M
Top keys, but lacking features
I bought this piano after comparing all 61 keys midi controllers, and this seems to be the one with the best integration in Studio One.
Best:
The good point are the keys and seamless integration with all Komplete products I have. It reminds me the feeling of a real piano, it's no so plasticky and looks like a premium unit. Another good point are all transportation buttons that it has, useful for DAW and also for the Komplete Kontrol plugin. I can control some basic features from Studio One which is what I was looking for. Also, I need no mapping at all, I love plug and play things without messing around with configuration files and so on :)
Cons:
It's quite heavy and bulky, so you need a lot of space for it. The clicking sound from the buttons is really loud, really. The little screen is useful but it should be at least bigger or similar to the layout of the S series MK1.
No aftertouch, which in 2019 should be a standard in this kind of hardware.
I think this type of units can have more controls, as it has two big empty frames on each side, but it happens the same with the S series.
In sum, for this price it's an affordable piano that can do almost all that I need, so I'm happy with it and I hope it lasts so many years.
Best:
The good point are the keys and seamless integration with all Komplete products I have. It reminds me the feeling of a real piano, it's no so plasticky and looks like a premium unit. Another good point are all transportation buttons that it has, useful for DAW and also for the Komplete Kontrol plugin. I can control some basic features from Studio One which is what I was looking for. Also, I need no mapping at all, I love plug and play things without messing around with configuration files and so on :)
Cons:
It's quite heavy and bulky, so you need a lot of space for it. The clicking sound from the buttons is really loud, really. The little screen is useful but it should be at least bigger or similar to the layout of the S series MK1.
No aftertouch, which in 2019 should be a standard in this kind of hardware.
I think this type of units can have more controls, as it has two big empty frames on each side, but it happens the same with the S series.
In sum, for this price it's an affordable piano that can do almost all that I need, so I'm happy with it and I hope it lasts so many years.
6
0
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M
A61 first glance
So after few hours fiddling with this keyboard
The build quality is great and key action is a little bit on the heavy side, which is good.
The sound library that comes with it is really good, especially the Gentleman piano and Scarbee electric piano, high quality.
Not to mention the tons of other sounds.
However there are some drawbacks.
Usability is not great.
The data screen is very small and not very helpful.
It will take you some time to learn all the functions because this product is not very intuitive.
If you want better usability take a look at the S series which comes with big color screens.
There is no option to set the global velocity curve and no way to set global volume from the keyboard.
Both these features are usually taken for granted and you may be disappointed when you find out they don't exist in the A series.
To sum up, good value for money.
The build quality is great and key action is a little bit on the heavy side, which is good.
The sound library that comes with it is really good, especially the Gentleman piano and Scarbee electric piano, high quality.
Not to mention the tons of other sounds.
However there are some drawbacks.
Usability is not great.
The data screen is very small and not very helpful.
It will take you some time to learn all the functions because this product is not very intuitive.
If you want better usability take a look at the S series which comes with big color screens.
There is no option to set the global velocity curve and no way to set global volume from the keyboard.
Both these features are usually taken for granted and you may be disappointed when you find out they don't exist in the A series.
To sum up, good value for money.
3
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S
The action is pretty decent
I bought this to use together with presonus 4.6 professional since there was a recent update that enabled you to use the various features to improve the workflow with the DAW. I must say that I am pleased with the action although it is light, the constructions is solid and slick. The VSTs that come with the MIDI are an excellent addition! My only problem is the amount of programs you need to install in order to make everything work together, its a bit of a pain to make it setup correctly, but once you do it feels great!
3
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VP
Excellent keyboard with a "but"
Perfect keyboard in every aspect, especially compared with e.g. Arturia, it has much nicer key action. Excellent, buttery smooth mod and pitch wheels and dials, and - the loudest control buttons ever created.
Fortunately I never use them anyway, as I control my DAW with keyboard/mouse so this is an acceptable compromise - you'll still get the best keyboard in class.
Fortunately I never use them anyway, as I control my DAW with keyboard/mouse so this is an acceptable compromise - you'll still get the best keyboard in class.
1
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i
Opportunities
This MIDI keyboard offers an impressive combination of quality and functionality. With it, I can fully immerse myself in the music creation process with intuitive controls at my fingertips and deep integration with Komplete Kontrol software.
Benefits:
+Playing this instrument gives a great feel and response, but the keys themselves could have been made better, although you can't complain about that for this price.
+Integration with Komplete Kontrol
+Touch controls and 4D encoder are awesome.
Despite its affordable price, the A61 is as good as its more expensive counterparts in terms of functionality.
Benefits:
+Playing this instrument gives a great feel and response, but the keys themselves could have been made better, although you can't complain about that for this price.
+Integration with Komplete Kontrol
+Touch controls and 4D encoder are awesome.
Despite its affordable price, the A61 is as good as its more expensive counterparts in terms of functionality.
0
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Ea
Good, but not enough
Pros:
Many plugins;
+- Nice keys
Cons:
Keys are scratchy
It`s difficult to navigate, set up plug-ins and work it all out
Keys are too soft
But in general we are satisfied.
Many plugins;
+- Nice keys
Cons:
Keys are scratchy
It`s difficult to navigate, set up plug-ins and work it all out
Keys are too soft
But in general we are satisfied.
0
0
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A
Seamless workflow
Great addition to my set up as it really helped me enhance my workflow
0
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G
Thanks to its beautifully weighted keys, with good feedback I have this keyboard at my main place and the b-studio as well. I especially like having the transport control and a couple of knobs available straight at the keyboard as it gives me an option to move my keys away from the desk and still have control over the playback and the instrument I am playing.
A huge plus is that you get a basic set of instruments, sounds, and a "DAW" (Maschine Essential) together with the keys so you're pretty much ready to rock - a nice start to the Native Instruments ecosystem.
A huge plus is that you get a basic set of instruments, sounds, and a "DAW" (Maschine Essential) together with the keys so you're pretty much ready to rock - a nice start to the Native Instruments ecosystem.
0
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P
Decent for its price. Lacks a bit on dynamics, other than that it’s one of the best options on that budget
0
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SN
Encoders broken
After a few years of use two encoders are constantly sending small changes over MIDI. Also the keyboard is needlessly big. The design could have been slimmed down a lot more.
Other than that I can't complain. It's decent.
Other than that I can't complain. It's decent.
1
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