Best 61 key controller replacement for P6

[Ah_Dziz]

I used 61 key controllers at the "lower" end of the quality spectrum for years, and they developed serious problems (dead keys, dead wheels, random midi being sent etc) after about 1.5 -2 years. Eventually I went up a level in quality and got the Nektar P6 panorama and it has worked like a champ with no issues for almost 10 years now (it also came with a bitwig license which turned out to be cool). Unfortunately a client spilled some Gatorade on it recently and the pitch wheel, mod wheel, and motorized fader all have some issues now.

My question is this, I have little use for most of the controls that the p6 has (I don't use anything outside the transport controls along with PW, MW and 2 sliders (1 for cc7 and 1 for cc11)). So is there a nice sturdy controller out there that doesn't try to be a full software controller, but has the build quality of the panorama? Ideally it would be cheaper since I don't need any extra bells and whistles or it would have some other cool set of bells and whistles like full release velocity or mpe support. I'm curious about the NI keyboards since I'm a composer and having the key colors would be useful for the many many kontakt libraries i use.

Do they even light up if you are using the KK software?

Any 61 key controller recommendations are welcome. I really just want a nice key bed and nice Mod/Pitch wheels.

[Ah_Dziz]

Anybody? Nice sturdy 61 key controller. I should also mention that I'm in a small market so I have little opportunity to try anything hands on.

[superscan]

The older versions (mk1 and mk2) of NI KK’s keys are great. Light guide is useless without software. Newer version mk3 builds on the same Fatar Keybed and is supposed to get an update soon for stand alone of light guide.

Look at Novation — Launchkey is good and in my opinion better than the p6 keybed, SL has more features (light guide in stand alone).

I didn’t really care for the action of the Arturia Keylab Essential mk3.

[cryophonik]

...doesn't try to be a full software controller,...

...I don't need any extra bells and whistles...

I'm curious about the NI keyboards since I'm a composer and having the key colors would be useful for the many many kontakt libraries i use.

...I really just want a nice key bed and nice Mod/Pitch wheels.

Based on these, the KK 61 (mk2 or mk3) would be pretty much a no-brainer IMO. I haven't used the mk3, but owned a mk2 for several years and the keybed and mod/pitch wheels are excellent. Unfortunately, I've never owned or used the Nektar keyboards, so I can't compare, but the NI KK sounds to me exactly what you're looking for.

[Ah_Dziz]

I suppose the latest KK board fits the bill..... I do feel some kinda way about the lights not working with Kontakt. I'd definitely get it if they updated this. Midi 2.0 is supposed to be able to grab that kind of info from plugins directly. Having poly AT is always fun too. I guess if I go that route it will look all lovely with my machine stuff as well (not that I'm super concerned about the aesthetics of most of my junk). Thanks for the info, folks!!! I'll let you know how it goes if I do go with the NI. I may play it safe and just get another panorama though as mine was still working spectacularly right until it had Gatorade in it.

[zerocrossing]

Bought a Native Instruments S61 mk3, and it has been good on the hardware side, but I do have problems getting the Kontrol plugin to work reliably. Not really a big deal, as it’s generally not a requirement. The feel of the keyboard is very good, including the polyphonic aftertouch. It’s a bit lighter than my old GEM S2 workstation, but the aftertouch was starting to feel stiff on that and the sensitivity was all the way up. It is a lot better feeling than the Hydrasynth’s keyboard action, though the aftertouch is similar. I didn’t have space for a second mk3, so I got the Korg keyboard for my work computer, and it feels similar to the Hydrasynth. Usable, but not great. The general build quality seems fine, though, but I’d go NI if you have the space and money.

[lfm]

After looking around a bit
- and have expression pedal input, not only sustain.
- and channel aftertouch
- not too deep so keyboard for computer got room on my desk

Got Nektar Impact GXP61. Will get it on friday.

[Torchlight]

I just got the Kontrol S61 Mk3 today and it's the best keyboard I have ever used. I was hesitating between it and the 88-key hammer action version. I decided to get this first and maybe the hammer-action later on but this keybed feels absolutely superb.

[Ofthewall]

Another kontrol s61 mk3 user here. I really enjoy the keyboard and the lightguide is really handy an now even works standalone without having to use the komplete kontrol plugin. The keybed in the price class is the best i think. I used the novation and arturia keybeds but they feel like a toy to me compared to the kontrol s61 mk3 keybed.

