Arturia Keylab 88 Mk2 - [REVIEW]
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
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If you are looking for a top-of-the-range weighted keyboard then the Arturia Keylab 88 is probably on your short-list. But what is like to play? How does it integrate with your DAW and what kind of controllers and software does it come with? Guy Michelmore has been using one for a few months and now gives his verdict. He also compares it with the Native Instruments S88 Mk2. Thank you to Arturia for the demonstration model. More information can be found here:
www.arturia.com/products/hybr...
00:00 Start
01:00 Overview & Feel
03:39 Buttons & Knobs
04:40 Analog Lab
08:05 User Mode
11:52 Differences
14:38 Wrap-up
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How To Write Music explores the fundamental skills that underpin every great piece of music whether it’s a song or a film score, string quartet or video game sounds track.
Check out the free guide here to get you started: thinkspaceeducation.com/htwm-...
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Thanks for this one, Guy. I've had both of these keyboards on my wish list for a while. Appreciate all you do and with much respect.
Thank you, Guy, for this walkthrough of this wonderful controller.
I finally parchased the Komplete Kontrol S61 which includes Komplete Select. I've just upgraded that bundle to Standard (summer sale, huge discount!). My God I absolutely love my work flow now. It's a very inspiring way of starting off. I hope to get the Arturia controller too some day. And those synths are amazing!
Music theory for beginners in 12 minutes, and the circle of fifths are the two BEST videos and explanations overall in the world. I have tried to understand music theory for a long time and your videos have really helped. Got recommended a video of you and now I’m binge watching your channel hehe
Like the look of this, but can't help thinking it will be replaced with an MK3 shortly.... :)
Yeah these companies always do that it annoying. I stay away from any company that's always making new versions
@@beatarcheologzt Arturia are great. The MK2 has been out quite a while and they will continue to support and upgrade even after MK3. They also offer excellent deals on software upgrades/updates.
I’d love to see an xy pad or joystick on the next controller!
Just bought the mk2, yes I fear a new mk3 will come out in a year, but you never know, this is still a great piece of keyboard and I can well sell it when the new one comes out
I think they planing to do that a year later... Keylab... And I'm waiting for it
Was thinking the same. It needs a screen.
I have the Keylab 49 Mk 2 and just love it! I think using a set of sliders for controlling a virtual violin feels so much more natural than a knob. That and the aluminum construction were the biggest selling points. Good stuff, Guy! 👍
88 is the only one with fatar keybed
Thanks Guy, great video, as always. I will be in the market for a new midi controller sooner rather than later, and they are the two on my shortlist. I have spoken to the staff at my local music store and they too have suggested when I'm ready, come and try them out. Great advice. Now, back to doing more ThinkSpace courses. Still loving the 'How To Write Trailer Music' course. Love it! Need to get back to it. Well done Hugh on the video editing, as always. 😁
Delighted you're enjoying trailer music! Keep at it
Thanks for the video, I have Arturia Keylab 88 Mk2 for three years now with the heavy weight keys and love using it. I would like to point out the customers service with Arturia is very good.
All that Arturia do is so phenomenal. For me, one of the best Midi keyboards/Controllers in the market.
I bought this model in February of this year. I did a demo shortly after. Very heavy weighted keys compared to the usual Yamaha Key beds I’m used to. I tweaked the velocity settings some. It brings the expressiveness and realism out of pianoteq 8. I enjoy the controls for live use. At home I use my old Yamaha p100.
I bought the NI S88 MKII on your recommendation, and I will never go back to what I had before. It is the best investment I ever made so far. The keys are extremely easy to play with and it gives me a lot of satisfaction sitting and just fooling around with a nice piano sample (Bösendorfer) and I can sit for hours. You still have the NI S88 in your shed and I hope you keep it. Not spilling tea in it...
I bought one of these about 2.5 years ago (in black) and absolutely love it. You can change the responsiveness of the touch control in the midi center software. I use mine for working on the computer with sample libraries as well as for live performance. It's so easy to set up multiple banks of settings for different applications. As a classically trained pianist, I find it a joy to play.
Still unsatisfied with the heavy action, which you cannot change. And the velocity was difficult to tweak because of antiquated software.
