P
Superb Keyboard
This keyboard / Midi controller is superb. It works brilliantly with Ableton and other bundled software to allow a huge variety of sounds - piano to synths, etc.
Are the keys heavy? I was a little concerned about this point before purchase. At first I found the keys a tiny bit heavy but after practicing for a few hours this is no longer an issue. I would not let this point hold you back if you are considering a purchase.
After two months, I have only just scratched the surface of what the KeyLab 88 MkII offers and already I am delighted with it.
Are the keys heavy? I was a little concerned about this point before purchase. At first I found the keys a tiny bit heavy but after practicing for a few hours this is no longer an issue. I would not let this point hold you back if you are considering a purchase.
After two months, I have only just scratched the surface of what the KeyLab 88 MkII offers and already I am delighted with it.
9
0
Report
L
Lot's of features
This is my first feature rich midi controller that has weighted keys.
The keys are very nice to play.
The DAW controls are so useful. I still have to remember to use them sometimes. I keep finding myself reaching over to the mouse out of habit and then I catch myself and realise I don't need to move.
Also, one amazing feature of this beast is that it works off USB power. I never thought a device with so many lights and features could work solely off USB power. Really excited about using it live with the laptop stand.
The keys are very nice to play.
The DAW controls are so useful. I still have to remember to use them sometimes. I keep finding myself reaching over to the mouse out of habit and then I catch myself and realise I don't need to move.
Also, one amazing feature of this beast is that it works off USB power. I never thought a device with so many lights and features could work solely off USB power. Really excited about using it live with the laptop stand.
13
0
Report
F
One controller to rule them all
If you're looking for a do it all, fully featured, hammer action midi controller, this is the one, with a very important caveat. The KeyLab 88 is solid. It's metal, it's heavy, and the build quality is amazing. It's also quite a beautiful piece of kit. Arturia really thought of everything with more inputs and controls than one might think of. The sheet music stand (great for the iPad) and the little shelf for the computer are the simplest of solutions that just work. I don't know how no one else thought of it before. Very practical.
One thing to consider is that the keyboard is heavy. If you're traveling with it from gig to gig. It's something to consider, though it should also take more punishment with its metal construction. If you're using Arturia's Analog Lab, it's perfectly integrated with that, as well as with every popular DAW available. It comes with some magnetic label cutouts that work really well and adapt to whichever DAW you prefer. It's yet another simple solution that just works. As it's a fully featured controller, it pretty much works with everything, though, obviously, like the NI S88, it's fully integrated with their own solutions.
The one caveat is the heaviness of the keys. They're heavier than other keyboards, including those that use the same fatar keybed. One gets easily used to it, if you're used to playing on heavier pianos, but it's an important thing to consider when purchasing this keyboard. This might also make the key response seem a bit sluggish, but this all depends on your personal preference and whether or not you get used to it. I don't find it's an issue, but understand that it's something to consider and everyone's experience and preferences may vary.
In summary, this is an absurdly complete piece of kit at this price range, and it certainly works for the studio (I prefer something lighter for travel). As hammer action MIDI controllers go, you can't go wrong with this one, as long as you're happy with the caveat.
One thing to consider is that the keyboard is heavy. If you're traveling with it from gig to gig. It's something to consider, though it should also take more punishment with its metal construction. If you're using Arturia's Analog Lab, it's perfectly integrated with that, as well as with every popular DAW available. It comes with some magnetic label cutouts that work really well and adapt to whichever DAW you prefer. It's yet another simple solution that just works. As it's a fully featured controller, it pretty much works with everything, though, obviously, like the NI S88, it's fully integrated with their own solutions.
The one caveat is the heaviness of the keys. They're heavier than other keyboards, including those that use the same fatar keybed. One gets easily used to it, if you're used to playing on heavier pianos, but it's an important thing to consider when purchasing this keyboard. This might also make the key response seem a bit sluggish, but this all depends on your personal preference and whether or not you get used to it. I don't find it's an issue, but understand that it's something to consider and everyone's experience and preferences may vary.
In summary, this is an absurdly complete piece of kit at this price range, and it certainly works for the studio (I prefer something lighter for travel). As hammer action MIDI controllers go, you can't go wrong with this one, as long as you're happy with the caveat.
6
0
Report
GM
Amazing controller. Feels like a Nord
I primarily play live in a church setting and used to have a Korg SV-1. I switched to using Mainstage and running midi so I wanted something that was primarily a controller and had functionality to control all of mainstage but still felt like a professional stage piano. This has blown all of my expectations out of the water. I highly recommend for anybody looking for for a pro keyboard feel and great midi functionality
9
2
Report
GO
Game Changing Mind Blower
i wanted continuity in flow, no food no drinks no break and absolutely no gear hassle, no freezing or forgetting the DAW no interruptions, no squeaks....after a firmware update in which no finger nails got bitten off and DAW integration at last , it does exactly what it says on the tin....Bloody marvelous and the keybed is excellent
3
0
Report
MA
Best MIDI keyboard with piano feel and premium quality.
The build quality is solid and with a premium feel.
I like the following things:
- the white color
- the metal finish
- the laptop place (no need additional mount)
- best DAW integration (tested with Ableton Live)
- the piano feel of the keypads
- the drum pads
- the rich amount of ports at the back of the keyboard
The only thing that bothers me is that the keypads are a little heavy, and it may be difficult to use for non-professional pianists.
Off-topic: I choose the Thomann because of their 3 Year Warranty!
I like the following things:
- the white color
- the metal finish
- the laptop place (no need additional mount)
- best DAW integration (tested with Ableton Live)
- the piano feel of the keypads
- the drum pads
- the rich amount of ports at the back of the keyboard
The only thing that bothers me is that the keypads are a little heavy, and it may be difficult to use for non-professional pianists.
Off-topic: I choose the Thomann because of their 3 Year Warranty!
2
0
Report
P
Quality keys for serious business
No, you can of course play around with it. I love it. Every time I sit in front of it I can feel the quality of it.
The keys are not snappy, they are more similar to heavy piano keys.
I use Piano V2 mainly which is great.
The keys are not snappy, they are more similar to heavy piano keys.
I use Piano V2 mainly which is great.
4
0
Report
EK
Key masters
This is my thord Arturia. That speaks for the company
0
0
Report
M
Great
Outstanding quality from this controller. Very nice feel for the key bed. The provided software is also superb. Perfect for anyone looking for professional grade keys that integrate well with DAWs and the digital music space.
1
0
Report
E
Dream came true
My first serious instrument.
New whole entire world.
From my point of view - the keys are little bit heavy, but I think there's more advantages for the beginner to start playing piano.
Deeply impressed.
New whole entire world.
From my point of view - the keys are little bit heavy, but I think there's more advantages for the beginner to start playing piano.
Deeply impressed.
1
0
Report
