Studiologic SL88 Grand Keyboard Controller Review
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- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
- Get the Studiologic SL88 Grand here: www.sweetwater...
Over the years, Studiologic has earned a sterling reputation for their high-quality Fatar keyboard actions. Now the company extends that legacy with the SL88 Grand, a superb 88-note MIDI controller keyboard featuring Fatar's latest fully weighted keybed technology. You'll delight to the touch of the TP/40WOOD Graded Hammer Action with Ivory Touch, which delivers the authentic feel of an acoustic grand piano. You will also appreciate the quick setup and navigation afforded by the SL88 Grand's intuitive user interface, as well as enhanced performance, DAW, and plug-in control via three X/Y stick controllers.
Friends! Racking my head between SL Studio and Grand. SL Studio is pleasant to the touch, but over time it will become easier, I actually saw this TP100 with my own eyes and keyboard masters and there is a lot of fluidity like Vaseline, so it feels tougher than SL GRAND, but lighter in weight. I played on the old MIDI Studiologic SL-990 Pro there TP40 GH - I really liked it, it still works without any problems.
The fact is that the SL Grand now costs about $ 800. But there are a lot of bad reviews about the keyboard itself ... but at the same time, it is positioned as a keyboard of the premium segment. OK. We have a purely $ 1000 Doepfer PK88 GH without Case keyboard and are praised as one of the most reliable and indestructible keyboards around.
A reasonable question: Maybe in SL Grand (Fatar TP40 Wood) the quality of parts is worse than on Doepfer (TP40 GH) since there is such a difference in price + considering the reviews? This is my dilemma.
Great review. You are a FINE musician.
Thank you for the review! It's took me couple of weeks to decide witch keyboard should I buy. Now I know;)
4 years, how are ya?
Jacob, this was beautiful. What all interfaces did you use along with the SL to make that mash up towards the end?
Amazing job! I love it!
Super helpful review. Thanks.
I have a problem with the velocity curves. You have to hit too hard to get the loudest velocities...but then I cannot play really softly either. The key weight is too much or something (you have to overcome a certain pressure strength but then this is too hard for really soft hits...don't know how to describe it better). Any hints? My real piano is much easier to play.
This comment is really important to me actually. I was looking for a midi controller that doesn't have this problem. I'm wondering if it actually exist. If you have found a solution, please let me know :) Thanks so much
@@Dariocomposer The answer is calibration. For instance in Pianoteq you can calibrate the midi velocity curve to suit your controller and style of playing.
This is definitely a matter of adjusting to a velocity curve that fits you. I’ve seen reviews where people were fine with stock curves and others that said they did not like it at first, but loved it after adjusting the velocity curve.
Dario Rodighiero composer actually you want flexibility in the controller, and with the utility software you get a CRAZY amount of adjustment right down to each key. Avoid the built-in curves
and make your own. You also get the ability to adjust the black keys against the white since we all hit black keys differently.
Still have the same problem?
Is this song part of a recording that I can purchase. Sounds great!
0:21 you said the keys have a heavy feel, and 1:55 the touch is like feather weight. You can press on two keys and it is like zero effort. So I don't get it: is it heavy, or is it light? I tried the Kawai SK-EX grand acoustic piano and the keys are in fact very light. You can press on the edge of the black or white key, and it is effortless. You can also press on the white or black key near the felt, and it is a tiny bit harder, but still easy. So does the SL88 Grand have heavy keys, but due to the pivoting, it is easy and light to press down? If it is light, then why mention "heavy"? It is somewhat confusing.
So far this excellent demo has the best sample sounds on these controllers I have heard. Is he using high end software or a high end sound module? What is the software he is using? Is it beyond that Lite version they give you free? Most of the sounds I have heard have sounded like cheap toy keyboards in these videos. I LIKE THIS ONE!
It's a midi keyboard so you can use whatever sounds you want. I use it with Kontakt 6 which is the same thing he's using in the video. See his monitor at 1:56.
If I’m running Mainstage, how would I call up sounds randomly on the fly?
I’m used to punching up numbers to go instantly from sound to sound. How can you do that on this controller? Great playing!!