How it feels to play: It feels like Class - Solid - Pianistic .... Not exactly what one would call a really "bang it out of the ball park", ringing endorsement of this keybed. I took your thoughtful advice on the issue and tried it out for myself. I could not pack it up to send back fast enough. I ended up with an SL88 Grand for Piano based data and a Keylab 61 mkii for all my other MIDI controller keyboard needs. I love your videos and your channel, thank you so much for all of the invaluable information.
I have their "Essential" version and it is terrific.
I love your openness and insights about gear, plugins, etc. A permanent subscribe for me. Kudos! Love the channel. BTW I love my Arturia KeyLab.
Faders & knobs galore \o/ I was sold on this when released, dating back to my love of tweaking sounds on hardware. As an ableton-user, combining user mode and assigning macros, it allows for a very hands-on sound design. The drum pad can also function with Ableton's macro snapshots, so for the orchestral libraries, combining sliders/knobs with snapshots for different personal preset-chains you can have a very "analog feel" to the music making process. I assume other keyboards also can do this, but I'm not sure they allow this level of freedom.
My pet peeve is the release sound of the keys, they seem to get a bit worn and thus slightly louder over time, but this might also be due to my underwhelming effort keeping the keys squeaky clean(?)
Nice review, glad to see Arturia get some love, I've always enjoyed their products but I think they've really stepped it up regarding software usability the last years.
3:13 hm what do you mean? i think you're perfect haha. don't worry. it's refreshing seeing someone speak clearly and in a very authentic and straight-forward way. thank you!
Thanks so much Guy .. Interesting .. when I was in the market these were the two that were my final two to choose from. I chose the Arturia because I have a lot of Arturia software and the integration was so good. I bought it unplayed as we were in Covid land at the time and no one in Australia had any stock. I've still not played the S88 but I agree that the weight of the action would be the main thing to check. I was very surprised when I played the Keylab for the first time, but in a good way. I like a heavier touch.
Only other thing that is probably worth noting is that not only does it have that huge selections of buttons, faders and knobs, but it has it three times with bank select. Also the inclusion of CV means it plays well in the analog/modular world.
I am very jealous on the screen on that s88 though :)
Great review .. thanks again.
Thanks Guy. I eagerly dropped in to watch. I had ordered the previous iteration of this unit a few years ago. I sent it back because the "rebound" of the keys was so slow I couldn't believe it. I then saw a used one at a music store and it has keys stuck in the down position. That the action on this one is even heavier was all I needed to know. I tried out the NI 88 as well, but there was no sound connected. It was also slow in rebound. What a shame! I love what they both offer as controllers. I WISH I WISH I WISH that one could shop and choose their own action like guitar players get to do.
I have this keyboard and love it. However, the NI S88 has poly aftertouch, the Keylab 88 has channel aftertouch. Big consideration and hopefully mk3 will have poly aftertouch.
Great vid, Guy!
Thank you for your great way to explain, what a happy chap you are. You are passing that over to all..
I was looking at it myself a few weeks ago (I think). It is VERY nice indeed, especially if includes arturia analog lab 5 application... I have the Lite version from MiniFuse 2 Audio interface purchase.
Maybe in a bout 2-3 years I may be able to have a room and do the 'Hobby' properly, just with the minimum essential as I am doing now. Believe it or not, I am currently using an old (little used) #Yamaha PSR-280 ans a mini one, perfectly working with #MiniFuse 2.
.
Thanks, Guy.
I have the Keylab as well, coming from an Akai MPK249 (semi-weighted keys, although also more heavy feeling than the competitors) before and made the choice due to the keys and the amount of faders and knobs being able to program. Otherwise people sacrifice two nice screens (which the S88 has, the KL only has a 2-line old-school matrix style display) and the light-strip above the keys , aside the proper software integration.
And as you mentioned (d'uh), it is just a matter of preference. It might be a bit cumbersome to compare those by ordering online, if not near a music store for playing them side-by-side (having to re-package and ship these things back, if not satisfied), as at least the Arturia one weighs about 15 kilograms alone.
