Why you compare the screen from A61 with the 2 "Big" Screens from the S? Not make sense that, is not the same price man what you expect? Personally i don't use the keyboard screens at all i use the pc screen and i can't watch so much screens! So for me is useless also! Is midi
Dogg House absolutely...but some people are trying to make decisions about whether to buy a S61 or save a ton of money and buy the A61...so if I have to give “con” about this board it’s the lcd screen...and while it might not be important to you...thousands of others do use them and want to know how functional it is
@@Johnmike Yes if you see this from this side i know what you say! But your video talk for A61 after the one year..!! And you turn it with some way like a "Competition" What is somehow better to buy...? Anyway I'm in music industry since 1991/2 but i have eyes here on youtube!!! Thanks for the talk
Well well well, here we meet again Mr. Mike. Haha! What's good my man?! Yep! I'm looking for a new controller again. Currently interested in either this, or the 49 model. Mostly for ambient symphonic sounds via Spitfire Audio's BBCO and grimy synth bass. These look hard to beat for the price IMO. Thanks again. Stay blessed, safe, and well out there homie! Peace!
Thank you very much for the honest review. Completely refreshing in a sea of fanboy and sponsored content. I'm nervous about the feel of the keys, but the A61 is still looking pretty good.
Thank you John, for a concise, clear and honest review of the A61. I was within a few hours of getting one, and your review told me things that made me decide to wait until I can afford the S Series. Such as the keybed, IO (That would have been a big dissapointment). At any rate, thank you very much, it is appreciated. JL
Could you answer please A61's Key bed is better than Arturia's Key bed ? I'm gonna buy one of them, but i don't like smooth keys, please offer me which one is good for me🙏🏻
Thanks for this review. Been trying to justify buying an S-series but after watching some reviews and your first vid on the a61 I realised the main things I was after I already have with the maschine Mk 3 (the screens etc) so I can just get a good cheapish controller until I can play well enough that something like an s88 is worth it. After watching your vids (along with Andrews sponsored ones) just had me pull the trigger on buying the a61
Don’t get me wrong...it’s not the worst...but not my favorite...it definitely is playable...but just not my favorite feel for piano stuff...but once you’ve played on the S61 keybed...it makes other semi-weighted Keybeds feel subpar
I appreciate this video. I'm so torn between the A49 and the S49. The S49 looks so good but I'm just still trying to justify the price difference. Both look like they'd pair well with Maschine. I mainly use Maschine and the MPC Live. I've got to make up my mind which would be the better route. If the price jump wasn't so big I would go the S49 all day long.
Thank you for this information. No amount of software will justify low quality keybed, especially if it's springy and velocity curve sucks. That's an absolute deal breaker for me.
The keybed is definitely springy- but for the price is actually pretty well made. I tried a Roland A49 (funny it has the same model name) and while the keys on the Roland are a little nicer, they are housed in a super cheap plastic case which makes them noisy when they travel down to the keybed.
The software package is the draw! Scarbee and Monarch alone are worth the buy but the keyboard is ok if you don't expect a piano action! The LCD I thought was a sticker!
Hey John! May I ask which Midi Controller with 61 keys has the best keybed? I'm ready to spend up to $300. My secondary Midi Keyboard is going to be the NI M32 for traveling purposes as well as the software that comes with it. I'm going to work with Logic Pro X for that matter. Thank you so much for your response bro!
Dear John Mike, thank you for this great review. I have this controller, too, and I totally agree with your last two cons. That little screen is no help, especially when you browse through your Komplete libraries. I always have to switch between looking at this tiny screen and my big computer screen. ^^ An external power supply would have been great, too. I was forced to use an active USB hub to get it running stable and I had to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, because the USB driver for this device doesn't work on older Windows systems. Just being a guitar songwriter who uses libraries for a hook line here and there I really like the keys. Compared to other MIDI keyboards in that price range these are still valuable in my view. However for playing piano sounds I use the weighted hammer keys of an old digital piano. Just one more little thing: unfortunately this one doesn't come with Komplete Select, only with a selection of some libraries.
Which do you think has the best keybed? I'm trying to decide between the A61, Alesis Vi, Williams Allegro and S61 Mk1. Thanks for answering our endless keyboard comparison questions man...
thx for your review , I wondered about both your concerns myself , especially the screen , (but the price is so low) . what other keyboards would you recommend in this price range ? thx
Hey John! I'm trying to decide between the Arturia keylab essential and this one. a) Which one would you recommend from the keybed's point of view? I do scoring work and electronic production as well but I'm looking for something that can help my feel my VSTs' piano tones better. b) Is there any other MID keyboard in this range you would suggest is better solely based on playability? Thanks
@@Johnmike Hi John! I've seen youtubers saying that the keybed was far better on the A49 than on the Arturia keylab essential 49, so I'm a bit lost... In your opinion, why do they say that? Thank you for the help
This controller is great for the money specially for the supported DAWs. Mine is Studio One 5 and I have control on the mixer, transport, undo/redo, loop, navigating through the project or between channels, control NKS plug-ins, non NKS plug-ins and even Studio One Instruments and FXs. The only thing I miss is aftertouch which I solve with the midi editor. Is very playable, good feels with keys and the encoders. Very versatile piece of hardware with great price. You need some time to get the best configuration for your needs and maybe a third party app;)
@@TheMicrofox Sure. Double click on a midi clip opens the midi editor. Under the piano roll you can see the velocity, modulation, pitch bend and aftertouch parameters. Automation parameters such as modulation, pitch-bend or aftertouch are continuous controllers and so are displayed as a changing horizontal line, curve or shape. I hope this helps you.
