Why I'm Parting Ways with My Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk II Keyboard
Hey everyone, welcome back to the blog. Today, I've got a topic that's been on my mind, and I want to share it with you all. I recently made the decision to part ways with my Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk II keyboard. I've had this keyboard for about two months, and in this blog post, I'm going to discuss my initial reasons for buying it, the features I loved, and ultimately, the factors that led me to decide it's time to move on.
If you're intrigued by my experience with this keyboard or you're considering getting one, please don't forget to like and subscribe, or watch this post as a video on my YouTube Channel. Let's dive into the story of my Komplete Kontrol keyboard.
Why I Chose the Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk II
Before we delve into the reasons behind my decision to sell it, let's explore why I initially purchased the Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk II. Here's what drew me to it:
Exceptional Build Quality: I'd heard rave reviews about the keyboard's weight, quality, and the authentic piano-like feel of the keys. After two months of use, I can confirm that it lives up to the hype. The weighted keys are remarkable.
Full 88 Keys: This keyboard offers a full 88-key range. As a musician, having access to the full range was crucial for me. My previous keyboard, the M-Audio Keystation, had only 61 keys, which sometimes left me feeling limited, especially in the higher and lower registers.
LED Light Strips: The cool LED light strips above each key caught my attention. Not only do they look great, but they also light up as you play. When using the Komplete Kontrol software and selecting different instrument libraries, the light strips corresponded with the notes, indicating things like key-switches, which I found fascinating along with very helpful and intuitive.
Komplete Kontrol Integration: The main reason I bought this keyboard was the integration with Native Instruments' Komplete Kontrol software. Komplete Kontrol is an all-in-one package containing a wide range of presets from various plugins and instruments. The keyboard is designed to work seamlessly with this software, offering hands-on control and two screens that change based on what's happening in your DAW.
The Good: My Experience with the Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk II
Before we get into why I decided to sell the keyboard, I want to acknowledge the aspects of the Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk II that I enjoyed:
Exceptional Build Quality: The keyboard's construction, including the knobs, buttons, and encoder, is impressive. Everything feels premium, with a satisfying tactile feedback. The build quality lives up to the hype and reviews, 10/10 in that area.
Komplete Kontrol Integration: The integration with Komplete Kontrol software is seamless. Native Instruments has designed these keyboards to work perfectly with their ecosystem, offering an efficient and streamlined workflow. If you are staying in the realm of that plugin, they keyboard is perfect.
Convenient MIDI Volume Control: Having a dedicated MIDI volume control on the keyboard is a nice touch. It's easily accessible, making it simple to adjust volume parameters on the fly or even program in MIDI volume while recording.
The Decision to Part Ways
Now, let's dive into why I made the difficult decision to sell my Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk II:
1. Limited Workflow Flexibility: The most significant factor that led me to part ways with this keyboard is that I found myself using the Komplete Kontrol plugin less often than I anticipated. While the keyboard integrates seamlessly with the software, I often reach for instruments like Keyscape or Omnisphere, which can be accessed faster via a traditional mouse and keyboard. Navigating these plugins through Komplete Kontrol took me longer, and it felt like an unnecessary step.
2. Lock-In to a Specific Workflow: While the Komplete Kontrol integration is excellent if it aligns with your workflow, it can also be limiting. The workflow it encourages may not suit everyone. If it doesn't, it might not be the right keyboard for you. I realized that it was starting to lock me into a certain way of working, which didn't align with my preferred workflow.
3. Limited Controls: Considering the available real estate on the keyboard, it lacks a variety of controls. Compared to other MIDI controllers like the Akai MPK series, which include numerous knobs, faders, and even drum pads, the Komplete Kontrol keyboard offers relatively few controls. I wished it had more variety, given its price point.
Conclusion: Find the Right Fit for Your Workflow
In summary, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk II is an excellent keyboard with top-notch build quality. It integrates seamlessly with Komplete Kontrol software, making it a fantastic choice for those who use a lot of Native Instruments plugins and appreciate a streamlined workflow. However, if you use a broader range of tools from different manufacturers and prefer a more flexible and customizable setup, this keyboard may not be the best fit.
Ultimately, the decision to sell this keyboard was based on its workflow limitations and the desire for more versatile controls. When investing in a music production tool, it's essential to consider how it aligns with your specific needs and working style, something I should’ve given extra thought to when considering this purchase.
If you have any questions about this keyboard or if you'd like to share your own experiences with MIDI controllers, feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments on my YouTube Channel, check it out below. Thanks for reading and happy music-making!