The amount of available connections on the KL is stunning, but will never use them aside the USB-cable hooked into my computer, being a hobbyist.
Also, while both options are not cheap, at least they give an upgrade discount for the included lite versions of their flagship software bundles Arturia V Collection and NI Komplete.
Dunno if the discount stacks with the yearly sales, I might assume a "no" here.
I think both would be fine.✌ Thanks Love your vids
Oh, man. Thanks for that little 80s flashback. I need to watch Fletch again. Anyways, just bought the discounted S88, loving it. I have a Korg nanoKontrol for faders. But those long-throw faders on the Arthuria, man, I’m struggling with buyers remorse. 😂😂
I have the Arturia Keylab 61. But… Since I got the Minilab MK3, the 61 has collected a lot of dust.
I was considering trying an NI controller once I sell a few of my old things. I use a lot of Kontakt instruments, so would love that integration.
I feel inspired to go hang out at our local music shop and check out how they feel. Thanks!!!
Thank you, Guy 😊👍 I love faders, such a shame the Ni doesn't have them. I have an S series and use Komplete Kontrol a lot. Wondering... Can you set up the Arturia to control Komplete Kontrol or is that asking too much? Maybe Arturia could do it 😊 The Arturia Collection is NKS-compatible and works well in Komplete - but faders would be cool😎
I'm here mainly for interest's sake. My main keyboard is a Roland RD-2000 Stage Piano. It has an okay selection of controllers. Nothing quite on the scale of this Arturia keyboard, of course, but certainly good enough to get by. This was actually one reason why I bought it - that it made a reasonable controller keyboard. The other reason I got it was I needed a keyboard that also generated its own sound, which pure MIDI master keyboards do not.
the think I don't like about the Arturia keyboards, is that the sliders are on the right. If I could switch them for the drum pads then I'd consider it.
I bought the Keylab 88 MkII about a year ago and absolutely love it! Yes, the keys feel quite heavy after coming from non weighted cheap keyboards, but after a few hours of practice, you get totally used to it (and I believe your fingers just get stronger too!). The heavier keys also make articulation of dynamics a lot more controllable and manageable.
I agree and don't agree. Having dynamic and articulation control is more than how much resistance a key has (which these have a lot). It is also how much range a key has too, and how easy it is to gauge that range. Much heavier keys are more restricted to rewarding certain instrument tones. And heavier keys make for a more exponential dynamic range, as opposed to precise dynamic range.
This is coming from somebody that has had this keyboard for a year and is STILL uncomfortable with the keybed. I even play 5 different pianos per week too!
This is not a perfect keybed, and has velocity issues out of the box. It seems a good option for those that want this AND a softer keybed for variety. It could be softer/snappier resistance and satisfy a larger range of players.
@@VexylObby You are probably quite right. I came from over 2 decades of not touching any sort of piano to the Keylabs II and it was an initial shock from nothing to this, but I got used to it after a few weeks.
If you are playing a lot of other keyboards, I can see that the feel of this one may be sub-optimal compared to some actual pianos or better weighted keys.
I find I articulate much better on the Arturia (my other keyboard is a cheap non weighted m-audio one) but if I ever try a real piano again I will probably prefer it to any of my MIDI keyboards. My hope is that my increased finger strength will translate in to better control on a real piano eventually. Maybe a pipe dream, but oh well... :)
Would be helpful to get a feel for how it works in a DAW, and as stand alone working with other synths for example. At this point the choice of a controller is mostly dictated by what it can do when not using its software (arturia keylab in this case, or NI for the S88, or Ableton for the Novation SL for example).
I had the previous generation. Action was great and integration with Arturia library was wonderful. I could never get it to work with Cubase 12 and eventually gave up. Hopefully this is a better experience.
I got it working with c12. Add Mackie control then set modi to “all” not keylab daw
Nice review Guy. I've tested some 88 midi controller keyboards (S88, Arturia and) Studiologic and IMO, the best value is the Studiologic SL88 Grand (+SL Mixface).
The end game (only for pianist) is the Kawai VPC-1.
