S61 Mk2 power supply

Received my S61 Mk2 yesterday and it didn't have a power supply in the box.
Was a bit annoyed (have contacted the supplier) - but I thought I'd wire it up to my Mac with USB and see what happened.
To my surprise it worked on USB power alone! Was this the same in the Mk1?
If so what is the power supply (PSU) for?

 

When powered by the PSU, reports are that the LEDs are somewhat brighter, but the board is fully functional on USB bus power, so get yourself a PSU if you want those brighter LEDs but otherwise enjoy the convenience of not needing one.

 

Also, MIDI out works only when PSU is connected, not via USB.

 

Ah, so for some users the PSU is a compelling addition. Thanks for the extra info.

 

I had the same thing. No PSU. Maybe that’s intentional? Seems like a cheap thing to include.

I tried connecting it just to a USB hub (that does have powered ports). It did NOT work for me that way. I will try connecting it directly to my Mac and see if it works.

 

Only Maschine MK3 comes with PSU...
https://www.facebook.com/nimaschine/videos/1082122778590331/
https://www.facebook.com/nikomplete/videos/1082123601923582/

 

Strange departure from MkI, especially since you need it to run external MIDI. Boooo...

 

I already bit the bullet and ordered one from NI $25. (definitely noticed the difference between using my S88 one to test it out and just usb) I don't want that much constant drain over the usb and I want the brighter lights and midi out etc. It should have come with the board but whatever...

 

Saw this from an NI staffer

 

So it is fully functional over USB, provided you're running it into either the computer or simply a phone charger (apple) block into the wall? It does seem strange that they'd just skip the little guy in the box though. $$$$

 

There's this cheaper one, worth a try I think.

http://a.co/gIVIqdS

 

Yes, but the requirement for power supply is 15V 1.2A DC, not 5V 1.2A DC. So the one you linked is pretty much not any better than using the USB port of your computer.

 

Good catch I was reading 15v late last night. Here’s another.

SMAKN® DC 15V 2A Switching Power Supply Adapter 100-240 Ac https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MUE6JXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ay31zb7BXWBMP

 

I think if you can pay $700 for the mk2 you can afford $25 shipped for the opt PS. (that said, probably should have come with one I guess)

 

Snarky

 

Well, I was a little shocked to see no power supply. Maybe that comes with the premium package.

 

Has anyone tried KK MK2 with a power supply and if so...are the LEDs much brighter?

 

I'd say 15-20% brighter.

 

SMAKN AC 100-240V to DC 15V 2A Switching Power Supply Converter Adapter US Plug https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WLGDZ30/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_UbLsWAx2Tt4rQ

This works. But the cord is short. Like 3 feet. So have to have an extention to outlet.

 

Found a power supply with 12V DC 2A which works with somewhat brighter LEDs. Any danger using it?