Top 88-Key Midi Controllers From $500 -$1000! |Keylab 88 Vs S88 Vs SL88 Vs KM88 Vs Hammer 88 Pro|

[@taylorhagin6676]

Great video; no fluff, no long intros, just pertinent and concise information from an expert! Exactly what I was looking for. May the force be with you, John Mike.

[@towjam2359]

"John Mike - doing the Lord's work so we don't have to."

[@Johnmike]

Lol

[@TimothyJohnsonBey]

Agreed

[@Johnmike]

Corrections: I left out in software that the SL88 comes with Cubase LE and UVI Synthsations! And the technical name is medeli keybeds for those that are in the M-Audio & Kurzweil!

[@thomasschatton3481]

Oh, ok, Medeli is also producing their own digital pianos like this pretty new one: www.medeli.com.hk/sp201plus

[@johnjoyce]

Thanks for the balanced review that takes different perspectives in to account. I heard NOBODY else talk about components like the keybed!

[@Johnmike]

If you decide to buy any of these please support the channel by using the Affiliate links below: Sweetwater: Keylab 88: imp.i114863.net/XxJAey Komplete Kontrol S88: imp.i114863.net/BX4JM0 Kurzweil KM88: imp.i114863.net/Ea4XN9 SL88: imp.i114863.net/YgZVGr Hammer 88: imp.i114863.net/ORPQxK Hammer 88 Pro: imp.i114863.net/3P4xNy Amazon: Keylab 88: amzn.to/3pnK8bK Komplete Kontrol S88: amzn.to/2S2vD1b Kurzweil KM88: amzn.to/3x1ayTh SL88: amzn.to/3z342xn Hammer 88: amzn.to/2SeuovA Hammer 88 Pro: amzn.to/2SeuovA Zzounds: Keylab 88: www.zzounds.com/a--3980668/item--ARAKEYLAB88MK2?siid=262502 Komplete Kontrol S88: www.zzounds.com/a--3980668/item--NATKONS88?siid=247148 SL88: www.zzounds.com/a--3980668/item--STLSL88STUDIO?siid=232645 Hammer 88: www.zzounds.com/a--3980668/item--MDOHAMMER88?siid=227220 Hammer 88 Pro: www.zzounds.com/a--3980668//item--MDOHAMMER88PRO?siid=295552

[@nanayawasare1]

Do you UK link? I’m in The UK

[@billsolomon1]

SL88 “currently unavailable “!

[@zendobrendo0001]

Still the best head to head weighted midi controller review. NI has their Mk3 now, so when Arturia updates their 88 key weighted controller and hopefully Novation comes out with one, I hope you do an update. I suspect nobody will beat the studiologic in price because they all try to pack too many features on top of studiologic's Fatar keyboard.

[@tedwilsonjr]

I think it's important to note that the Hammer 88 Pro (didn't mention the number of faders) and the KeyLab 88 MKII (incorrectly identified as having 8 faders) have 9 faders each. Very important detail for those of us who want these keyboards to do some serious B3 work. Anyone seriously in the market for a controller would easily find that out for themselves, so I consider this to be a very minor blip in an otherwise excellent comparison of these controllers. You made it very easy to rank the characteristics in their importance to my work and come away with a winner. Thanks!

[@jaijeffcom]

I found your review pretty detailed, cogent, and helpful. For me, that Arturia appears really attractive. I tried one out and my experience along with your take on it make feel really confident about moving a head with that. Thank you!

[@revp01]

I own 2 SL88Grands. Best keybed feel with simple controllers & 4 midi channels/ multiple zones. Can’t be matches for the money. I extended mine with an SL Mixface for faders & transport control. Home run. When I MD live, I add a Nektar P6 for additional keys. All brought together in reaper in macOS with Pianoteq, VB3, Komplete Ultimate, Roland cloud, & a few waves efx. Love it.

[@katiepower1570]

I think if you’re a pianist and want to compose or score music into a daw, the keyboard playing is the most important and how comfortable it is to play on. It’s important to have a weighted keyboard if this is what you think will help with your composing, as I got one with lots of controls but just don’t satisfy me in its key action / key bed . Sometimes it’s a good idea to have a controller as well as a weighted keyboard or you’re spending a lot to have all in one. Studio logic does great ones by the look of it.. and its price point is also affordable. They do go up to €1,200 if you want an all in one, piano feel with controls. Great video !