I did exact same thing. Tried out (bought actually) both the S88 and Keylab88. Returned the S88 and got the Keylab88 cuz guy at SW insisted they have different touch. I thought they were both too heavy for me though I really like the KK integration on S88 and overall versatility of the KeyLab. Most of what I have read says they have identical Fatar keybeds, same as Studiologic SL. So I went with the StudioLogic Grand and Mixface. Have to say, though I love the feel of the keyboard, the SL user interface is like going back to MS-DOS! That is not an exaggeration. But the Mixface provides a lot of useful tactile controls. I use it mostly to control transport and faders in Studo One which works well for me. Using it to control vsts seems hugely cumbersome compared to say KK or the way Arturia integrates their Lab collection. Bottom line for me was the feel of the keybed and I don't regret giving up better versatility with S88 or KL88. But, if a Keylab or S88 was offered w the SL Grand, or similar, action, I met be looking at an earlier than planned new controller.
I guess it depends on what you need. I’m new to keyboards and don’t know how to play piano, so I’m starting off with the keylab 49 mk2. Those other keyboards you listed are too expensive and too overwhelming for me to begin with, and I’m learning how to use a DAW for the first time so I think the knobs and sliders will make it easier on me to learn
Arturia Analog Lab also has NKS so the Komplete Kontrol Knobs Work for the Arturia synths.
Always enjoyable and informative. Often thought of getting this great midi kyb but as far i can see the pads have no latch function. The M-Audio pads do latch and for me that is why I am staying with my Hammer Pro 88. Am I wrong to believe that the Arturia pads do not latch?
I had this.. liked the quality and price but got an issue on a few keys where the sensors broke affecting velocity so each time you played it, those keys played at full velocity every time! I ended up sending it back and sold the replacement, getting a kawai mp11se. (It was in covid during electronics shortage so was having to wait on the replacement). Not quite the same thing, but infinitely nicer to play. I’ve been playing midi controllers as main piano, so I didn’t realise what “heavy” meant on Arturia until I swapped over. The kawai is infinitely lighter and feels wonderful, and has midi too, so as a classically trained pianist, I much prefer the kawai.
What about pad sensitivity?
Last year I bought the Arturia Keylab Essential 88 and returned it mainly because the pads didn't respond when hit lightly and the keys were really loud when pressed (like knocking on a door).
I instead got the Novation Launchkey 88 which is the best semi-weighted keyboard on the market in my opinion.
I use the black 61 key version and really like it, although I have no use for all the CV functionality. The unweighted keyboard action is nice. I only wish that Arturia bite the bullet and add Native Instruments NKS support in order to more easily control and select sounds for other non Arturia plug ins. It would also be great if they included a proper template for Reason and an XY touch pad like exists in my now sold Novation 61SL for easy control of the vector joystick in my Korg Wavestation and Wavestate plug ins using midi controllers 16 and 17.
I had that one and I had to send it for service twice in two years. At first some keys very quickly started to give that known plastic click / clack sounds. It's very annoying especially when it happens after 10 months or so. But second time I got a problem with Midi data. Many keys started to play two sounds at once. When I was googling for this issue I found I'm not the only one. So keep that in mind if You want to buy it.
Beyond the issues I love the design and to me it's almost perfect. But keyboard is a bit too heavy for me. Now i switched to Studiologic SL88 Grand and it's much lighter and has much more natural feel. It doesn't have all that great controllers which Arturia has of course. If I could take Studiologic's keybed and put it into Arturia that would be the perfect Midi controller of all time.
Why is it that my faders won’t work properly on my DAW ? Cubase and Ableton, with cubase my faders make funny noises and regulate the pitch wheel an in Ableton the faders make strange noises. Please help me out here I am trying to solve this problem for a month now
Hi Guy.
Finally the reason why the Black Aircraft Carrier like NI S88 has left the stage.
Took your advise to heart and watched your NI S88 MKII review video and couldn't help but feeling you were much more in love with that then this Arturia.
A much more enjoyable video that was too.
To me the only downside to the NI S88 is their huge software and learning curve and getting used to piano action keys.
I have the Arturia 88 for 3 years now, and all in all it is much better than the Native IMO, however even though I like the heavier feel of the keybed, it is absolutely shame how noisy those are. My only problem with it, is the keybed, is they will improve it on the upcoming MK3 it will be the best in the world.
