Native Instruments S88 - Our 1 year Anniversary! ❤️❤️❤️ (REVIEW)

Hi All, its been a year since I bought my soulmate from Native Instruments. Her name is "NI S88 MK II" and it's been a smooth ride so far.
The more I buy expansions, libraries or effects...the more I realize how my entire music workflow revolves around this controller.
Feel free to ask questions!!!
Info on the S88 here: www.native-ins...
DID YOU KNOW??? I released an EP!!!
Links here: linktr.ee/esca...
Don't forget to like and SUBSCRIBE!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@g3nius]

I have also ordered and very excited. Hope you do more videos here on youtube again.

[@PianoManPaul]

FedEx is delivering this guy to me TOMORROW - looking forward to it - my very first NI hardware (I've always had a lot of NI software, especially Kontakt + libraries). I'll be configuring this for days!! 8-)

[@EscaldaMusic]

Omg congrats!! So excited for you and the wait is excruciating. Lol. I know you'll love it.

[@PianoManPaul]

@@EscaldaMusic Oh yeah! Gotta find some sleep time eventually, so much to learn here! I was so concerned about the "action" of the hammer-grade keys - that won't take too long to get used to - it's actually a HEAVIER action/feel than my Yamaha Montage 8 (and that beast weighs TWICE as much as this S88 - go figure!!) ... anyway, learning my way around KK software and amazed at how this all integrates to this instrument. Fantastic stuff!

[@wittecom]

Great vid bro and such a great midi keyboard! Looking for one now...oh and for the coming vid, use a gate on your audio recording to remove the background noise ;-)

[@MariaGonzalez-rm6si]

Great follow up.

[@dhamilton_fisherman]

love this review man. thank you.

[@h3o296]

Very helpful as I'm primarily a guitarist also, looking to "upgrade" from a Triton Le 76 which is still a solid piece. MK2 88 is arriving this week. This confirms I'm on the right track. I do have Komplete 11 ultimate already so I'm in on the nks eco system. Thanks for the vid and being a straight shooter 😊

[@EscaldaMusic]

Awesome! I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do! and thank you for the thoughtful comment.

[@val_de_mez]

Thanks for doing this. Now they've got an offer to buy S88 and get Komplete Kontrol Standard bundle with it. My finger is really shaking on the trigger this time. 😅 This helps. Cheers ❤

[@ctatrains]

Excellent! Well explained!

[@virtuosolead]

Great review! really enjoyed the breakdown of the scale feature!

[@coloaten6682]

Great review! Writing a shopping list for my home studio and this is definitely on it! I have a feeling that my new addiction will be VST's.....still, there are worse addictions out there :D

[@EscaldaMusic]

so exciting! adding this keyboard to a studio makes a world of difference....it just looks sweet from a visual standpoint. I am also recovering from a VST buying addiction. lol!

[@KevboKev]

I agree. I gave up on my dream of having a great all-in-one Keyboard. I always wanted a Kronos, but they are still making them with 2008 hardware. No thank you. And to my surprise, I was not impressed at all with the new Fantom. I loved the Fantom G, but they really fell with the new one. Besides, I have to realize over time, you will NEVER get great orchestral sounds from a keyboard (with the exception of maybe the Yamaha Genos). There is no comparison to VSTs.

[@coloaten6682]

@@KevboKev Funny you should mention the Kronos! For the past year I've wanted one so much. Then about 3-4 months ago I came across a video of the NI S88 MK2 and it got me seriously thinking about what I should buy when I set up my home studio in a couple of months. I actually thought about getting the NI and the Kronos, but that would be a bit of a stretch with all the other stuff I need. I'm coming to the same conclusion as you, there's no real comparison to VST's. Think I'll pass on the Kronos and buy a few VST's instead. A small part of me still wants a Kronos as well, though!