[@maxheadrom3088]

Dude, I keep looking for reviews and end up on your videos - the best reviews, IMHO. I'm no keyboard player but I know a little about audio and your reviews are great - cost/benefit conscious and your comments about the keybed are great. Thanks!

[@Johnmike]

You’re welcome!

[@waltwilliams5195]

Great video! Loved the information. It took a while during our shutdown to get it because of the supply chain issues but I ended up getting the Artuia Keylab 88 mkII. I use Ableton and I don't have to be glued to the computer anymore.

[@creeypiensa]

I wanna go for that one too? Are the keys really that heavy for confort playing? That’s the only thing holding me back.

[@garcemac]

I've always wondered, "Where the heck does John keep all of these keyboards and controllers when he isn't using them?" Then I saw the wall beside your sofa! Love you, John. As a guitarist, I greatly appreciate that you give me the infomation I need to decide which product is best for me. And if StudioLogic made a red SL88 "John Mike" signature model I wuld buy one today! God bless you, brother.

[@Johnmike]

Ha ha yup! I’ve got quite the collection!

[@ronj9448]

@@Johnmike Research and tips on storage ideas, types of bags and cases, and accessories would be an interesting video.

This was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for your great work!

[@lenmcwilliams1058]

Extremely helpful review! It allowed me to understand key features of each controller in order make a decision based on my personal priorities. Thanks. FYI, you need to correct your title and URL for the Hammer 88 Pro.

[@misterpiano92]

I wish there were more reviews like this! Very well done, mate! I'm really struggling making my decision. I'm a classic schooled pianist discovering the world of MIDI and virtual instruments. The M-Audio Hammer 88 pro got my attention as it seems to fit my needs the most, but the NI S88 looks awesome as well. Is is worth the price if you're not sure you'll use the included software a lot? Also, which one is the most DAW friendly, since I use Cakewalk (or might switch to Reaper)?

[@robynmiles31]

I have that SL88 but I was wondering about the feel of the Kurzweil! Great video!

[@amj.composer]

The best review video I've seen yet for 88key keyboards, and yes I've watched the videos from bigger channels, this is better

[@AndyRoidEU]

I like your style (Star Wars and hoodie) Great music / hardware content as always

[@tomacius]

man what a great review. Really to the point and important topics. Great Work!

[@johnmcshultz]

Thank you for the keybed informations, it helped me a lot!

[@thomasschatton3481]

Hey John Mike, This is what I like You are my mate And this comparison is great!

[@Johnmike]

BARS!!! LOL

[@jefskott99]

Great video. Very detailed, and I loved the fact that you focused on 88-key controllers. Thanks for also starting with least control to most control . Great stuff here!

[@JQ24]

Excellent video breakdown! Thanks for this!

[@antbrooks1625]

Guess I'm copping the Studiologic. Dope video!

[@jordanrazowskymusician8178]

Always appreciate your vids! Thanks

[@jamesholmes9940]

Great review. Thanks for all the research and details!

[@zetacrucis681]

Aftertouch doesn't really add to the weight (11:58). The SL88 has it too, and yeah it is a brilliant controller and unreal value (down to under $400 now, at least in Europe). I have the 73-key version, the SL73, which is crazy good for a portable rig.

[@AndyRoidEU]

I am just getting the SL73 tomorrow. And wondering whether to get the 2+2 or 2+3 years prolonged warranty because of the keybed noise clicking issue that is often reported.

[@zetacrucis681]

@@AndyRoidEU Of course it's up to you but I never pay for extra warranty on anything: these things are always priced to make money for the seller, not the buyer (on the average).

[@cristiancamilo1047]

Great vídeo! Waiting for 61 Key controllers

[@Johnmike]

Got a couple of those videos...depends on your budget

[@stevewatts9128]

What a great way to do a review. Thanks that was really helpful :)

[@PMUP2016]

Very helpful review and info, thanks!