You’re mad. I love it. I’ve subscribed. I know I’m going to learn a lot from your channel. 😂
I have both the S88 and the MKII and prefer the S88 when playing a piano instrument but MKII is better as a keyboard controller. I do like the laptop stand and the leg option for the S88. Since I used a lot of NI /Komplete Kontrol software as well as Arturia I switch between the two as needed. Hope the S88 at some point is updated to have the same same keyboard but controllers like the MKII -that would be the best of both worlds
Hey Guy! Wondering, what's your opinion on MPE's (most notably the ROLI Seaboard RISE 2 and Osmose Expressive E), particularly regarding libraries such as SWAM and/or Samplemodeling? They seem to be the ideal controllers, but they're typically the most expensive as well...
Have you been able to get it to control Cubase? I have not found a way to get the transport, etc., to work fully.
Guy… I love your “lightsabre-esque” floor lamps. Where did you get them from? Thx!
I HV Roland fp30x .. but i find its action to be sluggish... Shall i go for a stranger keyboard or a different digital piano or a midi player like this one?
Freaky! I was just looking at getting the arturia 49 essential after doing the TSE taster week 👻 not the same one but good to get an idea from.
Hi Ash! Hope you. enjoyed taster week!
@@ThinkSpaceEducation did indeed! Do you think for the entry level/ intermediate entries Native instruments is the way to go over Arturia? I’m guessing it’s less faffing about?
A little more than a year ago - I bought it but It took me almost 2 weeks to decide on which color to choose.
Good review, not sure if I trust Arturia as a keyboard manufacturer, the amount of broken keyboards I've seen for sale secondhand, with keys badly out of alignment is astonishing. Is this as big a problem as I think it is, and if this was an issue with Arturia, have they improved?
Guy, because of this review I bought this keylab, but I was not pleasant surprised that the connection with cubase didn't work properly. Can you show me what settings you use in cubase, in the arturia midi center and what daw mode you use on the keylab.
Komplete Kontrol also maps all the Arturia instruments inside the app.
Wondering if it's a good idea to buy this one now... Heard the mk3 88 keys is coming out sooner than later
I just ordered an NI S88 Mk2 a couple of days ago (in large part due to your videos). This video has me wondering if I should have given the Arturia another look. Lol !!!
With the current sale NI has going on, you're also getting Komplete 14 STANDARD with the S88. That's a helluva deal. (I just bought the S61 and paid $199 to upgrade from Komplete 14 Select to Standard.)
I had one of these. It's lovely to play, but I found it a real ball-ache trying to set up the knobs and sliders to control a DAW. (Compared to the Novation Launchkey I know have which is so simple to setup). Such a shame.
Hmm, currently have the NI s61 mk1.
Main things I use are Komplete Ultimate and Arturia V collection.
Thinking of getting an 88 note. I love faders but currently think the NI will probably suit me better, but undecided lol
Same
Mainly use komplete ultimate and Arturia v collection
I also have the mk1 s61
I also have a digital piano so really I want a synth keyboard (would happily have 76 or 88 key synth keyboard if only someone made them
Integration is the question from me, Arturia is Nks compatible hence works reasonably well from the native instruments software but I would like faders, from this vid it looks like I would have to set up every individual NI synth under user mode which is a shame
I would recommend Novation Launchkey 88...the best non-piano action out there ;)
funny enough both S88 mk2 and this Arturia use the exact same Fatar keybed. but they do feel different because their housing is different
Noisy keybed, though. Very noisy keybed. Otherwise great. I used it with Studio One. It comes with magnetic templates for all major DAWS that you can stick over the main controls so that when you have it configured for your DAW, you don't have to mentally remap the labels. Did i mention the really noisy keybed?
Nice, but big design error putting the sliders on the top right rather than top left. Most people will want to control (say CC1 and CC11 ) the sliders with their left hand whilst playing with their right. Can’t believe they didn’t think of this when designing!