[@sir.torantino]

I have that keyboard also S88 and i like it

[@joshiprabhas]

How do u decide between komplete control s88 mk2 and arturia keylab mk2 88

[@chrisrettig7444]

Hi, thanks for the vid. I have a question about the Arp mode and the Chord mode. When activating it via the controller, how does the control send the MIDI data? More specifically, if you're using Chord mode to play chords with 1 key, does the recorded midi item record one not being played or does the controller send all the notes in the chord to the DAW and record them in the MIDI item? I use a controller without a chord mode but can use chord mode in the Komplete Kontrol software... however, playing single notes while the software's chord mode is enabled just records single MIDI notes, and the plugin process them into chords (works the same for the Arp.) It would be great to know whether or not the NI hardware is sending all the notes from the controller. Thanks!

[@amanshrestha2147]

Where does it stands with the likes of kawai vpc1 almost similar price range ?

[@Ryahan]

Harmonizer can get amazing!

[@LancePalmer_liveyourlife]

Thanks for your review...my question revolves around the computer system you are using and the DAW you are using. What processor are you using, RAM, ect? and have you had any issues?

[@EscaldaMusic]

Hi! my DAW is Nuendo. I have a custom built PC: CPU is Ryzen 5900X, 32Gb's of ram. audio interface is Steinberg 816C. so its a fairly powerfull build, I haven't had any CPU issues even when running 10-15 different VST instruments. there are some bugs with the Komplete Kontrol software when loading the sounds previews but I'm sure Native instruments is fixing that issue.

[@LucasKingPiano]

Is there a way to make those lights reactive to what you play?

[@EscaldaMusic]

they only react when you play or have a sequence playing. the lights are normally dim and will light up stronger when that happens.

[@connectdots]

What headset are you using, mic sounds really good.

[@cravattinoivy]

Thanks for your video!! I saw videos about keys noises is it really true or depends in how you play? I am considering to buy the S88. Is it good choice?

[@HoldMyBeerFam]

Hey I am interested in getting this keyboard but i was wondering if you had any issues with the keys that other owners have faced. The clicky or clacky key issue and the screen issue. have you experienced anything like that or any quality control issues?

[@briannicepianoworship8944]

How does it compare to a Sequential Prophet XL with Omnisphere?

[@echy]

Can you import like other vsts such as omisphere? To work with the keyboard

[@EscaldaMusic]

yes you can. you use the S88 to control Omnisphere like any other midi controller. or if you want the browsing and other advanced integrations you would need to buy something like this: freelancesoundlabs.com/index.php/downloads/komplete-kontrol-vst-packs/item/167-omnisphere-2-patch-browser-for-komplete-kontrol hope this helps.

[@dhmancebo]

Hi there! I bought the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2, LTD Retro Edition, for having the famous "Pro-grade Fatar keybed with Aftertouch for fluid playability" but when I played the keys I didn't feel any difference from other common keyboards I've played. I just feel an ordinary hard key, without any sensitivity mechanism, which made me question if I had bought the right model or if it could be a production failure. Watching this video, it was clear to me that there is some flaw. My keyboard doesn't have that key balance you show at time 1:37. Would the S88 version be much superior in this regard? I'll definitely give it back, but my doubt is if it's worth testing the 61-key standard version, or if this 88-key model is the only one with this special touch that can be seen on the video.

[@Matt_McFaul]