[@aaronanthony569]

I just commented on your one video for this kind of comparison today only and found this video. Should have looked first 😂😂

[@BLTtogo]

Great overview. Very helpful

[@joehenthompson2023]

Hi John Mike. Thank you for your review of these midi controllers. Your knowledge, experience and application of these boards was extremely useful. When it comes to using Computer software driven Keyboard rigs, you are definitely the guru and a God send! In one of your previous videos you mentioned about never updating your Mac operating system to the latest. But rather, stay two versions behind the current MAC OS. Would you consider the M1 Macs in the future or do you think it's better to stay with an intel macs at this current time? I would really appreciate your thoughts or a future video possibly on this topic? Thanks again and God bless!

[@Johnmike]

No prob...thanks for watching!! I actually have an M1 Mac mini as well as my intel MacBook...it’s not compatible with a lot of software yet...I think we are still a few years away from full compatibility with everything...so if you have to buy a new Mac now...I’d go with an intel based one..

[@joehenthompson2023]

@@Johnmike Thank again for your advice. Very helpful and much appreciated!

[@tomafrank8220]

Hey! Just wanted to mention that, unless I'm much mistaken, the m audio keybed is not the same as the km88, m audio has its own keybed. That's one of my main problems, I can't try it out anywhere because music stores usually only have pianos on display. :/

[@pedrorosales4473]

brother, i'm wondering if you have ever done reviews on keyboard stands. i LOVE your keyboard/controller reviews and would love your input on stands. Good ones for sitting/standing...extra features like headphone stands. i need one for standing but i'm not sure what i'm looking for. thank you if you cover this. God bless. love your Facebook posts btw. great insights!

[@kunliang8278]

Nice vidie, I 'm coming to SL88,thanks John

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

May God bless you. You blessed me with a great review.

[@MadmusicalHulk]

Great video. Really easy to understand your reasoning. Love it. Would love to hear your thoughts on midi 2.0 though. I'm looking to upgrade from 49 keys to 88 for my controller and am "still" considering the Roland A-88MKII but hoping for more keyboards to come out with midi 2.0 .. Anyway keep up the great work you do.

[@Johnmike]

Thanks! I’m still studying midi 2.0

[@MadmusicalHulk]

@@Johnmike thanks for replying, I’ll wait a bit longer, especially since your reviews are top quality 👍. It’s a lot of money just for an 88 keyboard controller. I’m a greedy x……x when it comes to 88 keys. I already have the Fantom 08, Yamaha YC88 and the Modx8.

[@suri774179]

Thank you for your video. I wanna buy Studiologic too after watching your video haha.

[@jensloetzsch]

Great video with very useful informations, thank you !

[@BurkhardusX]

The SL88 Grand has only these small toying joysticks, which feature a very small controller way. You can’t control the modulation very precisely. I like standard modwheels.

[@Amzegal]

Very very very helpful. Thanks a lot !

[@Jorf88]

With having the KK s88 in the mix, bringing the 1K USD budget onto the table, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the Studiologic S88 Grand. It uses their Fatar TP/40Wood instead of the TP/100LR that the studio version uses. I haven't had the chance to play both, but since you put so much focus on the quality of the keybed, I think you'd probably like it a lot. I've heard the Grand is a night and day difference/improvement over the SL88 studio.

[@Johnmike]

Planning on getting one soon to test the difference

[@jadenphan8106]

@@Johnmike Did you test to see the difference?

[@Sanjmaghera]

@@Johnmike did you manage to try the Roland 88 mk ii and Studiologic SL88 Grand?

[@Oneminde]

Thanks a million for this review.

[@davetomsmusic]

Great reviews.

[@HEATHfromOZ]

Brilliant... As always😎👍

[@BryanDumaguina]

Thank you for this! I was wondering what your opinion is on the FATAR keybed (specifically TP/100LR) compared to other popular digital pianos like Yamaha P125 (GHS action), Kawai ES110 (RHIII action) and Roland FP10/FP30 (PHA4 action). Thanks!

[@jadenphan8106]

I am also curious, as I am in the market to find one... Did you buy one for yourself?

[@gospelpopmusic]

I am choosing the Arturia KeyLab 88 for my studio.

[@vatolegato]

How does the SL88 studio's key action compare to some budget digital pianos such as the Yamaha P-125, Roland FP30, and Casio CDP/SX? People keep saying the SL88 studio has a heavy and spongy action, but do any of the budget digital pianos feel similar? I ask because there isn't a store here to test the SL88 studio, but I've tested the above mentioned digital pianos.