Great product, had mine for 2 years so far, only downside.... the paint job is prone to flaking and wear just under the keys, from a playing position, but otherwise its lovely
Ello, I bought a Mk1 two years ago and I find the kyb heavy, noisy, there is a sound when i hit the key and another when I let, it must one of the worst I've played in my life. Anyone had a similar problem with the Mk1? Has anyone here done a comparison between a Mk1 and a Mk2. I would really like to know. Thx a lot. Keith
Nice studio!, did you move out of the famous Shed? how about a tour?. thank You for your videos Guy!
No the famous shed is still in action - this is the alternative larger studio where we do 5.1 and stuff
I have found that a Streamdeck is more useful for keyswitching and other midi controls , leaving the pads for playable tasks. Being able to have pictures on each button is fantastic.😁
🎶🎶🎹🎹🎶🎶Play On
My Streamdeck is buggy with this, sadly. I have to figure out why, but I’ve temporarily disengaged it for midi control.
Hi Guy! Between the Arturia Keylab mk2 and the New Native Instruments Mk3 which one you would chose?
Guy! Thank you so much for this look, I have been eyeing this keyboard. One thing I can't shake is the temptation towards the Studiologic keyboards. The SL88 studio has the same keybeds for half the price, and the SL88 Grand has a (reportedly) much more nuanced and naturalistic keybed for the same price. Do you have any experience with these?
I am planning a (3 hour drive) trip to get my fingers on the Studio Logic, this Arturia, the NI and a couple of instruments with sound modules to get a better idea. I wish somebody would make a controller with lots of knobs, faders and pads that also included a sound module with piano.
What speakers would you recommend for it? If I want to perform for the public?
how is the mechanical sound of the keys ? I often play at night and most of these keyboards make allot of mechanical noise ! Any recommendation for a pianist looking to record digitally (PianoTeq?).
And what about Nektar Panorama T6 for more synth-action folks and more compact solution? :)
I didn't really get what I wanted from this review, I wanted to see it control other hardware, not software. I wanted a deep dive in the user configuration. I have a bunch of old samplers and wanted to see if setups could be saved to completely control all parameters of samplers I have.
Had the Arturia on my list as well but went with the NI because I’m heavily invested in the NI ecosystem anyway.
Since then I’ve downsized to a Studiologic SL88 which has pretty much zero knobs but suffices for me.
I'm on the fence between the SL88 and this Arturia.
@@mekosmowski Both have a great keybed, the Keylab has a lot more knobs and buttons but I have other MIDI controllers for that. Have you had the chance to try them both in a local shop?
I don't think there is a local shop with either, much less both. Maybe I could make a road trip at some point.
I only wish those faders were on the left side of the keyboard.
Very interesting all your videos! A short question : can you use Arturia with Komplete software without some significant restriction?
Curious about this too
I love Arturia products especially the V collection but I feel the pads and the sliders are on the wrong side for me, Currently I use an old Roland X8 as my controller but I see that Native Instruments have just put all their hardware and software on sale so I suspect there will be a new S88 MK3 by September hopefully this time with sliders and endless controllers, fingers crossed
Never clicked with the S88 mk2 workflow... Is great if you want to browse zillions of presets of the Komplete thing, but as a overall controller, is not great. Im switching to a Korg D1 to have a great compact piano. I have a nuances controller for orchestral automation recording.
Had this very keyboard and hated it until I got rid of it. Feels like there is foam rubber under the keys, very spongy and heavy feel. The pads are very hard to tap and get a response. The faders kept sending a high pitched note on when trying to control volume sliders in a number of DAWs (every one I tried) as I was perpetually restoring to factory settings to no avail. The Native Instruments flagship is much better to play on with a slight spongy feel that this pianist could actually get used to and like.
I have spent a long time with the question of a new keyboard. It began with the question of whether it should be a pure MIDI keyboard or possibly a synthesizer. After long consideration it has now become a Yamaha MODX8 for several reasons: 1) The keyboard is a 88 Hammer graded keyboard, which is absolutely important for me. 2) A 100% compatibility with Cubase, the built-in audio interface replaces the previous external audio interface 3) The use of synthesis from AWM and FM and to use them in projects and finally just to be able to play an instrument without having to use the computer.
