KeyStep 37 would be a step up for hardly more money. For just $60 more the KeyStep gives you more keys (*with* aftertouch, unlike the M32), USB, MIDI, CV, and clock connectivity, 8-mode arp, chord mode, strum mode, scale mode, and a 64-note sequencer built in. If you live inside the NI ecosystem get the M32, otherwise check out the KeyStep.
I totally agree with you. If you live in the NI ecosystem (like me) then the M32 is probably your keyboard of choice. But if you aren’t a NI user then I would recommend the KeyStep. That’s such a great way to describe it. And all those features the KeyStep has, especially aftertouch is a big win. Thanks for watching and offering that solid advice.
About the Controls ... for those who remember the Original Komplete Kontrol S25/49/61 (MK1) The way NI did the controls on those would be a good option in my opinion without turning it into a expensive unit
I just looked up the MK1 and wow, I think you’re right. That would have been such a great way to label the controls. I’m guessing that even then it would have driven up the price too much?? But I would have preferred that design over the current one. Thanks for watching!
Great review! I'm happy with my Korg Microkey Air (wireless) but when it stops working I'd like to get one of those. They are really high quality. Cheers Onesto!
Thanks for the feedback, I'm so happy you think it's a good review! This channel is going to have a lot more hardware reviews, so I'm hoping that these reviews offer a lot of value. And I just checked out the Korg Microkey, and I had no idea they have 49 and 61 key versions. I always thought it just had 25 keys!
Thanks
Thanks for watching, hope the video could help!
I’ve had mine for 3 years. Good Logic Pro integration. Great Komplete Kontrol integration. Fits in a backpack for me. I take it everywhere. Unfortunately, the ‘Browse’ button top right, no longer brings up KK Library, like it used to - a feature NI dropped and I don’t get it. Same with Kontakt 7 - M32 does more with Kontakt 6 than 7. As KK adds groups and other S Series enhancements, I see support for the M32 and MK2 keyboards dropping.
Nice! Glad the M32 could be such a loyal companion. As for the updates to Kontakt and KK, yeah I feel ya. There’s been a ton of great update to both products but unfortunately the old hardware doesn’t seem to be supported. I have both Kontakt 6 and 7 on my computers so that’s been my work around.
Thanks again for watching!
I would really be interested in a 49 or 62 key version. One with the same very slim profile and low weight. An integrated LCD screen would be great but I imagine it would become much thicker. I have the M32, and use it for the preconfigured knobs and as a 'keyswitch keyboard' extention for my 61 midi keyboard. I actually like the response of the keys on the M32,
I wish NI had slimmer keyboards too! The S-Series is a beast, and so is the A-Series. And that's a great way to use the M32. Thanks for watching!
I use studio one 6 error
On what ever cost, do not get the Alesis piano keabord. It’s so hard to play on and it’s not that good at translating.
I haven’t tried the Alesis Keyboard you’re talking about, but I’ll keep that in mind, thanks!
Time to redesign it a bit or release a 37 keys
I agree. I think we’re due for a new model. Hopefully it’s in the works.