Hesitation: 88 Keys MIDI Keyboards

[Fornicras]

Hi all,

I want to get an 88 keys midi keyboard and sell my Oxygen Pro 61.
The main reason I want to upgrade is that I want a piano-like experience and Pro 61 does not feel very well made, started having problems after having it for about a year now.

There are some obvious choices: Native Instruments S88 and Keylab 88, but I have some questions that I couldn't find the answer to, so wanted to post this.

DAW: Studio One

Native Instruments S88
I don't think I will be using Komplete Kontrol software (vst), so if I don't want to use that, how will be the integration of the keyboard, for example, will I be able to use scale mode (scale's keys lighting up) or not? What is the limitation here?

Keylab 88
I use Arturia's synths more often but still not a lot, how is the integration when I don't use Arturia's software?
Also, I don't need the pads because I already have a pad controller, I like having faders if they auto map themselves.

Are there better options for what I need or is this as best as it gets? Can you recommend anything to me? I can spend about $1000.

Thanks.

[chk071]

For a real piano feel, you're probably better off with weighted keys. This one comes to mind: https://www.thomann.de/de/studiologic_sl88_grand.htm

[neo77]

For a real piano feel, you're probably better off with weighted keys. This one comes to mind: https://www.thomann.de/de/studiologic_sl88_grand.htm

I second this choice. The electronics are a little crappy and for some reason the screen on mine is fading/hazy, definitely something wrong with the external power supply feed, however the keyboard works completely with just USB power and the keyed is amazing, not far off my Yamaha upright from 1974. It's heavy compared to any synth style or organ style or 'semi weighted' kind of midi controller. Fantastic for playing in Midi piano. The piece is very heavy so get a strong desk or stand to go with it. Would I buy it again ? Yes, have owned for 5 years and never let me down. Just my 2c. P

[Kalamata Kid]

Check out the Piano World forum:
http://forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads. ... 0&%20.html
search: controller
http://forum.pianoworld.com/Forum_Searc ... controller

[jdnz]

have a look at the roland a-88mkII - exact same action as used in the rd-88 stage pianos (Pha-4)

[3ptguitarist]

have a look at the roland a-88mkII - exact same action as used in the rd-88 stage pianos (Pha-4)

I second this. The key action is better than the NI and Arturia keybed action.

But really, I'd go for a roland ds88 or fp30x. Both better actions than the two midi controllers mentioned, plus they have piano sounds. You can always buy a korg nano controller for faders.

[rod_zero]

I would recommend to go to a music store and try digital Pianos, Yamaha, ROland, Casio and Kawai have better key action than midi controllers at the same price, the roland a-88mk2 might be the exception since it is made by roland.

[jdnz]

But really, I'd go for a roland ds88 or fp30x. Both better actions than the two midi controllers mentioned, plus they have piano sounds. You can always buy a korg nano controller for faders.

good advice - I went to buy an a88-mkI and found the local shop had a killer deal clearing their last RD64, same action, same controls ( the 3 pots are all midi-capable in 'controller' mode - plus of course there's the d-beam ) and like you said can work standalone ( ok - it's 64-key but that actually suited me - space was marginal for a a88 - with the rd64 I've got room for a mpd-218 beside it )

[joemusician]

Big vote for the Yamaha CP-33. There is no substitute for well weighted keys. (I'll also plug my AZ Studio Workstation Spike NR 88 Piano Desk, a perfect companion to the Yamaha).