I've had this board for about a year now. And man was the action super heavy! The velocity curve was not great out of the box for even their stock apps. This meant I had to download their software for the board to modify the velocity curve (not totally straight forward). Even then, I am not totally satisfied with the velocty and feel. Though, I am not convinced at this point that I will EVER find a good board.
Just try some more. If it’s a lighter touch you like, try the Kawai electronic pianos. Sometimes the best controller setup is a combination of things. You can get sliders, knobs and keyswitching options separate if you find the keybed that suits you without those features. It IS nice to have it all in one, but yeah, there’s not just one that makes everyone happy.
@@dbmusicproductions9181 I honestly do not see anyone being satisfied with the velocity curve it has by default. It sucks to require velocity tweaking out of the box.
@@VexylObby I just realized that my first sentence made it seem like I was referring to trying more of the Arturia keyboard from this review, but what I intended to say was try different controllers. 😉
@@dbmusicproductions9181 I LOVE this controller otherwise. But yeah, playing others really makes me understand what really works for me.
I have the keypad essentials 88. As a pianist the action is not up to scratch. I have a fatar weighted keyboard from the early 2000s who's action is amazing. I'm wondering if this keyboard competes. I know it's also a fatar so I'm assuming so. Worth upgrading?
Is it just me, but I always prefer sliders on the left and pads on the right? Certainly, for live work, I can mix sounds while playing (better to remove my left hand for that) and hit samples or drums right-handed. But it could just be me.
A couple fo people have mentioned that
I found the sliders hard to use at first cos I had to reach across myself for expression and dynamic movement of orchestral libraries. But I actually got used to eventually and having the pads on the left is great for triggering articulations. Love it now but still got my S61 set up as well for integration with Komplete. Just waiting for a Cubase template for the Mk II so I can use it to control the old quick controls! One day!
Yeah
Long story short yes it is good 🎉
The S88 key weighting is adjustable.
If it cant be a Delorean... can it e a Tardis?
I thought that the S88 and the keylab both use the the same Fatar action Key bed. No?
They do, but for some reasone Arturia keys are heavier.
@@patrykscelina332I actually just had my S88 key bed replaced with a brand new Fatar key bed so asked why this would be and I found out there’s certain adjustments you make during manufacturing. So I’m assuming Arturia and NI use different specs. My new key bed does feel a bit different than the original factory setup. Probably because it was installed by a 3rd party company.
The MK3 should be released soon.
Looks like an expensive bit of kit. Is the actual key mechanism unique, or is it imported from another keyboard?
@@martinmajor7447 Thanks!
I have a Mk2 88 on order ; glad to see you like it as well. I must admit, bit disappointed with the review. I was expecting a cat or some other interesting animal to make an appearance, in analogy to the weasel during the S88 review, but none of that, sadly… 😅
Ah the weasel! Happy days - havent sen him for a while.
Nice! What's up with the audio of the video though?
off balance to the left
yeah, it's panned to the left
Yep. Still, Guy is entertaining and informative, as always!
It terrible. I don't know what's going on. Seems to be more than just a panning issue.
I hope Arturia improved its quality for the 88, I've a Keylab 61 MK2 and its faders, knobs and modwheel send midi data on their own.
I'm seriously thinking about to change it a soon I'll have the budget. Sorry for you, Arturia, but even with the help of your customer service to recalibrate things, it still works erraticaly regarding knobs & faders. I guess I was unlucky, sorry to spoil the mood😁
Furthermore, outside this problem, the layout of the Keylabs is not for me: the faders I could use for CC1 , CC11 and another CC (21 for vibrato for instance) are not located at left hand, they're in the middle, so I cannot realy use them while playing.
My positive thoughts about the Keylabs are:
#1 The PB and MW are above the keyboard, and not beside, so you can somehow use them while playing with the left hand (an octave chord with the thumb and the the pinky and your middle finger for the MW...) and this reduces the overall length of the object
#2 Yes, the pads can be used for articulation keyswitches (I use Spitfire's libraries too😉).
#3 you get the Analog Lab player for free.
I used a product called Servisol to spray on which cleans/lubes the pots. It can be done without stripping down. Just pull off the knobs and give a squirt or two. It comes with a small director tube to aim at the base of the stalk.
