Looks like the new NI Kontrol S88 MK3 added polyphonic aftertouch. I don't think I'll buy one, but it's nice to see this implemented, and thought some folks here might be interested. Poly AT is a lot of fun on Pianoteq, especially the guitar. Would be cool if other manufacturers follow suit!
Looks like the new NI Kontrol S88 MK3 added polyphonic aftertouch. I don't think I'll buy one, but it's nice to see this implemented, and thought some folks here might be interested. Poly AT is a lot of fun on Pianoteq, especially the guitar. Would be cool if other manufacturers follow suit!
Excellent
EDIT:
I wrote a lot more than that on my phone and it all somehow disappeared!
I wouldn't personally want the LCD and NI integration stuff really but poly AT on a series of mainstream controllers is about flaming time!
How long have we had MPE and manufacturers are just getting around to putting poly AT (an old, old standard) back into MIDI controllers!
Fingers crossed these are the first of many.
Yes! I would be excited to see hammer action poly AT controllers from Roland, Yamaha, Kawai, StudioLogic, etc.
Yes! I would be excited to see hammer action poly AT controllers from Roland, Yamaha, Kawai, StudioLogic, etc.
Hopefully eventually MIDI 2.0 and poly AT as standard even on the cheap stuff. Bring in some long horizontal ribbons too!
Yes!
I got the emails on this yesterday too. I've never considered NI hardware before as integration with their software hasn't been something I desire - why stare at tiny screen on the keyboard with reading glasses when I can stare at the big screen of the monitor without needing them?
To be fair those display components and knobs look decent quality, and the integration with their software done well. Also it's not touch screen which is a bonus, I don't like looking at finger smudges all over the glass!
Transport and fader knobs and additional pedal knobs I already have elsewhere but it might be cool to have those in the 88 instead.
Looking at the videos it seems you have visibly extra mechanical/physical movement in the keys for the aftertouch effects, unlike say a mono touch strip.
One of the smaller ones might be a really good second or third keyboard to go with an existing hammer action. I'm considering just the one of all three models as a possibility. I may yet not bother with any of them though as I have breath and wind options for more expressive playing and aftertouch doesn't compare in this regard - neither does MPE (but I like both - variety being the spice of life and all that). The poly AT being the only real draw here for me. It's a real possibility.
One concern so far it seems they haven't sent out the 88 key version to any of the reviewers that I've found. Several 61 and a few 49 versions.
These say they are midi 2.0 compatible.
One concern so far it seems they haven't sent out the 88 key version to any of the reviewers that I've found. Several 61 and a few 49 versions.
Looks like they're starting to come out:
Looks like they're starting to come out:
Cheers, I will take a look tomorrow.
I'm putting this one on the mental back burner for now. One to watch out for as the reviews come out. As I have lots of expressive controllers it's not a priority, but I've always wanted that poly AT option but with these traditional keys. However it's sullied by all that NI integration for me (admittedly very slickly done it seems so far).
Yeah, I'm in the same boat. I have poly AT on a smaller keybed, and what I suspect is better action on my main 88-key controller, so I'm not desperate for this.
I have to strain my neck a little to see my computer monitor while sitting at the keys, and everything I use supports NKS, so the integrated display is attractive in that regard, but I could just get a 2nd monitor or build a studio desk to solve that issue.
Regardless, it'll be exciting to see where this leads. There's some speculation the new Arturia flagship controllers are coming soon and will have similar features.
Yeah, I'm in the same boat. I have poly AT on a smaller keybed, and what I suspect is better action on my main 88-key controller, so I'm not desperate for this.
I have to strain my neck a little to see my computer monitor while sitting at the keys, and everything I use supports NKS, so the integrated display is attractive in that regard, but I could just get a 2nd monitor or build a studio desk to solve that issue.
Regardless, it'll be exciting to see where this leads. There's some speculation the new Arturia flagship controllers are coming soon and will have similar features.
I use the NI software but tend to delete NKS extensions.
Yes a second 1080p monitor for example could be picked up for next to nothing - hell I've given old ones away.
I use a bigger monitor and prefer to view from a distance. Those new NI aluminium knobs look good though too.