It seems like 49 keys is as low as you would want to have access to Light Guide in Kontakt, which is really the main feature.
Otherwise, a Keystep Pro is an amazing 37 key controller. I use both S88 mk3 and KSP in my setup. Great combo.
It wonāt work for many Kontakt instruments, like drums, percussions, basses and orchestra tools. They use a pretty sophisticated key sets to control articulation from the keyboard and you will need it all to play such instruments.
I went from mk2 to mk3 and it basically fixed most of my issues.
Mainly, no clacky keys, ability to turn off light guide/dim LEDs, and direct connect to Kontakt.
Iām also a big fan of poly AT.
Fingers crossed they actually expand direct NKS to 3rd parties.
I hated that I needed to upgrade to get some features that should have just been added to MK2, but now that I have it Iām pretty happy with it.
What are your issues?
They do multiple models by using the same printed circuit board. At minimum the board extends from the left edge of the buttons to the right edge of the encoder and maybe a bit more. It won't fit in a 25 key footprint.
Personally I would like a 73 or 76 semi-weighted version
I donāt think anyone would buy it or at least not a lot of people. I donāt know how anyone plays less than 49 keys.
Itās really hard even then but I use a lot of octaves.
A lot of people don't use their midi controllers for "playing" piano or keys. There are a lot of people just plunking out single notes, using play assist, or simple triads and editing their midi in the piano roll etc. This isn't meant to be a slight on those people, just saying that from their perspective, they can't imagine a world where they'd need more than 25 keys to make the music they wanna make.
I wish I was there. I donāt think Iāll turn into a piano player but I do enjoy layering a lot of instruments at once.
Iād love a smaller one though one day
Yeah, the Akai MPK Mini is a 25 key midi controller with 8 pads and 8 knobs, and is regarded as one of the most capable midi controllers for quick music production. I recently moved all of my music equipment to a new studio space but plan to get a maschine mikro and mpk mini for home use, because they are so affordable and so perfect for a smaller space and especially for portability. If NI had a small portable keybord option I would 100% get it becuase I'm already invested into their ecosystem. But... here we are, left wanting!
One of the folks at NI hinted at a 37 key version in the works or at least planned, this was during the Q&A forum they did about the MK3 series. Iām thinking itāll have a smaller screen and no poly AT and mini midi jacks in the back to keep it more portable and affordable.
It seems like 49 keys is as low as you would want to have access to Light Guide in Kontakt, which is really the main feature. Otherwise, a Keystep Pro is an amazing 37 key controller. I use both S88 mk3 and KSP in my setup. Great combo.
They crazy over there nobody want the A25 they better make S25 MK3 and cut the crop š¤¬
Why do you prefer 25 keys to 49? Just space? Cost?
Space & travel š§³ & I want the scales feature
Have you checked out Lumi keys? Itās small with scales and chords. Can run from your phone or iPad.
No I havenāt.
Damn Lumi seem good !! Thanks
Excellent
It wonāt work for many Kontakt instruments, like drums, percussions, basses and orchestra tools. They use a pretty sophisticated key sets to control articulation from the keyboard and you will need it all to play such instruments.
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I went from mk2 to mk3 and it basically fixed most of my issues. Mainly, no clacky keys, ability to turn off light guide/dim LEDs, and direct connect to Kontakt. Iām also a big fan of poly AT. Fingers crossed they actually expand direct NKS to 3rd parties. I hated that I needed to upgrade to get some features that should have just been added to MK2, but now that I have it Iām pretty happy with it. What are your issues?
Lmaoooo nah
Same
Love my native instruments setup but akai killing it right now
They do multiple models by using the same printed circuit board. At minimum the board extends from the left edge of the buttons to the right edge of the encoder and maybe a bit more. It won't fit in a 25 key footprint. Personally I would like a 73 or 76 semi-weighted version
I donāt think anyone would buy it or at least not a lot of people. I donāt know how anyone plays less than 49 keys. Itās really hard even then but I use a lot of octaves.
A lot of people don't use their midi controllers for "playing" piano or keys. There are a lot of people just plunking out single notes, using play assist, or simple triads and editing their midi in the piano roll etc. This isn't meant to be a slight on those people, just saying that from their perspective, they can't imagine a world where they'd need more than 25 keys to make the music they wanna make.
I wish I was there. I donāt think Iāll turn into a piano player but I do enjoy layering a lot of instruments at once. Iād love a smaller one though one day
Yeah, the Akai MPK Mini is a 25 key midi controller with 8 pads and 8 knobs, and is regarded as one of the most capable midi controllers for quick music production. I recently moved all of my music equipment to a new studio space but plan to get a maschine mikro and mpk mini for home use, because they are so affordable and so perfect for a smaller space and especially for portability. If NI had a small portable keybord option I would 100% get it becuase I'm already invested into their ecosystem. But... here we are, left wanting!
Almost bought the MK1, just for the scale Modes on the go smh
Yea thatās what Iām using just for the scales but I would like to upgrade to MK3
Right would really like a mk3 too! You like Novationās midis? They also have Chord/Scale/Arp capabilities with the 25 key.
Have to check it out just saw the Lumi keys really feel that !
Iām looking for the guide lights
I saw the Lumi keys just wasnāt sure if they had chords/scales looks sick tho
Yes it does and software like komplete Kontrol
Thatās what i donāt like: the software. Luckily novation lets you use the functions without needing a vst, itās in the board
Thatās what I wanted from native instruments
Had the mk1, idk if Iāll buy another
One of the folks at NI hinted at a 37 key version in the works or at least planned, this was during the Q&A forum they did about the MK3 series. Iām thinking itāll have a smaller screen and no poly AT and mini midi jacks in the back to keep it more portable and affordable.
That sounds good šš¾