Hi John, thank you for your videos. I'm about to buy my first MIDI keyboard. I'ts between M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 or this one, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61. I'm looking for the one with the best keys and functions. :D Is there a big difference between them?
Guys, it’s great but be aware: no midi port. All alternatives have it but not KK. After a year of study and development I really wish it was there... they just want you to purchase pricy S-series.
Wich keyboard in your opinion has better keybed wise and attack , release velocity control. Komplete kontrol a69, or impact lx61+. I’m newbie and my question might sound stupid, anyway my budget is up to 250$ and I need to decide quickly.
Got this keyboard after 3 or 4 faulty purchases (from various manufacturers). Really can't recommend it tbh. I know it's cheap and it comes with some decent stuff but the velocity curve is horrible. I have to smash it to reach 127 *and* there's no velocity curve functionality built into the keyboard. Even my old M-Audio Oxygen 25 had that. Added to that the whole unit makes so much noise when you're playing it and the keys are springing around. Drives my partner crazy. I'm a little tempted by the S49, but maybe if someone could share their experience of how responsive the keybed is and how loud the thing is (acoustically) when playing, that'd be great!
Yeah semi wieghted doesnt really mean much. You won't get a great feel until you get a fully weighted keyboard, but they cost a lot more. This A series still has the best feel out of other keyboards at this price range, though.
@@MuthafuckinPuddings Yea I demoed them the next day after writing this and like he said they are nothing to write home about. Again like you said price range.
@@MuthafuckinPuddings I doubt it. From the reviews I have seen the keybed is on the same level as the NI Komplete A series and it offers more functionality at a lower price, so how is it "trash"? Sure, there might be better controller keyboards out there, but they cost significantly more. It''s always an evaluation of how much bang you get for the buck and at the price the M-Audio ones seem to offer quite a good bang.
How does the keybed compare to nektar impact gxp and m-audio oxygen pro ? You are the only person i know to have tried all three, so it would be a GREAT help if you told me.
@@Johnmike Thank you very much for your response. That's a bit reassuring because i was planning on this one but when you talked about them in your reviews i got the impression that you like this one the least.
Every time I look at another Midi controller I keep going back to the Yamaha MX series for about the same price..other than this model but the keybed sucks and I see more of these for sale used than anything else.Do you have any experience with the Yamaha MX series?..Steer me in the right direction here.You have more knowledge than anyone on YT.
Thank you’!! A little review for you Your complains are based on the comparison of the flag ship what’s tons more expensive. You should compare it with other keyboards in same price area. That’s what people want. They watch it to decide what they buy. You said you played a lot but didn’t tell us if it was same price, or more/ less expensive.
Would you prefer a keystation 61 mk3 over it for the keybed? Sorry If I ask on various videos on a comparison with the keystation but it's the only one I have really tried. Thank you :)
Hi John, thank you so much! Great review. One question remains: when playing on cheap kexbpoards, I remark that over time, some keys become louder than others. So the volume of two different keys becomes different even if the velocity is the same when you hit the keys. What would you say with regard to the a 61? Is c1 always playing back louder than a3 after a year, or do you always need to hit the e3 harder than the f next to it in order for it to get to the same level? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hi John, thanks for this videos, can you rank me these 4 keyboards from best to worst? I'm deciding which one to buy, I want the best keybed as possible, thanks: Novation Launchkey 61 mk3, NEKTAR Impact LX61+, M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro 61, NI Komplete Kontrol a61
is A61 better feels than keybed of m-audio keystation mk3 and how about its semi-weighted is it feel more heavy than a synth action keyboard? Planning to choose between these two Im always watching your videos. Blessed you sir :)
I remember when you used to introduce yourself in a French accent, "Hello, it's your boy _John Mikel_ ". See how far we have come. 😁 I hope you get around the Arturia keyboards, I also want to know if they are any good (keybed wise). I wonder if we can get a keybed as close as a mid-range keyboard (like a Juno DS or MODX) on MIDI keyboards, I've played around with the CODE, CTRL, Keystation and they just feel funny. Novation has a little better feel, but still, I am still on the hunt for "the one".
Hey John, I see that the a49 can control Studio One. Do the knobs just control track volume. I just sold my s49 because being all most blind, the two screens didn't do me much good. You're right about the tiny lcd on the a49. From what I understand, everything can be controlled right from Komplete Kontrol. As I'm just starting out, I could use Ableton where the a49 controls parameters within instruments. I know you're a studio one cat and I've also been checking it out as well. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Dear John, could you give me your opinion? I am considering A61 and S61 MK1 (second hand). Which one is a better deal? I have a piano background as well, but I have a real piano so I don't need perfect keybed. The touch should still be decent though.
If you live in the UK there is a deal to get Komplete for free when buying the A61 or M32 untill 7th April
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I bought the same midi keyboard. but the lights of the left (play, loop, etc.) keys do not turn on. and I could never get those keys to work. I wonder if I have to do something to make it work or is my keyboard faulty? I will be glad if you can provide information.
