Native Instruments Kontrol MK3 S88 - Different from the MK2?

[@producerhat]

What do you think? What questions do you have for the follow up?

[@JT-st6ui]

I purchased the MK3 S88, the box arrived damaged firstly and full of holes from UPS, I took a chance to see if the internal electronics may not have been damaged in transit. I couldn't tell until I switch the board on and proceed with the normal setup procedure , however when it asks to update to the latest firmware its stuck in a update cycle, I can't progress any further. I have spent 6 hours trouble shooting this, replacing USB cables, updating from windows 10 to 11 which I didn't want to do, I then tried another computer I went through every scenario and followed all the online trouble shooting that NI offer. BTW i have good IT skills and this is beyond me. At this point I decided to reached out to NI online support team and what a joke that is, still no response, obviously thay don't care about their after sales, days later and still no response. I have now decided to go for a full refund and guess what ? I emailed their support again and no reply, at this stage I am considering legal action, truly shocked and highly disappointed. As a new customer, left with a bitter taste in my mouth and had thay bothered to respond to my emails I wouldn't be going public. Thanks NI for such an experience , never again so if people are looking for an honest review then this is it, I won't be recommending them to anyone and I will continue to post publicly until a time they decide to refund me in full. NI you have serious issues with this product, agree its still in development but when your presented with basic setup procedure that has buggy software issues, then you can take this back.. I am not paying out over a grand for something still in the beta testing stage.

[@CITPhoto]

The most helpful comparison I have found this far. Trying to decide between the Mk2 and Mk3 who is used to playing on our baby grand and has been composing.

[@producerhat]

Glad it helped. Initial impressions for me are if your primary purpose is piano playing and composition, I’d go the MK2. However, if your compositions are getting heavy into Kontakt and other after touch capable instruments, I’d go the MK3.

[@MartinFellerMusic]

Thanks! I love these keyboards even though they don’t integrate well with FL Studio. As a keyboard player, I just love the keybeds.

[@producerhat]

The Keybed are absolutely KEY (pun intended) haha. I love them.

[@MartinFellerMusic]

nice haha @@producerhat

[@princessl.d.g.]

I don't need any more keyboards, but if I needed to get one, I would totally get this!

[@artheca7887]

Hello. Thanks for your video. Which of the 88-key models that you know of (Arturia, Studiologic, Native Instruments S88 MK3, etc.) has the heaviest key weight and is the closest to a real piano? And is the width of the keys (important when playing at the back of the keyboard) the same for all these keyboards? If not, which one has the most width between the black keys, please? Thank you very much for your reply.

[@JohnFHendry]

Wow... some amazing features. Hope NI comes out with a 73 key version if the 88 key weighted version is really piano oriented rather than synth oriented as Poly AT needs a synth orientation without escapement IMO. ASM did a good job making their own Poly AT keybed with release velocity but would think Fatar (manufacturer of keybed) will do even better so a little surprised the 88 key version is not synth oriented based on hearing it feels "more like a piano" than the MK2. Just have to try it as would much rather use a weighted keyboard.

[@producerhat]

Honestly. The keybeds are probably the exact same feel. My MK2 has YEARS of piano playing and music production on them.

[@marconzilankoma7581]

Hi Thi mk3 you can use like a normal keyboard? I like this mk3 so much

[@jonhamilton48]

What about the action of the keybed ? Compared to the mk2, is it a completely different keybed ? I've felt the MK2 and hated it,which is the same in the Artuia Keylab MK2. Is this different besides the POLY AT ?

[@producerhat]

Technically, I believe it is the same keyed (just with the poly AT). I loved the MK2 bed - my comment about this keybed being “better” was honestly probably due to the fact that my MK2 keybed was showing “wear” and the new keybed felt fresh and heavy (what a pianist wants). Hope that helps.