[@JohnFHendry]

Be nice to take the Poly AT sensors out of the ASM Hydrasynth and put them in one of these... once you use Poly AT with release velocity you will want it as it makes other keyboards feel like a main feature is missing: IE as in broken.

[@user-tw5ek1gg8j]

Hi John, great video as always and thanks. Is there any chance you could review the Roland A-88 mk 2 too please? Can’t wait to here your comparison since you’ve tried all of the major keyboards. God bless you

[@Johnmike]

Hoping to get one in soon!

[@hurozancerrahoglu8736]

Dude is great but also looks like mr. Perfect in Green Arrow.))

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Speaking about keybed, I noticed that the Nord Stage 3 looks lighter to the touch, although being a piano, which helps to the technique, it doesn't pound on the arms, when playing for hours. From those you showed here, what mechanism looks more like a Nord stage 3 ? Thank you very much. I am a pianist, but I don't too heavy keys, but the feeling of a real piano. 🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@aholder4471]

Huh, That is exactly opposite of what I would have expected about the keybeds. I would have thought that the RHPA or whatever would have been heavier then the fatar. This is a very good review although I'm probably going with NI S61 just because I want Komplete anyways and it is tied into it with being able to control it. I might come back to this when I look at an 88 key model, even though I'm lusting after the Kawai Virtual Grand.

[@couchcamperTM]

Hello John, thanks for the comparison. My clear winner is the Hammer Pro - I just have to find out if they fixed the hanging MIDI notes issue with their latest firmware upgrade or if it's a mechanical/electronical problem that will never get fixed. I wish Korg had a MIDI controller version of their D1 Piano. Best keybed for the money. Would be my number one choice if it had pitch and mod. I need to find out if there's an external pitch/mod wheel set available. maybe the Doepfer Eurorack modul is the solution... Options! there's so many, but all with a flaw lol

[@corinasechelariu1307]

I have the M-Audio Hammer Pro for about 6 months. Zero issue. Works like a charm. I don't remember if I made the firmware update.

[@couchcamperTM]

@@corinasechelariu1307 with external synths connected via MIDI out or via USB to a Daw? The latter seems to be okay.

[@corinasechelariu1307]

@@couchcamperTM USB to DAW. I don't use the classic midi port. From what I know the Roland A-88 mk2 don't have any midi issue but the joystick is not for everyone.

[@couchcamperTM]

@@corinasechelariu1307 it seems nobody has any issues with USB, but my priority in a MIDI controller is to use it for MIDI. I'll wait another year before I buy a controller, if they don't get this fixed I will have enough money for a Roland by that time.

[@jadenphan8106]

@@couchcamperTM do you like the action on the Hammer pro?

[@benjaminlazaro938]

Muchas gracias desde México, excelente reseña!

[@wilkopiano]

As a pianist, I considered the studio logic SL grand for ages, but it failed my review simply because A) the pitch bend is too weird and also right on top of all that space with the other two joysticks and that annoying single knob gets in the way of resting another keyboard on top. If the pitch pend was like a korg pitch pend and adjacent to the keys i would buy it, B) SL velocity curve alterations were too complex when using with piano VSTs and simply just didn’t work out of the box unlike the arturia and more importantly the roland a88 which just works and ticks all boxes and the kawai MP11SE or Kawai VPC1 for resting other keyboards on top

[@Isaacthompson]

Thanks for this!

[@lbamusic]

Great reviews

[@TimothyNguliMusic]

i wish they were all on☺....nice work bro

[@YiaMdj]

great vid!

[@oldsynthesizerguy]

Anyone else see the spacing shadows on the Fatar keybeds on the C and F keys? [13:40] This would indicate uneven placement. I will now have to look at other pictures like this.

[@samyoe]

just bought SL88 Grand on eBay for £450 ($613)!

[@DevranBB]

How big is the difference between that and sl88 studio

[@ChurchWorshipandvideo]

I really enjoy the digital Yamaha keyboards like the CP300 and CP-88. Do you know which of these might be closest to those? Also have you played a Korg D1? It has the RH3 keyboard action and look pretty good as a midi controller but I haven't played that action.

[@brianhoffmann2403]

ALways feeling like I need 2 keyboards. Id love a roland with aftertouch that really worked... 88 key!