@@jadonx So you imply Arturia should provide a bottle of this product in the box when you buy a Keylab because they have a poor quality control in their sweatshop in China? 🧐 Yes, maybe, don't know. We should have to advise them about that.
Being serious, obviously I've sprayed contact cleaner on this keyboard (not the product you mentioned but regular one form the shelves) and well, no lasting effect.
And the problem appeared 18 months after I've bought it (2019). So no more guaranty.
I think I bought a bad one. And my studio is no-smoking/no-drinking, hence no beer or ashes on my machines.
Furthermore this fact makes me very sad as this company, Arturia, is supposed to be a French company, from my own country🥺 but obviously their physical products are made in China and the one I've bought (not all of them, I hope) is a poor quality one. I'll be more cautious for my new controler keyboard.
In the meantime the keybed works well, no problem so far, and I edit/correct my CC curves in my DAW , waiting to have enough money to buy an other good keyboard and sell the 61MK2 on my local craigslist for dirt cheap
@FLH3official no I don't, they should be using better quality pots or encoders.
I replaced all the sliders and the random midi data problem is gone. Had my 61MK2 for 2 years, very well build Hardware otherwise. I'm now very pleased again with it. But if you're not experienced in electronics you're out of luck...
@@ledzappelin1179 I don't know if I understand you well, you mean your keylab had problems after 2 years (like mine) and you have to replace the sliders? If it's the case I would not call that a "well build hardware"....
If it's your story my conclusion is not to buy a keylab up until Arturia improve the quality and durability of its products.🤨
Hey Guy,
Your voice is pan around 45 degree to the left, it's a bit strange. I don't know if you can correct this?
I put the video on mono with my sound card to see it. But for other viewers. :)
As soon as I woke up this morning I noticed that - weird - speaking out of the side of my head. Cant be the recording must be a medial issue
At least you are on our side 😅
Hello sir ^^
I bought one a year ago and the keys are just SOOO heavy, it hurts my hands to play.
From my experience, the Arturia software is pretty clunky and I just avoid it. I'm also not much of a synth guy though.
That being said, this keyboard is one of the only music purchases I've paid full price for and it was worth every penny. The feel is phenomenal and because it has a drum pad and a million faders/knobs, you really don't need to buy any additional controllers. Also quite aesthetically pleasing.
TBH I used to think that back in the day but my recent experience has been really good. The in stallation and updates etcf work really easily and the synths are more and more a part of my everyday workflow. On Kitti Katz, the netflix show, they were there every day
This video confused me. What is CC? I didn't see the keyswitches on the virtual keyboard after you pressed the drum pads C-2, D-2, etc. Aren't they usually in another color? Oh, I see, I thought you were shifting the scale on the keyboard, but you were just programming the pad to a specific key. Very unusual and specific. And the audio on the video... and why is it 50FPS or 50Hz or whatever 720p50 or 1080p50 mean. Help
I don't need to pay $1200 for physical faders. I'll keep my $85 used M-Audio Keystation 49SE. It's only semi-weighted, but I can live with that. I can tote it around with one hand. Thanks for the review.
I’ve a mk1 since 2016. It’s pretty good, but the odd rattle.
The biggest problem is getting to put your dirty fingers on them .. with todays state of musical instrument stores you pretty much have to be willing to cough up a flight ticket to even find a store that have a big enough show room with a big variety of keyboards. And like Guy says, these are without a doubt great keyboard controllers but it's vital that you get something you can connect with. And local stores that have the hot stuff YOU are interested in, pretty much died out somewhere back in the 90's.
Hail marshall Yoda of the Keyboard game!
Is it tea proof?
Cruel... I doubt it. To be fair the nice man from NI said it was the most English way he'd come across of trashing one of their keyboards!+
I have the s88 MK2. It's great when connected to your DAW/VSTs. But a huge waste of time and money (and space) as a stand alone dawless controller. Meaning... Pretty much worthless without the DAW running. Such a shame... Hoping this Arturia runs DAW-less..
great review! noticed however your audio, specifically your voice sounds really bad? really tinny and reverby imo