Looking at S88 and I have questions

I'm a big NI Komplete Ultimate user in Logic. I produce and license stock audio for various multimedia purposes. My main DAW is Logic Pro X. Although I use plugs from many vendors, I probably use 70% Komplete Ultimate collection. I also have a Maschine that I use.

I have had great luck with my 20 year old Yamaha PSR-520 keyboard for midi. I now want to upgrade to an 88 key keyboard with aftertouch. The s88 sounds like a winner since I'm a heavy user of Komplete. I am concerned about the weighted action vs my current light, cheap, synth action that I have become accustomed. I did try a weighted Akai a a local store (no s88's locally) and the action seems fine to me. I do plan of keeping my Yamaha in my rig because it has built in speakers. I can just switch on and work something out without using my computer. I do prefer 88 keys since I "octave" down quite a bit for low piano note effects. A few questions

1. How are the s88 keys for synth. I'm not a Piano player formally.

2. Does the usb connection allow me to use the s88 as a regular midi keyboard for other plug ins? Or, do i need to connect the Midi terminals as well?

3. After a year or so on the market and with latest firmware, are most of the major bugs worked out (the stuck aftertouch issue, crashes, etc)?

4. Can one turn the key lights off in preferences?

5. Any major issues with the Ribbon controls?

6. Overall opinion

Thanks in advance. I hope to make a purchase in the next week.

 

I bought an s88.

It is actually dope, it's beautiful to play on. Much more beautiful than a lot of weighted keyboards that I've tried.
The only problem this beauty has is the integration with Komplete, it's lacking. So if you can wait for updates then wait,
it is truly a gem to play on, but you will be disappointed at first.

1. Yeah they're fine me thinks, drums are hard though.

2. Yes

3. Have only had mine for a little bit, but it seems to run perfectly.

4. Yep, can even change the color.

5. Nope.

6. See above.

 

I second most of rafiki_'s comments. Though from my perspective, it is not lacking. That being said, I didn't buy the S88 for its integration with Komplete. I like it for its feel (weighted keys -- that from someone who primarily plays piano), I also appreciate the fact the controls are assignable, and the keyboard's onscreen text can be edited with the included software.

I definitely see the possibilities of using the keyboard with Komplete for live performances - but it's not something I use in my DAW; largely because I run the majority of my samples over VEPro 5 using separate machines - the Komplete functions on the keyboard are none-functioning across the VEPro network. It would be nice, but it's not a deal breaker.

What I am most impressed with is the beauty of the feel when playing it. "It is actually dope."

Hope that helps.

 

One final question. Since I have the latest Komplete Ultimate, is there any reason to install the Komplete Elements? So I would only need to install the actual keyboard/Kontrol software?

 

I think the answer to that question is dependent upon what you want from the keyboard and any software. I had not used any of the included Komplete software until I got the S88 ... I may use some of the included instruments for MIDI mockups, project dependent. I hope that doesn't sound flippant, just saying that I think only you could answer that question for yourself; it depends upon your intended use and application of the products.