I was only going to be entering the NI/KK scene because of the key bed in the A series 😆. You can always spot the people who don't play real acoustic or who never play fast when they love fatar. It's too hard to simulate real piano keys because of the keyboard sizes and fatar doesn't do it best. It'll hold you way back if you're trying to play fast and get crazy with it. You need semi weighted and synth style action in a midi controller because it's used to simulate multiple instruments, most of which are not even the piano. I strongly disliked trying any of the keyboards with fatar beds because of slow feel. Unfortunately I've backed away from NI/KK again because this doesn't have aftertouch which is super cringe for today's standard
Please reply: Hi Mike thanks for the cool videos! No one has been able to answer this, but maybe you might: Has the issue where one can't edit the velocity curve been solved?
Hi, I bought this keyboard just last week and found out about this issue after buying it. I don't think the issue is solved, still trying to find out. I am so heavily disappointed, wish I knew about it beforehand.
@@astrovis2829 I feel you. I saw a video called "Recommending 3 midi keyboards" by True Cuckoo. There he alters the velocity curve, but I'm not sure what program he is using. I ended up not buying this for this reason, but check it out. It might help you.
@@mercedesescobarmusic Thanks for letting me know, I checked that video out. Actually, he was setting the velocity curve within the instrument which won't apply anywhere else. The Good News is I found a way to apply Velocity curve correction within FL Studio and Ableton. It would still apply only within the DAW and not in the hardware itself but it is sufficient as I mostly work inside the DAW.
Hi! If i wanna record and edit strings or woodwinds for example, will I be able to edit all the nuances and expression on the A49? In order to make it sound more natural. Thank you in advance!
Hi John! Thanks for the review. I see you said it’s no good for the piano playing thing.. Could you recommend a midi keyboard to play decent piano sounds as well? I’m kinda new in the game so I want to buy an affordable device which would be versatile for both: piano (cause I love playing piano on my qwerty lmao and been dreaming of buying synth for so long) and midi keyboard to write and send stuff to the daw. Please help guys.
Big question that is hard to find an answer. If you get this ( which comes with software of komplete select) can I get Una Corda plugin and play. Or does that require buying kontakt
Hmm... I'm still on the fence on getting this. I already have the maschine studio and I need a keyboard. If I got the s61, will the dual screen work at the same time as the studio dual screen? Or independently on its own? I'll get the A-series if it does.
Yes it does...it gives you independence over what’s going on with both screens...check out this review I did on the s61 where I talk about it th-cam.com/video/iWzGYpZ4HpM/w-d-xo.html
Hi Mike...!!! Hope you're doing fine... Dude, wanna ask something about the A61.... Got a Arturia Minilab MK2, besides I bought the Analog Lab, thus I have a lot of sounds and want to Buy the KK A61, is this controller have any problems to work with these ARTURIA softwares????
It won’t interface with analog lab software directly but you can use it to play the sounds no problem and you can even open the analog lab plugin in the komplete Kontrol software
@@Johnmike thanks man.... I really appretiate your kind answer... I just starting in this wonderful keyboard world, and want to take some piano lessons.... Best wishes
hello sir... any idea why the shift button does nothing and gives no options for scale mode and the other button next to it...thanks... its a new a49 with the latest update... doesnt seem to work with logic at all, does work basic with fl but no scale mode etc still
HI John. I'm planning to buy Komplete Kontrol A series 61keys midi keyboard. Will i be able to use Komplete kontrol Vst and plugins in Cubase LE 11 and Cubase Elements 11? I'm a beginner and request your guidance thank you.
I have this keyboard but I can’t get a sustain pedal to work .. I tried what they say on their site .. but I don’t even see the midi icon option on komplete kontrol to go to the pedal option.. already tried different pedals and still no sustain
@@Johnmike ty for your replay,good man :) I'm a little bit of piano player,so i saw in other reviews that ppl mention that keybad isn't so bad with this A61..this would be mine first midi control & for me it's enough to work fine in Studio One 4 :)
Bought a launchkey 61 mk2 , the white keys have the great action, the black keys are TERRIBLE very hindering, my irig pro 37 is a better keybed.... Trying to sell it now, tried my dads keystation 49 mk3 and its fantastic , so i have a keystation 61 mk3 in the mail
The question I have: Is this controller class compliant? Meaning; will it function as a generic midi controller if one chooses not to install the drivers and skip the DAW setup and Komplete Kontrol software?
Encoders are what I realized from my experience and what I read on forums, they are fragile and even if you just use them it just meter of time, do you have some experience, maybe not equal resistance?
Ok, thanks for the answer, I have experienced lose encoders and uneven resist from day one but on Maschine mk3 on two units and people on forums write same so I wander are the keyboards are better in quality...😃 Thanks again and can't wait to see next NI product, Maschine is great except for occasionally crash and build quality but same goes to AKAI and PUSH, on TH-cam it's dream in reality it's another story but hey 😃 that's the GAME, fake it till you make it
Curious, what midi controllers do you think have better keybeds than this? Barring the S61 of course. I'm surprised by your reaction to it as I think this is one of the very very few midi controllers that don't have crappy keys. Bought one as a gigging board and got real close to selling my Panorama P6 becasue of the key feel.
