This is the BEST MIDI KEYBOARD | Native Instruments S61 MK2 First Impressions

These are my first impressions of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2. The synth action keybed is the best out of all MIDI controllers that I tested and the integration with Logic, Native Instruments, and NKS partners like Output and Spitfire Audio is amazing. The workflow on this thing is blazing fast.

Full review coming soon! Let me know in the comments below what you would like to see in the review!

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[chrislaarman]

Thank you for sharing your considerations! (Such as regarding size and noise.) I'll look for the screens and controls in another video, for I need a justification to add yet another keyboard to my collection.

[OfficialStevenCravis]

Semyon, this is an incredibly helpful video! I need exactly what you described about S61, and I can relate to the problem of a side positioned keyboard interrupting the workflow.

[JeffyG]

So much in common, I’m a 20+ Logic guy. Same UAD Apollo x4, my 16” MacBook M1 Max, Komplete 13, lots of other plugins and VSTs but essential all digital and virtual “in-the-box” approach. My current Novation LaunchKey 49 MK3 is nicely integrated with Logic too, but it’s not enough keys so I’m looking for the Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 ideally the 25th Anniversary Edition.

[jpresley]

First, I thought this was a well done and thoughtful video. Great job! I personally know very little about creating/producing music/sound. I bought this keyboard for my son, over a year ago, with the hope that it would provide him all the flexibility to really tweak and develop the exact sound[s] he wanted. From what I read and continue to see, it seems this keyboard is the right tool for the job.

Having said above, our experience with setting this up has not been great. My first impression was that all the software that we installed was not written very well. It did not seem user friendly to me, and in the end, we never really got it setup in a usable way. In watching your video and others, I believe my assessment is not completely fair, given you clearly had no issues or call out of complexity involved in getting this setup. Basically my experience is less about the product and more about my experience (or lack of) in this space.

You clearly have a ton of prior experience with various devices, software/hardware interfaces, workflows and production in general. Whereas I am starting at almost ground zero. Maybe you have worked out all the little nuances with loading and accessing the various libraries over the years, or have had to work some that were so difficult that what NI has here is now a piece of cake. I am curious if you were to think about loading in and using this keyboard and related software back on day 1 of when you first started creating/producing, what advice would you offer to someone loading all of this for the first time?

Anyhow, great video. The setup you have for your studio was nice to see also. I appreciate you giving the inventory of your gear. Looks like you have some additional experience in how to monetize while helping others in the process :) Thanks!

[standoutmusic]

Thank you -Just purchased my MKII and I'm looking forward to playing with it. I also like how the engineers thought about your comments on the strip bar and changed it for the MK3 _ Hope they sent you a free one. ; ). .... Question... What is that Mixer looking device on the left of your desk?

[johnstamoulis]

Thank you for your video. I totally love the keys and their feel. As i am totally new to midi keyboard and a dinosaur with technology i would like your advice please. I have a sampler with sounds and would like to know if i can use this just as a midi controller rather than investing in another synth. Is it easy to set up for this and can i have direct power as im not using any computers.Thank you in advance.

[TorBruheim]

Thank you for this good video. Some has reported quality issues with the s61 s88 mk2 keyboards. Anything you have noticed so far?

[thomandy]

Im a bit confused. It's synth action? I read online that this is supposed to be semi weighted and not synth action. Or is it this particular synth action considered semi weighted?

[raytoni]

i have novation sl3 mk3 order instead of the kontrol s61. by 500-700 i focus more on function and variety instead of own brand integration. because the music world is very big, even if i use and like a lot of native instruments.

[arielperez]

I am at the same crossroads as you. I have the same setup, heavy Native Instruments user. I use a Maschine Studio and also have the K&M stand with my Kronos 88 to the left of my production desk and it does wear you out craning my neck as I am tracking or reading scores on my monitor. Im thinking about adding an Sxx keyboard but as my production desk is pretty full I was leaning S61 vs. S88. For more piano/touch sensitive pieces, I'll use the Kronos 88 in MIDI mode. Do you find using the S61 key range limiting when recording NI VSTs?

[wyattoutlaw]

Is it usb powered or does it have a power supply?

[stAmendmentDrone]

I’ve recently connected my s61 mk2 after many years and i cannot get “full power” with the s61. It blinks, screens are off. Not sure what happened. Native access, controller editor etc. all have no listing of my device. On my live 9 it’s not an option on the preferences list. Only s49. In live 12 trial it’s listed. No “full power” so it doesn’t work. Totally stuck.

[janmeyer]

Also thx from my side! I‘m also searching for my „perfect“ solution, considering about NI S 49/61 but also Akai MPK 249/261. NI doesn‘t support drum pads but offers color code support on the piano elements. Do I really need „pads“? Best, Jan

[TheMiniatureRobot]

You mentioned that the keys were synth action while their website says they're semi-weighted. I'm looking for a keyboard between full weighted keys and springy synth action, is this like that?

[ainnelrosirrosias]

Hi, were the buttons and the big knob where u can turn and switch of 61 the same as on s88? I was in the store and i noticed buttons os s49 are cheap, also the knobs where "cheap", the big knob was crackling, while on s88 it was more smoother, buttons also did not click. They look he same but the s88 had better buttons and knobs. Can you confirm that all interface of s61 and s88 is exactly the same? Thanks in advance.

[Dangnguyen.Production]

Hi bro, I'm a music producer. between s88 and s61 . Which will be more efficient? I'm getting ready to buy I need your advice. Thank you and good luck . i am vietnamese currently in new york .

[randizaruma]

What’s the name of that Yamaha digital piano? Does it feel better than the s88?

[ccc]

Hey,

I’m about to buy a new keyboard for fl studio. I’m looking at the Flkey 61 and the native Komplete control s61 mk2. Do you know if the buildquality and the feel of the key bed on the flkey 61 are on the same Niveau as of the Native S61 mk2?

[cadoanduong]

I haven't heard from anyone yet about its durability after 4 years. All are just features and advertising

[CesenaticoOfficial]

Is the 61 keys better than the 88, iyo?