[@MusicAlfon]

Hello! First of all thanks for the video and the info! How do you feel the keybed in comparison with the mk2? is it lighter o a bit heavier? I really want to know this to decide but I cant find the info, cheers! I have an injured and very weak pinkie and I would like to know which one is lighter or more "lightweight player friendly", Thank you Appart from that, have you used the S61? in that case which one do you think is more suitable for someone that plays with "light pressing" because of an injury in a pinkie. I have the S61 Mk2 but I find the keybed too hard to reach the botton ( maybe because of the spring naturally procedural force increment), In case that you have both, with which one do you arrive easier to the botton of the key with less force? with the S61 semiweighted or with the S88 hammered? Thank you :)

[@AlexNiedt]

The Kontakt integration is exactly what I was hoping for. So annoying on the MkII to have to use Komplete Kontrol software as a wrapper.

[@producerhat]

I absolutely agree. The K7 integrations is PHENOMINAL!

[@SpookeyClown]

That's the only reason I have to upgrade to a MK3 that I can tell. Just not sure if it's worth the price for the convenience.

[@AlexNiedt]

@@SpookeyClown Honestly, it was totally worth the upgrade for me. Plus, I upgraded to the 88-key 😄

[@CarolLiao]

I buy a MK2 2 years ago, but I still not very familiar with it. Do you have any recommended learning resources? thanks a lot!!

[@producerhat]

Not really - probably just YT vids for sure. The user manual is pretty easy to follow as well

[@CarolLiao]

@@producerhat okay thanks

[@electedmusic7685]

Hello friend, a question, does the mk3 still have the same bounce on the keys as the mk2? Do they feel equally heavy? Or are the mk3 ones a little lighter and less tiring?

[@producerhat]

Tbh - they are the same or maybe even ever so slightly heavier. Truly feels like a grand piano.

[@electedmusic7685]

​@@producerhatAnd the keys have the same bounce when going up, as those of the mkii? Or do they rise quickly and barely bounce?

[@producerhat]

@@electedmusic7685 how about I add it in the follow up video?

[@buries_r]

Who's had their mk3 for more than 6 months already? Are there any issues with the keybed? Are the drivers all good now?

[@ralfmoss]

That's a dream machine, send one to me LOL

[@producerhat]

So far, I’d agree with that statement! 🙌🏽 I think the only thing I’m waiting for are Maschine drum pads on it then it’s perfect haha.

[@certifiedbeatz]

Great review on Kontakt.. still not sold on NI but the controller looks nice

[@producerhat]

Thank you

[@joeynuggetz]

Thought they were the exact same keybeds. Placebo? Why not show if we can map custom knobs

[@producerhat]

The Keybeds likely feel different because I’ve been playing on the MK2 for years. So it’s been worked in. Should have mentioned that but it does feel different because of that.

[@bgaviator]

Is this still a good controller if you'll be using other software besides NI stuff?

[@producerhat]

Yes absolutely. It is a great standalone midi controller that maps to the main daws seamlessly.

[@gosampeinturemusique]

Thank you Great video 👍🏻 Is it possible to split the keyboard , assign one part in midi 1 for example , an other part in midi 2 , and assign a different pedal for each part ? Thanks

[@producerhat]

That’s way more in-depth than I would try but I’ll look into it for you

[@gosampeinturemusique]

@@producerhat Thank you very much 🙂 💚♥️

[@citygent101]

Can we get an update on the keybed feel ? Does it feel exactly the same as the mk2 ?

[@martinb5367]

I only manage to buy the mk2 right now, imagine I live in Brazil price here is 5,5x times bigger. Thought one day maybe I will upgrade. LOL. Is still good the mk2? Please let me know brother. all the best

[@producerhat]

The MK2 is a POWERHOUSE. You’ll love it.

[@martinb5367]

@@producerhat 😍

[@BaghdadliSami]

Is the housing metal? Or just a solid plastic ?

[@xamxamxamxa]

Thanks 🌚🎶🎶🎶

[@dontlookatme123]

Dang man, well you can get a refurbished s88mk2 off reverb direct from NI for $440, and a new s88mk3 costs $1300. So the real question are the metal knobs and the moved expression strip worth $800 to you?

[@producerhat]

Good point. It all depends. If you don’t have the MK2, worth the upgrade. If you desire the best integration with Kontakt, totally worth it too. But many more factors than that.

[@mmarkz4058]

Don't forget to talk about the Polyphonic aftertouch. that is something really big that you have missed. Enjoyed the initial review review

[@producerhat]

Definitely gonna go over it in the upcoming video 🙌🏽

[@JohnFHendry]

Yes... after having it back after a few decades of waiting thanks to ASM's insight it makes my Kronos and everything else feel like it's broken. Really hope Korg gets past MIDI 1 and adds high-definition Poly AT with Release Velocity to their next workstation.

