NI Komplete Kontrol vs. Akai Advance

Good to read the points on here...the question that often comes to my mind is: How many midi controllers do we all need before getting down to the serious business of making music?

 

Actually they might now load fine without Kore, with the latest update. Wavestation certainly does.

 

Music? What's that?

But seriously, I regard a small amount of time testing stuff has paid dividends. I used to use a Novation Remote 61 (Mark 2) which was ok. The Akai is (for my needs) more or less perfect. It's genuinely saving me time, and leaving more for stuff that you mentioned

 

Ah! Splendid. I thank you. Will try when I get back to the studio later today (that said, I can't remember what the 2nd one was Wavestation was definitely the 1st).

 

Well not going to smash things out with you, I stated numerous times that it was MY opinion so please try not to take to town as "telling you" something that I am not directing to or at you specifically. I am simply offering other users the chance to see into my own tests because unlike you, I have actually tested both because that is what I arrange with my music suppliers to do... Test and evaluate the best options for me without sinking money into gear I am unsure of which is why I have good relationships with my suppliers.

I have no issues with my keybed or touch strips, all operate perfect and smooth as silk. I had enough issues shared with other users that Akai approached me to assist in testing software. Now had I had issues with my KK I would probably not have kept that either but my experience was just fine.

I am not a Beta tester because i'm an idiot. I was asked by Akai if I could assist due to multiple bug reports I offered (with proper troubleshooting data and diagnostics) which were shared with other users and I helped to find and test the bugs that have now been fixed in 1.1 of VIP (which I have been running for over 3 months). The reason you probably have no issues is because of users like me so glad you are having a trouble free run, you are welcome.

I have not been unfortunate to have been "burnt" by Kore and even after the frustrations and misery I personally had with the Advance I would still try Akai down the track because I don't basket things because of one failing and even still I recommend the Advance because it is a good product, just different and both have a place... Personally I prefer the KK which is why I still have that in my possession but I have no interest to actually convince people either way.

No need to take it personally because I have a different opinion and experience. I don't know you from a bar of soap but I see you around, have much respect and would assume someone of your standing around here would also offer the same for people that have a difference of opinion and are simply joining in on the conversations. I really like the S61 I have but if you love your AA just as much, hey good for you, i'm happy. No problems there.

If you would like me to explain and expand on some points (any users) for proper clarification I can certainly indulge you but you are really not the kind of user who would benefit from this info because you are happy with your choice. Users that may want to compare the 2 options may just get some info to help their decision and happy to assist where I can.

 

Jester: No 'smashing' intended. Here's where I come from: a very wise man once gave me this advice:-

"Even if you just place a single dot on a piece of paper, you open yourself to questions (why did you put it there?) and criticism (you should have put it somewhere else)".

I take the same view with any published material. My response was produced purely because my experience of the Akai seems rather at odds with yours (nothing personal - honest). I was concerned that someone happening on this discussion at our late stage might have been frightened away by your comments (as reasonable as they were) and might also have thought the KK was flawless.

I don't need to have compared the two to know that the Akai is beyond good. I don't need to have tried the KK to recognise a number of recurring complaints from users.

I too have had discussions with Akai - some on the forum (probably under my real name) and more in private. I been a beta tester with a few companies for nearly 40 years so have an idea of the process. That I no longer choose to be involved in this kind of thing is not through lack of interest, more through wanting to get music done.

As a footnote, my disagreement with your views is intended to show NO lack of respect. If I didn't respect what you had said, I would have ignored you. Furthermore, the older I get, the more I realise that some of my closest, long-lasting friendships have been born in disagreements and arguments. In fact, my closest friendship (one that has endured for nearly 50 years) began with a physical fight (one of only three fights I ever started).

Peace. Or whatever passes for peace these days.

 

I've only just bought the Advance 61 to replace my Novation Remote 61 SL (Mk1) because I couldn't get on with Automap and really wanted bank/program select to work with my third party VST's (Ok, U-He Diva).