I would use an external midi controller over the keyboard for controlling the software tbh and use the keyboard for just the sound
Hey mister088, did you figure out the change patch on the controller itself? I'd love to hear what you think!
Look at the Akai or Arturia controllers if you want a good keyboard with controls for software.
Nice playing by the way 🥂
Thanks for the vid
Great DEMO! i was gonna click the "Buy NOW"... but then i realise i don't have the fund... and talent...
Hello, wanting to know if the hammer action keys are just as good as high end rolands or big clavinova digital upright pianos, as that’s what I’m used to.
Basically I’m looking for a portable full size midi keyboard with the best weighted keys possible.
Thank you,
Cecilia.
Hello! Comparing physical keys can be difficult to do using only words, but I've played the SL88 Grand myself, and I can weigh in. The key mechanism on the SL88 is much physically smaller than on a Clavinova or other larger, more expensive instruments (it needs to be to make the SL88 as portable as it is), so these tend to feel a bit lighter than on other keyboards. I think the keys feel great, nicely responsive with a good rebound.
It may be tough for you to know if you like the keybed until you buy the keyboard and get it unboxed, but in general these are great feeling instruments.
Nick LaMendola, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1660, nick_lamendola@sweetwater.com
7:07 Fantastic demo track! In your acoustic piano playing I can hear a lot of Chick Corea (R.I.P.).
I saw him in Brazil at a concert where a bank was the sponsor and they gave most of the tickets as gifts. The concert, however, was during the final football game of the state championship (Corinthians vs São Paulo) and almost only those who purchased went to it. The small crowd allowed Chic to talk to us and even to invite people to play with him. At the end I went backstage (I knew of some secret passages) and got an autograph - he was a very sweet person!!!!
I was more sold before he played the composition at the end that sounds like a grand piano paired with children's toy interments
@starmantough I ended up with a Roland RD2000
@starmantough how do you mean at a high level? High quality?
I wanted to get something with a real piano feel and this is pretty close but I haven't run it into a laptop yet
@starmantough have you ever played on a roland A88? I've found someone selling a used one, and the keyscape demos make it clear that you can get some great expression from it. How do they compare? And which would be your choice?
@starmantough midi high level?? such thing does not exist
@starmantough I get what you mean now. Cheers
Why didn't you show how you switched the sound halfway your track? Did you use the keyboard?
@Sweetwater 8:23 How did you do that?
Lol, video editing...
HI JACOB HOW ARE U MAN LISTEN I'm A BIG FAN OF YOURS MAN DIG YOUR INFORMATION VIDEOS ON KEYBOARDS FROM SWEETWATER , IM THINKING OF BUYING A KEYBOARD CONTROLLER FOR MY DAW LOGIC PRO Im A RNB SINGER WHO PLAYS KEYBOARDS BUT FOR WRITING MUSIC ONLY BUT IF I RECORD A KEYBOARD PART I WANT IT TO SOUND REALISTIC IN THE RECORDING, PLEASE CAN U TELL ME WHICH KEYBOARD CONTROLLER HAS THE BETTER FEEL PLAYING WISE,IS IT THE SL 88 STUDIO LOGIC KEYBOARD CONTROLLER OR THE ARTURIA KEYLAB 88MK2 KEYBOARD CONTROLLER ??? THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY ALL THE BEST FOR U BRO FOR 2021 MIKE
@sweetwater do you guys have an sl88 grand on display in your showroom in Fort Wayne currently? I’d love to come check it out but don’t want to make the 2.5 hour drive otherwise.
Hi, Landon! Our team would be glad to look into this for you. When you have a moment, please give us a call at (800) 222-4700 or email us at sales@sweetwater.com. You may also visit www.sweetwater.com/about/contact
Thanks for the message!
the stick controllers are fiddly and the software menu is confusing. IMO
Hi, what do you think about SL Numa Concert? Had any experience with it? What are the main differences between these to keyboards?
it has built in sounds, that's the difference.
