Native Instruments Kontrol S88 Mk3 88-key Smart Keyboard Controller Reviews
Since the inception of the Kontrol smart keyboard controllers, Native Instruments has embarked on an uncompromising odyssey to bridge the physical and digital divides, seamlessly integrating their cutting-edge NKS technology with nuanced, tactile control that makes any Virtual Instrument feel as real as possible. With the Kontrol S Mk3 controllers, they’ve elevated the series to new heights of expressivity, available in 49-, 61-, and 88-key options and loaded with cutting-edge Fatar keybeds developed in collaboration with Native Instruments to ensure that the highly detailed polyphonic aftertouch captures every nuance of your sound. While the S49 and S61 feature semi-weighted keys, the S88 boasts one of the world’s first widely available hammer-action polyphonic aftertouch controllers, blending worlds of sound, form, and function like never before. Producers and keyboardists at Sweetwater are amazed by this keyboard’s comprehensive control, not just for expanding the DAW integration of its predecessors to go far beyond simple transport controls, but for its future-minded design via MIDI 2.0 compatibility and USB-C MIDI.
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Highest Rated Reviews
An Almost Perfect Piano
The Native Instruments S88 mk3 was worth the purchase for myself. My workflow is heavy involved with Native Instruments (NI) plugins. I love using this piano with NI "Noire". The controls and nobs are great for changing the libraries, adjusting the sounds, and such. I don't mind it does not have faders or a drum pads like other pianos. I use the keyboard with two expression pedals to change the "X" & "Y" puck in the soundscape libraries like "Ashlight". It is amazing. The feel of the keyboard is pretty heavy from what I am use to. The piano does have setting to have it less sensitive from the piano note pressure. But, I can have it the softest setting and have a hard time (no pun intended) hitting a note at full note volume. The keyboard does have a fix volume button, but it can get in the way a bit if I am playing a piece with very quite to very loud sounds. For how well the piano is, I am somewhat nitpicking with a minor issues where the piano locks up the sample from a track on the piano when using it in logic Pro and I cannot select the correct track and library. I was able to do a restart of the piano and it fixed it. Not a big deal breaker. All in all, it was worth the wait for ordering this piano. It will take me far in this piano and my music scoring goals.
First to review! GREAT ITEM
YES! If you're thinking about getting this, DO IT. The weighted feel is amazing, and while this sucker does weigh almost 40 lbs., it's worth every "ounce". The screen is a nicer, bigger one than the predecessor.
WORD OF CAUTION: This has a cable for both POWER AND DATA. I wish they would make it so that you can't accidentally plug in the wrong one to the wrong source! I would imagine that might fry something - that's the only "bummer" about this, but if you're paying attention, you will be fine.
I got it! yay!
It took a while to get the NI S88 MK3, but I got it now! I was a little worried about how the keyboard would feel but as soon as I unboxed it I was super happy! I'm coming from the Mk1 88 key version and you can't even compare. The Mk1 feels like a toy, the MK3 feels amazing. The whole thing is built way better, it's tight, no rattles, and has great action. The integration with Logic is perfect and intuitive. I'm super happy with my purchase and Chris Jenkins, my sales rep, is always on point! Sweetwater Rules!
Worth the wait
I ordered the Mark 3 in early September and although it took about six months before I got my hands on it, I have to say I am deeply impressed. I've had the original and the Mark two but this is way beyond the step above. Although I'm only using it for a week or so, I have noticed significant improvements in the navigation, the viewing, the feel, and overall structure of this instrument. But even more impressive than this instrument, I have to say Sweetwater service is comparable to Apple. Alan Carter was on top of this since day one and I am deeply appreciative. I was having problems with Native Access connecting to the Mark 3 and contacted Native Instruments. After a few weeks or so I was disappointed with Native Instruments, dragging their feet. I decided to get in touch with Sweetwater technical support. Jordan and Jackson are at the top of their game. We're NI had dissapointed me, Sweetwater came through with flying colors and took the time to see what my problem was. We had a TeamViewer collaboration, and although it took almost 45 minutes to fix they did not give up. At 70 years old as a professional musician and having dealt with all the major dealers.
Nothing compares to Sweetwater. Thank you Alan,Jordan and Jackson..
Dissapointing
Had high hopes for this controller, as I needed to replace a now-defunct Kurzweil MIDIBoard. I wanted an 88-key piano-touch controller with polyphonic aftertouch. I ordered, received, unboxed and installed the S88 MK3 in my studio. The instrument is very well made, felt solid, and I had no problems powering it on (directly from its USB cable thru a powered MIDI Hub, as well as my MacBook Pro). The key guides looked very nice, and the controllers felt good including the little ribbon controller. I am also one of those people who liked the austere upper panel, I really like the keyboard to "tuck under" my other controllers and prefer not to have excess knobs, sliders, pads, etc. BUT, the feel of the keybed itself was quite heavy compared to my acoustic piano, and felt very sluggish- it was difficult and fatiguing to play more complex piano pieces. I tried Soft 1, Soft 2, and Soft 3 settings playing Pianoteq, which also allows you to further customize velocity control. The SS88 MK3 was quite particular about which sustain pedal it was compatible with; I would have had to order a Roland pedal, and in the meantime used one of those tiny flat pedalsThe polyphonic aftertouch worked relatively well, but it was too easy to reach MIDI values of 127, and when playing fortissimo passages it would generate spurious AT messages. The feel of the aftertouch was not adjustable, but NI did promise this would be added in a later firmware update. Also noted that one of the otherwise wonderful aluminum knobs was "gummy," and would have been needing a repair. I can't say anything about the Complete Kontrol or NKS, as I didn't implement it. I really gave it a good run through over the course of nearly 4 weeks, but in the end decided to return it. The search continues...