Don’t get me wrong...it’s not terrible...it’s very good...but it’s not my favorite Keybed...for instance...I like the feel of the M-audio Oxygen and the Novation Launchkey...they are a bit cheaper but have a better feel to me than this...only reason I chose the keybed is because I needed to pick out 3 cons...which was very hard for this keyboard because I love it so much...so if I had to choose a weakness...the keybed is one of them
@@Johnmike True, finding cons for this board is kind of hard after you mention lack of i/o and the tiny screen. The Launchkey is pretty good and I guess depending on what generation of Oxygen you mean I might understand lol.
m audio key station mk3 49 keybed vs a49 keybed ? because i already have komplete select software , so i just need the best keybed for vst piano between these two . plus I'm using studio one 4. i know i get transport control for studio one with a49, but i get a bit more portability with the keystation 49 (because i use a laptop, so i can move around my house) . but what interest me more is the feeling of the keybed for vst piano between these two midi keyboards . and just the last question , can i get transport control for studio one 4, with the maudio keystation 49 mk3? thank you very much for your time
Yes you can set the transport controls on the maudio to work in Studio One...and I honestly really love the keybed feel better on the keystation...the only added benefit of the a49 is the control and the extra software you get with it...
@@duvale6550 You are very welcome my friend. I'm currently trying to decide which Midi Controller is the best (keybed wise) for under $300. I think I might go with the A61.. But I'm still not sure. Maybe the Arturia Keylab Essential 61 is a better deal.. From what I have heard the keybed isn't the best though.
The keys are great for the price. I use it all the time with the score editor in Studio One 5. It's a great and very versatile piece of hardware even without NKS plugins.
Does anybody know how to go back "up" in the browser section using the knob???? Like when you want to browse your other plug-ins without having to use your computer
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Need to make a correction....at 3:02 I say “Komplete Select” I meant “Komplete Start”
Why you compare the screen from A61 with the 2 "Big" Screens from the S? Not make sense that, is not the same price man what you expect? Personally i don't use the keyboard screens at all i use the pc screen and i can't watch so much screens! So for me is useless also! Is midi
Dogg House absolutely...but some people are trying to make decisions about whether to buy a S61 or save a ton of money and buy the A61...so if I have to give “con” about this board it’s the lcd screen...and while it might not be important to you...thousands of others do use them and want to know how functional it is
@@Johnmike Yes if you see this from this side i know what you say! But your video talk for A61 after the one year..!! And you turn it with some way like a "Competition" What is somehow better to buy...? Anyway I'm in music industry since 1991/2 but i have eyes here on youtube!!! Thanks for the talk
Well well well, here we meet again Mr. Mike. Haha! What's good my man?!
Yep! I'm looking for a new controller again. Currently interested in either this, or the 49 model.
Mostly for ambient symphonic sounds via Spitfire Audio's BBCO and grimy synth bass. These look hard to beat for the price IMO.
Thanks again.
Stay blessed, safe, and well out there homie!
Peace!
Excellent commentary. I really needed to hear this. Thankyou man.
Thank you very much for the honest review. Completely refreshing in a sea of fanboy and sponsored content. I'm nervous about the feel of the keys, but the A61 is still looking pretty good.
Thank you John, for a concise, clear and honest review of the A61. I was within a few hours of getting one, and your review told me things that made me decide to wait until I can afford the S Series. Such as the keybed, IO (That would have been a big dissapointment). At any rate, thank you very much, it is appreciated. JL
Could you answer please A61's Key bed is better than Arturia's Key bed ? I'm gonna buy one of them, but i don't like smooth keys, please offer me which one is good for me🙏🏻
This review was enough... That's it. Nice job
Thanks for the real review. Love the t-shirt!
Finally someone addressed the keyboard touch. Thank you my man, I'm deffo going for the S series with Fatar now.
So hard to find an honest review. Thanks for your service my man.
Thank you for this tutorial/review. As a complete beginner to the world of music production, this has helped tremendously! keep up the great work.
You are very much welcome!
BTW, I just ordered both the Komplete Kontrol A49 and the Behringer Motor 49, so if a few weeks I'll know which direction to go in!
Thanks. I'm glad you compared the key-bed to the more expensive range. Also, many reviewers didn't even mention the tiny screen.
Thanks for this review. Been trying to justify buying an S-series but after watching some reviews and your first vid on the a61 I realised the main things I was after I already have with the maschine Mk 3 (the screens etc) so I can just get a good cheapish controller until I can play well enough that something like an s88 is worth it.
After watching your vids (along with Andrews sponsored ones) just had me pull the trigger on buying the a61
The action is really good for pianos, pads, and Electric Pianos. I play it with Keyscape and it is super dreamy combo.
Don’t get me wrong...it’s not the worst...but not my favorite...it definitely is playable...but just not my favorite feel for piano stuff...but once you’ve played on the S61 keybed...it makes other semi-weighted Keybeds feel subpar
I appreciate this video. I'm so torn between the A49 and the S49. The S49 looks so good but I'm just still trying to justify the price difference. Both look like they'd pair well with Maschine. I mainly use Maschine and the MPC Live. I've got to make up my mind which would be the better route. If the price jump wasn't so big I would go the S49 all day long.
Thank you for this information. No amount of software will justify low quality keybed, especially if it's springy and velocity curve sucks. That's an absolute deal breaker for me.
The keybed is definitely springy- but for the price is actually pretty well made. I tried a Roland A49 (funny it has the same model name) and while the keys on the Roland are a little nicer, they are housed in a super cheap plastic case which makes them noisy when they travel down to the keybed.
The software package is the draw! Scarbee and Monarch alone are worth the buy but the keyboard is ok if you don't expect a piano action! The LCD I thought was a sticker!
Lol!