it's probably a little late to respond to this...frankly I am surprised that no else has yet. When researching the differences between the smaller S series mk2's and the S88Mk2, I found numerous videos claiming that the entire S series had the same keybed. So I first purchased the S61mk2. Being totally unhappy with it's synth keybed I came here and finally found someone that explains that not all of the keybeds are the same. I will be doing a video of the difference, myself, at a later time. Once I learn this ecosystem a little better. I'm also mainly a guitarist so there is a bit of a learning curve here. BTW, I did also purchase the S88mk2 after being totally disappointed by the S61mk2 keybed. If you want something that feel more like a piano, then the S88 is your thing, though it really is more of a heavily weighted synth keybed. The studio logic SL88 Grand will get you closer to that piano feeling since it has hammer action and wooden keys. For this you are looking to be more of a producer that doesn't rely entirely on just piano. So, No, it doesn't feel like a piano but in my opinion it feels 1,000 times better then my S61mk2. I have shoved the S61 aside and will probably use it for the occasional synth stuff, but playing piano on it feels impossible. I would say that my korg triton proX88 and yamaha DX-7 feel far superior to the S61mk2. As far as integration goes, there are a few hiccups now and then. To turn reverb or other controls on and off you must twist the knobs, which requires a 180 twist before you get a response. Kind of lame but I see why they did it. Too much sensitivity and you might have things turning on or off while playing hard. As far as these tiny screens go...you can get a tablet and wifi link or usb link (zero noticeable lag) it to your computer and there are numerous progs out there that will allow you to use it as a second monitor. The one that I use even allows for use of the touch screen functions on the tablet. I find that far superior to using the screens on the S series. The program is called spacedesk and it's free! You can even have multiple tablets set up in extended monitor mode so that you have control of other things like your DAW.

[@ivancrooks9737]

Hey bro. Great review, thank you! Do you know if it's possible to keep the led only on notes I chose? I think that might be quite useful for a beginner like me, when learning a new peace.

[@EscaldaMusic]

Hi and thank you! I am not sure if that's possible. the only time certain notes/leds are off are: a VST/plugin sets the boundries of the instrument or when the S88 is set to a Scale mode. other than that, I believe all the LEDS are always on by default.

[@ivancrooks9737]

@@EscaldaMusic thank you for the reply. Keep up the good work!🤗

[@heythere6983]

Hey man I have two questions . Does native instruments have other software like you should in indie where it will basically make sure you keep things in a specific key? Select a key and then have all those notes later out for that Key? Or do you know of programs in general that do this? I’m also a guitarist and write many songs but on keyboard the layout is obviously different and this would be helpful to add some light synths to songs and be more melodic and not be stuck on simple bass notes the whole time lol. It seems it chooseS notes in a key for you but doesn’t let you use the entire 88 keys? So it condenses just some of the possible notes into a small section of the keyboard? Also, in regards to mapping, Iv used a cheap 88 keyboard with some free NI software before, it seemed already mapped to me, like I didn’t have to map anything I just played the notes and everything was working . Would this not be the same with kontakt in general? Maybe it’s just about the extra functionality? Thanks for any help I’m just trying to wrap my head around a decent weighted keyboard to add some sounds to my songs.

[@EscaldaMusic]

Great set of questions. I'll do my best here: 1. Yes the Komplete Kontrol software coupled with the keyboard have a "scale" function where you can choose any scale in the desired key signature and the keys will light up only on the appropriate notes. It can also lock out any note not in the scale and you won't hear the note if you accidentally hit the wrong one. other programs that do this are: scaler 2 and captain chords. Which I use too. 2. I'm not sure about kotakt... But Komplete Kontrol was made for this reason, to apply all the functionality of the vst/Instrument/library you're using into your Komplete Kontrol keyboard. Hope's this helps a bit. My overall opinion is, if you have plenty of native Instruments libraries, then any of the NI keyboards would be an excellent companion to speeding up your worflow. You're really paying for software and hardware Integration, and to me that's worth it.

[@nstarbaby]

Is the Fatar keybed very realistic to acoustic? Thinking of selling my DP for this.

[@EscaldaMusic]

the hammer action is close to the real thing, but its not the best. there are other electric pianos that do this better. like Casio.

[@Matt_McFaul]

I find the screens useless. In fact, I use a free program called spacedesk to extend a display onto my tablet via wifi. That allows you to move KK onto the tablet and place it on a kiosk stand on the keyboard so that it faces you. You even have the touch controls. You can add more tablets for even more control of even your DAW. Great video though...I have to say that you are the first person that I've seen that has pointed out that the smaller S series doesn't have the same keybed as the S88. I wish that I had seen this video before buying an S61mk2. Lesson learned (save the box). My S88mk2 is miles ahead in terms of feel. Once thing that I would touch on though, is that it takes around 180 degrees of turn on the knobs to turn on and off settings in a vst like reverb. I find that totally annoying, but it exists across all S series. I've seen reviews online where people were saying that the knobs weren't working, but I'm confident that they just didn't turn them far enough.