[@carloscast1]

Great info.

[@godisgoodallthetimeman4796]

that;s a LOT of keyboards DAMN

[@Julius-vz7pb]

great video thanks

[@nujuat]

Wow I'm trying to decide between 88 keyboards right now :P

[@edrage8679]

I want to learn to play piano self taught. Do you think that for that purpose and considering the feel on the keys the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro would be the best option or the komplete Kontrol?

[@Johnmike]

Honestly you can’t go wrong with either of those…I’d say get whichever one works for your budget

[@denniswegmann5706]

Many thanks for again a great video. Actually using the Arturia Keylab 88, which has unfortunately a broken reatkey, so I ordered for in between Studiologic 88 Grand. Any thoughts about the difference between the Studio and Grand? Fatar is also my favourite keybed. During my time on stage I had a Doepfer LMK 2 and it felt great was extremly reliable.

[@Johnmike]

The grand has wooden keys on it instead of the plastic

[@BubbaSatori]

Thank you!

[@SuzukiGsxr7500]

Regarding you reviews I have ordered Hammer 88 pro. Waiting :)

[@Marian_M.P]

Hey John ,I like your channel bro, congrats for your content!! I like the studiologic keyword sl88 but i don't know if it s ok for playing keys in church ....!!??Can you recommend me a plug-in,vst for this board??? I'm interested in piano,pads,and light sinths... something good for church not heavy on the pc ,easy to work with.Thnx in advance!!!

[@Johnmike]

Yup check out MKsesation Extreme by gospel musicians

[@Marian_M.P]

@@Johnmike thanks bro!!

[@bitbotrecords]

amazing, thank you.

[@jamesantoine4318]

awesome very nice job i love you so much and may God bless you

[@SPEEDO148]

Hi John Mike, question... where does the Nord Stage enter here? I know the price is way above and that it has a TON more of controllers and stuff, but what does the Nord Stage cover that these don't? Or when would you use them instead of any of these below $1k keyboards? Thanks for all the info!

[@billjuus2268]

Thanks !

[@FernandoCosta-mo7of]

Hi John. Thank you for your reply. Will it be possible to change the patches on the XV-3080 from the Midi Controller? or they have to changed on the Roland module?

[@Johnmike]

Yes you can absolutely do that with the SL88

[@JCox964]

As always , great work sir. I noticed that you didn't cover Roland latest controller A-88 MKII . Was that not of interest ? Ive had the SL for about about a year and recently because of a deal to hard to pass up,I purchased the Roland A-88 MKII.... Love em both.... Thx sir / bruh

[@Johnmike]

Couldn’t get the A88 for this video...hope to get one soon

[@jadenphan8106]

How do you compare the Roland A-88 vs the SL88 Studio sir? Keybed, functionality, etc?

[@babakmahbaei]

Thank you for review, Do you think the action of Studio logic sl88 or Sl88 Grand is lighter or heavier than Roland PH50 or Ph4? Can compare them?

[@hodshonf]

when's the Hammer 99 Pro coming out? I just got the Hammer 88 Pro - figures!

[@bigbadjojo4863]

I am thinking about the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro to use with my mpc live 2. I have an older M-Audio 88 midi keyboard, but not hammer action. Going to set it up in church for a church piano and later maybe run a MPC one for the sound modal instead of my mpc live 2. Do you have any suggestions on my ideas?

[@nanayawasare1]

Thanks John Please how’s SL88 different from SL73. Is it just number of keys or there’s significant difference. Thanks once again

[@Johnmike]

Just number of keys

[@nanayawasare1]

@@Johnmike much appreciated, cos I was thinking of something I could toss into my saloon car. I think 88 is a bit long. But if SL73 is the same, then I will look for that. I don’t really play so high up the keys anyways, I’m not an advanced player.

[@piano9051]

Thanks very much for the video - very informative. Am thinking of buying one of these 4 controllers. Wonder if the Studiologic SL88 Grand is worth the extra dosh over the SL88 Studio ? Hahaha - nicely eccentric that you've painted your keyboard red ! Mind you, the car I currently own I bought mainly because it's a great shade of spangly orange !