Dam man trying to find a keyboard with good weighted keys and piano action that isn’t breaking the bank
@@Hifcrea MP11SE but it's £2000! It's the best I've found.
Hey John! May I ask which Midi Controller with 61 keys has the best keybed? I'm ready to spend up to $300. My secondary Midi Keyboard is going to be the NI M32 for traveling purposes as well as the software that comes with it.
I'm going to work with Logic Pro X for that matter. Thank you so much for your response bro!
Great insight. Thanks!
Very helpful thank you John!
Fantastic review thanks, I was thinking of getting one of these but I now realise the S series keyboard are the ones to go for
Dear John Mike, thank you for this great review.
I have this controller, too, and I totally agree with your last two cons. That little screen is no help, especially when you browse through your Komplete libraries. I always have to switch between looking at this tiny screen and my big computer screen. ^^
An external power supply would have been great, too. I was forced to use an active USB hub to get it running stable and I had to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, because the USB driver for this device doesn't work on older Windows systems.
Just being a guitar songwriter who uses libraries for a hook line here and there I really like the keys. Compared to other MIDI keyboards in that price range these are still valuable in my view. However for playing piano sounds I use the weighted hammer keys of an old digital piano.
Just one more little thing: unfortunately this one doesn't come with Komplete Select, only with a selection of some libraries.
You are right about the Komplete Select...I meant to say “Komplete Start” 🤦🏾♂️
Which do you think has the best keybed? I'm trying to decide between the A61, Alesis Vi, Williams Allegro and S61 Mk1. Thanks for answering our endless keyboard comparison questions man...
No prob...I think out of these I would pick the s61 for the keybed...the allegro is the best if you want weighted keys
@@Johnmike Okay. Thanks man!
I was shocked with how well it synched with Studio One
HMM, your comment may lean me toward getting this over the launchkey61
thx for your review , I wondered about both your concerns myself , especially the screen , (but the price is so low) . what other keyboards would you recommend in this price range ? thx
Hey John! I'm trying to decide between the Arturia keylab essential and this one.
a) Which one would you recommend from the keybed's point of view? I do scoring work and electronic production as well but I'm looking for something that can help my feel my VSTs' piano tones better.
b) Is there any other MID keyboard in this range you would suggest is better solely based on playability?
Thanks
I would go with the Arturia essential as far as feel goes...I also like the Novation Launchkey
@@Johnmike Thank you!
@@Johnmike Hi John! I've seen youtubers saying that the keybed was far better on the A49 than on the Arturia keylab essential 49, so I'm a bit lost... In your opinion, why do they say that? Thank you for the help
This controller is great for the money specially for the supported DAWs. Mine is Studio One 5 and I have control on the mixer, transport, undo/redo, loop, navigating through the project or between channels, control NKS plug-ins, non NKS plug-ins and even Studio One Instruments and FXs. The only thing I miss is aftertouch which I solve with the midi editor. Is very playable, good feels with keys and the encoders. Very versatile piece of hardware with great price. You need some time to get the best configuration for your needs and maybe a third party app;)
"The only thing I miss is aftertouch which I solve with the midi editor." Can you explain how you are doing this?
@@TheMicrofox Sure. Double click on a midi clip opens the midi editor. Under the piano roll you can see the velocity, modulation, pitch bend and aftertouch parameters. Automation parameters such as modulation, pitch-bend or aftertouch are continuous controllers and so are displayed as a changing horizontal line, curve or shape. I hope this helps you.
@@ivangonzalez3523 Do you assign what you want to have 'aftertouch' to the wheel on A49?
Concise, excellent review. Thanks.....
Hi John, thank you for your videos. I'm about to buy my first MIDI keyboard. I'ts between M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 or this one, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61. I'm looking for the one with the best keys and functions. :D Is there a big difference between them?
Guys, it’s great but be aware: no midi port. All alternatives have it but not KK. After a year of study and development I really wish it was there... they just want you to purchase pricy S-series.
Wich keyboard in your opinion has better keybed wise and attack , release velocity control. Komplete kontrol a69, or impact lx61+. I’m newbie and my question might sound stupid, anyway my budget is up to 250$ and I need to decide quickly.
Definitely the Komplete Kontrol
Great video, question, Are you able to browse through sounds of other VST’s using the knob on the keyboard or only Kontakt?
Great review. Will this integrate with Reaper?
Great revue, but isn't all the software that comes with it free to everybody anyway?
Got this keyboard after 3 or 4 faulty purchases (from various manufacturers). Really can't recommend it tbh. I know it's cheap and it comes with some decent stuff but the velocity curve is horrible. I have to smash it to reach 127 *and* there's no velocity curve functionality built into the keyboard. Even my old M-Audio Oxygen 25 had that. Added to that the whole unit makes so much noise when you're playing it and the keys are springing around. Drives my partner crazy. I'm a little tempted by the S49, but maybe if someone could share their experience of how responsive the keybed is and how loud the thing is (acoustically) when playing, that'd be great!
I thought this was supposed to have semi weighted keys? They are garbage!? Damn thats sad to hear I was looking forward to them being good.
Yeah semi wieghted doesnt really mean much. You won't get a great feel until you get a fully weighted keyboard, but they cost a lot more. This A series still has the best feel out of other keyboards at this price range, though.
@@MuthafuckinPuddings Yea I demoed them the next day after writing this and like he said they are nothing to write home about. Again like you said price range.
@@MuthafuckinPuddings Have you tried all major competitors in that price range? What about the M-Audio 49 keyboards?
