KVR Audio

nIGhT-SoN · Post by **nIGhT-SoN** » Tue Sep 03, 2024 7:49 am

Hi, everyone,

I've sold my Panorama T6 recently because I wanted a smaller keyboard (49 keys), and with a more quality keybed. I'm using Studio One 5, but integration is not my main selling point. I'm looking for a good keybed mainly and my budget is 500€.

Right now I'm trying to decide between NA Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 and Arturia Keylab 49 MK3, both i found them new and I'm my budget, but if you have better options, I'm opened.

Maybe you guys can help me out because I don't have the option to test them out in a shop.

Thanks in advance!

audiojunkie · Post by **audiojunkie** » Thu Sep 05, 2024 3:01 pm

Following..... I'm looking for a new keyboard controller too.

anra · Post by **anra** » Thu Sep 05, 2024 3:27 pm

I would steer away from NI keyboards as support will be stopped for mk2 soon like the did for mk1? Get Novation (launchkey 49 mk4 in preorder phase) or Arturia.

nIGhT-SoN · Post by **nIGhT-SoN** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 11:37 am

Thanks you, glad I asked cause I was thinking this could happen.

cryophonik · Post by **cryophonik** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 3:36 pm

The NI KK mk2 has a very nice Fatar keybed, but it’s primarily made for the NI Komplete/NKS ecosystem and is unfortunately far more limited for general usage. I’d still recommend it, though, despite my well documented grievances with it.

Even if NI drops support for it, that should only affect how it works with KK - it’s still a class-compliant USB controller with 5-pin MIDI (requires external power) and has a solid build and user programmable controls on the hardware.

I’d also look at the newer Novation Remote SL49 mk3. They’re $650 here in the US, but I’m not sure how that translates into prices in your region. At the very least, you should be able to find a secondhand one in your budget and it’s a very solid controller with a nice keybed.

dumbledog · Post by **dumbledog** » Mon Sep 09, 2024 2:30 am

audiojunkie wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2024 3:01 pm Following..... I'm looking for a new keyboard controller too.

Yeah same. I have an NI S49-key MkII at the moment, but I rarely use NI stuff and am pretty bought into the Arturia ecosystem and really wouldn't mind some sliders. I'm not a good enough keyboardist to make use of poly AT/MPE.

(edit: and I really don't like the wrapper the NKS stuff uses, so I never use that feature)

Uncle E · Post by **Uncle E** » Mon Sep 09, 2024 3:19 am

You could find a Nord Lead 2 and use it as a controller. Nice keys, great wooden pitch stick and stone mod wheel, and a super logical knob layout if you want to assign it to control plugins.

trusampler · Post by **trusampler** » Mon Sep 09, 2024 3:21 am

If you can find a good 76 Key Korg M3 with AT , programmable Drum and Chord Pads, decent amount of Faders and buttons, great keybed for synths.
I’d pick up a used workstation with a good keyboard over a new midi controller with a questionable keybed action everyday of the week.
If you don’t require the flashy midi controllers , a M3 is a great board.

nIGhT-SoN · Post by **nIGhT-SoN** » Sat Sep 14, 2024 10:28 am

That is something to think about, I will do some more research on the second hand market for a synth since I do like programming sounds and might come in hand. Thanks a lot guys!

RirtualViot2013 · Post by **RirtualViot2013** » Sat Sep 14, 2024 11:30 am

anra wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2024 3:27 pm I would steer away from NI keyboards as support will be stopped for mk2 soon like the did for mk1? Get Novation (launchkey 49 mk4 in preorder phase) or Arturia.

hold up when did NI announce MK2 support stop? and when will it stop?

Best 500€ midi keyboard controller