[Gribs]

Does the NKS functionality of NI’s top shelf controllers actually work as advertised? To me that would be the only reason to own a NI controller. I also don’t care about the light guide thing.

There was a time when the key bed in Novation’s top shelf controllers was really good. Is that no longer the case? You don’t have to install their wrapper thing.

I know State Azure replaced his 88-key NI controller with a Fantom 8; he likes the key bed better (I asked him about it on his YT channel and he answered my question). He is one of my favorite ambient producers. I can’t fit a Fantom 8 on my keyboard drawer, but a Fantom 6 would fit. I have a mk1 Keylab 88 now; I replaced all the encoder knobs with shorter knobs from Mouser to get it to fit . I don’t really have a good reason to replace the Keylab, but if NI came out with a knob box reminiscent of the Kore controller, I would buy one right away. Seriously, if you don’t care about controlling software from the keyboard and have the money, then I would check out the big 3’s top shelf workstation offerings (except Korg discontinued the Kronos and hasn’t replaced it with something at the same level as of now).

[sl1914]

Does the NKS functionality of NI’s top shelf controllers actually work as advertised? To me that would be the only reason to own a NI controller. I also don’t care about the light guide thing.

My little experience has been that NKS has worked better with NI VSTs, but there has been problems with VSTs from other companies like u-he. The Kontroller software shows plugins from many companies, but cannot start all plugins like Diva when you double click it. It shows error message, but I have no idea what is causing this.

[zerocrossing]

My question is this, I have little use for most of the controls that the p6 has (I don't use anything outside the transport controls along with PW, MW and 2 sliders (1 for cc7 and 1 for cc11)). So is there a nice sturdy controller out there that doesn't try to be a full software controller, but has the build quality of the panorama?

I can't speak to if it's better than your P6, but the quality of my NI S61 is very good. It has a series of 8 knobs and 8 buttons, and your basic transport controls.

Ideally it would be cheaper since I don't need any extra bells and whistles or it would have some other cool set of bells and whistles like full release velocity or mpe support. I'm curious about the NI keyboards since I'm a composer and having the key colors would be useful for the many many kontakt libraries i use.

Do they even light up if you are using the KK software?

They light up, but you need to use KK software or Kontakt.

Any 61 key controller recommendations are welcome. I really just want a nice key bed and nice Mod/Pitch wheels.

My decision to buy the NI S61 mk3 was that I really wanted a good feeling keyboard that also had polyphonic aftertouch and a good build quality. It definitely satisfies my needs. It has a nice big screen for using NKS preset surfing and other stuff, which is nice, but it makes it deep. On my employer's machine, I have a Korg Keystage 61, which I got because it's more shallow and I didn't have the space on the desk for another S61. It's fine, but it doesn't seem as sturdy. I'm the only one who comes into my studio, so I'm not worried about abuse. The keys have a stiff and springy feel to them, which isn't my preferred feel, but it's OK.

[Gribs]

Does the NKS functionality of NI’s top shelf controllers actually work as advertised? To me that would be the only reason to own a NI controller. I also don’t care about the light guide thing.

My little experience has been that NKS has worked better with NI VSTs, but there has been problems with VSTs from other companies like u-he. The Kontroller software shows plugins from many companies, but cannot start all plugins like Diva when you double click it. It shows error message, but I have no idea what is causing this.

Some of the wrapper programs have issues with some plugins and as customers it can be tough to know why (sad Gribs). For example, Unify had issues with Softube VST3 plugins and when I contacted PluginGuru support, they said it is because Softube does not adhere to the VST3 standard. The degree of frustration oozing from their message and their reputation suggest they were telling the truth. Maybe that has been fixed now; tbh I haven't checked.

[mixyguy2]

Bump for general info/experiences with 61-key controllers. I am looking around but also unable to try any first-hand, unfortunately. Prefer to keep costs down but will pay somewhat more if it's worth it. I buy new only, not used. Don't care about anything other than transport controls (and of course the mod/pitch controls).

[YnJ]

I have had no problems with the Nektar models, how much you have to pay depend on the model and what your requirements are, they are usually quite affordable though