Novation Launchkey 88

[EvilDragon]

88 key semiweighted. Go nuts.

[Guy Rowland]

Hello Mario! Yes, looks rather nice - full info here - https://novationmusic.com/en/news/intro ... unchkey-88

But funnily enough only last week I noticed another keyboard that I think would suit me better, the Nektar GPX88



I never use the faders on my Swissonic, but do use a couple of the pads to trigger midi notes (linked to enable/disable in VE Pro). The Nektar would be able to do that, leave space for my Nanokey for keyswitches, wheels are in the right place and it's a lot less deep than either the Swissonic or the new Launchkey so would fit better on the desk.

The previous model of Nektar had a strange black key response, but word on the street is they sorted that for the GPX range (which also comes in smaller note sizes).

Trouble is - the Swissonic lives on, I can't quite justify binning it just yet. But I suppose it could always have an unfortunate accident, couldn't it?

[tack]

I'm in another camp altogether. Unhappy with my S88's key feel, I've been somewhat in the market for this contradiction: piano feel (fully weighted, graded key bed) while also supporting after touch. I'd have bought the VPC1 by now if it also supported aftertouch.

[EvilDragon]

Viscount K4 EX might be up your alley maybe. By default they have Fatar TP40L but I heard you can contact them to put a graded TP40WOOD instead.

Might also wanna check out Studiologic Numa X Piano GT (TP400WOOD) or SL Grand (TP40WOOD).

[tack]

You know, I had previously written off the SL Grand due to the lack of pitchbend wheel (the modulation sticks are kinda piddly), but I think I'm nowadays more willing to compromise that (because I ultimately don't use pitchbend much). Thanks for reminding me it supports AT.

The Numa X Piano GT is fairly new and escaped my awareness entirely. Thanks ED.

[Guy Rowland]

PS - Mario, my ego is assuaged at seeing my name in lights - do you think changing the thread title to "88 note keyboards" might be more useful in the long run? Cheers pal.

[lofi]

Hello Mario! Yes, looks rather nice - full info here - https://novationmusic.com/en/news/intro ... unchkey-88

But funnily enough only last week I noticed another keyboard that I think would suit me better, the Nektar GPX88



I never use the faders on my Swissonic, but do use a couple of the pads to trigger midi notes (linked to enable/disable in VE Pro). The Nektar would be able to do that, leave space for my Nanokey for keyswitches, wheels are in the right place and it's a lot less deep than either the Swissonic or the new Launchkey so would fit better on the desk.

The previous model of Nektar had a strange black key response, but word on the street is they sorted that for the GPX range (which also comes in smaller note sizes).

Trouble is - the Swissonic lives on, I can't quite justify binning it just yet. But I suppose it could always have an unfortunate accident, couldn't it?

I broke a key on my NI Kontrol.
Got the Nektar as a temporary solution while the other was on service.
It’s at great value and I haven’t really noticed any difference in key responses.
The NI is back from service but I’m still on the Nektar.
Best,
/Anders

[Guy Rowland]

Thanks Anders, very good to know. The wheels look kinda small, are they ok in use?

[tack]

PS - Mario, my ego is assuaged at seeing my name in lights - do you think changing the thread title to "88 note keyboards" might be more useful in the long run? Cheers pal.

Since this was posted on The Front Page which is visible to search engines and unregistered users, I've gone ahead and changed the title.

[EvilDragon]

Yeah sure I don't mind the subject change.

[lofi]

Thanks Anders, very good to know. The wheels look kinda small, are they ok in use?

Hmm, I guess…
I don’t really use them, have one of those USB controllers.

E6130D4C-0EB9-4CB4-909D-076B21BD23EC.jpeg

So, yeah, if you are used to larger wheels then this might be on the smaller/shorter side.

I’ll try to use it more next week.

/Anders

[tack]

The Numa X Piano GT is fairly new and escaped my awareness entirely.

Been looking at this and find myself tempted. The biggest drawback for me is the price: I don't need any of the built-in sounds, internal audio device/mixing stuff, really all I want is quality piano-feel keybed with after touch and some form of pitch bend control. (The Kawai VPC1 could have been perfect but ticks only one of those 3 boxes.)

But apart from paying an extra $1k CAD for stuff I will never use, it's an interesting looking product. (Not a fan of the wood side panels though, it has to be said.)

[Themisto]

The Numa X Piano GT is fairly new and escaped my awareness entirely.

Been looking at this and find myself tempted. The biggest drawback for me is the price: I don't need any of the built-in sounds, internal audio device/mixing stuff, really all I want is quality piano-feel keybed with after touch and some form of pitch bend control. (The Kawai VPC1 could have been perfect but ticks only one of those 3 boxes.)

But apart from paying an extra $1k CAD for stuff I will never use, it's an interesting looking product. (Not a fan of the wood side panels though, it has to be said.)

I am hoping StudioLogic put the new keyboards from the Numa X range into the sl88 grand and studio controllers.