@@esahm373 M audio keyboards are trash.
@@MuthafuckinPuddings I doubt it. From the reviews I have seen the keybed is on the same level as the NI Komplete A series and it offers more functionality at a lower price, so how is it "trash"? Sure, there might be better controller keyboards out there, but they cost significantly more. It''s always an evaluation of how much bang you get for the buck and at the price the M-Audio ones seem to offer quite a good bang.
Thanks for the video I just picked one up
How does the keybed compare to nektar impact gxp and m-audio oxygen pro ?
You are the only person i know to have tried all three, so it would be a GREAT help if you told me.
Out of that line up I’d probably pick this one
@@Johnmike Thank you very much for your response. That's a bit reassuring because i was planning on this one but when you talked about them in your reviews i got the impression that you like this one the least.
Every time I look at another Midi controller I keep going back to the Yamaha MX series for about the same price..other than this model but the keybed sucks and I see more of these for sale used than anything else.Do you have any experience with the Yamaha MX series?..Steer me in the right direction here.You have more knowledge than anyone on YT.
Thank you’!!
A little review for you
Your complains are based on the comparison of the flag ship what’s tons more expensive. You should compare it with other keyboards in same price area. That’s what people want. They watch it to decide what they buy. You said you played a lot but didn’t tell us if it was same price, or more/ less expensive.
I have a comparison coming soon with other boards in this price range...which is why I didn’t really bring that up
Great Review.
Thanks Bro..
Would you prefer a keystation 61 mk3 over it for the keybed?
Sorry If I ask on various videos on a comparison with the keystation but it's the only one I have really tried.
Thank you :)
Nope I’d get this one before the keystation
Hi John, thank you so much! Great review. One question remains: when playing on cheap kexbpoards, I remark that over time, some keys become louder than others. So the volume of two different keys becomes different even if the velocity is the same when you hit the keys. What would you say with regard to the a 61? Is c1 always playing back louder than a3 after a year, or do you always need to hit the e3 harder than the f next to it in order for it to get to the same level? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hi John, thanks for this videos, can you rank me these 4 keyboards from best to worst? I'm deciding which one to buy, I want the best keybed as possible, thanks: Novation Launchkey 61 mk3, NEKTAR Impact LX61+, M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro 61, NI Komplete Kontrol a61
is A61 better feels than keybed of m-audio keystation mk3 and how about its semi-weighted is it feel more heavy than a synth action keyboard? Planning to choose between these two
Im always watching your videos. Blessed you sir :)
I prefer the A61 over the key station feel
Great review.
Thanks for all your videos! Question for you. In terms of piano feel (weighted keys) and nothing else, M-audio Keystation 61 or NI A61? Thanks!
Between those two..probably the A61
@@Johnmike THANKS!
Baby screen is cool compare to no screen! :-D Any knob you touch screen shows you parameter and more :-)
I remember when you used to introduce yourself in a French accent, "Hello, it's your boy _John Mikel_ ". See how far we have come. 😁
I hope you get around the Arturia keyboards, I also want to know if they are any good (keybed wise).
I wonder if we can get a keybed as close as a mid-range keyboard (like a Juno DS or MODX) on MIDI keyboards, I've played around with the CODE, CTRL, Keystation and they just feel funny. Novation has a little better feel, but still, I am still on the hunt for "the one".
Tony Lancer 😂😂😂 But yea...I’m making my way towards Arturia...I actually have one on my desk now that I hopefully will do this week!
Can "smart play" and "arp" also be used in midi-mode ???
I don't like NKS and want to use the A61 in midi-mode in Cubase with the quick controls.
You just upsold me to the s61. Playing on a Roland fantom (For midi) I got 10+ years ago, looking for an upgrade/a midi controller with aftertouch
Hey John, I see that the a49 can control Studio One. Do the knobs just control track volume. I just sold my s49 because being all most blind, the two screens didn't do me much good. You're right about the tiny lcd on the a49. From what I understand, everything can be controlled right from Komplete Kontrol. As I'm just starting out, I could use Ableton where the a49 controls parameters within instruments. I know you're a studio one cat and I've also been checking it out as well. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Yes it does pretty good at controlling studio one...like you said it’s mainly for the volumes
Would you prefer this or novation mk3 61 for live?
Dear John, could you give me your opinion? I am considering A61 and S61 MK1 (second hand). Which one is a better deal? I have a piano background as well, but I have a real piano so I don't need perfect keybed. The touch should still be decent though.
S61
@@Johnmike thanks a lot!
If you live in the UK there is a deal to get Komplete for free when buying the A61 or M32 untill 7th April
I bought the same midi keyboard. but the lights of the left (play, loop, etc.) keys do not turn on. and I could never get those keys to work. I wonder if I have to do something to make it work or is my keyboard faulty? I will be glad if you can provide information.
Brilliant honest objective review.
I believe the A series doesn’t have a transposes function either. Instant deal breaker right there.
it does, just not on board
on whatever platform you use, theres a software that comes with it called scale, that allows u to transpose it
I was only going to be entering the NI/KK scene because of the key bed in the A series 😆. You can always spot the people who don't play real acoustic or who never play fast when they love fatar. It's too hard to simulate real piano keys because of the keyboard sizes and fatar doesn't do it best. It'll hold you way back if you're trying to play fast and get crazy with it. You need semi weighted and synth style action in a midi controller because it's used to simulate multiple instruments, most of which are not even the piano. I strongly disliked trying any of the keyboards with fatar beds because of slow feel. Unfortunately I've backed away from NI/KK again because this doesn't have aftertouch which is super cringe for today's standard
Please reply: Hi Mike thanks for the cool videos! No one has been able to answer this, but maybe you might: Has the issue where one can't edit the velocity curve been solved?
