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Solved Which Fatar keybed is in the S88 Mk2?

Discussion in 'KOMPLETE KONTROL SERIES' started by malenoc, Aug 8, 2019.

  1. malenoc

    malenoc New Member

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    Does anyone know which model Fatar keybed is installed in the new S88 Mk2 controller? It's missing from all N.I. documentation (including the Manual) and marketing literature. As a classically trained pianist its important that I factor a keyboard's action into my choice of controller. As a general rule, manufacturers let this information be known. And most digital keyboard reviewers are conscientious enough to include it in their articles because so many people live in areas where no stores have these keyboards in stock. I am one of those people. It is tremendously helpful, therefore, knowing that Arturia installs the Fatar TP/100LR in their KeyLab 88 MkII whereas Dexibell installs the Fatar TP/40M in their Vivo S7. This tells me that the Vivo S7's keys are a medium touch, requiring 10 grams less pressure than the 40H but 10 grams more than the 40L. I also know that the KeyLab 88 MkII exhibits more consistent dynamic control across the keyboard due to the use of new polymers in its keybed. If I purchase the S88 it will be without ever having played it. Knowing the model of its Fatar keybed would help me make a decision I won't regret.
     
  2. Simchris

    Simchris NI Product Owner

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    954
    They wont disclose the model. Somebody would have to open one up to look. Its not the 40L like in many Kurzweils, and more likely the 100LR
     
  3. EduCampi

    EduCampi New Member

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    5
    Don't know, but it feels a bit heavier than other keyboards I've tried.
    After playing it at home, the Yamaha CLP-675 and Roland PHA-IV at the office feel way too light.

    Not sure if that helps or not.
     
  4. davemacp

    davemacp NI Product Owner

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    412
    I don't know what keybed it uses either but I own a Kawai CA78, and the S88 is much heavier, noisier, and nowhere near as nice to play. Still, I do find the benefits (mainly the lightguide) enough of a reason to keep using it, as I mainly use kontakt libraries with keyswitches etc.
     
  5. EvilDragon

    EvilDragon Well-Known Member

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    19,938
    TP/100, most likely, maybe with some slight modifications.
     
  6. Christian Lindquist

    Christian Lindquist New Member

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    tempImageQFMU0I.gif
    I opened my S88 due to problems (warranty already gone)
    tempImageQFMU0I.gif
     
  7. Simchris

    Simchris NI Product Owner

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    Thought so.
     
  8. trusampler

    trusampler NI Product Owner

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    1,955
    I've never played with that keybed,but have heard some negative reviews on it, how bad is it really?
     
  9. Galactite

    Galactite New Member

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    IMO, it feels normal as far as weight, but it is awkward to play. Very unresponsive for playing repeated notes.
     
  10. Simchris

    Simchris NI Product Owner

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    954
    Prefer 40L but totally fine for basic composing and noodling. I am looking into swapping in a tp40wood with ivory touch.
     
  11. Galactite

    Galactite New Member

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    2
    My Kurzweil has the 40L. That would be great. I would love to hear how you make out with swapping!
     
  12. Simchris

    Simchris NI Product Owner

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    954
    Will be updating as i go with that
     
  13. trusampler

    trusampler NI Product Owner

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    1,955
    I have the Kurzweil Forte and love the action in mine, too bad NI doesn't consider putting a more high end keybed in their top of the line boards, I'd buy one if so.
     
  14. Billy86

    Billy86 NI Product Owner

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    73
    Interested in this. Looking at the S61 MkII. It too has a Fartar keyboard. Is it probably the same model as the S88 MkII? I have a Kurzweil SP-76 stage piano with “weighted action” keys. Relative to a genuine acoustic piano key action, the SP-76 action feels essentially like stiff synth keys. Is that what I should expect from NI’s Fartar keyboards?
     
  15. Billy86

    Billy86 NI Product Owner

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    73
    Um... just went to the NI keyboard page and the S61 Mk II is no longer on the products page? Neither is the S49 MkII. They were there just days ago. Only the S88 is now listed. Anybody know what’s up?
     
  16. trusampler

    trusampler NI Product Owner

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    1,955
    I own the MK2 61 key, and it's pretty terrible. It's definitely not a high end Fatar keybed.
     
  17. Billy86

    Billy86 NI Product Owner

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    73
  18. paul doolan

    paul doolan NI Product Owner

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    87
    Maybe a new version coming soon..? Speculating only.
     
  19. Billy86

    Billy86 NI Product Owner

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    They’re listed again on product page.
     
  20. Kubrak

    Kubrak NI Product Owner

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    1,056
    No, S49/61 MK2 have different keyboard than S88 MK2.