Native Instruments S88 MK3: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

In this video, I take an in-depth look at the Native Instruments S88 MK3, exploring its features, keybed, screen, and physical controls to show you how you can use it in your music production setup. I demo the Native Instruments S Series MK3 with a DAW so you can see the mixer controls and capabilities and also demo it with Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol and Kontakt software to explore all the virtual instrument and plugin control this keyboard has to offer. I also compare the Native Instruments S88 to other MIDI controller keyboards to share the main differences in features. This keyboard is good for producers, musicians, and composers.

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[Teeb]

The lack of pads, lack of sliders, and that price... So much wasted real estate on that Mk3. These are the things that have ensured that my money stays in my wallet this time around. My Keylab 88 Mk2 (as LED screenless as it is) will continue to serve me for a few years yet. If Arturia bring out a Mk3 with all those tactile controls we already enjoy, _and_ a large colour screen, NI are going to look kinda silly. IMO. :)

[onedayatatime]

FINALLY someone who also reviews the keys and feel and not just DAW control and pads. Awesome high quality review. Thank you!

[youtubevideos]

Thanks for being honest in your review and also mentioning the cons and also mentioning the drop of support for Maschine. Most of the other Youtubers didn't mentioned this and even said this keyboard "had no cons". For me as a Maschine user, this keyboard is a better lokking but unacceptable downgrade from MK2.

[Capt-Cran]

Sanjay ... in the past couple of days ... I've watched as many videos on the new MK3 NI keyboards ... and no one comes even close to your substantive discussions and clear communications (no surprise you production video quality and sound are ALWAYS fabulous) .... "Top Shelf" channel ... always look forward to your offerings ... thank you again!!

[margaretchristo]

Just loved the piece you played as the introduction to this video. What a treat! Great review of the NI S88 SK3. Awesome mic too. Your videos are the best and I’m an ardent fan!

[BobMcCarroll]

Thank you for the fair and honest review. Very much appreciated that you also outlined the competition and pointed out the pluses and minuses of all comparisons.

[TheOnlyMichaelJames]

Great video Sanjay. You always find a way to make good points without coming off as negative. You're the only YouTuber so far to even mention the lack of pads and faders and also compare it to other company's offerings. Try using your MK2 with Maschine and you might rethink giving it away. It's so smooth and efficient it could give Ableton a run for it's money for getting ideas down quickly. NI says very few people were using that function but I'm convinced it's because people haven't been shown how awesome it is.

[jonathankeith]

I really hope that Native Instruments was paying very close attention to what Sanjay C had to say, because he was making some very strong points about this Midi Controller Keyboard.🎹

[Scott-kkqx]

I like the new keyboard and the integration, but wish they would have added drum pads.
Going wait to see what the new Arturia Keylab Mk3 has to offer when it’s released.

[davidbueso]

I honestly love the deeper intergration with komplete kontrol. However, im disappointed they took away maschine intergration that mk2 has; it is a big part of my workflow. Not enough added features to make me want to upgrade besides the polyphonic after touch and smoother control.

[OnlyDharti]

♥️🎶✨ Wowww the keys That mic! Absolutely amazing! 🥹🥰Love that you picked this piece 🎶 Thank you for all your efforts in creating such a beautiful and informative video! Superb work Sanjay C!!!!😍❤️‍🔥💪🏽🎶

[thomjohn]

Key feel for me is the most important, being a pianist, I like a great weighted hammer action, preferably triple sensor for playing fast repetitions..

[timmyj]

Dude… you are truly exceptional at explaining all of this. Great voice, cadence of speech, and get right to the things that matter with an excellent demeanor. Thank you!

[AndrewTorres]

Still playing my S88 Mk1!!! The keybed has been fantastic for a while now. Have an S49 mk II since it's better suited for live performance, but when I want to play a nice hammer action keyboard, the Mk1 fits the bill perfectly.

[velanche]

I finally broke down and ordered the S88 today, even though it's been backordered. I have the S49 MK2 keyboard, and since doing some upgrades to my home studio desk setup, having a full-size, hammer-action controller was a logical step, since I won't be the only one playing it. It definitely has a pleasing overall design, and I like the DAW integration. I have not used Maschine very much, so not really missing it. For my drumming needs, I have a Launchpad Pro in front on my studio desk, so kinda good with that. I appreciate the overall review, as ever. Thanks much, sir!

[bronwynhellings]

I just got the Mk 3 version and it resolved my latency issues with my DAW. I'm also loving the new functionality that was not on the Mk 2.

[gb]

It's nice... a somewhat smallish upgrade - but I think most are waiting to see what the Arturia Keylab Mk3 has to offer - I am betting it is going to be a much bigger upgrade for Arturia.

[geekmastermind]

Great as always and very informative, which is greatly appreciated. I'll be watching with interest to see what they do over time as they refine these new controllers. Thanks!

[AKDanMusicMan]

I was having new keyboard envy, but I think I’ll keep my S88 MK2 and get to know it better. Thanks for the great content.

[fathertime]

I've watched a number of reviews on his keyboard and I think yours is by far the best. Thank you for the high quality video and critical review....🙏