I've had it for just two weeks and initially, it seemed great. Minor issue with the updated installer (you can only download the updated one):
The forgot to include the driver which allows it to communicate with VIP. Took me a while to figure this out before and only because I guessed the driver listed might be important but it was never mentioned in the installation instructions. Not a big deal for me but I'd imagine less geeky types might struggle and the forums suggest they did.

32/64 Bit VST's? Both are selected by default in the initial VIP Software Package installer but, hey, I'm only running 64Bit OS with a 64Bit Daw so why select both? Try deselecting 32Bit, I dare you! That also took me a while to figure out why the installer kept crashing but once again, a little experimenting sorted it.

Ok, save Velvet, Transfuser2 and 88 Ensemble, it's all installed and seems fine. Really liked the feel of the knobs compared to the Remote sl, think I'm really going to love the Advance.

Then I install the remaining VST's via VIP store. Velvet and 88 Ensemble seem fine but Transfuser2?

First preset plays fine but second preset; nothing, not a peep. Go back to first preset and a dialog box appears:
"$Transfuser Content - File missing or corrupted. Please try to reinstall and re-instantiate Transfuser."

http://community.akaipro.com/akai_professional/topics/transfuser-2-bad-library-for-vip

At this point, it might be prudent to mention that I'm running Windows 10 latest build but that shouldn't matter should it? Akai say the Advance 61 is Windows 10 supported. VIP maybe but according to Air Music, only up to Windows 8 while another Forum advisor claims only Windows 7.

The numerous forums seem to suggest lots of problems with Air Music software with no real solutions and try phoning Tech support and they are totally out of their depth.

Despite the fact I explain that Transfuser2 works fine in Windows 7, they still try to tell me it's a corrupt download (5 repeats at least), tell me to use original VIP 1.0 installer (not available unless they email you a link), then install Transfuser 2.06 and finally run Transfuser 2.07 update (it's NOT an update!). Now Transfuser fails to work at all because it has removed the *.big libraries (why?)

Final thoughts? Advance 61 looks great, VIP looks great is let down by the included VST suite that looks like it isn't even ready for 'Beta' let alone consumer ready!

Should I keep it just for 88 Ensemble (Sonivox) and my own third party VST's? I know some folk will buy it for the keyboard but I bought it primarily for the standalone VST player and the included instruments which save Sonivox 88, are all Air Music titles and clearly not ready for Windows 10.

I can't comment on the Kontrol S series but that is why I'm looking at this thread or am I expected to wait this out and hope Air Music get their act together? Akai? Why oh why did you get involved with them?

 

Sorry about the problems you've had, Rob. I was literally just about to 'upgrade' to Windows 10. You stopped that. So thanks. I hope you get sorted soon.

 

Hi Are you running Windows 7 or 8?

 

Hi, Rob. 7. Have you had any other issues with 10? I've just finished upgrading my laptop to 10 and it runs like a wounded dog. I'm currently working through reams of 'advice' on how to get back a fraction of the speed I had under W8.

 

With regards to the Advance 61, to early to comment but with regards to Windows 10 in general, where would you like me to start? ;-)
I have a Focusrite Saffire 24 (Firewire), I built a new PC with Thunderbolt so I needed an adapter. Until earlier this year, it was all running nicely on Windows 8.1. Then I gave in and let Windows 10 update run Not sure why everyone was so convinced 10 was going to be better.

With the problems with the Advance, I conceded and did a full wipe/re-install (didn't fix the Transfuser problems).
Only then did I discover that despite my new Z87 motherboard, they've yet to post a completely set of Windows 10 drivers for it including that all important Thunderbolt driver/software.

I did eventually find the installer from one of their latest boards with Thunderbolt and it was fine but that's besides the point. I'm still having to run 8.1 drivers because I can't find the proper Windows 10 ones.

As for Windows 10 itself, yes, it looks a little cleaner but I can't really tell the difference. Since the complete re-install, it seems a lot better but I can't say it's better than Windows 8.1. At best, it's the same now but only because after a clean install.