Hi, I bought this keyboard just last week and found out about this issue after buying it. I don't think the issue is solved, still trying to find out. I am so heavily disappointed, wish I knew about it beforehand.
@@astrovis2829 I feel you. I saw a video called "Recommending 3 midi keyboards" by True Cuckoo. There he alters the velocity curve, but I'm not sure what program he is using. I ended up not buying this for this reason, but check it out. It might help you.
@@mercedesescobarmusic Thanks for letting me know, I checked that video out. Actually, he was setting the velocity curve within the instrument which won't apply anywhere else. The Good News is I found a way to apply Velocity curve correction within FL Studio and Ableton. It would still apply only within the DAW and not in the hardware itself but it is sufficient as I mostly work inside the DAW.
I might make a video about it for other users :)
@@astrovis2829 Right, it's possible, but so stupid that people have to find workarounds...
How does the Fatar in the S61 ccompare to the Fatar in Korg upper range PA series? Cause I found the latter stupidly stiff.
Which one do you prefer Alesis V49 Mkii or A49? If the keys feel the same I'd rather buy Alesis and save money for something else. Thx
Ehhh…I’m a bit indifferent on the v49 keys…they didn’t impress me…if it came down to it I would grab the A49
thank you for this detailed review. Would you recommend the fatar keybed from NI, vs getting a Roland fp-10 or something for hammer action keyboard?
I prefer hammer-action over anything semi-weighted...but if your budget is more conducive get the NI
Hi! If i wanna record and edit strings or woodwinds for example, will I be able to edit all the nuances and expression on the A49? In order to make it sound more natural.
Thank you in advance!
Is it worth the price when using it in FL Studio?
Are many functions lost then?
Hi John! Thanks for the review. I see you said it’s no good for the piano playing thing.. Could you recommend a midi keyboard to play decent piano sounds as well? I’m kinda new in the game so I want to buy an affordable device which would be versatile for both: piano (cause I love playing piano on my qwerty lmao and been dreaming of buying synth for so long) and midi keyboard to write and send stuff to the daw.
Please help guys.
I would check out the M-Audio Keystation 49 and the M-audio Oxygen 49
Big question that is hard to find an answer. If you get this ( which comes with software of komplete select) can I get Una Corda plugin and play. Or does that require buying kontakt
Hmm... I'm still on the fence on getting this. I already have the maschine studio and I need a keyboard. If I got the s61, will the dual screen work at the same time as the studio dual screen? Or independently on its own? I'll get the A-series if it does.
Yes it does...it gives you independence over what’s going on with both screens...check out this review I did on the s61 where I talk about it th-cam.com/video/iWzGYpZ4HpM/w-d-xo.html
On keybed alone, which keyboard is the best under 200$? I just ordered the Komplete because I thought the keybed was great.
John Mike loves the keybed of the M-Audio Keystation 49 or M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
I believe this has the fatar tp9 keybed. Which is the best synth action key I've seen.
Hi Mike...!!! Hope you're doing fine... Dude, wanna ask something about the A61.... Got a Arturia Minilab MK2, besides I bought the Analog Lab, thus I have a lot of sounds and want to Buy the KK A61, is this controller have any problems to work with these ARTURIA softwares????
It won’t interface with analog lab software directly but you can use it to play the sounds no problem and you can even open the analog lab plugin in the komplete Kontrol software
@@Johnmike thanks man.... I really appretiate your kind answer... I just starting in this wonderful keyboard world, and want to take some piano lessons....
Best wishes
any issues with sustain pedal? I'm having issues with my A49...please help thank you!
I wonder how it compared to the m audio mk3 and the nektars se61 and gx61
I know it's not ideal... but will this keyboard integrate okay with FL studios?
It will work with it...but you will not have direct integration like you would with logic or studio one
@@Johnmike thanks, I think I'll try it out
@@Johnmike Which means ? What features will be lost if we do lose some using FL ?
hello sir... any idea why the shift button does nothing and gives no options for scale mode and the other button next to it...thanks... its a new a49 with the latest update... doesnt seem to work with logic at all, does work basic with fl but no scale mode etc still
which one is best for flstudio? Roland A49 or Komplete A49?
HI John. I'm planning to buy Komplete Kontrol A series 61keys midi keyboard. Will i be able to use Komplete kontrol Vst and plugins in Cubase LE 11 and Cubase Elements 11? I'm a beginner and request your guidance thank you.
I believe it works with cubase just fine
@@Johnmike Thank you so much for your guidance 🙏👍
@john mike Would you recommend keystation 49 mk3 or komplete kontrol a49, just considering the keybed feel, please help
Keybed feel...Keystation 49 for me
Thinking bout using one as an aux board for gigging...softsynth setup of course
it's really good for that!
I have this keyboard but I can’t get a sustain pedal to work .. I tried what they say on their site .. but I don’t even see the midi icon option on komplete kontrol to go to the pedal option.. already tried different pedals and still no sustain
can a61 works in Studio One 4 with other vsts or its bind with only NI bundle? btw,thumbs up for your reviews and may the strong force be with you :))
Lol...love the Star Wars reference! (I’m a huge Star Wars geek) but it won’t control S1 vsts but it will work with transport and volume control...
