Native Instruments S88 MkII Review

In this video, I give you a quick overview and demo of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 keyboard. This keyboard is special because it integrates so well with the Native Instruments Komplete 12 set of plugins and allows you to control them better than any other midi controller keyboard. But most importantly, it feels like a grand piano! Its also a great value considering build quality and the feel of the Fatar keybed. But is it right for you? I give you a few important points to consider before buying it.

Features
• 88-key hammer-action Fatar keybed with true piano feel
• Intuitive integration with all your virtual instruments and effects
• Two high-res color screens and Light Guide for at-a-glance visual feedback
• Comes with KOMPLETE 12 SELECT: 14 premium instruments and effects, including THE GENTLEMAN, MASSIVE, and MONARK

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[OlegBezuglovV]

Dear Sanjay, this is one of the best reviews I've seen for a LOOOONG time. Straight to the point, very informative, friendly and down-to-earth. Will be definitely tuning it your other reviews in the future!

[algreen]

I am very happy with a61 and then I went to m32, I did not need more. For a pianist this s88 must be spectacular

[leofangd]

ah one more thing added to my ever growing list of stuff I dont need but really want.

[alabamaflip]

The first video that I watched that actually shows what "after touch" is. Great Review!

[Music]

You finally got it, I've been waiting for this video. Congratulations, Sanjay!! ;) ;)

[Proxima]

I have a 61 note version and don’t regret buying it for one second, the product expands the feel and use of patches in my library from the get go and the support NI are giving to it is also there to justify the outlay. Get to a store if you can to try one, but you will be impressed, best of all the controller is quiet to use I.e buttons aren’t to clicky so night time usage in environments with consideration to noise gets the 👍

[OnlineMD]

Your playing is superb, Sanjay! At the other end of the spectrum, I'm 70 now and re-starting piano classes (using an app called Piano Marvel) after a break of 30 years! (I took piano classes for 3 years back then). I practiced on a $200 M-Audio Keystation 61 Mk3 for four months, then it dawned on me that the semi not-so-weighted keys would not build up muscle strength that is really essential for piano playing. I considered the NI S88 but thought, uh-uh, lots of times I just like to play/learn something without a computer, so I decided on a Kawai digital piano and chose the ES920. The ES520 is really what I should have got, perhaps. But hey, the extra $400 got me their best hammer action; my fingers kind of feel, um, hammered at this time but I think in four weeks they'll cope better, hahaha! The ES920 is really for professionals and the ES520 for amateurs, beginners. All told though, the ES920 is just an incredible digital piano with awesome sound and Onkyo-designed speakers. Easily portable if you're a muscle man lifting weights at the gym on a regular basis!!! :)

[rafaelikenaga]

Sanjay your videos are very well done, very clear and thorough, without getting too long, always appreciate them, Thanks!

[ChrysGringo]

Hey Sanjay, great review, do Output plugins map well with the controllers and display? thanks

[LIROELQBREGA]

Exellent content bro keep it up! Just subbed

[NHail]

watching your videos is like asmr 👌 well done sir

[alankovin]

Enjoyed your review on the S88 very much. Thanks for the valuable info and inspiration.

[robertlawson]

So informative. I usually skip to the main parts, but wathed the whole vid. ty

[edrock]

Thank you, Sanjay, for this excellent review! You helped me to load the NI Brass Ensemble on my S61. Now, I love this sound.

[JulieElvenMusic]

Thank you for your structured, extremely helpful video!

[REACH]

Wow such a good review, really nailed and covered all points. Thanks dude

[gauthamk]

If you want a piano controller, EXCLUSIVELY for piano playing and not other instruments, you can check out the Kawai VPC-1.
Nothing related to the actual video, but if you are looking for an amazing piano action without any controls, the VPC-1 is the way to go

[harrodsongs]

You play nicely. It was really relaxing especially with the cat. Now I'm going to your sound cloud.

[clausmusic]

Thanks for this very nice tutorial, very well done and your cat is awesome !!! I ordered the S88 MkII today and am looking forward to it !!! 😊

[elisabethhould]

@Sanjay C, I follow all sorts of channels, but yours is pretty much the only one I go to when I'm getting serious about aquiring new equipment. Thanks for another really informative review !