@Sweetwater -- can you guys find out which piano sample library is used in this video? It sound phenomenal!
matvelius :
They mention something down below in the comments about KEYSCAPE www.spectrasonics.net/products/keyscape/index.php and OMNISPHERE www.spectrasonics.net/products/omnisphere/ not sure if that’s it or not but it seems like a good place to start, and they give you audio samples. And if your looking for a darn good midi controller try the KAWAI VPC 1 www.kawaivpc.com/en/
its kontact by NI
@@jasonweinberg932 Thanks Jason! Can anyone else reading this confirm that his is Keyscape? I'm considering paying for it, but don't want to dish out $400 only to find out it's not :) I'm a bit skeptical because I've heard Keyscape samples before and didn't think they were all that.. I could be wrong though!
@@BryceKleinhanz21493 If it is, any ideas which specific Kontakt instrument it is?
matvelius :
I would wait as long as to Christmas to try to find the best deal for it, it will either probably go on sale or you can use a coupon from Guitar Center or find it cheaper on sale on Ebay.
Hi, how can I configure the aftertouch? i need it because i play live and i want to configure some lines with it, i use ableton but it doesn't recognize when i press more keys. what can i do?
Could I possibly get help opening up my SL ISTUDIO88 with Omnisphere and Keyscapes in Ableton live 11
What would be the closest 61 full size key digital piano to this model? I'm trying to stay under $500
get the sl 88 studio feels great same features its weighted only thing is that the keys aren't wooden but it feels great
Also there is the SL73 if you need less keys. Same keybed as the SL88 Studio
Hi I'm replacing an upright piano with an an electric due to noise complaints. I have a choice between the SL88 and a Clavinova. I'm using it to "play the piano" rather than producing synth music. How would the SL88 compare touch wise against a Clavinova? Thanks.
Someone advised me on the SL88 due to its weighted feel. But I don't have anywhere local to try it. It is a third the price of the clavinova. Is this reflected in the key feel?
Hi, Charles! Thanks for your interest. I'm not sure which specific Clavinova you are looking at, but the Clavinova series in general is about as realistic as a digital piano can get in terms of feel, sound, and look. The SL88 is great for the price, but I do think a Clavinova would be a better investment for a pianist. Also, keep in mind that the SL88 is only a controller and does not have sounds built in - it would have to be connected to a computer or a hardware synth module in order to function. Hope this helps, and feel free to contact me directly with any further questions!
Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1620, caleb_lowrey@sweetwater.com
Maybie you mentioned it, but does it have a headphone output?
Hello! The SL88 Grand is a MIDI controller, producing no sounds on its own, so it does not have a headphone jack. You'd connect this to either another MIDI keyboard, or a computer, which would produce the sounds you're making, and that device would have a headphone jack on it.
If you'd like to go into more detail, please call my number below. Thanks for your interest!
Nick LaMendola, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1660, nick_lamendola@sweetwater.com
I'd look into the ones from Casio
Nice ad lib
For me the sticks don't work. Using a stick to control volume for example doesnt work well with the sticks that have a spring in them. The base position will become minus infinite db(no sound). I liked the keybed but the crappy software and crappy controlsticks made me stop using it. If you're only interested in playing classic piano stuff it's awesome tho. Last thing, I used it every week in my band and after a year the keys got less responsive and some got loud thumps after releasing a key. It's not very suited for using in a band I think
how about glissando ?
Hi, how would this compare to the Kawai VPC-1? Have you ever tried it?
Hello! I should start out by saying that the SL88 grand feels excellent - the Fatar wood key action built into it is great. That being said, I'd put the VPC1 in a different class of keyboard. The VPC1 is nearly 17" deep and 65 lbs, and that size and weight is due to the fact that it contains a fully built hammer system and elongated keys, just like you'd find on a real grand piano. Kawai is one of the few MIDI controller companies that builds actual acoustic pianos, so their expertise in this range is tremendous, and the VPC1 feels incredibly authentic. It is an expensive and specialized MIDI controller for pianists whose concern for piano touch overcome the fact that the VPC1 is big and heavy. The Studiologic is a much smaller and lighter weight keyboard, so the two don't really compare against one another.
If you'd like to go into more detail, please call my number below. Thanks for your interest!