@@Johnmike ty for your replay,good man :) I'm a little bit of piano player,so i saw in other reviews that ppl mention that keybad isn't so bad with this A61..this would be mine first midi control & for me it's enough to work fine in Studio One 4 :)
I have a midi board can you tell me what would you do if you had a midi keyboard with a glitch?
Which one last longer & the best?
1. Keystation 61 mk3
2. A61
3. Keylab 61
4. LX61
5. Novation launchkey 61
Help me
I'm trying to get John's answer to a similar question! Have you decided yet?
Bought a launchkey 61 mk2 , the white keys have the great action, the black keys are TERRIBLE very hindering, my irig pro 37 is a better keybed.... Trying to sell it now, tried my dads keystation 49 mk3 and its fantastic , so i have a keystation 61 mk3 in the mail
I’m curious about your thoughts on the original mk1 s series line of keyboards if you’ve ever played them. I hear the keybeds are also fatar.
It’s the same Keybed...just no big screens...it’s like the A61 with the S61 Keybed
@@Johnmike appreciate the response loving the new content look forward to seeing and hearing more.
The question I have: Is this controller class compliant? Meaning; will it function as a generic midi controller if one chooses not to install the drivers and skip the DAW setup and Komplete Kontrol software?
Yes
@@Johnmike Thank you!
How does it compare to the m aduoo mk3 when it comes to keybed and sensitivity?
I'm looking for a 61 Keyboard Controller to learn and record on my computer, wich one should I buy, a M-AUDIO Oxygen or a Komplete Kontrol?
dimaslopes if you have the budget...the Komplete Kontrol is a better deal
John Mike thank you so much John! I'll probably close my eyes and buy a s
S61 💸 😂
Just be aware that according to the specs on PC it needs Win10 to run properly (or at all).
lowkwy just bought this for the software .. and the 61 keys
I have machine mk3..is that posible to conect /work with a49 in combination like the S mk2 series???
Im thinking to buy the A 49
Yes
hey john, does it come with a sustain pedal? cheers
It doesn’t
Encoders are what I realized from my experience and what I read on forums, they are fragile and even if you just use them it just meter of time, do you have some experience, maybe not equal resistance?
Mines are still working fine
Ok, thanks for the answer, I have experienced lose encoders and uneven resist from day one but on Maschine mk3 on two units and people on forums write same so I wander are the keyboards are better in quality...😃 Thanks again and can't wait to see next NI product, Maschine is great except for occasionally crash and build quality but same goes to AKAI and PUSH, on TH-cam it's dream in reality it's another story but hey 😃 that's the GAME, fake it till you make it
Curious, what midi controllers do you think have better keybeds than this? Barring the S61 of course. I'm surprised by your reaction to it as I think this is one of the very very few midi controllers that don't have crappy keys. Bought one as a gigging board and got real close to selling my Panorama P6 becasue of the key feel.
Don’t get me wrong...it’s not terrible...it’s very good...but it’s not my favorite Keybed...for instance...I like the feel of the M-audio Oxygen and the Novation Launchkey...they are a bit cheaper but have a better feel to me than this...only reason I chose the keybed is because I needed to pick out 3 cons...which was very hard for this keyboard because I love it so much...so if I had to choose a weakness...the keybed is one of them
@@Johnmike True, finding cons for this board is kind of hard after you mention lack of i/o and the tiny screen. The Launchkey is pretty good and I guess depending on what generation of Oxygen you mean I might understand lol.
Is there any latency while using a digital keyboard as a midi controller?
No not really
Which midi keyboard you think is near to s61 in the keybed and in a61 reng.
Just bought one and realised i cant adjust the velocity curve on it. Strange they dont have that option.
00:01 dope
m audio key station mk3 49 keybed vs a49 keybed ? because i already have komplete select software , so i just need the best keybed for vst piano between these two . plus I'm using studio one 4. i know i get transport control for studio one with a49, but i get a bit more portability with the keystation 49 (because i use a laptop, so i can move around my house) . but what interest me more is the feeling of the keybed for vst piano between these two midi keyboards .
and just the last question , can i get transport control for studio one 4, with the maudio keystation 49 mk3? thank you very much for your time
Yes you can set the transport controls on the maudio to work in Studio One...and I honestly really love the keybed feel better on the keystation...the only added benefit of the a49 is the control and the extra software you get with it...
Keybed on M-audio Keystation mkIII is better than this A61? For learning piano.?
John said that he prefers the Keystation keybed over the A61.
@@vincentwilliam9499 Thanks Vincent.
@@duvale6550 You are very welcome my friend. I'm currently trying to decide which Midi Controller is the best (keybed wise) for under $300. I think I might go with the A61.. But I'm still not sure. Maybe the Arturia Keylab Essential 61 is a better deal.. From what I have heard the keybed isn't the best though.
Is it good for score writing? Like do I need a fader panel Like the Arturia or Maudio Code to control dynamics?
The keys are great for the price. I use it all the time with the score editor in Studio One 5. It's a great and very versatile piece of hardware even without NKS plugins.
Does anybody know how to go back "up" in the browser section using the knob???? Like when you want to browse your other plug-ins without having to use your computer
nice........also im able to run loops by xme on my chtomebook,,,,,,,,waiting on a d a w by jmike for chromebook