[@lordbachus]

There is some major contendors missing, Roland A88, Kawai VPC1, Akai, Studiologics high end key

[@Johnmike]

Yea...some of those are in a different price range...the Kawai is like $1800-$1900...the Akai MPK88 is discontinued...The StudioLogic Grand is the same just with a wood keybed...couldnt get my hands on a Roland for this video

[@Lumios_UA]

@@Johnmike To my knowledge A88 has been discontinued for a long time now.

[@Johnmike]

@@Lumios_UA they have a MK2 version

[@Lumios_UA]

@@Johnmike oh, I wasn't aware of this! Thanks for heads up!

[@BNJ53]

Hi John, Would you say learning how to play piano on the Keylab 88 would be fine? I’m not looking to become a great pianist but I am interested in having a feel that is closer to real piano than synth action for example. I have to admit, I think the Keylab would look absolutely beautiful in the studio! Thanks!

[@Johnmike]

It’s Probably the closest feel to a real piano

[@BNJ53]

@@Johnmike Thanks for the quick reply John!

[@gerrogero9059]

Did you also do this for the 76 keyboard, I know I would love to know what's best or near best?

[@FernandoCosta-mo7of]

I would appreciate some advise. I have a Roland XV-3080 Sound Module that I used for production in the past. It is almost new and it is still in the box. Would it be a good idea to buy a Midi controler such as the Studiologic SL88 and connect it to the Roland XV-3080 for live performance? I would like to give it to my daughter. She joined a band and she needs some decent strings and pads. She has a basic electric piano with USB out but no MIDI connections. Off course I could buy a keyboard with all the sounds already but it will be much more expensive. Thank you. Thank you.

[@Johnmike]

Yup! That’s a great way to use a midi controller without a computer

[@FernandoCosta-mo7of]

@@Johnmike Hi John. Thank you for your reply. Will it be possible to change the patches on the XV-3080 from the Midi Controller? or they have to changed on the Roland module?

[@FernandoCosta-mo7of]

Hi John. Thank you for your suggestions.

[@metalore]

I'm getting an 88 key digital piano (built in speakers and MIDI, no wheels) and combining it with a Komplete Kontrol M32 for pitch/bend and DAW controls and quick experiments. I'm just a little bummed about no aftertouch. I'll probably get a Novation or Arturia mid sized keyboard with aftertouch and pads later to complete the setup. What do you think about this combination?

[@Johnmike]

depends on what your budget is...instead if buying 3 keyboards...just get one that does everything you need...the SL88 has aftertouch and pitch and mod...just no pads...if you need pads I would just go with a SL88 and like a Korg nanopad

[@Bashanvibe]

At the end of the day it’s about preference and what fits your budget. Me personally I want to get the KS 88 for the sounds and to get Kontat legit. I want to get away from using the crack version.

[@Satsujiki]

Bruh same for me! All I want is Kontakt, Komplete 13 and im good to go!

[@navysararmygrunt4037]

You should also check out the Roland A-88 MKII. It's what I decided on after looking at all the ones that you mentioned.

[@Johnmike]

Soon

[@navysararmygrunt4037]

@@Johnmike I coupled the Roland A-88 MkII with the Monogram Traveler Console to be able to control expression of symphonic instruments when playing so it adds an additional touch to the abilities of any keyboard. monogramcc.com/shop/products/traveler-console/

[@tuneunleashed]

@@navysararmygrunt4037 Is it actually good like the Ivory feel?

[@navysararmygrunt4037]

@@tuneunleashed I like it. There's personal preferences that anyone has but Roland makes some quality products.

[@romartayen7]

This is Great!!!!

[@DevranBB]

How does the Arturia keylab 88 mk1 stand up to these and how is it compared to the mk2. And what about the akai professional mpk88?

[@Ryahan]

Good teview

[@NGS2410]

Controller or digital piano?

[@David-hz8pf]

Any controller with no pitch bend and mod wheel is a big No for me, I believe all controllers should have it. That's why I can't go for the Sl88 studiologic.

[@aaronanthony569]

Plz review the SL88 grand and compare it to these

[@tk4084]

I've used the komplete kontrol s88 and I love the feel of the keybed, does the sl88 studio feel pretty close in comparison? Is the sl88 studio heavier than the s88?

[@Johnmike]

It’s the same Keybed in both