Nick LaMendola, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1660, nick_lamendola@sweetwater.com
@@sweetwater - Nick, thanks for the answer. I'm in the market for a controller and will need to audition before I buy. The weight of the Kawai doesn't bother me as in my younger days, I had a Hammond and Leslie to haul around. And before sampling keyboards, my analog rig consisted of 3 keyboards. Sweetwater's display of old analog keyboards and equipment was well, SWEET.
hi, I would like to us this as a controller on Logic Pro 9. Is it possible to do so without installing any other programs? And does it come with a midi-cable or do I need to get one? And if yes which type?
Thanks!
Hi, John. Great question! That can be used as a controller for Logic without any other programs. It does not come with a MIDI cable, but you can also just use the included USB cable to transmit MIDI data. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. Thanks!
Jason Filloramo, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1281, Jason_Filloramo@sweetwater.com
@@sweetwater hi, is it better to transmit MIDI data through midi input of my audio interface or directly connecting it to the PC through USB? Thank you
Wish it had pitch and mod wheels
the sticks are the pitch and mod wheels
@@thisjustin77 I don't think any of the sticks go back to their neutral state once you let go like a pitch wheel would.
uhm yes they do lol. the first two are spring loaded
@@thisjustin77 Somebody can't read the specifications;-))
@@adrianfundescu5407 "Real-time control.
The SL88 Grand offers three X/Y stick controllers, not just for performance but also for direct control and manipulation of any desired sound parameter. Stick one is spring-loaded for both X/Y directions. The typical use for this stick is pitch and modulation control. Stick 2 is spring-loaded in X direction only. Stick 3 is free in X and Y directions, ideal for panning, cross fading and parameter control. All sticks feature an elegant, aluminum control shaft which feels perfectly balanced and expressive between your fingertips." -Studiologic's Website. So Yeah Justin Haris is right
How would you describe the difference in the keyboard action between this and the Yamaha MX88?
Hello, Ken! Good question. Those two boards are different in a lot of ways, but both have very similar 88-key Graded Hammer-Action keybeds. They have a similar feel to that of a traditional acoustic piano, and even have a heavier weight to the bass notes, and lighter to that of the trebles. Bear in mind that the SL88 is a controller, and as such won't make sound on its own. If you have a moment, give me a call and I'd be happy to help you figure out what might be the right fit for your system.
Thanks for the interest!
Brandt Miller, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1628, brandt_miller@sweetwater.com
Sweetwater hi everyone, I have this, and my question is (stupid question) where is the mod control on the SL88? Thank you 😊
@@alexanderdelacruz9249 you can go into the menu of your zone. There you will find an answer to all the questions you've posted here. If you don't know what I mean rtfm :P
alexander dela cruz not a stupid question... it’s one of the three joysticks.
Dude looks like cush papi😁😁😁🤣
Can I hook this up to a speaker or amplifier??
Hi, Kip - great question! This is a MIDI controller only so it does not produce any of its own sounds. The most common application would be to hook it up to a computer that is generating sounds, and then connect the computer or an audio interface to the speaker/amp.
Feel free to give us a call and we can help you find a keyboard with built-in sounds though. Thanks!
Jason Filloramo, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1281, Jason_Filloramo@sweetwater.com
Does the GUI editor work on a Mac?
Hi, Ken! Thanks for your interest. Yes, the SL Editor app is cross-platform and will work on either PC or Mac. Feel free to reach out to me or your Sales Engineer with any further questions!
Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1620, caleb_lowrey@sweetwater.com
How does this keyboard feel compare to the Roland RD88? I'm all about key feel and I'll mostly be playing stuff through Logic. Upgrading from a Casio PX-350 (which is very noisy and keys move side-to-side, but has great sensitivity). Thank you!
Hello! That is a good question, and a difficult one to answer. Keyboard touch is not easy to describe in words, so without playing the two, a comparison is going to be tricky. Both the RD88 and the Studiologic SL88 Grand are excellent feeling 88-key piano weighted boards. I personally find the Roland to be a bit stiffer to the touch, which I actually like quite a bit, but I can see how someone who'd been able to play both might feel the opposite way. Long story short, they're both quite good feeling boards!
If you'd like to go into more detail, please call my number below. Thanks for your interest!
Nick LaMendola, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1660, nick_lamendola@sweetwater.com
Only has monophonic aftertouch. Software is buggy (does not recognize keyboard at all) in Win10 and they abandoned it a long time ago. Pretty nice keys though.