[@zakaroonetwork777]

What about the action of the keys?

[@producerhat]

I enjoy it. But I am a pianist and producer. My fingers are trained for the heavier action of the weighted keys.

[@samedrenews]

You may want to correct "there are less buttons but not less functionality". A LOT of functionality was stripped away if you intend to write music. Can you check if you can use simple splits, chords and arps without Komplete Kontrol?

[@producerhat]

I’m interested in what was stripped away for you so I can take a look for you. I’ll definitely check on the split, arps and chords with KK for you. I believe all that integration is still there. Just in a quick onboard menu versus a button.

[@Mr.Facebox]

@@producerhat all integration with Maschine Software was removed, that was big for me and alot of other music makers. Right now the keyboard only works as a generic midi controller with Maschine. The Mk2 on the other hand was an komplete extension of Maschine, with Arp, Scales, Pad control, plug-in control, Library control, transport, mixer controls. All of which have been removed. According to them "not many users were using Maschine with Kontrol" but the online backlash has made them revise their stance. They are "looking for ways to further implement Maschine Intergration with the mk3" Absurd that they removed compatibility with their Own DAW

[@Audio.Treats]

This might be a dumb question but does the NI s88 mk 2 and or 3 integrate seamlessly with Kontakt Player 7 and Ableton? I use the “free player” with Teletone vst’s. Any insight is appreciated!

[@producerhat]

Unfortunately that I don’t know - I don’t have the Kontakt player. But both controllers should integrate with Ableton since it’s one of the major DAWs

[@cornelcata3113]

Is this compatible with Kontakt 6 or lower?

[@producerhat]

I’ll have to do some digging on that for you. I uninstalled Kontakt 6 when I got 7.

[@jakobolofsson7780]

Does Kontakt 5 and 6 work also? Or only 7?

[@producerhat]

for the automapping? I'm pretty sure only K7. K5 and K6 will work from a playability perspective but likely won't show on the screen like K7.

[@iandeegrees1509]

I never understood how the ribbon strip in the MK2 version could pass product design or prototype status at NI. The position under the pitch bend was the most pointless thing I had ever seen. I kept bumping on it with my hand

[@iandeegrees1509]

And why they dropped the Maschine support for internal stuff like instrument control in the MK3.. sure they want to sell their hardware,... we''ll never know

[@iandeegrees1509]

But the keys feel butter soft, which I totally love ❤

[@sectiondrecords4580]

thanks for the review. Not buying - no pads - no faders poly aftertouch has been around for 30 years - meh

[@producerhat]

I agree, I would LOVE to see some pads. As far as fader, I prefer a separate motorized controller for that. The knobs do great for that as well if you don’t need motorized.

[@princessl.d.g.]

I released a new song today! 😂

[@VictorRodriguez-qc8pi]

can i hear it? congratulations

[@producerhat]

I’ll have to check it out

[@JoeWild1984]

mk2 looks better imo

[@producerhat]

Ah, interesting. Like the two screens vs the one?

[@shadowhenge7118]

Rip maschine. Ni will never get the point. So much potential wasted on investor greed.

[@producerhat]

interesting take.

[@paullebon323]

You thought it was the best piano key-bed that you've felt? And you're a piano player... who has never touched a Kawai MP11SE?

[@producerhat]

Nope never tried it. But I also have to balance dual roles as a pianist and a producer. I’m a Yamaha man from a piano perspective :)

[@novalogue]

Makes sense - they have somewhat a similiar feel ....Kawai differen though like the guy mentioned above @@producerhat

[@seandeneuve-cinematicandme3806]

Dude! Stop. Please

[@producerhat]

Super productive comment

[@JamesLloydKeyboardist]

@@producerhat…deneuve of that guy. 🤪🧐

[@RMX.Studio]

Can you load up your own plugins/presents into the keyboard software?

[@producerhat]

If the plugin is Kontakt compatible, yes. If not, the controller still acts like any other MIDI controller that can be manually mapped in every way possible.