[@cristinahawke]

Great video! One thing that always concerns me about this type of keyboard integration is the ergonomics. I set up my keyboard/mouse to be at a good height for my shoulders, and my monitor is at a good height for my neck. I also have a keyboard on top of my desk like you have here, but I use it pretty sparingly (also mainly a guitar player.) I can't imagine trying to look down at small screens and have my arms raise/extended like that as a main part of my work flow. How do you find the ergonomics?

[@EscaldaMusic]

Thank you!. in terms of ergonomics, the way I have it in the video isn't the best position. the small screens are a bit too far up/forward, so there's quite a reach to change parameters, but the playing position is perfectly fine with me. I personally don't spend too much time messing with the screens so its a good tradeoff for me. Hope this helps. :)

[@zenviel]

My only concern is that I'm more of a pianist/keyboardist than a music producer, and I can get quite "passionate" or "expressive" on the keys at times--meaning that I'll hit some keys really hard during certain pieces. Unsure how well this midi controller would handle that, as I've heard of a few people having issues with the keybed. I do constantly have my current keyboard plugged into my PC with USB, and primarily use The Giant piano from Native Instruments, so I'm quite interested in this keyboard, seeing as how I usually do live performances (though online, and more so for fun than anything else).

[@EscaldaMusic]

I definitely understand, my two cents, there are cheaper options out there that offer a realistic piano feel for about the same price. Really, what you're paying for with the S88 is software integration with Native Instruments Libraries. so its a great tool for producers... I personally haven't had any issues with sensitivity on the S88, but I play soft to med-hard. BTW, you can change the sensitivity level too. Most midi controllers, including the S88 use the Fatar Keybed, but brands like Casio make their own and focus on the feel and sensitivity for traditional pianists. something to look into for you.

[@zenviel]

@@EscaldaMusic Note taken, thank you! :)

[@James-cn9no]

Much better controllers or digital pianos with realistic acoustic piano feel for the same money. The S88 is okay, but it's auto-mapped software parameters is all it has going for it. After a year owning the S88 I almost always reach for the mouse anyway. You might look at the Kawai line, the Roland's with the PH4 or PH50 keypads and a number of others. I am selling my S88 and getting something else.

[@kolysion164]

no noisy keys ??

[@EscaldaMusic]

The keys are fairly quiet. 👍

[@retiredsearge]

A big downside is it won't work with all DAWs.

[@aro7975]

It fully works with FL studio now with the Fruity Nila Script

[@jaketanner109]

the music is killing me. I'm sorry, but totally not needed...certainly not that loud. Makes it hard to focus. Sorry..just some feedback.

[@EscaldaMusic]

Hey man, I consider that constructive criticism. thank you for the feedback!

[@petesmith4601]

M3 review

[@Yahoomediaclub]

It’s a great keyboard especially with the guitar & bases integration for me. Sorry to complain but your keyboard sound in background is very irritating..especially when u speak Great Video Thanks

[@vadimkorob2689]

This annoying artificial LED lights! If NI makes it at least adjustable it would stand in my desk but before it happens I stays away from this keyboard

[@adamwhite1934]

The led lights aren’t just for scales, they have a purpose for komplete. They’ll show splits for the kontakt sampled instruments, say all the different instruments of a horns section, or chords, single notes and noises for guitar. There’s probably other uses for other native products, but I don’t own one yet, just watched a few videos.

[@TheKASINOINC]

Feels alot like a sponsored video????? Considering, you seem to be "Seeying if it is as it says?" instead of having "Had it for a YEAR?!" Im calling BULLSHIT!

[@sigursmith9332]

A quick look at his videos a year before this (2 yr mark) shows this device in at least 3 vid thumbnails. A simple check really - BS not withheld.