Despite all those who complained about Windows 8 and that Windows 10 would be the best thing since sliced bread, I think that was a little premature

 

Ewww! Thanks for that. I'm going to do a wipe and reinstall tonight. I think the studio comp may stay with 7 for a while. Everything running nicely so would be daft to tinker, I guess.

 

I think that the mistake is allowing MS to simply upgrade Windows 8.x to 10 but unfortunately, you don't have a choice during the initial upgrade. Once you've done the upgrade, you can backup, wipe and re-install. https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10

One thing I would say though, please, for love of god, don't do this if VIP or more importantly, Air Music titles are important to you.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Advance and to be honest, I probably wouldn't use Transfuser2 but their inability to listen and sort what convinced are simple problems has knock my confidence and I'm worried that a future update might render VIP redundant and I really need that standalone player.

http://duc.avid.com/showpost.php?p=2313840&postcount=26
http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=374060

On a different note, I did like the way you could step through presets in VIP with the Auto-select feature (disabled by default). I actually like this so if I get the Kontrol S61 (88?) I hope they have it too Still can't make up my mind but I'm not waiting for inBrand/Air Music, that's for sure.

 

I'm looking for a midi controller, confused between getting NI S49 vs Akai Advance. I have music training but not as a keyboard player, not so experienced in DAW's(I will be using Logic), but I'm good with softwares, I do 3d modeling for living. My main purpose of getting a midi keyboard is to jump into electronic music, as well as Keyboard playing. I was thinking about getting a basic one but when I checked the quality in local stores, they are disasters, so I raised the budged. I don't have any sound library, checked NI Komplete 11 select but not clearly indicated whats shipping with it, I'm hoping It will come with sort of samples to start with, not the demo versions hopefully. Akai comes with bunch of sample and plugins but I wonder have many of them could be useful, most likely half is junk. Stability is important to me thats why I'm having doubts about Akai, They ship their products software not fully stable and you hope that someday they would release an update(from my friends)
Any suggestions which keyboard should I get?

 

Interesting, my background is music and currently transitioning into Cinema 4d . Anyway, software bundled with Akai is nothing stunning. The keybed is also not so great to me (I liked their MPK series better)...I've been playing keys professionally since 4 years old. I prefer the Komplete keyboard over Akai. I prefer Roland keys over all, but that's because I prefer modulation stick over touch strip. The Komplete keyboard comes with Komplete Select, just a tiny taste Komplete Ultimate library. Here's a detailed comparison: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/bundles/komplete-11/compare/

I highly recommend you look into Omnisphere 2...if you have enough storage space for it. It can take up to 50GB. But it is the highest standard of virtual synths that kills most hardware. Another is Sylenth, its a very powerful and lightweight synth that will make it self more valuable as you buy 3rd party presets. I recommend those two over ANYTHING. Then if you still have budget, and other sound needs, I can advise accordingly.

Back to keyboards....there aren't many good quality stuff out there...I have tried most of them. The NI keyboard is also expensive, so if you need more budget for Omnisphere (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED), get a used NI Kontrol. The owner can transfer the software to you, but to be honest, you won't miss the Komplete Select stuff. I have Komplete Ultimate and only use a few libraries (well I have a ton of other stuff). Logic also has some good internal synths.

I share some of my top plugins and their awesome sounds in my youtube demos: JBlongz

 

In the past, the Akai Advance was friendlier in regards to mapping third party VST's automatically whereas NI's was focused on integrating with NI sounds. NI rectified that somewhat through their NKS format, which is being implemented piecemeal by industry participants. The simplest thing to do would be to go try both of them in the store and see which one inspires you the most.

Getting sounds is not a huge problems these days as there's a ton of choice -you're only limited by your budget and computer specs. It's all how about how to use them.

I personally have two keyboards: one portable with cheap action and one full size with hammer action. I find it really useful to have both as the portable fits on the desk and is good for bass lines and leads and just generally trying stuff out, while the full size means I have access to all the key switches and sounds in any given plug in, and also have a proper piano feel which can be important for inspiration.

Good luck.

 

Thank you for your recommendations, I will go with NI S61. Your youtube channel is great, good luck with Cinema4d it is quite a beast.