Monophonic aftertouch?!
the excuse they used was poly aftertouch was too much data over the line. it works but only on one key at a time.
You do know poly aftertouch is very rare right?
Hmmmmm ... Cheers!
@@HH-xo7fu Um, if they can do it in a Novation Launchpad Pro they can do it here.
HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED !!!!!!! How to make a piano out of this keyboard. What settings should I use and what should I change? How many videos I have watched, I cannot understand. Help the pianist urgently !!!
It's not a digital piano, it's a midi controller.
May I know which sustain pedal are u using? Mine is Roland DP-10 but it didnt work on sl88
Nat Wan For some reason Roland made that damper without a polarity switch and in some cases it won’t trigger at all (Casio, Arturia, and now StudioLogic based on what you said). Not sure why Roland went rigid on the design. M-Audio makes the SP2 which looks almost identical and has the polarity switch. It works with everything I’ve tried it in.
@@JPDC624 thank you！！
@@yukying7wan by the way, the SL88 ships with a sustain pedal! I bought the controller in Oct 2020 and was surprised to see it in the box.
Is the Studiologic SL88 Grand’s editor compatible with Omnisphere 2 and Keyscape?
Hello! Yes, the Studio Logic editor will work if you're using the controller in conjunction with Omnisphere and Keyscape. Omnisphere and Keyscape both have the ability to MIDI learn, so that device parameters on the controller you're using can control certain knobs and dials within the software. That's all separate from the SL88 editor software, which is a second way you can control which parameters adjust which settings inside of Omnisphere and Keyscape.
www.studiologic-music.com/products/sl-grand/
If you'd like to go into more detail, please call my number below. Thanks for your interest!
Nick LaMendola, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (260) 247-6613
U play well bro...
9:08 on.... wow
Can anyone help, how and where is the control for the volume? Is it stick 2? It doesn’t record midi volume 🤦♂️🙏🙏
Hey, Alexander. Great question! The volume is actually controlled by your velocity - or how hard you strike the keys. That's embedded in the MIDI data as you record that information into your DAW. Once inside the DAW, all of that velocity information should be accessible for you to make changes after the fact, should you wish to do so. There's also a companion editor app, SL Editor, where you can set parameters such as velocity per key. If you have any other questions, be sure to let me know!
Matt McGowen, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1702, matt_mcgowen@sweetwater.com
🙃🙃🙃💓💓💓
$899.95
the studio version is only 499.95
Don't get one. Studiologics support is terrible. I have had one for 2 years and recently the mainboard started dropping midi data. Only way to get service was by shipping the keyboard to Los Angeles at my own expense. Ended up buying a mainboard to try to replace it myself.
This will be my last Studiologic anything.
Who are you before you slam a product? Do you work for a competitor?
I’m looking for a weighted 88 keyboard to learn piano on and use for producing, any recommendations? I was about to pull the trigger on this but I am having second thoughts.
This keyboard is pretty unreliable, it doesn’t play well with many vst’s. Velocity sensitivity vanishes randomly. I’m sick of it. And as others have said zero customer support. It has an okay action, but get real in comparison to a real piano it’s like a toy. Okay value, but really lacking in subtlety. Plus no pitch wheels or dynamic nor expression faders built in. Forget it.
What's your recommendation in the same price range?
this controller sucks. While the keybed feels very nice, which sold me on it, the velocity mapping is so inconsistent!
And the provided 3 velocities don't work with any plugin. The possibility to draw one by hand is useless since you have to calibrate to the actual playing and that is not possible.
I hate Alicia's Keys sound
Just get a Sledge instead. It gives you a fully-featured Waldorf wavetable synth engine and buttons/knobs that ALL -- yes, ALL of them -- transmit MIDI data, albeit with fewer keys.
It's also got a Fatar keybed with proper aftertouch, unlike this
Gaming Geek - not the same keybed at all. The fatar TP9 is in the sledge(synth semi-weighted Feel). These have the TP100L/R which gives it a wooden hammer action. That’s a huge difference for a true pianist/keyboardist
@@ermharriable The SL88 Studio has a TP/100LR keybed, this actually has the TP/40WOOD