I guess you´ve tried the zoom in K7, is a mehhh re-scaling and ugly as hell, but at least is possible to work with libraries like the one in the pics

Salute!

 

The 61 SL Mk3 is already stellar. Each software update also has added more features, but realistically the small screens are a bit dated, but still useful. As far as Arturia goes, I'm not sure about their hardware division. The new V collection is going to be their next release before the end of the year most likely, but maybe there will be a hardware announcement around the same time.

 

Actually, the current MPC is the only system that achieves complete and equally effective control both standalone and paired with a computer. It displays all and same information independently of how you use it.

When connected to a computer you only have positive extras like Vsts, bigger screen and extra horse power but you don’t ever need to look at the computer screen or touch the mouse, if you don’t choose to.
The screen and hardware will behave and display the same in both cases

 

Last edited: Sep 29, 2023

MK2 has aftertouch. Is the MK3 aftertouch so much better or what do you mean here?

Fully agree. As I said before, I never really used MK2 and NKS expect of the first few days I got the MK2. It's more an additional learning curve that I don't think it brings a day to day advancement. But it's nice of course.

BTW: Thanks for your report - from someone who has actually had the thing under his fingers.

 

Polyphonic aftertouch is one of the marketing points. The difference with mono aftertouch is that each key react to pressure individually. But you need a plugin that is also able to understand and produce it.

 

I don't really see the advantage of multi after touch on keyboards.
Mono is more than enough, combined with pedals (if needed), pitch and mod wheel.

Until you use a tactile controller or anything NOT keyboard.

 

Last edited: Sep 29, 2023

I'd say I am an above average NI products user/owner with K Collectors ed. SW and various toys (Maschine, 2xF1, Traktor..). Not because of love but out of composer/producer's necessity (choice?). Still:

As a piano/keys player I would NEVER get myself a NI Keyboard as a primary controller. Tight NI software integration is more of a deal-breaker than a feature for me. I like to have an "instrument" not a sort of a dongle. An instrument is something that would still have value in say 20+ years. I don't have that trust in NI SW (let alone my love for the company)

A couple of things that I should add:
- I have and use Mascine mk3 to control NI SW (that + F1 also gives me the pads etc) so I prefer having my main keys simple but HQ (also 88 or at least 76), with built in sounds. I never understood or used the KK SW rather use Maschine SW a lot.
- I'd (maybe) consider S61 as a secondary controller if it was cheaper and I didn't already have Maschine (was 400€ new)
- I'd totally understand, for instance, a guitar (or other instr) player having this for kb duties

The question 'is it worth it' though.. very subjective ofc, for me - absolutely not. It's made to lose value. But for someone that feels risking 850€ is not much of a deal.. I took a risk with Maschine and I'm kinda OK with it

 

That's why i choose Casio CDP130 as main piano keyboard AND controller :
88 keys
hammer action
10 built in sounds
MIDI out, of course

A real instrument, not a dongle.

Fun fact : you can send sostenuto pedal (MIDI CC 66) by MIDI IN ... and it works
Because even if they provide sustain pedal input only, the sound engine is the same than their higher range "3 pedals" pianos.
They just removed the 3 pedals plug.

ppl can try this on any 1 pedal sustain digital piano, it may work too

About NI : i remember all the abandoned products by NI, especially their hardware Kore 1 and 2 : major failure.
It lasted only 5 years, and it is almost useless without software (not a real instrument, as previous post said).
Kore 1 was around 400 bucks alone. 400 bucks paperweight ...

We can add Audio Kontrol, Rig Kontrol ... all with a K
Non updated drivers and support : paperweight

When a software is abandoned, it is already a problem.
But when it is hardware ... you really feel the pain.

Same with Arturia : i don't trust them to update their products, because they already let some bugs for years.

Once again : integration is mirage.
Until you find integrated controller for CHEAP, you just loose money with it in the long term, even short term (Kore ... ).

Some more read here :
https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=592030&start=930

 

No

 

I didn't try it at the time because wasn't available, but I would have gladly bought Studio Logic SL88, beside it's one of the heaviest downweighted keybed in the market (love it!), it has aftertouch and three joysticks (!!!) that are perfect for my purposes (instead I use OSC now, but no physical feedback).
Edit: also double escapement action!
Re-edit: Fatar keybed TP100

Still, very satisfied with CDP-130, of course, just as piano, not as controller.

Maybe next purchase.

 

Last edited: Sep 30, 2023

You sum it up very well actually.

 

Do you have any specific example in mind?
BTW I bought their new Keylab Essential MK3 last june and for now I'm very satisfied.

 

I don't have any example in mind ... i stopped using Arturia products years ago.
Because every project was a crash fest, after taking ages to load and scan

Some reading :
https://legacy-forum.arturia.com/index.php?topic=94749.0

I could have posted about Spark, Origin and more.

 

I agree that buying just a keyboard that fits your need, and then add some controller(s) to it, can be a cheaper and more precise solution than all in one. Also, if one part id abandoned, like no more driver updates for new systems, it's easier to replace than a whole keyboards.