I will be purchasing one soon, and would like to hear any suggestions from you guys and gals.
I am considering the Arturia Keylab 88, the Akai mpk 88 or the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
S 88. I have only been able to feel the keys on the Akai and Arturia, I have not played the N.I. yet.
I would appreciate any input from someone might have experience with any of the above, or maybe one I have not mentioned. DAW control is a consideration, but not a deal killer. Thanks

 

I´ve tested the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S 88 and all I can say is that its an amazing controller/keyboard with the very best feeling I´ve ever had when it comes to weighted keys! Only reason I dont own one is the fact I dont have the money

Arturia Keylab 88 is really nice too (also tested) but I´ll prefer the NI KKS88!

Good luck

 

I would def go for the S88

 

Okay, that is two for the S 88....

 

From what I heard the N.I is a fatar keyboard and they have a great keyboard feel.

 

you probably wanna wait for a few more pianists reviews on the keyboard

 

There is one very important factor, you should not miss...velocity feedback execution of keys, so you can reach max velocity withot ridiculous slapping on keys. Otherwise you will left with less dynamic playing, no matter how good/authentic keys itself feel. I don't know how well those mentioned keyboards work but if i buy today i will choose something from casio privia line that use at least that Tri-sensor scaled hammer action or something pricier from Roland or Yamaha. I will not look for controller but digital piano.

 

Its a no brainer.
Doepfer ,yes it costs a lot,but its suited for most demanding pro work.
If its good for Hans Zimmer...
http://www.thomann.de/gb/doepfer_lmk4_88_gh.htm

 

Thanks everybody, I should add it will never leave the studio, not a road instrument. I am in the U.S. I will look into the Doepfer, is it even available here?

 

I think Arturia and NI s88 have the same keybed (on paper) but the Ni board feels more premium. No wiggle and super noisy keys. Arturia does have drum pads and the traditional pitch and mod wheels. It may take some getting used to the track-touch pitch and mod on the NI board.

 

US Dealer for Doepfer;
Analogue Haven
attn: Shawn Cleary
1547 10th St. Suite B
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 310-795-7021
web site: www.analoguehaven.com
email: [email protected]


http://www.analoguehaven.com/doepfer/midi/

 

Or something used from Greece but lmk2 model if used stuff doesn't bother you. You will saved a lot of money even with shipping cost
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Doepfer-LMK...447553?hash=item4afb76cfc1:g:lj8AAOSwZ8ZW7ufH

 

I have a Fatar/Studiologic and love it:
http://www.studiologic-music.com/vmk-188-plus.html

 

If it is about authentic piano key experience, you won't get away without a FATAR keyboard. All the really high quality keyboards are from FATAR. But, when considering a FATAR keyboard, why then going for any other manufacturer? Under the label "studiologic", FATAR offers their own instruments and midi controllers. See, if you have a chance to test them out at a local dealer.
http://www.studiologic-music.com/

Edit: Plendix beat me to it^^

 

Thanks again, I love this place, so many answers in just a few hours. I will do some reading on all of the suggestions and I will try to see if I could find something local, I need to feel it with my own hands, $1,000 + dollars is just too much to take a chance with.

 

Wise choice. Make sure you try the S88.

 

worth to check the channel of PianoManChuck

etc.

 

Be aware that the NKS software is dependent upon which 3rd party software manufacturers are supporting the Komplete.